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Here Are 28 Things You'll Want To Pack For Your Upcoming Hawaii Trip
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Say ~aloha~ to the packing essentials you'll be *so* glad you brought on your tropical getaway. Hawaii is arguably one of the most *gorgeous* places you can visit in the entire country, complete with crystal blue waters, world-famous hiking trails, and a laid-back ~Aloha spirit~. But before you dive into the fun, it's important to know the packing essentials you should have if you want to make the most out of your time on the island — think reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry water shoes, a water-resistant backpack, and more! As a frequent Hawaii traveler myself, there's definitely an item or two on this list that are always forgotten (and I always regret it!). Whether you're taking a dip in the turquoise waters or hiking through one of their beautiful waterfall trails, here are the items that'll help you have the most relaxing, stress-free trip possible. Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, so it's important to bring a compliant sunscreen that also protects your skin from the harsh sun rays! This SPF 50 sunscreen spray is fragrance-free, absorbs super quickly into your skin, and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes. It's also non-greasy and infused with safflower seed oil to help hydrate and nourish your skin barrier. And take it from me, buying sunscreen once you're there can be *quite* pricey. Note: The larger size must go in a checked bag since it's over 100mL, but the smaller 60 mL bottle can go in your carry-on *and* can easily be tossed into your beach bag for easy on-the-go use! Promising review: "This is a wonderful sunscreen that goes everywhere with me. I am very fair and live in a sunny climate. I have to wear sunscreen at all times. I discovered this brand in New Zealand, where they revere good sunscreen. I’ve been using it ever since, and it stands up to all conditions." —VirginiaB Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in three sizes). And let's not forget about that pretty face of yours! This glide-on, reef-safe sunscreen stick is easy to apply, enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants, and offers your face some powerful SPF 30 protection all while maintaining sheer, lightweight coverage. Many reviewers also say it protects their skin well *without* causing breakouts or running into their eyes. Promising review: "I have never used this product line before, but purchased this along with the SPF 15 spray, leave-in conditioner, and an after-sun spray. I love ALL of their products! I have been on an extended vacation in Hawaii with many hours of beach time, and I have yet to get any burns on my face, neck, or ears. This product works! It also smells great and is very convenient to put on, because you don't have to rub it with your hands. Seems to do well in the water also. I did not notice any stinging in my eyes with runoff. This will be a staple in my beach bag!" —Kara I present you with what will probably be your most-used item during your trip! This beach bag comes with three big inner pockets, two side pockets, and a key holder — perfect for your phone, Kindle, and other items that absolutely, positively cannot get wet. And it even comes with a bottle opener *and* a waterproof case that can fit your phone, ID, cash, and cards! Promising review: "This bag worked out perfectly for our trip to Hawaii! We are a family of three, and I always like to take an extra towel. I could easily pack four large beach towels as well as bottles of water, snacks, goggles, phones, etc. Definitely all of the space that I was looking for. I like the rope handles, which were really comfortable to carry." —Andream Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in nine colors/prints). TBH, this chic gem will hardly spend any time in your hotel room — it's so versatile, you'll probably find a use for it every day! You can easily style it as a cover-up skirt, dress, or shawl and wear it around the resort or pack it in your beach bag for a day at the shore. They come in sooo many vibrant colors, it'll be hard not to get several. (And who's stopping you?) 👀 Promising reviews: "This ended up being the only cover-up I wore on vacation in Hawaii. I love that you can adjust it and wear it in more than one style — truly a steal for the price!" —Jamie "This cover-up is beautiful! The color is exactly as shown online. It’s bright and stays that bright after washing or getting it wet at the beach. The fabric is soft, and I love the wooden brooch that came with it to help tie it and keep it in place. I would purchase in different colors just to change it up for my next trip, but I looove this red piece!" —Johan Hernandez Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (available in 20 colors). This gorgeous hat is a great way to add some extra sun protection to your face and shoulders — Hawaii is, after all, the closest US state to the equator! Not only will this accessory elevate every look, but reviewers also appreciate that they can fold this hat into their luggage or beach bag without it losing its shape. It's also lined and comes with an adjustable neck strap. Promising review: "Guys. If you’re going on a trip and need a cute hat but don’t want to worry about it getting smashed…look no further. I bought this hat last summer. It’s been as far as The Maldives, all over Europe, and I wear it on the reg in Southern California. It’s totally kept its shape, and I’m not shy of shoving it in bags. 10/10 recommend! I’m sitting on a bus in Croatia right now, thinking how awesome this hat has been, and I decided to write a review, as I rely on reviews for my purchases on Amazon. Hope this helps someone!" —Lyra S. Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in three sizes and 11 colors). Whether you're looking to climb the Diamond Head on Oʻahu, the rugged Kalalau Trail on Kauaʻi, or the Sliding Sands in Maui's Haleakalā National Park, you need a proper pair of hiking shoes! These durable, water-repellent shoes offer city-to-trail versatility and are designed with a grippy sole, a high stack height, a cushy sockliner, and a plush collar for ultimate comfort. They've also got a convenient quick-toggle lace and 360-degree reflectivity! Promising review: "Was looking for rain and slip resistant and I found it. I didn't want a heavy trail shoe. These shoes are perfect for travel and rain resistant does keep feet dry was in moderate rain, totally dry. I bought light green really nice they are mild color so can wear traveling. Needed half size up as shoe is a firmer shoe not mesh, as it's water resistant." —Reenie Get them from Hoka for $155 (available in women's sizes 5–11 and six colors). If you want to keep your phone dry while taking pics on a pool floatie or exploring at the beach, you need this reviewer-beloved gem. It allows you to use your phone's touchscreen while keeping it safe, so nothing can stop you from documenting every second of your aquatic getaway. It fits any phone up to 100mm x 170mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options). See why BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly loves it here (it's #12)! Promising review: "I took this on a cruise with me to Honduras, Mexico, and Belize, and it held up perfectly! I was so scared to put this in the water for the first time (after testing it, of course), but it proved to work very well! In fact, I ended up just using it as a carrying case for my room key and phone throughout the cruise! I took it with me snorkeling along the barrier reef in Belize, and I got so many wonderful pictures and videos underwater!" —GWinSD Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in 14 colors). You may think that any ol' pair of sunglasses will do, but polarized sunglasses come with a lens filter that blocks intense, horizontal light reflections from surfaces like water, snow, and roads. And since you'll likely be spending *lots* of time in or near the water, these are a must! Not only will these keep your eyes from squinting against the light all day long, but reviewers also find that they look great on a variety of face shapes. Promising reviews: "Fits well and very comfortable. The lenses are dark and polarized, so my eyes are not irritated by the brightness of the sunshine. Instead, it's very soothing, and I'm able to enjoy being on the water without squinting." —Jean Gallagher "Really great value for nice-looking polarized sunglasses! I’ve bought this exact pair probably five times over many years, solely because I really like them, and I keep losing them. The quality is really good, I can confirm they definitely are polarized, and they come with a case and microfiber cloth, which is a nice touch." —Steph A Get it from Amazon for $33+ (available in two sizes and 11 colors). This is honestly one of the most often forgotten items when traveling to any tropical destination (I speak for myself and many friends). As beautiful as Hawaiian beaches are, there can be some rocky areas! These'll save your precious feet from getting any cuts and bumps while you live out your Little Mermaid fantasy. But not just that — you can *also* use them while zip-lining or just walking the resort. Promising review: "Purchased three pairs for our cruise. We all loved them. Best water shoes I’ve ever worn. Feels like you are barefoot, but keeps your feet safe from anything you step on. Very comfortable! Highly recommended!" —Donna M Get it from Amazon for $8.19+ (available in women's sizes 4–13.5 and seven colors). Sure, you could get them at the hotel, but those cling to pesky sand and stay wet for wayyyy too long. This one's super absorbent, feels oh-so-soft, and will barely take up room in your bag compared to regular towels. Plus, reviewers say sand falls right off — just give it a quick shake before you leave the beach so you *don't* have a mini beach exploding all over your hotel room floor. Promising review: "Love this! I am a flight attendant and keep it in my suitcase for various uses, but it's an outstanding for beach or picnic blanket. It weighs nothing, is beautiful, and of great quality! My new go-to gift item." —Laurance F. Haun Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in 17 patterns). This is just what you need, so you're not forced to walk like a penguin after that sweat-induced thigh chafing hits when going on those famous Hawaiian hikes! This aloe-infused formula truly outperforms its rivals and works wonders to prevent that painful irritation. BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! (As am I!) Here's what she has to say: "I've used it for about 12 years now, and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!" Promising review: "Used this on our cruise, for all the walking in hot, humid places. Literally saved my thighs from 'chub rub.'" —Traci Lynn Obviously, there's more to Hawaii than all the ~fun in the sun~ activities — there's also the iconic luaus! These usually call for an "elevated island casual" dress code, which focuses on comfort, vibrant colors, and tropical prints. This romantic maxi dress checks all the boxes! It's