What Strategist Readers Bought in January: Pimple Patches and Protein Powder

We recently launched our “My Week With” column, and to our delight, our most-read article was Strategist contributor Annie Hamilton’s seven-day trial ofOurself’slip filler, a $145 treatment that claims to plump lips without injections. To enhance her self-described thinlips(and deal with unrequited love), Hamilton applied the serum multiple times daily, according to the usage directions. While the formula is pricey and causes a stinging feeling as itabsorbs, Hamilton says it did made herlipsrosier,livelier, and more noticeable. “My lips do look bigger,” she says. “My top lip can probably be seen from far away. I can’t believe it.”

If you’re struggling to shop for the man in your life, you’re not alone in your pursuit — and maybe you joined other readers in consulting our list of63 Strategist-approved ideas for himahead of themost romantic holidayof the year. The top-purchased product from the roundup was this black-and-white disposable camera, which can be found in our guide to thebest gifts for photographers.Edith Young, photo editor and author ofColor Scheme: An Irreverent History of Art and Pop Culture in Color Palettes,says it’s “ideal for scenarios when you’d like to be shooting film but would rather not risk toting yourcameraaround (i.e., if you’re on a boat, if you’re a couple to several margaritas deep, if you are venturing into pickpocket-heavy terrain, etc.).”

Yes, yes there was. Strategist writer Rachael Griffithsturned tothiselectric-toothbrush-looking scrubber with four detachable nylon heads to annihilate the mold, grime, and stubborn hard-water stains in her London flat. Two brush attachments “are small and round,” which makes them “great for taps, sinks,showertrays,” Griffiths says, while the tapered head is ideal “for scrubbing tight spaces like in between tiles,” and the largest is best for more significant tasks like cleaning a kitchen backsplash. “What would normally take about an hour of manual scrubbing was blitzed by the brush in around ten minutes,” she says.

Our top-performing post in our “What I Can’t Live Without” series was actress Julie Bowen’s list offavorite things, and readers were particularly interested in the powdered magnesium supplement she drinks beforebedor as acocktailmixer. “It’s got a citrusy fizz that goes well with a little tequila and soda. Why not?” Bowen says.

Small changes like going tobedearlier anddrinkingmore water often go a long way in making us feel renewed — and so can recommitting to your hair care, apparently: Our “Best in Class” guide to shampoowas the best-performing story in that category. The most purchased pick,Malin + Goetz’s Moisturizing Shampoo, is our best all-around choice and comes recommended by Masami Hosono, creative director ofVacancy Project. They say it works well for all hair textures, “curly to straight, thick or thin,” and despite it being sulfate-free, it’s still very foamy.

Following the same self-improvement theme is our second-highest-performing “Best in Class” guide toprotein powder. Interestingly, the most sold item wasn’t one of our three best overall picks; instead, readers settled on the best chocolate-flavored whey-protein powder, which, according to Trainer Taj Felix Felix, appeals to many because it “doesn’t have a ton of ingredients, which can make people nervous.” It also mixes smoothly, tastes “very good,” and is never chalky, he says.