Refinery29 Loves: Our Favorite Fashion & Beauty Buys From May

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Refinery29 Loves: Our Favorite Fashion & Beauty Buys From May

Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.

Summer is officially here — but you could already tell that based on our order histories from the past month. In other words: It’s time for a fresh edition of R29 Loves, our monthly roundup of the fashion and beauty finds editors can’t stop talking about. 

Our latest edit of what’s new and now reveals several warm-weather must-haves that we have a feeling you’ll love, too. Think: breezy wardrobe staples, luxe moisturizers, makeup that holds its own against heat and humidity, and little luxuries that make summer feel that much sweeter. This month’s favorites include everything from a surprisingly chic sneaker-stiletto hybrid and a garden-inspired fragrance to a brow product that changed the way one editor thinks about tinted gels. You’ll also find skincare upgrades, transitional travel staples, and even a few impulse purchases that quickly earned permanent spots in our routines. 

Consider this your R29-approved shopping list for June. Ahead, the fashion and beauty finds that made our month — and just might make your summer.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Free-est Swept Away Maxi Skirt

“It’s officially white maxi skirt season. I’m obsessed with how dreamy yet comfortable this flowy design is. I plan on wearing it with sneakers while sightseeing during my summer travels as well as dressing it up with my go-to kitten heels for fancier moments. If you’re looking for a versatile piece to add to your summer wardrobe a white maxi skirt like this one will work wonders for every activity on the calendar.” — Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Shopping Partnerships

free-est, Vanish Swept Away Maxi Skirt, $, available at Free People

Melissa x Ganni Kitten Heel Thong

“These limited-edition Melissa x Ganni jelly heels were my first experience trying both brands, and I couldn’t be more obsessed with how fun and comfortable they are. I opted for the teal blue, which are surprisingly versatile. I wore them all throughout Miami Swim Week paired with blue outfits, black maxi dresses, and white linen pants, and they were the perfect pop that gained me a ton of compliments.” — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

Melissa x Ganni Kitten Heel Thong, $, available at Melissa

Jones Road Your Skin Foundation Stick

“I’ll admit that Jones Road’s What The Foundation isn’t quite right for my oily skin, but the stick version — Your Skin Foundation Stick — is right up my alley. I swipe it on and blend it out with a fluffy brush, and it takes the effort out of my makeup routine, even doubling as a concealer. It’s a lifesaver for dry, dehydrated skin thanks to ceramides, which act like glue between skin cells to keep skin soft and smooth, and squalane, a moisturizing ingredient the skin naturally produces but gradually loses over time, leading to dryness. Better yet, it’s non-comedogenic, so it’s less likely to clog pores or trigger breakouts, and it comes in 30 shades.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director  

Jones Road Your Skin Foundation Stick, $, available at Jones Road

Benefit Dream Sheen Waterproof Tinted Brow Glaze Gel

“Just when I thought Benefit had exhausted every possible brow formula and finish, it launched Dream Sheen. It’s not your typical brow gel but rather a brow glaze. Many tinted brow gels have a dry, matte texture that doesn’t actually mimic real hair, which has dimension and a natural-looking sheen. Dream Sheen delivers sheer color payoff that can be layered over a brow pencil (if you have sparse areas) or worn alone if, like me, you’re already working with relatively full brows. It’s noticeably wetter than most gels I’ve tried, but that’s exactly what makes it so good: It sets with a flexible, satin finish that subtly enhances your brows while still adding all-day hold and shape.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Benefit Cosmetics Dream Sheen Waterproof Tinted Brow Glaze Gel, $, available at Sephora

Jo Malone Scarlet Beetroot Cologne

“I’ll always have a soft spot for fruity-floral fragrances thanks to my teenage obsession with them, but I’ve finally found a version that feels decidedly more grown-up: Jo Malone’s new Scarlet Beetroot Cologne. It’s warm and comforting, with jammy blackcurrant and spicy patchouli at its core, while sweet, earthy beetroot keeps it feeling bright and unexpected. (The scent is meant to evoke a lush, flourishing vegetable garden, and I’d say it definitely delivers.) It also has impressive staying power on both clothes and hair, making it an easy reach for summer days when you want something fresh yet sophisticated.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Jo Malone London Scarlet Beetroot Cologne, $, available at Nordstrom

Sandy Liang x Baggu Baby Bow Baggu

“While this bag is not technically mine yet, this Sandy Liang x Baggu collab comes out Wednesday, June 3, and it’s at the top of my must-buy list. I missed out on the designer’s sold-out collection last year, and making it my mission to grab it this go around, especially in the iconic Market print. Reusable bags are everywhere, but I love Baggu’s fun designs, and these bags are super durable. I’ve tested it many times, schlepping a heavy Trader Joe’s haul five blocks to my apartment.” — Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director