designed with a bodycon fit, lots of stretch, and a subtle grip on the inner bust. Pair it with strappy sandals and a woven bag for an effortless, island-ready look. Promising review: "It’s really beautiful on, and for someone with a fairly boxy figure, it works wonders! Fabric feels nice on, not restricting to walk in, nor is it see-through. Gorgeous dress!" —Georgia A. Get it from Beginning Boutique for $89.99 (available in women's sizes 0–18 and nine colors). Hey, traveling can make your skin act up, and that includes your lips! This balm will feel as relieving as treating your lips to a tall glass of water. It helps repair dry, parched lips and serves as a protective shield. Plus, it has SPF 30 (never forget the lips!), and reviewers even rave about how they got better *and* faster results from this than any other brand. Promising reviews: "My husband uses it, and he thinks it does quite well. He used it on vacation in Hawaii with no problems, so glad his doctor recommended it" —Bonnie Docteur "I bought this lip balm mainly for the SPF, and it’s become my go-to daily lip balm. It goes on smoothly, feels soothing right away, and does a great job relieving dryness without tasting weird or feeling heavy. I like that it has SPF 30, especially for outdoor days, since most lip balms don’t offer real sun protection. It stays on longer than typical balms and keeps my lips comfortable even in windy or sunny conditions. If you want something that actually protects and heals chapped lips while also guarding against sun damage, this one does the job well." —FB If you can only do the whole "fun in the sun" thing for approximately five minutes before you see a sunburn start to form, this lotion will be your best friend. Apply this nourishing blend of aloe and coconut oil and say goodbye to that terrible pain and itching. It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS. Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into the skin like lotion, so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire, and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —Jessie Patterson These can work some soothing magic for a variety of uses, including (trigger warning) sunburn. But it'll also help with itchiness from bug bites and poison ivy. And! They're TSA-friendly. So you can probably leave your aloe vera gel at home. Promising reviews: "These saved us on our vacation with our little that is sensitive to the sun!" —felicia faith "Used these on a sunburn on my back, and they were very soothing. Also provided padding when leaning back in my seat. I stuck one on my shoulder also to keep my seatbelt from rubbing the sunburn there. I bought them to use on the back of my kids' necks to help prevent heat exhaustion on a very hot day outside, but ended up just using them for burn relief." —Joanna Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $13.99. A pair of sandals that are both cute and supportive is a necessity when exploring the island, and many reviewers say these are a wonderful alternative to Birkenstocks. 👀 Their cork footbed quickly adjusts to the contour of your foot *and* they're designed with soft lining and adjustable straps. The comfort of a tennis shoe combined with the effortlessness of a sandal? Yes, please. I spent three weeks traveling through eight different European cities, and let me tell you — bringing these sandals with me was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made. My most worn pair of shoes during my trip, hands down. The reasons I was on the hunt for comfy sandals were 1. I didn't want my feet enclosed all day while trekking the whole city in warm weather, and 2. Some outfits simply pair better with sandals. I hiked up to the Acropolis of Athens in these babies, and that stone floor was slippery. And still, out of my group of 11 family members and friends, I was the first one to make it to the top (and yes, I did brag). I even told two of my friends that went with me to get these for the trip, and they were eternally grateful for my rec. Promising review: "As someone who owns several pairs of Birks, these sandals are absolutely up to the expectations of real Birks! The Birks I have are the Arizona soft footbed. I wanted this style of Birks, but I couldn’t find the soft footbed version of them. I saw these and thought I might as well try them for the price. Let me tell you, these are even comfier than my soft-footbed Arizona Birks! Omg, they feel amazing. They are nice and padded! They are so adorable, too! Great quality." —Lee Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in women's sizes 5–12, two widths, and 20 colors). If your hair has any sort of considerable length, believe me when I tell you this: Your hair *will* get tangled. With all the salt water, sun, and playing mermaids (don't lie, you know you want to), it's super convenient to have a tiny but mighty brush to help tame those tangles throughout the day. Reviewers with varying hair types say this little brush works wonders on their hair — it's a beloved brand for a reason! Promising review: "I can’t be the only one who’s tired of tangled hair the second I step out the door. This mini Wet Brush has saved me time and time again. It’s compact enough you can throw it in your purse or car for a quick touch-up — in fact, I have two for both locations! The Wet Brush design keeps from tugging on tough knots excessively like other brands. It’s cute, effective, and a must-have on hand for anyone." —Ash Get it from Amazon for $5 (available in six colors). I mean, bathing suits just seem pretty self-explanatory for a Hawaii trip, right? And if