We write about hundreds of products a week. Here, in our version of the Sunday circular, we’ve plucked some of our favorites — expert-recommended essentials, life-changing stuff you didn’t know you needed, newly launched gizmos, and more very good deals we uncovered while trawling through the vast online-shopping universe this past week, including poop bags worthy of Candace Bushnell’s poodles, linen pajamas you can wear to dinner, and a cup that smiles back.
A procrastinator-friendly Mother’s Day gift
Fear not: You can still send mom a token of your affection from our guide to the best e-gift cards, which includes Bookshop, Catbird, and Buck Mason (pictured here). We named the brand’s slub crew the best white T-shirt in our Best in Class review, so mom can replace her favorite tee or find something else that catches her eye.
A bra beloved by a wide range of cup sizes …
Bra shopping is notoriously difficult, so our Best in Class review aims to make it less painful by highlighting options for a wide range of body types, with styles that suit different needs, such as minimizing and backless. If you’ve been disappointed by strapless bras that won’t stay put, Strategist contributor Nora Whelan recommends the Red Carpet, which she says “will take you from perpetually petrified of popping out to secure, spillage-free, and slumberous.” Linda Becker, a.k.a. Linda the Bra Lady and founder of Linda’s, agrees that this style won’t constantly slide down, even for those who wear G and H cups.
… and a cup beloved for its imperfections
Our writers and editors picked up some eclectic vessels in April, including a stacked citrus vase, a splatter mug, and this glass that Strategist writer Erin Schwartz bought to match one they’d been gifted. Each hand-blown cup is completely unique, so if you opt for a pair like Schwartz, they’ll be charmingly mismatched. Schwartz says the thick glass keeps your water cool and “the blobby shape makes them easy to grasp, like a sippy cup.”
A candle to keep memories from fading …
For those who don’t want to show up to a graduation ceremony empty-handed, head to our guide, where you’ll find a Strategist-favorite laptop sleeve, neon sheepskin slippers, and this candle that will remind them of home. Each of the 50 states has a distinct scent, so they’ll get a nostalgic whiff of where they grew up every time they light the wick.
… and a cream to encourage fading
Those who suffer from melasma may want to look into our expert-recommended guide of the best over-the-counter products, which includes this fading cream that was named the best overall treatment. Dr. Y. Claire Chang of Union Square Laser Dermatology notes that the formula contains vitamin E and lactic acid to simultaneously exfoliate and soften skin.
Candace Bushnell-approved dog poop bags
Of course Candace Bushnell can’t live without Manolo Blahnik mules and Belvedere vodka, but who would’ve guessed these poop bags were also a must-have? Bushnell’s two standard poodles, Pepper and Prancer, go out five times a day (and use a ton of bags), so she loves that they’re biodegradable. That might also explain why she says “rolls of them end up everywhere — in all of my pockets and bags.”
A bike perfect for late-afternoon joyrides
A sherbet-colored beach cruiser symbolizes summer, so if you’re hoping to enjoy some leisurely bike rides soon, take a peek at our Best in Class roundup that includes this relatively affordable model. Recommended by Hayley Shaw, co-owner of Newport Beach Bike Rentals, for its durability and rust-resistance, a fleet of these cruisers stood up to three years of use in the wear-and-tear-heavy rental business. They come in four speeds (from single to 21-speed) and 12 colors, including coral, lilac, and mint green.
An incense so pure you could eat it …
Dylan Raasch, musician and Nike Air Max creative director, told us about his love for Muji slim notebooks, Sharpie felt-tipped pens, and this incense from Korea that made him think he was visiting a past life. Raasch immediately connected with the scent — so much so that he actually ate it. He explains that the salesman in the market encouraged him to have a nibble of incense (and also partook himself) to prove how pure it was. Raasch was surprised to find that he liked the taste: “a little bitter, but it almost tasted like ground-up flowers, very earthy.” Memorable experience aside, Raasch credits the scent with putting him in a meditative state.
… and pajamas so chic you can wear them to dinner
In the latest Auntie Approved, director Kulap Vilaysack tested pajamas fromStrategist-favorite linen sheet brand Morrow Soft Goods. Vilaysack loved the feeling of being “bathed in soft linen” and took her stylish shorts and shirt set out to dinner, where she was complimented by a “hip hostess” and “young people.” She praises the efficiency of the outfit-cum-sleepwear: “I like the idea of just being able to sleep, do your errands, go back to sleep again.”
The blush Quinta Brunson “love, love, loves”
When David Blaine isn’t doing magic to her, you can find Quinta Brunson using her favorite things, which include African Shea Butter, a deep-conditioning hair mask, and this Cloud Paint (which we are also huge fans of). Brunson carries it with her all the time and loves that application requires just a quick swipe of the finger. She uses the pigment as an eyeshadow and blush to add a pop of color that “can take you from looking dead to alive.”
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
