Hitting The Road This Summer? Here Are 19 Travel Essentials You Need To Pack

Laurie Espino
May 30, 2023
best travel essentials

The summer season is upon us and you know what that means — adventures and travel! The list of potential getaways are endless with road trips, beach days, hiking trips, and girls weekends. But prepping for travel can be a stressful experience. From keeping TSA regulations in mind to making sure everything fits to remembering emergency “just in case” items, it’s easy to get exhausted before your trip even begins. Luckily, we’ve rounded up 19 of the year’s best travel items. From multi-functional bags to skincare travel kits, these products will make your pre-travel days so much more seamless.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch ($3)

It never fails — you’re on vacay and a pimple suddenly shows up. Avoid the temptation to pop and pick with these miracle patches that use medical-grade hydrocolloids and absorb pimple gunk while also helping keep germs away. Bye-bye blemishes!

Jergens Cloud Crème Hand Cream ($10)

Ever notice how dry your skin gets when you’re flying? That’s because the limited-flowing air in the cabin can be incredibly drying. Keep your hands feeling silky smooth with this non-greasy hand moisturizer.

HIP CHIC Nailed It Semi-cured Gel Nail Strip ($14)

There are always a million things that need to get done before a trip, it’s easy to forget to get that pre-vacation mani before you hit the road. Make sure that all your nails are Insta-ready with these easy-to-apply nail strips! With minimal effort, you’ll have a semi-cured gel manicure that lasts up to fourteen days.

Garnier SkinActive Travel-Size All-in-One Micellar Cleansing Water ($5)

Quickly wash away the sweat and dirt accumulated during your travels with this cleansing water. It’s gentle enough for everyday use and tough enough to clean your pores and remove your makeup.

Primal Life Organics - Charcoal Toothbrush ($10)

An organic bamboo toothbrush may seem unnecessary at first, but did you know that the plastic on traditional toothbrushes is a breeding ground for bacteria? Add the summer’s heat, and it’s not a super sanitary combo. Bamboo is antimicrobial, so harmful bacteria won’t grow on the handle.

Harry Josh Pro Tools Cordless Flat Iron ($350)

There are few things more frustrating when you’re trying to get ready to hit the town than struggling to find an outlet for your flatiron — extra frustration points if you manage to find the outlet, but don’t have the proper adapter. Instead of leaving the hotel frustrated with your tresses untamed, try out this cordless flatiron. It heats up to 425 degrees and guarantees at more than 40 minutes of cord-free styling for each charge.

Curél Japanese Skincare Travel Kits ($20)

Curél’s Travel Kits come complete with up to two weeks' worth of makeup remover, face cleanser, moisturizer, and facial cream all in TSA-approved sizes. Who knew packing could be so easy?!

ECOS Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent Sheets ($13)

In a perfect world, accidents and stains would never happen on vacation. But since the world is far from perfect, we’ve come to expect a few mishaps when we hit the road. Be ready with these laundry detergent sheets. They’re completely plastic-free, easy to pack, and one sheet is powerful enough for one full load. They’re especially useful if you’re traveling with little ones or for long-haul trips where you know you’ll need to do laundry.

First Aid Beauty Anti-Chafe Stick with Shea Butter + Colloidal Oatmeal ($20)

Avoid the annoying skin-on-skin discomfort that comes with summer heat with this revolutionary anti-chafe stick. I can testify that this product saved me last summer when even the breeziest summer frocks couldn’t keep me cool. It’s formulated with shea butter and colloidal oatmeal and is gentle enough for the most sensitive of skin types.

Ella+mila Soy Nail Polish Remover Wipes ($5)

Accidentally chipped a mani? No need to run around with an incomplete set. These soy-based nail polish remover wipes come in single-use packets, making them super easy to pack and grab on-the-go. And unlike traditional nail polish removers, they contain Vitamins A, C, & E, which promote healthy and moisturized nails. No dry or damaged cuticles here!

Bravo Sierra Antibacterial Body Wipes ($10)

Whether you’re camping, heading to a festival, or end up with an unexpected flight delay, these individually wrapped body wipes are the perfect way to refresh when a shower is out of reach. They allegedly kill up to 99% of bacteria in 60 seconds and are enriched with soothing aloe vera, ginseng, and blue algae - promoting smooth skin for a refreshing and energizing wipe-down.