you're a fan of two-pieces, this set is a *great* option! It's simple, it's playful, it's lined, and it's got adjustable ties at the neck and back. This chic shade of red will also serve as a gorgeous pop of color to your ensemble. Plus, it’s made with partially recycled fabric! Get the bikini top from Pacsun for $34.95 (available in women's sizes XS–XLG) and the bikini bottom for $29.95 (available in women's sizes XS–XLG). If you're more into the classic one-piece, you'll stun at the beach in this beauty. It's double-layered, has a gorgeous plunge neckline, and a unique tie-front keyhole that'll have you turning heads left and right. Good luck choosing just one color! Rebdolls is a woman- and Latin-owned small business started by Dominican Republic–born model Grisel Paula. Get it from Rebdolls for $59 (available in women's sizes S–5X and four colors). With aquatic activities planned all day long, you'll be incredibly relieved to have something that lets you keep your valuables on you *and* keep them protected from the water. Whether you're taking a dip in the ocean and don't want to leave your stuff unattended on the beach or exploring the Manoa Falls waterfall trail, its strong Ziploc-style seals will keep items like your phone, wallet, and cash sealed *tight* and 100% dry. Promising review: "Bought it not knowing if it would work for my trip to Hawaii. I put my phone, keys, and wallet in the pouch and went snorkeling. My husband and I went snorkeling for hours, and not a drop of water was found. The strap was sturdy and worked well underwater. I would recommend." —Cindy Get it from Amazon for $12.71+ (available in eight colors). Check out the Owala FreeSip water bottle on TikTok! A reusable water bottle you can carry with you to keep yourself hydrated is a must! And this one does its job so well, I dare say it'll be the first one *not* to be popular just because it's trendy! 👀 It actually keeps your drink cold for 24 hours and features a carry loop for easy transport. But what's so unique about it? Well, it comes with a double-spout built-in straw (a smaller opening for sipping and a large one for swigging), AND it allows you to cover the straw when you're not drinking thanks to the leak-proof push button opening! Get ready to stay hydrated and cool as a cucumber alllll trip long. For years, I've been a running, cycling, and pilates enthusiast, sooo my water bottle is basically attached to me at the hip all day long. And through sweat-filled workouts that leave me lookin' like a ripe tomato, this means I need a bottle that *actually* keeps my H2O cold and keeps it from leaking out as I'm on the go. After going through a lot of trial and error with all the most popular brands as well as some more niche ones, I've finally found the one! Seriously, I wake up at 6 a.m., fill my bottle with ice and water, and I can still hear ice clinking around in there by sunset. And the double-spout built-in straw is so comfortable and effortless to drink from — def a feature I never knew I needed in a water bottle. Keeping it forever, love love love it! Promising review: "This is the second one I have purchased. I love this water bottle for the ease of drinking. The built-in sipping feature is a game changer, and I appreciate being able to close the top and keep the mouthpiece clean, unlike bottles with exposed straws. Don't ever change the design!" —Jill Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 21 colors and four sizes). If you're planning to really dive into the hiking culture of this gorgeous place, a bottle like this will definitely come in handy. This is lightweight and even has a wide mouth with a detachable straw if you prefer to chug instead of sip (and believe me, those hot Hawaiian temps will have you dying for some big gulps of water). And when you're done, you can just roll into a compact lil' ball and toss it into your backpack! Promising review: "We took them to Hawaii. They fold up very small for travel, and they hold plenty of water. They were great for our road trips. They don’t leak. We bought two colors so we knew whose was whose. Highly recommend for travel." —Claire P. Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in six colors and also in packs of two). This seems like such a basic item, but it will arguably be one of your most-used ones throughout your trip! Along with all the fun you'll be having, you'll often be hot and wet (whether it's from the ocean or from *ugh* sweat). The last thing you'll want to deal with is your hair, and that's where these handy clips come in! Reviewers (even ones with thick, curly hair!) rave about how strong they are and how well they hold their locks up. Plus, this 12-pack includes many pretty colors to go with your bathing suit choice of the day. And while we're at it, here's some *great* hair ties and some gorgeous flower hair clips! Promising reviews: "Strong, stylish, and perfect for thick hair. These extra-large claw clips hold long, curly hair securely without slipping. The rubberized finish feels sturdy and gentle on hair, and the variety of colors is a nice bonus. Great value for a durable, everyday hair accessory set." —patsy g hall "At first I was skeptical, thinking these hair claws would break, but now that I have them, I can’t live without them. I like the quality, the quantity it came in, and the feel of a great finish. You can even let go of the clip at full extension, and it normally doesn’t break! Super easy to use and holds my hair well. It comes with a lot more than you think. I’d definitely purchase these over ones in store for the price." —Drake Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 