DJ May Kwok on Her Rockaways Surf Pop-Up and Her Ultimate Beach Beauty Staples
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When downtown house-and-hip-hop DJ May Kwok preps for a fashion event in New York City, it’s an all or nothing affair. “It takes a good 40 minutes to shower, blow-dry my hair, put on makeup, and get dressed,” she admits. “Finding an outfit alone takes up half the time!” But catch her in the middle of a long, summer weekend in the Rockaways—the surf-heavy hangout where she recently opened The Notion, her carefully curated clothing and lifestyle pop-up—and Kwok’s full-on maintenance routine takes a more laid-back turn. Of leaving her foundation, eyeliner, and blow-dryer behind in Greenpoint when she heads south, she says, “I guess that’s just the mood you’re in when you’re by the beach!” Whether you’re scouting for a waterproof makeup routine, a foolproof detangling product, or simply a gentle, effective way to heal dry, sun-kissed skin, Kwok’s got you covered. Here, she shares her essential seaside arsenal.
Photo: Courtesy of Maui Babe1/7“The first thing anyone thinks about before heading out to surf is SPF. I’m usually out in the water for two hours straight and don’t want to come out with harsh, leathery skin. I always apply Neutrogena’s Clear Face sunscreen on my face and this great product by Maui Babe on my body. I got it at a store called Off Season here in the Rockaways. It has the most delicious coconut smell. It’s the best product—I never burn, and it lasts all day, all season, in the water.”
Maui Babe SPF 30 Sunblock, $24; mauibabe.com
Photo: Courtesy of Shopify2/7“When I was platinum, the salt water would dry out my hair so much that I’d have to use a moisturizer by Frédéric Fekkai. Now, I don’t use anything before I surf. I did find this really great [product] here called Goldie’s, though. Everything is handmade in the founder’s home using natural, organic products.”
Goldie’s Amber Coconut Leave-In Conditioner, $22; goldiessoap.com
Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters3/7“The Wet Brush is so cheap and it’s great for detangling hair; I always use it after I’ve been out surfing.”
The Wet Brush in Neon Purple, $12; urbanoutfitters.com
Photo: Courtesy of Bumble and Bumble4/7“This great salt and oil spray gives my hair back some texture afterwards. The oil means it’s not drying at all and it gives you perfect, beachy waves."
Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion, $29; bumbleandbumble.com
Photo: Courtesy of drugstore.com5/7“Maybelline’s Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is definitely all I need. But sometimes I put on NARS s Multiple Bronzer stick, too. It’s my go-to for cheekbone shine and it gives me an extra boost of confidence before I head out into the waves.”
Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara in Very Black, $6, drugstore.com