Tried + Tested: Pop Beauty Tan Popper

When the big guns told me about the exclusive Pop Beauty Tan Popper ($38) I thought it was some sort of pop-top can of self tanner. And I immediately envisioned myself clumsily opening a surprise snake of bronzed tint and having it explode all over my bathroom and moi. Cue the "I was wrong" soundtrack. This is a handy-dandy, all-in one, everything you need to look sun-kissed and party-ready makeup kitter.

I'm telling you, this is a put it in the weekend bag and go kind of thing. Stocked with cool pastels and rich bronzes specifically paired to help make skin look bronzer (a secret weapon for us SPF addicts), there's a deep bronzer, a creamy beige blush, and my personal fave, a peachy shimmer that is great for highlighting them apples. A shadow ninetet (is that even a word?) is packed with perfect day colors—we're talking pinky pink, sugar plumed purple and a dusty rose—and hitting the bars shades like a super saturated navy, a tropical turquoise and a white highlight.

There are also three eye pencils and a double-headed brush. All the formulas are smooth, sheer and featherweight. And it honestly feels like you've got nothing on, which is perfect for those steamy summah days when you wish you were a nudist. It really does have everything you need to be a day-tonight Barbie this beach season. There are even two step-by-step looks by Carina, Pop's makeup guru, perfect for when your brain is feeling sun-sick and doesn't want to think about how to create a look all on its own.

And did I mention that the pack is so compact that I, who have used and toted it around, still can't believe that it fits into my smallest new season bag?

- Jenna Mahoney