What Strategist Readers Bought in July: Slouchy Shoulder Bags and Snail-Mucin Essence
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Welcome back to “Your Shopping Cart,” where we break out the top products that you, devoted Strategist readers, bought in droves. Think of this as the TL;DR of the Strategist. If your like-minded brethren are buying these items, maybe you’d like to as well.
It wouldn’t be July withoutPrime Day, and earlier this month, Strategist readers came out in full force to shop the two-day event: Everything, as ineveryitem on our top-tenbest-sellers list, made an appearance during the annual sale.Beauty products, especially, stepped into the spotlight with three items from the category securing winner’s-circle status. Interestingly, two containsnail mucin, while the other is alip maskthat comeshighlytouted by celebrities. But if you weren’t among the deal-hunting crowd, you might have snagged the$40 shoulder bagspotted on two continents (hurry while it’s still in stock) or invested in aDJ-approvedsafety measure to use during festival season.
What were our top sellers in July?
Here, our best sellers ranked by quantity sold (rather than the grand-total sum of all purchases):
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A Strategist favorite for years, CosRx’s do-it-allsnail-mucinessence — a dupe forSK-II’s best-known treatment, Strategist beauty writer Rio Viera-Newtonsays— debuted in the No. 1 position thanks toPrime Day. And while it did sell out quickly, the brand’smoisturizer’s seventh-place position suggests that readers took our word that it’s basically a different texture of theK-beauty slime. The deal extravaganza also led to a logjam of perennial Strategist favorites, including Crest whitening strips, Beckham Hotel Collection pillows, and the Laneigelip maskthat’srecommendedalmostmonthlyin our “Celebrity Shopping”column.
Other readers seemed to have viewed Amazon’s markdowns as an opportunity to stock up on practical buys like an Alexa-enabled smart plug, which was included in our roundup ofPrime Day tech dealsfor nearly 50 percent off. A three-pack ofMrs. Meyer’s hand soap, meanwhile, also landed in the top ten, further indicating that stocking up on unsexy (but essential) buys was a popular shopping strategy.
More bargain purchases, like the LifeStraw and foldable Jisulifefan, could have been motivated by the season. The former lets Jeff Jenkins, founder ofChubby Diaries, “drinkalmost any water in any city, country, or random pond in the middle of nowhere,” while the latter kept Strategist contributor Annachiara Barretto-Grignoli refreshed (and charged her phone) during a Europeanrailtourin triple-digit temperatures.
Are Prime members fans of outdoor gardening?
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From our intel, they preferherbsof thecountertopvariety. OurPrime Day hubwas the most-read story in July, and within that post, readers nabbed the discounted AeroGarden Harvest more than any other product. A larger, six-pod version of our favoriteindoor garden, the kit takes almost no time to set up, Strategist writer Erin Schwartz says, and its slim, soil-free base won’t take up much room. It’s also equipped with an LED display to remind you when to refill water and replenish “plant food,” asynthetic fertilizerthat’s included, Schwartz says.
How do Strategist readers gulp down their protein shakes?
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Not shaken or stirred — but, rather, with zero flavor. Ourtop-rated protein powderfrom Now Sports contains whey-protein isolate without artificial sweeteners, and because it’s unflavored, you “can add berries and banana and just taste those,” personal trainerKern Alexandersays. When Strategist writerJeremy Rellosais in a hurry and doesn’t have time to blend ingredients into an elaborate shake, he likes to mix the tasteless powder into water. He also adds it to yogurt-granola bowls, and beyond a slight texture change, there’s barely a difference in taste, Rellosa says. If you prefer some flavor, it’s also available invanillaandchocolate, both sweetened with stevia.
Which globe-trotting, “ludicrously capacious” bag is finally in stock?
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ThisUniqlo onethat has been spotted multiple times in Japan — at a matcha café and the Tsukiji fish market — and at a rave in London. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths says it’s the “de facto elder sister” of the brand’s popularRound Mini Shoulder Bag, but the key difference (besides size) is the Drawstring’s nylon and cotton material, which gives it a “satisfying slouch.” Griffiths says the Drawstring is finally available again (it’s been out of stock since May), and because it’s a “ludicrously capacious bag,” it can do it all — whether you’retoting necessities to workor going out all night.
What gear saves DJ andVanderpump Rulesstar James Kennedy from incessant ear-ringing?
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Listen to James Kennedyand get yourself a pair ofearplugsthat he says are well known in the DJ world and among musicians. As someone who has attended concerts, club nights, and gigs for a decade, Kennedy says he turns to these Mumba plugs to fend off ear-ringing. He likes that they don’t take away from the music and says “they’re also good if you go to a lot of shows, you’re standing byspeakers, and you’re not in your 20s anymore.”
The Strategistis 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 bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
