Summer has officially arrived, and your May favourites reflect the soaring temperatures across the UK. Many of us sweltered in the heat, ordering fans to sleep better during the unprecedented heatwave, and seeking shade shelters to escape the sun's glare. But we also embraced that summer feeling, with many of your top picks highlighting time spent outdoors. From comfy holiday sandals to a cult K-beauty SPF, here are the 12 things you loved most in May.
Our Favourite Fan
AirCraft Lume Fan - £149 at AirCraft
Unsurprisingly, the winner of our best fan test was your top product in May. “Of all I tested, this is probably the best fan for sleeping,” wrote Caramel Quin. “It’s the best for low noise relative to wind speed.” Many of you bought this in desperation during the heatwave, and I can confirm sleeping better as a result.
The Budget Camping Chair
Mountain Warehouse Folding Chair - £14.99 at Amazon
This £14.99 folding chair delivers comfort without breaking the bank. “Good fun for festivals, the beach and camping, and it works perfectly well despite its bargain price,” wrote Sian Lewis in her best camping chairs test. You couldn't resist a bargain.
The SPF Moisturiser
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ Moisturiser - £12.40 at Cult Beauty
Beauty writer Sarah Matthews tested 25 moisturisers, and this top SPF moisturiser was your favourite. It also came top in her best face SPFs test, offering a lightweight, silky texture that works well under makeup. “I’ve yet to find a beauty journalist who doesn’t rave about it,” wrote Sarah.
The Perfect Toy for the Park
Aerobie Superdisc Flying Disc - £11.99 at Amazon
In our camping essentials newsletter, your top pick was a flying disc. “It’s cheap, doesn’t take up much space and will provide hours of entertainment,” wrote Lily Smith. Not the most essential, but great fun.
The Summer Sandals
Women’s Ravina Strap Sandals - £45 with code SANDALS10 at Clarks
“Holiday sandals need to be comfy enough for a hot walk but nice enough for dinner,” wrote Jess Cartner-Morley. “Clarks shoes are always comfy, and the crossover straps lend elegance.”
The Washing Machine Cleaner
Dr Beckmann Service-It Washing Machine Cleaner, 250g - £1.90 at Amazon
Mabel Banfield-Nwachi’s guide recommends keeping your washing machine clean to extend clothes’ lifespan. Her go-to is this Dr Beckmann cleaner, which removes detergent residue and grime.
The Camping Washing Line
Decathlon Quecha Camping Washing Line, 5m - £4.99 at Decathlon
Your dedication to laundry extends outdoors. “A basic washing line is so useful for drying towels, swimmers, anything,” we wrote. This Decathlon line is ingenious because you don’t need pegs.
Our Top Teabags
Birchall Great Rift Tea, 40 bags - £3.35 at Amazon
Food tester Tom Hunt braved the hot topic of best teabags. The carbon-neutral Birchall tea “makes a bright, aromatic, full-bodied cup with brilliant clarity and great tannic structure,” with a clean, malty flavour.
The Bargain Camping Mattress
Decathlon Simond MT500 XL Inflatable Trekking Mattress - £49.99 at Decathlon
This mattress passed Linda Geddes’s princess-and-the-pea tests. “Its vertical air-filled chambers absorbed uneven ground and stones with ease, creating a comfortable sleeping surface for a budget price,” she wrote. Available also in L version (£44.99).
The No-Fuss Pizza Oven
Ninja Artisan Electric Outdoor Pizza Oven and Air Fryer - £239.99 at Shark Ninja
Testing pizza ovens took days, but Rachel Ogden said, “If indoorsy me can make amazing pizza, then so can you.” This plug-and-play Ninja oven was your top choice. “All you need is an outdoor socket or extension, and you’re ready to bake pizza in minutes,” no gas or fuel needed.
The Summer Exfoliant
Ameliorate Illuminating Glow Body Lotion, 300ml - £24 at Ameliorate
“The onset of sunshine has caught my limbs by surprise,” wrote Sali Hughes. “The answer is an exfoliating body lotion to even out bumps, slough off dead skin, and moisturise dry patches.” This Ameliorate lotion “adds a subtle, streak-free veil of golden tan,” making you look healthier instantly.
The Shade
Decathlon Quechua Multifunction Tarp Camping Shelter - £44.99 at Decathlon
For those seeking shade, bring your own. “As a seasoned festival-goer, a camping shelter makes the most difference,” wrote Lily Smith. “It’s perfect for temperamental British weather, offering protection from rain and sun.” Useful for gardens or camping trips.