Travalo Milano Perfume AtomizerTravalo Milano Perfume Atomizer ($40)

Got an emotional attachment to your favorite fragrance? No need to leave it behind anymore. With its innovative Genie-S “pump to fill” system, your favorite perfume is transferred perfectly for travel without exposure to the air or a drop spilled. It’s totally glass-free, so the days of you wondering if you’ll find your favorite fragrance broke and spilled all over your toiletries are over.

ZitSticka MEGASHADE Sunscreen Serum ($40)

There’s a lot of fun to be had in the summer that it’s easy to forget SPF protection. Start your routine off right with a sunscreen serum with SPF 50. Made with acne-prone skin in mind, this dermatologically formulated serum provides protection against the sun’s harmful rays and acts as the perfect makeup primer for both your neck and face.

Kedzie Triple Threat Foldable Duffle Shoulder Bag ($46)

Finding the perfect travel bag can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Luckily, we did the hard part for you, and this foldable duffle is calling your name! Boasting the rare combination of stylish and functional, this durable bag is foldable and can be adjusted to three different sizes. Talk about easy-peasy packing!

Geekey Multi-Tool Keychain ($13, was $20)

If there was a most deceptively looking useful item, it’ll go to Geekey. This tiny tool has sixteen different functions ranging from bottle opener and bit driver to smoking bowl. No matter what travels and adventures await you this summer, this handy accessory is sure to help you one way or another. Oh, did we mention it’s TSA-friendly?

Lush Travel Shampoo Bar ($15)

Getting your toiletries travel-ready can be stressful. Does it meet TSA’s liquid guidelines? Will it spill en route? Ditch all those worries away with Lush’s signature shampoo bar. It washes away oil and product build-up while leaving your locks smelling fresh and clean.

Butter & Me Choco Body Scrub ($28, was $32)

Speaking of convenient travel toiletries, your days of pouring body wash into tiny bottles and wasting bars of soap are over! These travel-friendly body scrubs give your skin a deep exfoliation and leave it feeling clean and moisturized. Limit your waste by just breaking off what you need and saving the rest for your next getaway.

Hey Dewy Wireless, Rechargeable Mist Humidifier ($60)

Both dermatologists and aestheticians agree that humidifiers’ many benefits range from helping soothe dry skin and cracked lips to lubricating sinus airways. Now you can take those benefits on the road with you with this rechargeable humidifier. Each full charge will give you up to eight hours of soothing mist, and its compact design makes it an easy-to-pack companion.

Beachtech Towels ($30)

Whether you’re hitting the waves or relaxing poolside, a beach towel is definitely the first thing you wanna reach for. But traditional towels are often bulky and inconvenient, taking up valuable real estate in your likely already packed-to-the-brim luggage. Enter Beachtech, towels that are supposed to absorb up to three times more than traditional towels while being able to be folded down to less than half the size of a traditional towel. An added bonus? There’s a corner pocket, so no need to fret on where you put essentials like your phone and wallet when you’re lounging.

What are your favorite travel essentials? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Someone Call Timothée Chalamet & Saoirse Ronan For "The Chronicles Of Narnia"

My Facebook bio reads "I have a Narnia quote for every occasion," and the sentiment rings true. The hope and wonder found inside The Chronicles of Narnia played a huge role in shaping who I am as a writer and as a human. I'm a part of a Facebook group and keep up with some online forums, which means that I can spot clickbait or a fake poster from a mile away.

After Netflix acquired the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia in 2018, I was on the edge of my seat to see who would be involved. So, as you can imagine, when it was finally confirmed that Greta Gerwig (who directed 2019's Little Women, the other story that has heavily influenced my life) would write and direct the next two movies in the Narnia universe, I told *everyone.*

Although the books are no stranger to controversy, I'm confident Greta Gerwig will handle them with grace and tact because she has a knack for bringing stories into the 21st century while still feeling true to their original heart.

Who's in Greta Gerwig's Narnia cast?

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

While we also don't have word on Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia cast yet, after a reunion with actress Brie Larson at the 2024 Golden Globes (the two women starred in 2010's Greenberg together), X users are hoping the Oscar winner will make an appearance! "She need to get in Narnia somehow," one user said when they retweeted a video of the reunion. The reunion in question features Brie hopping like a bunny over to Greta, who squeals as they hug each other. I don't know about you, but that's exactly how I greet my friends IRL.