14 color combos). Your hiking day will likely involve lots of beautiful rainforests and waterfalls, which means you'll need a durable, water-resistant bag with you to store all your essentials. That's where this bag comes in! This'll hold your wallet, phone, water bottle, a small umbrella, and anything else you might need on your adventure that should be protected from the wetness of the island climate. The best part? It folds up to fit into an ultra-compact pouch, making it incredibly easy to travel with. Promising review: "Bought this backpack for a Hawaii trip. Used it every day during the whole two weeks. Went on many hikes, through rain and mud. The bag is still holding up. Perfect size to hold everything you need." —Vic Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 14 colors). It's all fun and games until you put a little *too* much trust in your fellow beach goers. This lets you catch a few waves with the fam without having to worry about leaving your valuables unattended. It can wrap around an umbrella, picnic table leg, or chair so you can stow away your phone, keys, wallet, and other small valuables without worrying about them being lost or stolen. Reviewers use this gem at water parks, all-inclusive resorts, and even in Airbnbs. Promising review: "Bought it for an overseas trip, and it worked great. We used it both in a hotel room when the room safe was out of order and on the beach. I look forward to using it on outings this summer, and I think it will be a very useful addition to my travel staples. I packed in my luggage full of toiletries and sunscreen, so it didn't feel like it took up a ton of space, and I could carry it in my purse/tote without it feeling too bulky. That said, you can fit a lot into it." —laurel Get it from Amazon for $39.95+ (available in three colors). If you're going to the birthplace of surfing to catch some waves, this rashguard will help ensure your skin stays safe from surfboard rashes as well as act as an extra layer against the strong sun rays, thanks to its built-in UPF sun protection. This is *smart*, since you'll be drenched in salt water and probably more susceptible to sunburn! Promising review: "Bought this for a trip to the beach and really appreciated the sun protection and function. Just right for the price." —anonymous Get it from Old Navy for $22.49 (originally $44.99; available in women's sizes XS–4X and three colors). Along with lots of outdoor fun come lots of outdoor critters ready to feast on your skin. This handy spritz is unscented and non-greasy and is formulated with 7% DEET to help protect against mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, and other pesky insects. It's also infused with aloe vera to help keep skin from feeling dry or irritated! This reviewer (who had recently moved to the *humid* Floridian climate) also notes that it's gentle on sensitive skin. Promising review: "This is a reliable bug spray that's perfect for the whole family. It offers effective protection against mosquitoes, ensuring you can enjoy outdoor activities without the annoyance of pesky bugs. The unscented formula is a plus, and the added aloe vera provides a soothing touch, making it gentle on the skin. In a convenient 9-ounce size, this spritz is an essential companion for outdoor adventures, providing peace of mind and protection against unwanted insect bites. Enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about mosquitoes!" —Nancy Badillo If you tend to get seasick and have boat excursions planned, or if you predict you'll be getting motion sickness on the plane ride there, you'll be so relieved to have this. It applies acupressure to each wrist, potentially helping relieve nausea and reduce your likelihood of vomiting, so that you can finally enjoy your much-deserved vacation. It's also been known to work for postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea. It applies pressure on your wrist to help ~restore balance~. Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Promising review: "I'm eight weeks pregnant and have had morning sickness nonstop every single day, and it has made my appetite go away so much that I feared for my baby's health. I needed a quick fix so I could eat again. It worked amazingly. I went to Denny's and ate my weight in pancakes! It feels so good not to feel nauseous all the time." —Kindle Customer Get it from Amazon for $8.53 (available in five colors). * Travel Products That’ll Have Your Trip Companions Saying, “Woah, They’re A Pro” * Maturing Is Realizing You Really Only Need A Carry-On, And These 28 Travel Products Prove It * Toys And Travel Activities That’ll Help Mute The Incessant “Are We There Yet?” * Flight Attendants Swear By These 27 Travel Products (So You Know They're Worth The Money) * Versatile Travel Pieces That Are Perfect For When You’ve Committed To Packing Light * Products For Anyone Traveling To A Warm Destination In The Near Future * Products Reviewers Say They Never Travel Without * Travel Essentials That'll Make Your Economy Seat Feel Like First Class * Must-Have Items For Your Next Universal Studios Trip Plus, compression socks, travel bags, cosmetic bags, pet carriers, and travel-ready sandals. The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity. BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way. Gabriela Manjarrez is a staff writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team who covers a variety of topics from beauty to home to travel, while having a special enthusiasm for K-beauty, quirky (but useful!) trinkets, and all things luxe and aesthetic.