Good Little Things
By Gigi Anders
Summer means lightening up. Especially when you’re traveling, the last thing you want is using or dragging around big, bulky, heavy beauty products. Here are some great, almost weightless, pint-sized goodies that not only work easily and beautifully, but, crucially, couldn’t be cuter.
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One more thing before we dive in. As a beauty editor for the past decade, I take my recommendations seriously. Every story I write has my name on it and that means it’s my reputation on the line every time. Neutrogena has always been one of my fave go-to’s for skincare (and now makeup). This is a company I believe in. I was going to say it’s had a renaissance of late – and I’d be right. But the truth is is, it’s always been terrific. At any rate, the four Neutrogena products I’m about to show you here are unique not only in quality, performance, and price, but in the fact that I’m showing you four Neutrogena products in a row, something I’ve never done before. There’s no sponsorship involved. Just my best opinion and expertise.
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Clinique Take The Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick ($18.50). Though this silky, glidey balm in a slim twist-up stick will truly dissolve even the clingiest makeup – I also use it for precision touch-ups. It greaselessly targets and disappears stray eyeshadow powders and mascara flecks.
L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold Travel Size ($6.99). Wind and humidity don’t stand a chance against Elnett, the duly iconic hairspray with a strong hold yet completely brushable finish. It imparts shine and a satin touch and I know my Mama Cubana is gonna steal it the next time she’s here. It’s her absolute favorite and you know those Cubanas are sticklers.
Nunzio Saviano Anti-Frizz Sheets (15 sheets for $18). Leave it to celeb hairstylist Nunzio Saviano to create what everybody else should’ve thought of: individually packaged “hair luster sheets” enriched with non-sticky polymers and coconut and other good-for-you oils that banish frizz on contact, control static, tame flyaways, define curls if you have them, and add moisture, smoothness, and polish to the hair. Oh, and they smell like an island vacation, too.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($12.99). This little tube packs a protective punch of hypoallergenic goodness that’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive types. It’s oil-free, water and sweat resistant (it won’t sting eyes), and, while it goes on white and dense, it dries invisibly and smoothly. “PURESCREEN” 100% zinc oxide technology creates extra-powerful broad spectrum protection, making this ideal for hardcore sun worshippers who aren’t into premature aging and melanoma. There are a few ingredients this mineral miracle lacks, though: fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and irritating chemicals.
Underneath that or underneath makeup or on its own at night, Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel-cream Extra-Dry Skin Hyaluronic Acid ($19.99) isn’t technically tiny. But! It looks like a swimming pool and feels just as refreshing. It’s a best-selling product and here’s why: Ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, naturally found in the skin, acts as a sponge for dry skin cells, absorbing up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This rich yet crazy-light water-based gel relieves intense dryness and prevents further moisture loss. What’s more, it’s fragrance-, dye- and oil-free; won’t clog pores; and its olive extract leaves skin feeling hydrated and velvety but never greasy or oily, making it, well, amazing.
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 in Healthy Blush 20 ($8.99). Say adios to dry, cracked, miserable, unprotected lips and hola to moisture-drenched, sheerly tinted, soft, fuller, happy lips that can withstand any sun-drenched environ. Neutrogena got this recipe just right: Light, creamy, no weird smell, universally pretty color, and incredible SPF. You’ll want a dozen of these for home, work, car, purse, pocket, gym bag, carry-on.
Speaking of which … Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Stick in Fresh Papaya 20 ($8.99). Everything I said about the Lip Balm above, except this one has no SPF. But! You can layer it over the above or wear it at night. This does not require a mirror or a sharpener. It’s a fat twist-up crayon, so just smooth it on and go. It’s perfect for summer nights: a pinky-peachy wash of shimmery color. Plus its fruit extracts and mango and shea butters continuously condition those now super-juicy papaya lips.
Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer ($5.97). Maybe not pint-sized but definitely skinny-sleek, this summer must-have smells and feels like aloe heaven on contact. The continuous, grease-free spray with micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly absorbs instantly to nurse thirsty skin. And it’s so much cooler, more convenient, and easier (especially to reach your back) than a regular body lotion. I also love it right after I shave my legs.
Okay. Now where are you gonna stash all these groovy treats? Why, in one or some of Tartan + Twine Travel and Cosmetics Bags, the chicest, most affordable ones you’ll ever see. They’re incredibly well-made and keep everything super-organized, too. Santa brought me the Animal 4 Piece Train Case Set ($40) last year, but for right now I’m really feeling the adorable Pom Pom Double Zip Clutch ($28).