"When [Brie Larson] gets the Best Supporting Actress nomination for playing the White Witch, wait," one user added.

Saoirse Ronan told The Wrap at the Sundance Film Festival that she's already asked to be in Greta Gerwig's Narnia movies! The actress played the lead in two of Greta's films: Jo March in Little Women and the titular character in Ladybird. When asked whether she's already asked to be in The Chronicles of Narnia, Saoirse responds with a firm "yes." "We have that kind of relationship where I’m like 'So I’ll be in the next one!,'" she says.

However, it looks like we do have an idea of who we *won't* see in the cast. Original Narnia cast member William Moseley (who played Peter Pevensie) recently told Bleeding Cool he doesn't expect to get a call from Greta Gerwig: "I’m not part of that world anymore, which sometimes makes me sad because I love the world of Narnia and becoming a part of it."

"In terms of what I think about Greta Gerwig directing, I think she’s incredible," he continues. "Barbie was an amazing movie, and Little Woman was brilliant. Everything she touches turns gold, so I think Netflix is lucky to have her, and I’m sure she will embrace the challenge. I hope she enjoys it because it’s an incredible world to create, and I can’t wait to see what she produces."

Which Narnia story is Greta Gerwig adapting?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media

The specific Narnia movies the writer and director is making haven't been named, but an interview with TIME says that Greta Gerwig is adapting "the first book" in the series. The only hiccup is that they don't confirm whether they mean the first book chronologically (The Magician's Nephew) or the first book C.S. Lewis published (The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe). I'm thinking it'll be The Magician's Nephew since we've never seen that story onscreen.

“[The films] won’t be counter to how the audience may have imagined those worlds,” Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos tells TIME, “but it will be bigger and bolder than they thought.”

While we don't have official confirmation on which movie Greta Gerwig is adapting, we know she wants it to have even more of an impact than Barbie.

"I want to make it feel like magic," she says. “C.S. Lewis said that the goal of writing fantasy — you know, something from his imagination — he’d say, let’s say you wrote about an enchanted forest. The goal would be that then every time you walk into a forest after you read it, you’d say to yourself, ‘maybe this is an enchanted forest.’ So that’s a tall order, but I guess re-enchantment of the world [is my goal].”

It looks like we can expect to come away from Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia movies with even more love for the world, more childlike wonder, and more courage and kindness towards each other — and I am totally here for it.

How long has Greta Gerwig wanted to make a Chronicles of Narnia movie?

Image viaChang Ho/Warner Bros. Entertainment

Like the intentional planner she is, Greta Gerwig actually thought about directing a Narnia movie way before her involvement was ever confirmed.

"I’m writing and I’m sort of starting to dream and think about what I’m approaching," she says on The Empire Film Podcast. "I would say the land of Narnia is equally exciting and terrifying. I have nothing really to report on it other than it’s something I was actually talking about before I made Barbie. So, that’s been sort of in my unconscious working its way through. But that has been a pattern. I wrote a draft of Little Women before I made Lady Bird."

Narnia, Little Women, Barbie — Greta Gerwig has a knack for turning our beloved childhood stories into something complex and emotional that resonates with us even more as adults!

“I’m slightly in the place of terror because I really do have such reverence for Narnia,” Greta tells BBC Radio 4. “I loved Narnia so much as a child. As an adult, C.S. Lewis is a thinker and a writer. I’m intimidated by doing this. It’s something that feels like a worthy thing to be intimidated by."

"As a non-British person, I feel a particular sense of wanting to do it correctly," she continues. "It’s like when Americans do Shakespeare, there’s a slight feeling of reverence and as if maybe we should treat it with extra care. It is not our countryman.”

Are these new The Chronicles of Narnia movies a continuation or a reboot?

Image via Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media

We don't have any info yet on whether this adaptation will pick up where The Voyage of the Dawn Treader left off, whether it will be a remake of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, or if it will be a totally new story within the Narnia universe (similar to Prime Video's The Rings of Power).

I'm personally anticipating that it will be the first option because I would love to see Greta bring something like The Magician's Nephew (which has never been adapted) to life onscreen.

What is The Chronicles of Narnia about?

Image via Disney Enterprises/Walden Media

The Chronicles of Narnia revolves around the fictional land of Narnia, and the children in our world who find it. Time passes differently in Narnia than it does on earth, which means that even though around 50 years pass for the characters, they find themselves in a different decade or century every time they reenter the magical land.

