On My Mind: Better-Than-Black-Honey Lipstick and Planet Nusa Running Gear

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“Strategist Brain”is a series where staffers share the stores they’ve stopped into, stuff they’ve spotted, and extra tidbits from stories they’ve worked on. You’ll hear from a different writer every week.
This summer, I got back into running after taking a longer-than-expected hiatus following my half-marathon last year. It’s done wonders for clearing my mind and making sure I get outside before temperatures reach above 90 degrees in Texas. Now that I’m running almost daily again, I’ve decided it’s time to restock on some essentials to keep my excitement going:sports bras,shorts,leggings,socks, and, of course,shoes. I’ve had my eye on Planet Nusa’s bold colors and patterns since seeingKate Glavan(one of my favorite running influencers) sport them on her runs. I’m also wanting to test Oner Active’s sports bras, Set Active’s leggings, and Bandit’s Stamina top for long runs. And I’m looking to re-up my tried-and-true favorites: another pair of Asics Novablasts (I initially got hooked after the company did a collab with Bandit) and Bombas’ running socks (they have the perfect amount of cushion without leaving my feet sweaty). Just writing this has nearly convinced me to sign up for another race in February.

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Here’s everything else I’ve been seeing recently …

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On the book front, I recently choseFish Talesby Nettie Jones for my book club after seeing Jia Tolentino recommend it. What got me hooked was her description of it: “A party-girl novel like I’d never read before — funny in such a particular register, and so unbelievably full of violence, tenderness, drugs, group sex, exploitation, genuine eroticism, fumbling toward freedom, and some sort of love.” We also readGiovanni’s Room,which absolutely gutted me. And I’ve picked up Hua Hsu’s memoir,Stay True,at the library as my nonfiction read.

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I have unfortunately fallen victim tomatchapropaganda. But in all fairness, it’s easier on my stomach and my anxiety than coffee. And I don’t get the 3 p.m. crash that I’d usually get after two cups of coffee. I’ve been really enjoying Clöud Café’s Matcha Latte and Strawberry Matcha Latte as an easy early afternoon sweet treat.

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I’ve been trying to build up myjewelrycollection, focusing on more colorful pieces instead of simple gold and silver chains. I recently got this pearl choker with blue beads and have been throwing it on withtanksanddressesfor a pop of color. I’ve also bookmarked these necklaces from Mejuri and Brinker + Eliza.

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I’ve been testing out T3’s newcurling ironslashstraightenerand loving it. I already used a straightener to achieve the beach-wave effect but would get the occasional harsh crinkle that would throw off the look. This is made with externally heated arms, so I get perfectly curled waves every time. I’m also excited to bring this on trips since it’ll free up space in my carry-on.

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I know there is a strong following around Black Honey, but I’m making a case for Nude Honey, which came out this June. I think it’s the superior shade of Clinique Almost Lipstick because it adds the perfect amount of flushness to my lips. It’s not so bold that I’d feel out of place wearing it to the run errands, but I’ve also reached for it before going to dinner and nights out. It’s been my most-usedlipstickthis summer.

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I’m also on the hunt for alip-linerdupe. While I was in New York, I used my sister’s Make Up For Ever liner in Anywhere Caffeine and loved how perfectly it matched my lips. The price is a little steep, so I’ve started aRedditandTikToksearch for dupes. So far, the contenders are NYX’s lip pencil in Nude Truffle and E.l.f.’s in Baddest Beige. If anyone has more leads on this front, I’m all ears.

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Because I’ve been swimming or sweating a bunch, I’ve also looked into eyebrow stains. This one’s been my favorite so far because I only need to leave it on for a minute before swiping it off. It lasts all day long, even through many dips in the pool and roasting in the sun.
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