Years ago, my friend Laney gave me a kajal eyeliner as a souvenir from Qatar, and I was smitten. The liner was dark and inky, smudgy (but not too smudgy) and long-lasting. Women have used these crayons for centuries in the Middle East and Asia, but it's illegal to import them to the United States. (The FDA doesn't want us putting charcoal or lead sulfide in our eyes.) So, after quickly using it up, I've gone without ever since.

That's why I'm so excited about Maybelline New York Master Kajal Khol Liner, $7.99, which comes incredibly close to the real thing (minus the questionable ingredients). It's available in black, blue, brown and gray. I'm stockpiling it just in case the FDA gets wind.

A pedicure is mandatory beach weekend prep, but nothing dulls polish faster than dipping your toes in the ocean. I recently put Revlon Color Stay Gel Envy Nail Lacquer, $7.99, to the test and was thoroughly impressed by the results. After two days of paddle boarding and body surfing, my pedicure was still shiny and chip-free.

While it may have "gel" in the name, this polish dries and comes off just like regular polish. The special top coat is gel like in that it's durable and high shine.