Each book has themes like good vs. evil, family, and identity as the characters face different challenges and adventures. The coolest thing about these books is how open-ended C.S. Lewis wrote them — because your own personal experiences, life lessons, and worldview impact your imagination, you have a different experience every time you read them.

“It’s connected to the folklore and fairy stories of England, but it’s a combination of different traditions,” Greta Gerwig tells TIME. “As a child, you accept the whole thing—that you’re in this land of Narnia, there’s fauns, and then Father Christmas shows up. It doesn’t even occur to you that it’s not schematic. I’m interested in embracing the paradox of the worlds that Lewis created, because that’s what’s so compelling about them.”

Are these new The Chronicles Of Narnia movies for Netflix?

Image via Twentieth Century Fox Fim Corporation/Walden Media

Yes! Netflix acquired the rights to The Chronicles of Narnia (which were previously held by Walden Media) in 2018, but there wasn't much news for the next few years. The New Yorker confirmed that Greta is attached to write and direct these Narnia Netflix films in the near future.

Why did Disney stop making Narnia movies?

Image via Courtesy 20th Century Fox/Walden Media

The final Chronicles of Narnia adaptation for Disney was 2010's The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Even though the film set up a sequel, issues with the rights ended the film series early.

The Chronicles Of Narnia Adaptations To Watch

Image via Pierre Vinet/Disney Enterprises, Inc/Walden Media, LLC/IMDb

Animated Film:

BBC Miniseries:

Disney Feature Films:

Are you excited for Greta Gerwig's Chronicles of Narnia movies? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Facebook for more movie news!

Lead image via Chang Ho/Warner Bros. Entertainment

This post has been updated.

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Sabrina Carpenter And Barry Keoghan Made Their Red Carpet Debut At The Met Gala

Before they were publicly seen together, we were dying to know if singer Sabrina Carpenter was actually dating actor Barry Keoghan. Rumors about their relationship cropped up in late 2023, and they're definitely not rumors anymore!

The pair made their *official* debut at the 2024 Met Gala, and they looked so cute together. Barry also enthusiastically supported Sabrina's Coachella performance last month, and we've been obsessed ever since. Since the two have been romantically linked for a while now, we’re taking a deeper look at their history and their chemistry.

Here’s everything you need to know about Sabrina Carpenter and her boyfriend, Barry Keoghan!

Who is Sabrina Carpenter?

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Sabrina Carpenter is a 24-year-old actress and singer. Her most popular acting roles began on Disney Channel from 2014 to 2017 with Girl Meets World and 2016’s Adventures in Babysitting.

Sabrina has been releasing original music since 2014, and her 2022 album titled Emails I Can’t Send landed her her first-ever top-40 chart entry. Her songs “Nonsense” and “Feather” are two of her top-listened tracks on Spotify.

Sabrina also opened for Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour in 2023.

Additionally, she's worked as a brand ambassador for Converse, Aeropostale, and Samsung, and launched a fragrance line in collaboration with Scent Beauty.

Sabrina was suspected to be dating singer Shawn Mendes last year, but he dispelled rumors about it very publicly in March 2023.

Who is Barry Keoghan?

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Barry Keoghan is an award-winning 31-year-old Irish actor. He’s well-known for his roles in Dunkirk, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Eternals, and Saltburn. He has also been in several TV series, from HBO’s Chernobyl to Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air.

Barry was previously dating girlfriend Alyson Kieran since September 2021, but the pairbroke up in July 2023 after Barry started seeing success for his performance in the film The Banshees of Inisherin. An inside source close to the couple said “they’ve grown apart over recent months and things have finally come to a head. As far as [Alyson is] concerned, it’s over.”

Barry and Alyson still share a young son named Brando, born in August 2022.

Is Barry Keoghan Sabrina Carpenter's Boyfriend? A Relationship Timeline

Catherine Powell / Getty Images for MTV

September 2023

In late September 2023, Sabrina attended an NYC advanced screening of Saltburn, a dark comedy film in which Barry stars. The pair was not seen together, but they were definitely in the same place at the same time.

The pair reportedly met for the first time during Paris Fashion Week at the Givenchy spring/summer 2024 show, just a week after the advanced screening.

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

December 2023

Sabrina and Barry were spotted on a casual dinner date in Los Angeles in December 2023. They weren’t quite visibly affectionate or close together in photos, but shared the same car.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

January 2024

Sabrina and Barry were suspected to attend the 2024 Golden Globes together to debut their relationship, but the pair ended up attending separately.

