In May, I headed to the California desert for Coachella with Neutrogena, the festival’s official sunscreen partner. Among the beauty industry insiders on the trip was none other than Danessa Myricks, the renowned makeup artist and founder of her eponymous brand. When I spotted her, I had a feeling she and Neutrogena were cooking up something special—and my hunch proved correct.
This month, Myricks and Neutrogena are releasing three exclusive ‘Get Glam Ready’ skin-prep kits available only at select CVS locations and CVS.com (starting August 31). For the beloved beauty founder, working with the award-winning skincare brand is one of the most full-circle moments in her career. “A lot of people don’t know that my career started in the drugstore. I built my kit at the CVS in my neighborhood, and I’ve always filled it with Neutrogena products, so it’s authentic to work with them. If you look at any master class that I’ve done, from like 2016 to now, I always start with Neutrogena.”
Given Neutrogena’s wide-ranging skincare offerings, curating a concise edit was no small feat. However, as with anything she does, Myricks centers inclusivity in every decision she makes. “I wanted to include products that spoke to everybody,” she says.
She also wanted the collection to feel digestible, including only the essentials. “Everyone watches everything happening on social and thinks that everyone has a 20-step skin care routine—that’s not the reality for most people. People need to know how to wash their face, how to moisturize, and how to gently remove either their sunscreen or their makeup.”
Ultimately, Myricks landed on the Makeup Remover Wipes and Hydro Boost Hydrogel Masks, while also developing a limited-edition skin prep set stocked with the Makeup Remover Wipes, Hydro Boost Hydrogel Masks, Hydro Boost Gel Cream, and Hydro Boost Lip Oil. “These products are everything you will need to start and end your day,” she says. “I love the Hydro Boost line, in particular, because it works well on every single skin type and skin tone. If you are super dry and looking for radiance, this product is going to give it to you. But if you’re super oily, this is also perfect.”
Myricks adds that the science-backed ingredients powering the Hydro Boost line make it even more worthwhile. “Whether you wear makeup or not, the hydration is the magic,” she says. “I’d say hyaluronic acid and glycerin are the two [standout ingredients]. Because for me, it’s not only about moisturizing the skin and getting it ready, it’s about retaining that moisture, too.”
Beyond her affinity for the products, Myricks also saw this partnership as a prime opportunity to highlight the power of affordable beauty. “People really love to know when something is makeup-artist-backed. Sometimes, it feels separate—like, this is where the average person goes to buy stuff, and makeup artists go somewhere else. I want people to know this is the makeup artist’s go-to, too. Something in the drugstore can also feel aspirational.”
Each piece of the collection comes in custom packaging featuring Myricks alongside a model. She says seeing her face on the kits—and on CVS shelves—is deeply moving. “I know I’m going to cry [the first time I walk into the store],” she says. “I can’t wait to bring my mom to the store, too. There are just so many important moments in my life that connect Neutrogena and CVS together. I just love that there’s a real story behind this.”
