I’m looking forward to slowing down as the weather warms up. But while I’m busy dreaming about summer vacation mode, my beauty products are ramping up to get me ready for the season ahead. So inside of your May Allure Beauty Box, you have some hard-working products: There’s an innovative hair mask from hairstylist Chris Appleton that delivers the glossy “glass hair” he’s known for, an Elemis eye cream that does it all (hydrates, smooths, brightens), a multitasking body wash, and a soft Bloomeffects tint that’s a fresh springtime makeup look in one tube—perfect for Mother’s Day (or any day, really!). It’s all bound to make your mornings a little easier and your look a whole lot more radiant. - Elizabeth Siegel
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted SPF 40 (gift with purchase)
Why you’ll love it: You’d be hard-pressed to find a better sunscreen than one made by EltaMD. The brand’s formulas are perpetual favorites of dermatologists for their skin-saving, broad-spectrum protection. But just because they work so well, that doesn’t mean they’re not light enough to wear every day—even in the winter. EltaMD’s new tinted sunscreen is proof: Its sheer color evens out your complexion without looking makeup-y or sunscreen-y, and it moisturizes with hyaluronic acid. So it’s extra-easy to protect yourself from the sun year round.
How you’ll use it: Smooth a generous amount over your face and neck, being sure to cover frequently missed areas, like between the brows and above
the upper lip.
Elemis Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream
Why you’ll love it: This just might be the perfect undereye moisturizer, thanks to its creamy yet lightweight texture and namesake peptides. The hydrating formula sinks right in, while the peptides (short chains of amino acids) go to work for a treatment that helps with dark circles, lines around the eyes, and puffiness. “A new favorite way to start the day, this cream leaves my undereyes brighter and plumper,” says Allure’s Nicola Dall’Asen.
How you’ll use it: Tap a little under your eyes using a clean fingertip. On mornings when you’re looking for a little extra hydration, “I like to slap a pair of reusable eye masks on top and make myself a latte while my eye cream seeps in for about 10 minutes—talk about effective,” says Dall’Asen.
Chris Appleton + Color Wow Money Masque
Why you’ll love it: This innovative hair mask was made in collaboration with hairstylist Chris Appleton, who is known for creating his super-shiny signature “glass hair” for celebrities like J.Lo, Kim Kardashian, and Ariana Grande. The mask was dreamed up to deliver the same level of glossy shiny at home and “it does not disappoint,” says Allure’s Paige Stables, who tested the in-shower mask on her bleached blonde, heavily hot tool-damaged hair. “My hair was given new life and felt like it was spun into silk—shiny, smooth, and voluminous.”
How you’ll use it: After shampooing, smooth a golf ball-size dollop of this gel-like mask from roots to ends and rinse it out after five minutes.
Bloomeffects Tulip Tint Lip & Cheek Balm
Why you’ll love it: May marks the kickoff of barely there, radiant makeup season—and this tint is perfect for providing a wash of color. It perks up complexions in a way that looks totally natural, like you’ve just taken a quick stroll on a beautiful day, rather than spent the last few hours answering emails. “It’s glowy as heck and easy to apply without any tools,” says Allure’s Kara McGrath.
How you’ll use it: Add a couple of dots to your cheekbones and use your fingers to spread the coral shade up and out toward your temples. It’s pretty on your cheeks or your lips, or you can wear it on both at once for a fresh, springy look.
Mudmasky Midnight Hand Mask
Why you’ll love it: This may be called a hand mask—and it certainly lives up to the hydrating promise, delivering softer hands as you sleep—but that doesn’t mean the formula is too heavy to wear during the day. In fact, it smells so good, with a subtle scent that reminds us of a field full of lavender, that you’ll want to keep on applying it after you wake up. “I’ve started keeping it in my bag to reach for when my hands start to get dry anytime,” says Allure’s Annie Blay. “It’s lightweight and hydrating, with a scent that’s reminiscent of lavender.”
How you’ll use it: Use it overnight as a deeply moisturizing hand mask or as your hand cream during the day.
Natura Ekos Tukuma Exfoliating Shower Gel
Why you’ll love it: Just in time for warmer weather, this gentle exfoliating body wash makes legs and arms soft and smooth while you cleanse—an easy and rewarding way to multitask.
How you’ll use it: Smooth a little onto damp skin in the shower, enjoy the subtle fragrance, then rinse clean for radiant skin below the neck.
Vilhelm Parfumerie Poets of Berlin
Why you’ll love it: This perfume proves vanilla doesn’t have to be...so vanilla. The scent has all the warmth and comfort of a vanilla fragrance, for sure, but with a crisply sweet kick from lemon and blueberry. Orris and sandalwood keep the overall effect grounded, not pastry-like.
How you’ll use it: Mist it onto your pulse points for a cozy, vanilla-tinged hug.