The two were later spotted out and about at LA’s Luna Luna interactive art installation later in January.Eyewitness accounts said "it definitely seemed like a date.” 👀

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February 2024

In early February 2024, the duo was seen gettin’ cozy with each other at a Grammys after party. Someone had snapped a pic of them sitting next to each other, but it appeared they were pretty shy about showing their whole faces. Cute!

The couple confirmed their romance just around Valentine's Day with a fun-filled weekend in Los Angeles (with plenty of PDA, of course). They started out with dinner at Nobu before checking into Hotel Bel-Air. They next day, they spent time together at Sabrina's house in Hollywood and then went out on the town in style!

As much as we can tell, Sabrina and Barry are just having fun with it!

Amy Sussman and Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images for Vanity Fair

March 2024

The 2024 Oscars marked Sabrina and Barry's first red carpet appearance as a couple! The pair pulled up in semi-coordinating outfits – her wearing a black sequined Tory Burch gown, him wearing a sleek black suit by Amiri.

Barry also accessorized his Oscars look with a beaded friendship bracelet (a la Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce) that spelled out Sabrina's name!

Photographed side-by-side several times, the couple also took the chance to reference their silly Grammys photo by hiding their faces for the camera. Love!

IG @sabrinacarpenter

April 2024

On April 1, Barry left a fiery comment on Sabrina's Instagram. She posted a carousel promoting the new spring 2024 intimates collection from Skims, packed with steamy pics of her wearing pieces from the drop.

Barry's comment was "🔥🥵 barbie emoji," which is just too cute. Since Sabrina is known over social media as a Bratz doll, we love to see this brand new Barbie side!

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Coachella

April 2024

Barry – being the supportive boyfriend he is – was spotted in the crowd at Sabrina's Coachella weekend 1 set, and the couple shared a few cute moments even when they were apart!

Barry was seen happily snapping pictures on his phone like a proud parent during the high-energy performance. Sabrina also cutely waved to Barry from the stage, and he was definitely fangirling over it! We would be fangirling too, TBH! 🔥

After Sabrina's set, the pair was spotted together in the crowd at Ice Spice's performance alongside friends Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The four appeared to just be hanging out and chatting among themselves in between songs!

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May 2024

The couple stepped out together to attend the 2024 Met Gala. Sabrina sported a gorgeous black gown with blooming blue details while Barry's look channeled a 19th century Englishman. They posed together with their signature 'hands over the face' pose, with Barry using his hat as a shield. We are enamored by these two!

Stay updated on the latest celebrity relationships with Brit + Co!

Lead photos by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue and Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images.

This post has been updated.

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15 Fun Things To Do With Mom That Aren’t Mother’s Day Brunch

All moms are not created equal. Sure, some crave a leisurely mimosa-laden brunch or a mother-daughter mani-pedi outing for Mother’s Day, but we also know moms who are up for an impromptu road trip, baseball game or epic karaoke sesh. No matter what kind of mama you have, it’s time to step up your Mother’s Day game with these 15 activities.

Image via Katerina Holmes/Pexels

1. Go on a weekend getaway. If your relationship is on the Rory-Lorelei side of the spectrum, you can probably handle a fun weekend getaway. Try a relaxing spa package, a museum-centric urban destination, or something a little more outdoorsy like whitewater rafting or mountain biking. You can also book a unique place to stay for a short escape. (Photo via Getty)

2. Thrift ’til you drop. Retail therapy is a relaxing activity for many a mom, but why not be a little more adventurous and hit up some local thrift shops? They’re cheaper and full of rare vintage gems that are ripe for the upcycling.

3. Make her fave food into a DIY spread. Is mom crazy for popcorn or does she dig donut holes? Set up a fun, festive DIY food bar for the whole fam featuring her favorite snacks.

4. Do mother-daughter yoga. Maybe you’ve got a Lululemon-sporting lady or she’s never even said “Namaste.” Either way, a grown-up version of a Mommy-and-Me yoga class can be a great way to bond and relax together.

Image via Ron Lach/Pexels

5. Go hiking, camping, or glamping. Pack up some gear and tent it for a night or just find a picturesque place to hike, picnic, and get some al fresco Instagram fodder.

