e.l.f. Cosmetics Surprises Sailor and His Cat With Mid-Ocean Care Package

In a heartwarming display of kindness and creativity, e.l.f. Cosmetics recently made waves—literally—by airdropping a surprise care package to a solo sailor and his feline companion in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

The recipient, 29-year-old sailor Oliver Widger, has been navigating the globe aboard his modest sailboat with his adventurous cat, Phoenix, by his side. The duo shares their journey on social media, where Oliver documents the ups and downs of life at sea, from stormy weather to serene sunsets.

After a post went viral showing Phoenix watching Oliver apply lip balm while battling the salty ocean breeze, fans tagged e.l.f. Cosmetics, known for its affordable and vegan-friendly beauty products, suggesting the brand send him supplies. e.l.f. not only took notice—they went above and beyond.

Working with maritime logistics experts and using GPS coordinates shared by Oliver, e.l.f. orchestrated an airdrop of a buoyant, waterproof care package, timed to coincide with Oliver’s position near a remote stretch of ocean. The drop included moisturizing skincare items, lip balm, sunscreen, face masks, and even a tiny sailor hat for Phoenix.

In the press release, e.l.f. Beauty’s Chief Integrated Marketing Officer Patrick O’Keefe shared, “At e.l.f., we’re not afraid to challenge the status quo and do the unexpected. Like the rest of the world, we were fascinated by Oliver’s journey. He’s a bold disruptor with a kind heart, and our partnership is all about empowering fellow dream chasers. This isn’t just a game or a stunt — it’s a platform for young creators to be inspired, spark creativity, build confidence, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

Oliver shared his reaction in a video posted from his satellite connection: “I never thought I’d see a parachute in the sky and find an e.l.f. logo on it. Phoenix sniffed every item before I even opened them. This is hands-down the most surreal moment of our voyage.”

The story has since captivated fans around the globe, with e.l.f.’s act of kindness earning praise for merging self-care with the spirit of exploration. As Oliver and Phoenix continue their oceanic odyssey, they now do so with SPF protection, hydrating serum, and a bit of unexpected glam in tow.