LBB Crew's Favourite Beauty Empties For The Month Of May 2024

We have established how difficult it is to find a good vitamin C because there are so many variables —it needs to have an opaque packaging and a stable form so that it doesn’t oxidise and do more harm than good. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps you shield your skin from free radicals (which make your skin look dull) and has been heavily researched, unlike many skincare ingredients. All in all, it helps you achieve glowing skin. I love this one from Innisfree because the formula is top-notch. It has 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid as vitamin C, which is an extremely stable form in addition to ferulic acid that helps strengthen and stabilise the formula even more. Other good ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and panthenol are great for maintaining hydration and soothing the skin. I got myself the mini bottle, which is almost over, and now I’m definitely repurchasing the big bottle!

- Senior Editor,  Muskan Bansal

Pro-tip: Here's everything you need to know about vitamin C and the best recommendations based on reviews and formulas! 

I have never managed to finish a lip product except for this one. Rihanna and her team have done a phenomenal job with this lip stain, which goes on glossy and leaves a long-lasting tint. The shade Berry Banger has been my absolute go-to because the gloss works for events, and the lip stain works well for everyday use. The formula is comfortable, doesn't get patchy, and is quite hydrating as well. 

- Senior Editor,  Muskan Bansal

The most most tragic thing to happen to a girl is when she realises her lip balm has been discontinued. Heartbreaking, to say the least, I turned to SebaMed (sceptically) because the lip balm I had relied on for years was officially out of manufacturing. However, as they say, blessings come in disguise, and it did with this SebaMed find. As it claims, it is perfect for dry, chapped lips, and comes with SPF 30 while also being infused with jojoba oil and vitamin E — both of which are known for their healing and hydrating properties. I fell in love with the balm on the first swipe and don’t think I’ll look back. It immediately heals my dry lips, stays on for a while, and has a very mild natural fragrance, which I love! Will I continue to buy this lip balm every single month now? Yes. 

Pro-tip: Need more SPF lip balm recommendations? We've got you.

Spring and early summer allergies have wreaked havoc on my skin, leaving it constantly itchy, bumpy and troubled. I needed something that could not only help soothe my skin but also repair my skin’s barrier. Having already used the Cosrx Snail Mucin Essence, I wanted to give the Conscious Chemist one a try simply because, one, it’s a homegrown brand, and two, it’s easily a more affordable alternative. Ingredients wise it’s pretty much the same with 96% snail mucin filtrate, which targets dryness, redness, damaged skin, and irritations —all of which have stopped worrying me as soon as I started using it. It also helps with instant hydration, which I appreciate since I have hyper-dry skin. Further, a little goes a long way! I still have half a bottle to go. 

Pro-tip: Here are more such alternatives to CosRX's Snail Mucin.

I am personally not much into serums. However, I have found the hyaluronic acid serum from L'Oreal a game-changer! For someone with dry skin, the serum provides hydration when locked in with a moisturiser. I have found that serum has not only hydrated my skin but has also made it appear brighter and more even-toned. It consists of 1.5% of hyaluronic acid which I feel is great for beginners. What I like the most about it is that a little goes a long way. I'll definitely be repurchasing this as soon as I finish this bottle.

I have pigmented as well as chapped lips and had been on the lookout for quite a while to find the perfect lip scrub that wouldn’t be too harsh and at the same time be free from all the toxins; that’s when I stumbled upon Juicy Chemistry’s Organic Lip Scrub. I had already tried their other products and had liked them, so thought of giving their lip scrub a chance. Needless to say, I loved it! The lip scrub was exactly what I was looking for! Free of toxic chemicals? Check. Organic? Check. Not harsh on the lips? Check. I use it once a week, and it has made my lips softer and brighter. 

Pro-tip: If you, too, love all things organic when it comes to beauty, check out these brands. 

Most concealers I’ve tried have left my skin dry and thirsty. Since I have a dry skin type, my skin gets itchy with little breakouts under my eyes. After some digging around (and binging makeuptok videos), I came across Dior's full-coverage concealer and was amazed at the results from the acclaimed luxe and clean beauty product. It is hydrating and leaves you with a beautiful dewy finish for the entire day. When I remove it at night, my skin is still plump and soft. Plus, I love that they have so many options for the Indian skin tone.

A skincare item with makeup benefits is a beauty holy grail for someone like me who's a little lazy. Biore's UV Perfect Milk SPF50+ PA++++ keeps me matte better than any mattifying primer I've ever used. I can't stand how greasy any other hydrating sunscreens are, and they generally layer horribly under makeup. I use this as an SPF for sunscreen protection and as a makeup base, and I am easily able to create makeup looks that aren’t too greasy or drying. Trust me, you will stop using makeup primers after this.

Pro-tip: Need more recommendations for skincare infused makeup? Here you go.

Putting my loyalty to the water sleeping mask to an end, Laneige's new Bouncy And Firm Sleeping Mask has become my new obsession. It has a thick gel-like consistency that is fabulous for getting glowy and fresh skin in the morning. I recommend using it twice a week, and your glow from within will speak for itself, trust me. It has peony and collagen, which are great for tired, dry, dull-looking skin.

- Associate Writer, Siya Chopra

A heavy moisturiser is the last thing we want with this unbearable heat. This Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide toner and moisturiser is the ultimate deal. It was recently the talk of the B-town (B here stands for Beauty), and that's how it came on my radar. I can definitely say that it is totally worth the hype —boosts radiance, strengthens the skin barrier, and retains moisture. It is an absolute game changer for folks with hyper-dry skin, as well as someone with combination skin.

A friend of mine put me on this, and I see no going back. After using this, it honestly feels like the entire day's stress just leaves your skin, leaving it squeaky clean but not stripped of its natural oils. Containing green tea and hyaluronic acid, this foaming face wash creates a perfect canvas for your impending skincare.

Pro-tip: Korean cleansers are one of the best in the game, so here's a list of the best ones!

I have been on an intense hair care journey, aiming to curb the frizz and restore my curls. The Fable & Mane HoliRoots oil is the one that I have found to work impressively. The serum-like applicator helps you really distribute the product evenly, doesn't weigh down your hair, and thoroughly nourishes them. It contains red champaca and jasmine sambac, with potent plant roots like ashwagandha and dashmool that increase blood circulation while promoting healthy and stronger hair. It also washes off easily, leaving you with shiny and glossy-looking hair. 

- Associate Writer, Nitika Yadav