6. Be baseball fans. Does mom root, root, root for the home team? If not, no worries: Even the sports-illiterate can have a ton of fun at baseball games. Pro tip: Minor League games are just as much fun, and you’ll avoid spending an entire paycheck at the stadium.

7. Sing karaoke. Put all that car-ride harmonizing to good use at your favorite karaoke spot. Bonus points if you serenade her with Sting.

8. Host a game night. Gather all of Mom’s favorite board games and take care of the snacks, drinks, and clean-up. All she needs to do is show up and have fun.

Image via Helena Lopes/Pexels

9. Hit up the dive bar. Proceed at your own risk. If you’re not careful, Mom just might drink you under the table. Maybe Dad can be sober cab…

10. Make homemade face scrubs. Thrifty, beauty product-loving moms will be thrilled that they can make their favorite face scrubs, lip scrubs, lip balms, or even bath bombs at home.

11. Bust out the pink foam rollers. When else are you going to use these beauty relics? Might as well experiment on each other’s hair, and have some LOLs while you do it.

Image via Zen Chung/Pexels

12. Have a pizza party. No need to call for delivery. Making the pizza together is half the fun. Just add wine for the perfect night in. (Photo via Getty)

13. Host an at-home happy hour: Mom deserves a night off. Be her bartender for the evening and mix up some fancy cocktails she might not normally order.

14. Set off on an impromptu road trip. Rent a convertible and make like Thelma + Louise — without all the tragedy, of course. Just think of the selfies you’ll take!

15. Garden Together: Not to stereotype, but moms tend to know what they’re doing in this department. So why not dig in the dirt together? A cleaner alternative: Get some trendy indoor plants.

What will you do for your mom on Mother’s Day? Let us know @BritandCo.

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5 Reasons Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Girl Dad

After The Gray Man and a year full of Barbie and Ken, The Fall Guy (plus the upcoming Ocean's 11 prequelwith Margot Robbie) continues to prove Ryan Gosling is THE definition of a star. And between his friendship with Emma Stone and his relationship with Eva Mendes,Ryan seems like the kind of guy we'd all want to be best friends with — and not just because of his endless #Kenergy.

Not only is Ryan the sweetest partner, he's also the ultimate girl dad to daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Their "interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken," as Ryan tells People, get him to Barbieland in the first place, but he also just revealed they "asked specifically" he avoid one The Fall Guy stunt. “My kids didn't want me to be set on fire,” he says. “Even though I said, ‘Well, it's actually, technically the safer thing to do because there's a lot of protective stuff involved, [they] were like, ‘No. No fire.’ So I didn't do it.”

It's clear that Ryan Gosling's children are spitfires and I love to see it! Here's everything you need to know about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids — and every single time Ryan Gosling was the ultimate girl dad.

How many children do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have two children, Esmerelda Amada and Amada Lee. Amada was named after Eva's grandmother — both my sister and I have family names and I love seeing the way different families carry on that tradition!

How old are Ryan Gosling's kids?

Image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Esmerelda was born in September 2014, meaning she'll turn 10 this fall. Amada just turned 8 at the end of April!

How does Ryan Gosling prioritize his kids?

Image via Lionsgate

In his recent profile with WSJ, Ryan Gosling revealed he only picks roles that will benefit his whole family. "I don't really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place," Ryan says. "The decisions I make, I make them with Eva and we make them with our family in mind first."

"I think La La Landwas the first," he continues. "It was sort of like, 'Oh this will be fun for them too, because even though they're not coming to set, we're practicing piano every day or we're dancing or we're singing.'"

Every couple needs to figure out what prioritizing their kids looks like for them, and considering how much I love all Ryan's recent roles, I'd say this is a shift that benefits everyone ;).

When did Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have their daughters?

Image via Andrew Toth/Getty Images for New York & Company

Eva Mendes gave birth to Esmerelda on September 12, 2014 and later had Amada on April 29, 2016.

Are Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes still together?

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

Yes, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are still going strong, and thank goodness. Eva just revealed that Ryan provides a ton of support for her. "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she tells People. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

How has fatherhood affected Ryan Gosling?

Image via Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Considering Ryan Gosling's daughters are such a huge part of his life now, it's hard to believe that earlier in life, he wasn't sure he wanted kids. "After I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he tells GQ. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." Now, I'm going to need you to pause and reread that quote because I can't believe that's a real sentence. I'm obsessed!

A source also told People in 2023 that "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it."

