Forget April Showers: Here Are May’s Best Flower-Inspired Beauty Products 

Extracted from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, neroli oil is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. “[It’s] especially useful for its toning and clarifying benefits,” says Naturopathica founder and herbalist Barbara Close, which makes it an ideal introductory oil for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Naturopathica's newly released Neroli Clarifying Facial Oil ($58) smells heavenly and quickly absorbs into skin to balance natural sebum levels. Also rich in antioxidants, the neroli oil in Uma’s Absolute Anti-Agingo elixur ($175) helps the skin fight free radicals, fine lines, and age spots. Tammy Fender’s silky-smooth, neroli and orange crème ($95) is a hardworking daily moisturizer to combat both acne and wrinkles.

Known as the “Botox plant,” the hibiscus flower produces oil high in antioxidants, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and mucilage—a winning combination that can lead to smoother, more elastic skin. It works perfectly as a spot treatment, like in Éminence’s award-winning Instant Line Filler ($70), which also includes the brand’s trademarked Voluform to plump lines from the inside out. But why not share the love? Kiehl’s new Ginger Leaf and Hibiscus overnight mask ($54) is super luxurious and leaves skin velvety smooth, and Vered’s organic toner ($55), infused with botanicals like silica-rich horsetail extract and acne-fighting sage, works as an effective multitasker.

Perhaps the most classic flower, the rose is also “incredibly effective and versatile in skin care,” Close says. The plant’s products can vary from the deeply hydrating oils extracted from either the petals or rose hip fruit (a real powerhouse high in fatty acids, vitamin A, and antioxidants), to petal-infused water, to powder made from ground petals or seeds—like that of Captain Blankenship’s super-soft yet exfoliating mask ($30). For an effective yet hydrating cleanser, try Monastery’s Rose Cleansing Oil ($39), which gently dissolves any impurities while nourishing skin. If a simple floral scent is the goal, EO’s new aromatherapy perfume oil and spray in Beloved Rose ($95) can make any situation seem like a bed of roses.

Lavender essential oil might be best known in aromatherapy for its calming, stress-reducing properties. It can have the same effect on skin, and then some. Perfect for supersensitive or irritated complexions, Arcona’s Four O’Clock Flower cream cleanser ($46) combines lavender with other botanical ingredients to gently soothe and clear skin. For the rest of the body, Eir’s fast-absorbing, organic Savasana body oil ($45) packs a punch; not only does it smell divine, it can help reduce dry, itchy skin and slow down aging, thanks to the purple plant’s antioxidant properties. To take mind-body relaxation to the next level, sip Olive & June Minty Lavender Tea ($20)—a delicious combination with whole lavender buds and horsetail, which is known to strengthen hair and nails—while basking in a steamy bubble bath, featuring Follain’s absolutely dreamy Dream Bath Elixir ($45). It’s sure to trigger a near-hypnotic state.

Calendula, the scientific name for the sunny-colored pot marigold, is a medicinal plant with a variety of uses; in certain European countries, according to Close, it’s even approved for topical use on slow-to-heal wounds and mild burns. The flower’s super-gentle and soothing properties make it the perfect addition to products that target the sensitive eye area, like Indie Lee’s hydrating eye balm ($42), which, in its half-ounce jar, also doubles as a portable cuticle cream. For skin care and makeup in one, Maya Chia’s Highlight of the Day serum ($42) is the best of both worlds: a seriously luminous and easily blendable highlighter mixed with a nutrient-packed serum. In need of a quick refresh? Try Soapwalla’s two-in-one, toning and hydrating facial mist ($38).

Aside from their regal beauty and creamy, subtly citrus scent, magnolia blooms—and the bark from their trees—have long been valued in ancient Chinese medicine. Oils and extracts from the plant are said to calm the mind and brighten skin. Origins’ eye cream ($31) with ginseng, coffee, and magnolia energizes and immediately brightens the area around the eye with a subtle shimmer; and super-rich Chantecaille Healing Emulsion ($120), with a bouquet of subtly scented floral extracts, soothes redness and can reduce fine lines. For those of us Stateside, the sweet scent of magnolia blossoms evokes images of spring in the South. With LAFCO’s seasonal candle, Star Magnolia (from $65), and Ellis Brooklyn’s warm floral fragrance, Fawn ($100), just close your eyes, and you’re there.