I’d venture to say that my bag is at its fullest during the summertime.
There are (almost) too many things to carry when it’s hot out. Aside from the basics (keys, phone, wallet), it’s suddenly essential to keep some sort of water bottle at hand. Plus, I need blotting sheets because I have a serious sweating problem, and, on that note, a mini deodorant. This is just my purse.
You can probably imagine the mess that my beach bag tends to be. I’m pleased to report, however, that this year things have finally taken a turn for the better… and it’s all thanks to my new Cadence Capsule System.
Qui est “Cadence”?
Unsurprisingly, my mom was the one to introduce me to Cadence. In her typical ahead-of-the-curve fashion, she presented me with a set from the brand for my birthday in early May. I don’t have the best record regarding organization… but these capsules have completely changed my relationship with packing, whether it be for a trip or a day.
Cadence was founded in 2020 by Steph Hon, a classically on-the-go New Yorker who found herself wishing for a feasible way to bring essentials on the road. When she couldn’t find a solution, she decided to make one… and Cadence was born.
Over 200 prototypes and four patents later, Steph and her team landed on their final product: a system of magnetic, hexagonal capsules with interchangeable tile labels, screw-on lids, and leak-proof quality. Made with certified food-safe material including recycled plastics, the capsules are designed to minimize waste and simplify packing routines.
Rather than buying oversized, single-use and travel-sized versions of your favorite products, Cadence capsules can be filled and refilled with products you already own. And if that premise wasn’t enough? The capsules are TSA-approved and highly customizable, so anyone can create a set that’s completely their own.
My Mom’s Version of the Bestseller Set (For Me)
Cut to me and my capsules… no one knows me better than my mom, and she hit the nail on the head with this one. My mom chose The Bestseller Set, which comes with seven capsules. There are five Flex Mediums (1.32 fl oz), four Flex Smalls (0.56 fl oz), and one Flex Extender (1.43 fl oz, used to elongate any capsule).
As for color, she chose the ever-so-soft and neutral Sand. Spoiler alert: I later bought myself two Eucalyptus-colored and two Petal-colored capsules as add-ons. These days, my collection is a mix of cream, sage, and pastel pink. The blend is whimsical enough to feel playful but subtle enough to stand the test of time. (Pink and green have been my favorite colors since I was five). But I’m getting ahead of myself…
And Now *Rubs Hands Together* for the Good Part
My mom picked my set with my infamously messy beach bag in mind, so that’s where I’ve been using the capsules—and the resulting change has been night and day.
The Biggest of ‘Em All
- Including the Flex Extender, this entire capsule (the Flex Large) is 2.75 fl oz, which I’ve found to be the perfect size for a generously applied topical product like body SPF. The capsule has enough room for 2-3 applications of sunscreen, perfect for a day at the beach. Plus, this single container is so much easier to pack than my giant sunscreen bottles… especially since the lids tend to pop open, and the pumps have been known to accidentally leak lotion all throughout my bag.
Not Too Big, Not Too Small
- For those days when I’m feeling less responsible (we all have them) I love to keep a Flex Medium capsule full of my favorite tanning oil. A little bit goes a long way, so I rarely have to refill, and I love knowing that the leakproof Cadence lids will keep the oil where it belongs… inside its container. (Until I need it, that is).
- Of course I couldn’t forget the all-important facial sunscreen. At 1.32 fl oz, this capsule is the perfect size for it. Like tanning oil, my face sunscreen lasts me forever, and I always have plenty left over in case I need to tag-team it with my full-body sunscreen.
- I can’t leave the beach without rinsing off in one of those concrete public bathroom showers, no matter how dank they happen to be, so body wash is a beach must for me. I like choosing fresh, outdoorsy scents to improve the experience as much as possible.
- Aloe: another beach day classic. Am I right? Some iteration of aloe vera can consistently be found in this capsule, whether it be a gel or lotion. Try as I might, I always leave the beach in need of some cooling ointment.
Smalls
- No bag is ever fully stocked without a supply of ibuprofen in one form or another. You get it.
- This one is kinda unexpected but has proven to be one of my favorite ways to use Cadence capsules. I stow any jewelry in this capsule while I’m swimming, and I’ve found that it’s the perfect size for small earrings, dainty necklaces, and a few rings (which is exactly what I tend to wear). If you opt for a chunkier chain or hoop earrings, the Flex Medium is probably better for your bling.
Thanks to Cadence, the Beach is Even More Relaxing
I didn’t think it was possible, either. But now that I have a place to keep all of my most essential summer items, I’ve completely avoided the stress that comes with packing (whether it be for a day trip or a full-fledged vacation). I can grab my beach bag and go without worrying about whether I’m missing anything. Plus, when I have to fly next month, I won’t have to worry about breaking any TSA guidelines with my beach toiletries.
I have a suspicion that I’ll either be (a) ordering another set for my everyday purse or (b) ordering a new set of labels before the end of August. Cadence Capsules are too good, and too convenient, to put away when the summer ends. My purse with Cadence Capsules would be a dream come true… a place for everything and everything in its place, nothing left behind, no expensive last-minute pharmacy runs. Sign me up.