Via WSJ, we also know that since Ryan Gosling's kids have started learning Spanish, they now call him Papi. "It kills me every time," he says. "There's just nothing, nothing better than that."

What has Eva Mendes said about their daughters?

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

Eva Mendes is just as obsessed with her and Ryan Gosling's children as he is, and she's talked about how they make life so much better. "Oh April…I have such a complicated relationship with you," she says on Instagram. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday…..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids!

Lead image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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The Starbucks Summer Menu Is In Full Swing With 3 New Boba Drinks

Stop what you’re doing! Folks, the Starbucks summer menu is in full swing, and you need to try it now. The chain – in addition to the spicy drinks that hit menus on April 16 – just launched a never-before-seen lineup of Refreshersthat include popping boba – just as we predicted! Starbucks also introduced a few fruityfood items, too.

The new items on the Starbucks summer menu are the perfect fit for the season. Scroll on for everything you can order now, plus a review of the spicy Refreshers so you can suss 'em out for yourself.

When did the Starbucks summer menu come out?

The Starbucks summer menu came out in two different phases: the spicy Refreshers launched on April 16, while the boba drinks and more come out on May 7.

Does Starbucks have boba?

Photo by Telly Mina / PEXELS

Yes – with the new summer menu items, Starbucks officially has boba!

Starbucks has never served boba nationwide before this, but they did test it regionally for a brief period in late 2021. According to Tasting Table, only two Starbucks locations (one in California, one in Washington) tested out coffee boba pearls back then. The pearls were also popping boba (like the new summer drinks), but weren't received super well.

One person that tried the boba drinks in 2021 said the pearls were "really small and awkward to drink." People engaging in online discourse about the coffee boba pearls weren't happy about the attention and revenue the boba could potentially take away from small businesses serving authentic Taiwanese boba.

Everything On The Starbucks Summer Menu

NEW! Summer-Berry Starbucks Refresher

The Starbucks summer menu lists a brand-new line of iced Refresher drinks, with the Summer-Berry flavor leading! And... it has boba!

This new sip is described as "a sweet summer blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry flavors mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk and shaken with ice." It's poured over raspberry-flavored popping boba, which amps up the berry vibes even more!

NEW! Summer-Berry Lemonade Refresher

This next sip is shaken with lemonade rather than water, which gives it a citrusy, zingy effect. Lemonade is the perfect bev for summertime, and I have a hunch it could pair really well with the raspberry boba pearls!

NEW! Summer Skies Drink Refresher

The Starbucks summer menu is heating up with this creamy drink! This one's essentially the Summer-Berry Refresher with a splash of coconut milk, much like the Starbucks Pink Dink. It also includes fruity boba! Starbucks will begin to supply wider green straws to help you sip up the pearls.

White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew

We've seen this drink on Starbucks menus before, and it's made its return for summer 2024, and I am so excited. The White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cold Brew features "Starbucks signature cold brew sweetened with macadamia syrup, topped with a silky white-chocolate macadamia cream cold foam and finished with toasted cookie crumbles," according to Starbucks.

I feel like nutty flavors are more fit for fall, but it's nice that Starbucks is offering an option for the warmer months with this returning iced coffee drink!

NEW! Orange Cream Cake Pop

The Starbucks summer menu also introduced a brand-new cake pop! The Orange Cream Cake Pop is described as "orange cream cake mixed with buttercream, dipped in chocolatey icing and finished with an orange slice design." The cute orange slice design honestly does it for me. I love an orange Dreamsicle!

NEW! Pineapple Cloud Cake

This new sweet snack is described as an "airy cake layered with a lightweight pineapple cream and pineapple spread with whole fruit pieces all topped with a sweet drizzle." It looks so yum.

What People Were Saying About The Starbucks Summer Menu Rumors

IG @markie_devo

The Starbucks summer menu rumors sparked a fair amount of excitement online. A few commenters on @markie_devo's initial menu leak post said the proposed lineup looks appetizing and exciting.

"Now this looks good 💯🔥," one person wrote. "Finally something DIFFERENT," another said.

Some Starbucks fans were anticipating entirely different drinks for the summer menu, like the S'mores Frappuccino that came out in 2019.

"Where's the smores frapp😫," the first comment reads. "Wish they’d bring back the S’mores Frappuccino 😔," another wrote.

