Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find our editor-approved lineup of the best to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.
The arrival of the first Monday in May means one thing: The 2025 Met Gala is returning to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The annual fashion event will celebrate the Costume Institute’s newest exhibition — “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller — and see Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams join Anna Wintour as co-chairs, as well as Doechii, Ayo Edebiri, Janelle Monáe, Tyla and more as part of the host committe.
So while we wait to see the evening unfold, we’re turning our attention to the new fashion and beauty launches making waves this month. From a new hot hair styler to a major designer high street collaboration, click through the slideshow ahead to learn about everything heading your way this May.
Rixo x Dragon Diffusion
If you’ve seen people walking around with beautifully woven basket bags this spring, they are likely from Dragon Diffusion. Known for its colourful leather and intricate braiding, the Brussels-based brand is now collaborating with our favourite dress brand Rixo, for a limited-edition seven-piece accessories collection. The handcrafted pieces incorporate Rixo’s love of vintage fashion, taking inspiration from traditional woven leather bags. Comprised of a large basket bag, a smaller shoulder bag and braided statement belts, the collection has European Summer written all over it.
Pre-order from May 2nd at Rixo and shop from May 12th
Chanel Eau Splendide
A new season often calls for switching up your scent, and Chanel’s latest fragrance couldn’t have come at a better time. Joining the colourful Chance cohort, Splendide’s lilac liquid is both fruity and floral, blending sparkling raspberry with powdery violet. Its heart notes include sweet rose geranium, some of which was even grown in Chanel’s perfumery garden in the South of France. Notes of cedar and white musk round out the fragrance. This is a spring scent if there ever was one.
Shop now at Chanel
Chanel Beauty Chanel Eau Splendide, $, available at Chanel
Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eye Pencils New Shades
The Charlotte Tilbury kajal eye pencils are much-loved for many reasons, namely the creamy formula, long-lasting power and sparkling shades. The product has had a revamp for spring, introducing a new smudger tip for creating an effortless lived-in look, plus four brand new shades. For those who like a metallic finish, Smoked Bronze is a classic warm brown with flecks of pink and orange. For a statement eye, Hypnotic Peacock is the perfect shimmering green, or go for Sapphire Nights for a deep ocean blue. Don’t worry, there’s something for matte lovers, too, with sophisticated plum shade Fig Smoulder adding a perfect pop of colour.
Shop now at Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte Tilbury Rock ‘N’ Kohl Sapphire Nights, $, available at Charlotte Tilbury
ROKSANDA & Other Stories collection
To celebrate the imminent arrival of summer, Roksanda Ilinčić is teaming up with & Other Stories to launch a sunset-inspired collection. Embracing bold oranges, reds and yellows, the capsule speaks to the London fashion designer’s love of bold silhouettes, with layered ruffle dresses with statement sleeves, sculptural sun hats, linen blazers, and pearl earrings.
Shop May 15th at & Other Stories
Sheshido Expert Sun Protector Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+
The original Sheshido sunblock stick was viral for a reason, thanks to its easy glide application, water-resistant capabilities and all-around handbag friendliness. Now, the beloved product has been reformulated, this time with 65% skincare ingredients, including nourishing argan oil and Profense CL (botanicals that help prevent skin damage and dark spots). Easily applied before or after makeup, this is made for those seeking powerful sun protection with a lightweight finish.
Shop now at Shiseido and Boots
Shiseido Suncare Clear Stick SPF50+, $, available at Shiseido
NARS Hot Escape Collection
Summer is coming and if you’re lucky, that might mean travelling to somewhere hot and beachy. NARS’ latest drop speaks to this sandy dream, with a South of France-inspired eye, cheek and lip collection. Housed in compacts modelled after the famous striped sun umbrellas, the cheek palettes come in four different shade sets, each containing two blushes, a highlighter and a silky bronzer. For the eyes, the collection has a new set of shadow sticks, including lavender, champagne and burgundy shimmers. But if it’s a glittering lip you’re after, the Afterglow Lip Oils offer hues like classic Orgasm (a peachy gold) to Wondrous, a tart berry shade.
Shop May 19th at NARS
Alexa Chung x Vinted
Have you always wanted to raid an It Girl’s wardrobe? Well, now you can, thanks to model-designer Alexa Chung teaming up with Vinted to resell some seriously covetable items. The collaboration means 28 pieces from Chung’s closet will be on sale, including metallic Dries Van Noten trainers, a Dôen silk slip, Saint Laurent ballet flats, Gucci sunglasses and a rhinestone Prada bag. Plus, all the proceeds go to Endometriosis UK, a charity supporting women through diagnosis and treatment.
Shop May 5th on Vinted
Dries Van Noten Silver Trainers, $, available at Vinted
ghd New Wave
Hair wavers have made a comeback in recent years thanks to our love for looser, lived-in curls. But nothing has created a stir quite like the three-barrelled waver, with many praising how easily they create crease-free curls. Hair industry legend ghd is joining the conversation with a new triple waver that promises two times less frizz, 30% more shine and no extreme heat damage. For those who want beachy waves that stay all day (the tool reaches the optimum styling temperature of 185°), this is the heat styler for you.
Shop now at ghd
GHD Hair Wave, $, available at GHD
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