As a beauty editor, Megan O'Neill spent more than 15 years testing products for Goop, Elle, and Lucky. The frequent traveler—and devoted Jamaica enthusiast—has dedicated nearly as much time to determining which bottles and tubes deserve space in her suitcase. 

Now the creative director of Nayla sustainable sandals and co-host of The Soft Life podcast, O’Neill communicates glamour in even full-throttle heat:  “I love the sun, the beach, and disgusting humidity,” she says of happily soaking in the island ethos of her mother’s birthplace. Currently living in Brooklyn with her husband and two young sons,  she also appreciates the island’s easy ‘direct flight’ status for family jaunts to Negril.

Packing light is essential. O’Neill relies on supercharged skincare essentials—and the power of touch—for her beauty needs. “When I’m washing my face, I take a full minute to massage my skin,” she says of targeting congested pores and smoothing out under-eye puffiness while cleansing. The same low-tech, high-touch approach extends to her favorite Vitamin C oil-gel serum and mineral sunscreen. “The best way to feel better is touch—it’s self- and life-affirming.” 

Next comes a flash of color. “I love a flicker of something!” While O’Neill’s go-to swimwear and beach accessories fall in the high-octane color spectrum, she opts for subtler pigments on her skin. A swipe of hydrating lip tint or a sheer wash of fuchsia cream blush makes her appear “a little more alive” in an instant.

Here, O’Neill shares a peek inside her carry-on, from the covetable string bikini and lime-green mules that lift her mood to the face serum she refers to as “the secret.”

Nayla Lazy Mule in Green Choo Choo

“I like a flip-flop on the beach, but this is my shoe for everything else. The lime green is so bright, spirit-boosting, and it makes whatever you’re wearing into an outfit.”

Tropic of C Bikini in Banana Spine

“I don’t want to wear anything but a string bikini on the beach.  The skimpier cut of this one feels more flattering than something covering my butt. I love how it fits different bodies—I think a string bikini is flattering on everyone.”

Good Weather Skin All-Over Sun Milk SPF 50

“I’m a sunscreen person year-round. This mineral sunscreen applies invisibly and gives you a nice sheen. One of the founders is Black, so I especially trust them to make sunscreen that melts into my skin.”

Westman Atelier Squeaky Clean Lip Balm in Lou Lou

“I don’t feel like myself without lip balm. This berry shade is a refreshing summery tint that’s juicy and understated.”

Westman Atelier Suprême C Serum 

“Vitamin C is the secret for all skin types, but not every Vitamin C serum is great. This one is incredible. It feels comfy, hydrating, yet fine—and it noticeably brightens my skin over time.”

Relax Lacrosse Brand Mesh Shorts

“These are the new cut-offs—perfect to slip on with a bikini top or cropped t-shirt. There’s something beachy and easy about them. Plus, I love the hot pink.  Why not?”

Janessa Leoné Waverly Straw Hat

“This hat is the perfect shape with the perfect brim, and there’s something so rustic about the sand color.”

Boys & Sex by Peggy Orenstein 

“I want to raise boys who are thoughtful, sure of themselves, and also gentle, so I need them to understand what pleasure and intimacy actually are. This book explores how most boys today learn about sex through porn, why they don’t understand consent, and how they can better navigate sexual and emotional relationships.”