Starbucks isn't the first big coffee chain to add boba to their menu. Dunkin' had featured strawberry-flavored popping pearls on their menu back in 2021, and Dutch Bros just debuted their version in February 2024. Some Starbucks customers commenting on the menu rumors noticed this.

"Stole from Dutch lmao," one person wrote. "Dunkin did it first lol. But these are super interesting," another said.

Starbucks Is Doing Something Spicy...

Spicy Dragonfruit Refresher

Rumors about some spicy Starbucks Refreshers were floating around the internet after @markie_devo posted a potential lineup. The first drink (of three new Refreshers) is the Spicy Dragonfruit Refresher. The drink is your traditional fruity Refresher, except shaken with lemonade and a new Spicy Chili Powder Blend to bring a nice kick of flavor!

I got to try it out first thing on launch day, and I have got to say that the spice in this drink somehow makes this the most "dragonfruit" dragonfruit drink I’ve ever had from Starbucks. And it's good! Of course, I expected my sips to be spicy, but I underestimated just how much spice would be included. I personally think it’s such a nice balance between sweet and spicy, but I could see where it may be too much for non-spice-lovers.

The spicy Refreshers will be available for limited time. They were released in stores on April 16, 2024.

Spicy Strawberry Refresher

The Spicy Strawberry Refresher is the most refreshing of all the spicy Starbucks drinks. It's just the OG Strawberry Refresher base shaken with zesty lemonade, ice, fruit bits, and the chili spice blend.

When I ordered the Spicy Strawberry Refresher, I was not expecting it to come out an orange color. Though unexpected, the spice in the drink was spicing nonetheless, and I thought it was pretty good! I had sipped this one first out of all three, but it ends up last in my overall Refresher ranking. I think the other bevs do a better job at highlighting the fruit – in this one, the strawberry flavors were undoubtedly eclipsed by the chili spice blend.

I bet it'd be so heavenly if you ordered it blended with ice, so it becomes a nice slushy texture!

Spicy Pineapple Refresher

I was most excited about this new Starbucks drink because in my opinion, pineapple and spice are a classic combo! I've eaten way too much Tajin-covered fruit in my lifetime, and I hoped for this drink to directly emulate those flavors! And y'all, it DELIVERED. 

​The drink is literally gorgeous. With the spice blend, the Pineapple Refresher takes on a orange-y hue, while the pieces of pineapple float at the top. Upon first sip, it tastes exactly like Tajin-covered fruit. I did notice that a lot of the spice blend sunk to the bottom of my cup, so I had to keep shaking it to mix it up. Not a big tradeoff though, for how deliciously fruity this drink is.

Spicy Cream Cold Foam

Starbucks is also offering Spicy Cream Cold Foam for a limited time. It's crafted with Starbucks classic cold foam and their new Spicy Chili Powder Blend, and you can add it to any iced drink!

I tried the Spicy Cream Cold Foam atop an iced mocha. I had a vision, okay?! I really wanted the chili and chocolate to blend together for a tasty Mexican chocolate feel. I admired the specks of spice in the cold foam before sipping down a swig.

My first impression was that the spice isn't as intense in the cold foam as it is with the Refreshers – it honestly made the drink more enjoyable. The chocolate in the mocha made it so tasty, balancing everything out with lots of sweetness. I think the Spicy Cream Cold Foam could be an amazing addition to other sweet coffee drinks like these for those seeking coffee-based bevs.

My Review Of Starbucks Spicy Refreshers

Photos by Meredith Holser

Because of the intensity of the spice, I also think the new Spicy Refreshers work best as a slow sipper. I found that when I drank them quickly, the spice became overpowering, and honestly, unenjoyable after a time. I still need to try the Refreshers with alcohol, but I think adding a lil' splash of tequila for an easy summer cocktail is the move. I could take to the park or a friend's place on a nice weekend. 👀 I can tell these are gonna keep me up and goin’ through summer!

What People Are Saying About The Spicy Starbucks Refreshers

In the wake of brand-new spicy drinks at Starbucks, some customers were thrown off by the initial menu rumors that @markie_devo posted.

"🤮 Kinda takes away the “refreshing” aspect lol," one person wrote. "But I guess people who like spicy stuff on fruit will be happy."

One Starbucks barista commented on the validity of the menu rumors, saying: "As someone who works at Starbucks, this isn’t fake, we got our chili powder in already 😃"

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Images via @markie_devo on Instagram, Starbucks.

This post has been updated.

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