Baggu Baby Bow Baggu, $, available at Baggu

Lioness Elements Mini Dress

“I’ve been looking for a mini dress that feels as fun as the energy of the summer. This mighty mini checks all the boxes for me. I must admit, I was influenced by the forever stylish Veneda Carter. She paired this one with sneakers, proving it’s the versatile must-have that can be worn in more than one way. I plan on wearing it during a chic bike ride in Copenhagen this summer. And I can’t wait.” — Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Shopping Partnerships

Lioness Elements Mini Dress, $, available at Shopbop

JVN Air Dry Volumizing Wave Spray

“Jonathan Van Ness himself gave me a tutorial on how to use this air-dry wave spray, and it’s so good that it’s encouraged me to embrace my waves in all their voluminous, frizzy glory. Unlike salt sprays, which can leave lengths feeling crispy and parched while emphasizing split ends, this formula uses sugar cane extract in a moisturizing base — including smoothing hemisqualane, a great alternative to heavier silicones — along with oat kernel extract to define waves and curls without the crunch. JVN taught me to spritz it through towel-dried hair, scrunch, and either air-dry or use a diffuser to speed things up. It’s set to become my go-to hair product all summer.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director  

JVN Air Dry Volumizing Wave Spray, $, available at Ulta Beauty

e.l.f. Thirst Burst Lip Treatment

“I have dozens of lip products in my bag at any given time, but this is the one I’ve reached for most lately. The 1% peptide complex — essentially skin-strengthening proteins — has been a godsend for my chronically dry lips, helping heal and protect them from hot, drying weather and my own fingers (I’m a chronic lip picker). Alongside peptides, there’s deeply nourishing cocoa seed butter and smoothing plant oils that give it a glossy finish without any stickiness. My favorite shade is Sheer Guava, which adds just the right hint of pink to my lips.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director  

e.l.f. Cosmetics Thirst Burst Lip Treatment Plump + Quench, $, available at Ulta Beauty

SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Cream

“I’ve been using SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Serum for months and can happily report that it’s made a world of difference to the fine lines on my forehead (I’ve sworn off Botox after a bad experience) and under my eyes. But I always had to follow it with a rich moisturizer, especially at night, because my skin tends to get quite dry. So I was pleased to discover P-TIOX Cream, which is packed with peptides — short chains of amino acids that help support collagen and elastin production, keeping skin smooth and supple — alongside hydrating niacinamide and the star ingredient: 10% Myrixin, which takes inspiration from neurotoxins like Botox to help minimize the appearance of lines and uneven texture. Because I like a one-and-done skincare routine, I’ll be swapping the serum for this cream ASAP.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director  

SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Cream, $, available at Dermstore

Bubble x American Eagle Cherry Picnic Lip Balm

“I’m a big Bubble skincare fan because it’s one of a few brands that keeps my sensitive skin happy. I constantly have the brand’s lip balm in my bag, and now, the new American Eagle-edition cherry formula will be my go-to. It still offers a clear gloss, but has a fruity scent that’s perfect for the summer.” — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

AE x Bubble Cherry Picnic Lip Balm & Charms Set, $, available at Bubble

Jenny Bird Double Amalfi Anklet

“At this point, I have over five Jenny Bird anklets. I love to wear them during the summer for some extra shimmer and can keep them on in the shower, pool, and ocean thanks to the water-resistant materials. And this dangly two-tone design is the latest in my collection. It matches my jewelry no matter if I’m opting for gold or silver, and has yet to leave my ankle since getting it.” — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

Jenny Bird Double Amalfi Anklet, $, available at Jenny Bird

J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Pointelle Cardigan

“This cardigan sweater became the hero piece of my wardrobe on a recent trip to Denver for a wedding. Layering was the trick to tackling Mile High City’s weird fluctuating temps from sunny and warm to chilly and cool. I wore this J.Crew cardigan pretty much all weekend long. It’s super light and thin but a soft, cozy cashmere that still kept me warm. Easy to throw on over my fancy dress or my T-shirt and jeans.” — Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director

J.Crew Featherweight cashmere pointelle cardigan, $, available at J.Crew

Sneex The Ballerina

“World, I’m officially a Sneex girl. At first, the sneaker-stiletto hybrid seemed ridiculous, but after trying on a sleek all-white pair that belonged to a friend (thanks, Emma!), I immediately understood the hype. The combination of an athletic sneaker and a high heel shouldn’t work, yet somehow it does — and honestly, I’m obsessed. They instantly make any outfit feel cooler, but even more impressively, they’re among the most comfortable heels I’ve ever worn. (Shoutout to founder Sarah Blakely, who also created Spanx.)

Sneex is undeniably pricey — each pair is made in Italy — but the quality feels on par with my most expensive designer shoes. My current favorite is the Ballerina style, which features lace-up details and sheer mesh accents. I picked mine up in a milky beige shade that’s incredibly chic: think balletcore with a little edge.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Sneex The Ballerina, $, available at Sneex

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