Soothe
Bonjout Beauty: Le Balm
The French brought us Biafine, a do-everything emulsion that’s stocked in virtually every household. Dr. Natacha Bonjout, a French pharmacist who spent years formulating products for major brands, has taken that concept further with her own creation, Le Balm. She loaded it up with amino acids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, ceramides, and essential fatty acids. To use it, you break the solid surface with your finger and warm a scoop in your hands before applying it pretty much anywhere. It’s a workhorse that functions as a serum, moisturizer, eye cream, night cream, lip balm, overnight mask, and first-aid salve. Toss it in your carry-on and you’re good to go. ($130, bonjoutbeauty.com)
Slick
Costa Brazil: Kaya Jungle Firming Body Oil
I hugged a friend at a party recently and inhaled. Ooh, he smelled good! When I asked what fragrance he was wearing, he told me it was just a post-shower slick of Costa Brazil. The Kaya Jungle Firming Body Oil is the kind of product you’ll reach for all summer long to shine your legs, arms, and collarbones, and pinch on the ends of your hair so they don’t look ravaged. And sure, it has vitamins A and E and omegas 3, 6, and 9, but who are we kidding? You’ll wear it for the floral–orange oil–cedarwood–and–patchouli scent. Francisco Costa, the brand’s founder and the former creative director at Calvin Klein, just opened a flagship store at Hudson Yards, in New York. Wander in and take a long, slow sniff. ($98, costabrazil.com)
Protect
Iris & Romeo: Weekend Skin
Summer looks like it might actually happen, which explains why I’m drawn to simple, lightweight products that do a lot with the least amount of effort. One of my M.V.P.’s is Iris & Romeo’s Weekend Skin, a maximal sunscreen (S.P.F. 50) with a minimal tint and a creamy, smooth texture. The word “weekend” in the name tells you everything about the sheerness of its coverage, making it just right for Pilates, the farmers market, or an afternoon nap if you’re feeling less productive. While you’re bed-rotting, it’s busy brightening your skin with vitamin C and niacinamide. I’ve seen fellow beauty editors pull it out of their bags, and that’s one of the strongest endorsements around. ($50, irisandromeo.com)
Linda Wells is the Editor of AIR MAIL LOOK
