Summer sucks. Or it doesn't! It all depends on whether or not you find melting into a pool of your own blood, sweat, tears, and cut-offs desirable. To each their own.
Your personal preferences aside, it's a season that should come with a government-sponsored survival kit of some sort. Better yet, Amazon could do it! What a great marketing idea! Imagine: Right before Memorial Day, drones drop off a raffia basket (this one's chic) full of all the drugstore essentials you need to get through the next three months with some semblance of comfort and ease. How very thoughtful of Amazon. Jeff really does think of everything.
While we collectively wait for those to arrive, a preview for what they will include! A little skincare, a little waterproof makeup, a little sweat protection... Everything you need and nothing you don't. Stay cool friends.
Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
A classic. And $5 for 8 ounces of pore-clearing, skin-cooling, good smelling mask. It's almost too much mask. Find someone you love to share it with.
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise
Because it's waterproof. And of all the drugstore mascaras, L'Oréal's are the most consistently reliable. Fluffy, thick lashes no matter the humidity.
Stridex Pads
Not just for your face! The more skin you expose, the more you might notice some pesky keratosis pilaris on various parts of your body. These are those little bumps that look like red or white ingrown hairs/pimples—but they aren't either of those things. They're excess keratin making a nice cozy home for themselves in your pores. Eradicate them with a quick Stridex pad-swipe after you shower. It's the most straightforward solution to any problem you've ever had. Promise.
Neutrogena Rainbath Refreshing Shower Gel
Go for it—shower twice a day. This body wash won't dry you out in the process. Pump top is clutch.
Maybelline Superstay Better Skin Powder
Powder might seem like a strange choice for the summer, but there's a reason: It's the only thing that's going to stay put on your face. And applied minimally, it won't feel like foundation at all. Maybelline's version has salycilic acid in it and comes pressed for easy travel. Into it.
Boots No. 7 Hydrating Mineral Water Spray
Cool your face, reset your makeup, bother a friend—all in one. But read this before using.
Mitchum Advanced Control Antiperspirant and Deodorant
Glossier HQ's very favorite deodorant scent. Use when your commute to work is just too much for your natural deodorant to handle. (Honestly, who doesn't have a real, honest-to-God antiperspirant lying around for the inevitable heat death of the universe?)
L'Oréal Paris Eyeliner
For cat eyes that keep pointing to the heavens, choose liquid. Specifically The Infallible Super Slim felt-tip, which promises 12-hour stayproof blackness. Like permanent marker, but for your face.
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Oil-Free Moisturizer
In a market where "botanical beauty" usually accompanies several dollar signs, Alba Botanica thrives on affordable, simple formulations, and rainwater. The Hawaiian moisturizer is the line's standout—smells as good as it hydrates. Mahalo!
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap
For the smell. But also for the cool retro vibes. Also makes a fun dinner-party hostess gift.
Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion
The best damn lavender body lotion is 10 bucks. No need to try anything else. One less thing to be stressed about.
No sign of your makeup kit at baggage claim? Here's how to rebuild it from scratch at the drugstore.
