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Editors’ Picks: Shop Our 15 Favorite Finds for May

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Target, Sephora, Polywood

The April showers have brought us May flowers, and that means it’s time to do our summer shopping. As usual, I tapped our editors to see what they plan on buying this month, and we’re all definitely treating ourselves to a season of relaxation and leveling up on basics. For starters, there’s these super chic shorts from AGOLDE that come personally recommended by Executive Managing Editor, Catrina Yohay. I’ve personally got my sights set on the E7 Standing Desk to force myself to be a little more active when I’m working from home.

From beauty to home products, here's what else we’re adding to our carts right now.

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Nothing screams summer like a good ole pair of shorts, and Executive Managing Editor, Catrina Yohay, is currently eyeing this sleek, stylish pair from AGOLDE. “I've been on the hunt for a pair of denim shorts that provide coverage but don't scream, 'I'm a new mom!' Obsessed with the long inseam, wide leg opening and vintage feel of the Dame from AGOLDE.”

I have a bad habit of never leaving my seat when I work from home, which results in a lot of stiffness and, frankly, the need for a chiropractor. While I still may need that chiropractor visit, I also plan on using this standing from Flexispot to help my posture throughout the work day. I love that there are several different desktop materials to choose from—solid wood or bamboo—and plenty of space to spread out work essentials. I’m sure it will take some getting used to at first, but I’m looking forward to the challenge!

Associate Sales and Deals Editor, Destinee Scott, is snagging this adorable piece from Free People. “I've had my eye on this bubble mini for a hot minute. I'm chronically bloated, so I've been opting for airy clothing, and this dress is basically going to make me look like a marshmallow, but I love it. I'm planning on dressing it up with kitten heels and platforms as soon as the weather breaks. It comes in really cute colors (including a pale pink shade which just so happens to be on trend).” Um, I hate to be a style copycat, but I definitely getting one for myself too.

Yohay is also picking up some new makeup products this month. “I first fell in love with Milk Makeup's Cooling Water Jelly tint after reading one of our editor's reviews,” she writes, adding, “The brand just launched a new pH-adaptive shade that is the perfect pink for summer (and is unique to each person that wears it).” Throw in the fact that this bad boy is under $30, and this is a great anytime buy.

Impending motherhood definitely means treating yourself to anything that enhances your self-care, which is exactly why Yohay made the splurge on this luxe seating set. “With my maternity leave taking place over the summer, I plan on spending as much time outside as I can—with baby in tow! Patio furniture has been top of mind as I map out my budget this month, and this seating set from Polywood will make lounging in the backyard so fun and comfortable. I love the durable, weather-resistant faux-lumbar material that never needs to be stained or painted and will last for years to come. Plus, those gingham cushions?! Too cute!”

Scott says we all need a dress to impress this summer, and recommends scooping up this Amber number from Tanya Taylor. “Also, I've been seeing this type of dress everywhere (fitted cotton bodice at the top, flowy cotton poplin at the bottom). It’s a look that will add an elevated-yet-effortless vibe to a must-have summer style.” Sorry Destinee, but I’m #stealingyourstyle again.

Natalie LaBarbera, Associate Commerce Editor, has a few recommendations up her sleeve, beginning with her new favorite Lip Oil jelly from Tower 28. “I'm going back for more of these Tower 28 lip oils after trying this coconut shade. It's super moisturizing, surprisingly pigmented and stays on for a while before I have to touch it up!” Of note: the gloss comes in both glossy and milky variations, each of which have an assortment of fun shades available to choose from.

Also on LaBarbera’s list are the super popular Gola sneakers, which she had been dying to try over these past few months. “I also finally tried Gola's popular Elan sneakers, and I'm *obsessed.* They were comfy from the first day I wore them, and they easily pair with shorts, dresses, jeans and even sweats.”

Speaking of sneakers, I’m currently eyeing these Ghost 17 sneakers from Brooks for my upcoming trip to Disney. An updated offering from the brand, the 17 now includes even more underfoot cushioning, a new transition-improving midsole and an updated structure. As for the comfort? That’s covered with their also-improved DNA LOFT v3 cushion, which I hear is very comfortable. I can’t wait to walk around Magic Kingdom in these.

Thanks to LaBarbera, we now have our go-to bikini for the summer, which we wouldn’t have known about if not for her. “I’m also loving the Target x Vitamin A collection—the patterns are so fun, especially on this palm print bikini and matching coverup set.” It’s not often you get a bikini *and* a coverup set all in one-go, so this is a definite must in my book.

I, admittedly, do not like to cook. I know how to cook (and can do it pretty well when I apply myself), but I do not like a single minute of it. My New Year’s Resolution for 2025 was to cook a bit more, and while I probably should have started my goal earlier than May, I’m finally getting the ball rolling. My first cooking lesson of the year? A bigger cutting board definitely makes the prep time shorter, easier and more convenient, and this block cutting board is the perfect example of that.

I resolved in the New Year to imbibe fewer sugary drinks and eat less junk food to support healthier skin, so to turbo-drive that second part of my resolution, I’m eyeing the skincare regiment Clear Skin Routine kit from Clearstem which is dermatologist-tested, safe for sensitive skin (a must for me) and packed with essentials. The set comes with a vitamin scrub, a cell renewal serum, the brand’s Clearity Serum and a hydrating moisturizer, all of which will have your skin glowing in no time.

There is nothing quite like having clothes that smell wonderful. That’s exactly why VP of Editorial Content, Candace Davison, is suggesting this laundry scent booster from Gain. “If I have to do laundry, I want it to smell GOOD. That's why I'm already planning a restock of these new Gain Scent Boosters. They're tropical enough to make me feel like I'm on vacation...as I fold shirts in my basement.” And they’re only $10 too? Count me in!

Davison is also grabbing this essential scalp mist for the super hot months ahead. "Every summer I buy this Sun Bum SPF scalp mist to protect my head from the sun's rays," she tells me, adding, "I'm not a hat person and very mole-prone, and this has helped prevent sunburn big time. Plus, it smells great!"

I'm definitely more of a sporty/athletic bag kind of a girl, but I'm going to need something on the fancier side since I'm attending a few formal events this summer. I love this Celeste bag from Bandolier because while it has a luxe design, it's crafted in a crossbody style that gives me the "freedom" I typically look for with the bags I carry. Plus, the black color is super versatile, and works with all of my upcoming outfits for these events.


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Associate Commerce Strategist

  • Covers all things commerce and entertainment
  • Has over a decade of editorial experience in both fashion and entertainment, and was previously with ONE37pm before joining the PureWow team in March 2024
  • Studied journalism and marketing at Columbus State University in Georgia

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.