We write about hundreds of products every week. Here, in our version of the Sunday circular, we’ve plucked some of our recent favorites: expert-recommended essentials, life-changing stuff you didn’t know you needed, newly launched gizmos, and very good deals we uncovered while trawling the vast online-shopping universe — including Myha’la Herrold’s sunscreen that doesn’t cause a white cast, an easy-to-use photo frame that you can text, and a Mother’s Day plant that won’t require any post-holiday watering.
A beginner-friendly, over-the-counter retinoid
We’ve already broken down the benefits of retinol, and this week, we went deep on the different types. If you’re a new retinoid user or someone with sensitive skin, you’ll want to “look for an OTC product with one of the retinyls as the active ingredient,” says dermatologist Dr. David E. Bank. Retinyls are the easiest retinoid to formulate with, so they’re typically more affordable, like this under-$20 L’Oréal Paris moisturizer.
A near-perfect dupe for a discontinued Uniqlo tee
When Uniqlo discontinued Mya Gelber’s favorite white T-shirt, she went on a mission to find a worthy replacement. After meticulously testing and comparing a total of 13 tees, Gelber finally landed on a winner — from Old Navy. She says it’s similar in construction to some of the more expensive tops she’s tried and, overall, checks all the right boxes: It’s boxy with wide (just-long-enough) sleeves, comfortable, all cotton, and not too cropped. “I have been wearing this T-shirt with all of my favorite midi skirts and cardigans,” Gelber says. “It is just the right width to still fit comfortably under a cardigan, but not too fitted.”
Myha’la Herrold’s favorite no-white-cast sunscreen
When we spoke to Myha’la Herrold about her favorite things, we learned that she uses a couple of different sunscreens — but this one from Black Girl Sunscreen is her go-to. “That one’s really great for people who are blessed and melanated because it doesn’t have a white cast,” she says, adding that she wears SPF every single day.
A better-than-average blow-dryer brush
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between the Dyson Airwrap and the Shark FlexStyle, you should read our head-to-head blow-dryer-brush review from contributor Najwa Jamal. She put both the Dyson and Shark through the same trials and concluded that the Airwrap is worth the few hundred extra dollars. “The slightly smaller attachments give it quite the leg up in the blowout arena — they are nimble and able to get close to my scalp, smoothing and straightening in a way the Shark attachments were unable to,” she says.
The cocoa-butter lotion that DJ Khaled uses to “protect his glow”
It’s no secret that DJ Khaled loves cocoa butter: He’s been using it on his skin for as long as he can remember, and that’s why he counts this ultrahydrating Palmer’s lotion among his favorite things. “God has blessed me with a glow, but this helps me get through the day without tampering it,” Khaled says.
A digital picture frame for non-techie folks
We can’t all be gadget wizards like tech writer Jordan McMahon — but we can approximate it with this digital picture frame from Loop. Unlike most frames that upload photos via email or through an app, the Loop can receive images over text message, which should give even your most tech-averse family members a more straightforward way to send in their favorite pictures.
A red-light therapy mask that forms to your neck and chest
Our latest edition of “Don’t Dillydally” brings Strategist-tested brand Solawave’s new at-home device for targeting the skin on your neck and chest. Made from flexible, medical-grade silicone, the Neck and Chest Rejuvenating Mask uses light therapy to treat areas where elasticity loss and sun exposure show up the most, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, creases, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots.
Rarely-on-sale tinted Summer Fridays lip balm
Speaking of buzzy beauty products, now’s your chance to score tons of formulas on sale at Sephora’s Savings Event. Though the super-popular vanilla lip balm from Summer Fridays is already out of stock, this tinted (and equally moisturizing) “brown sugar” shade is still available. If you’re eager to try it, we recommend you don’t dillydally, as all Beauty Insider discounts will expire at 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, April 15 (2:59 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 16).
A Mother’s Day gift that won’t require a green thumb
Finally, a gentle reminder that Mother’s Day is about a month away — so there’s no better time to start perusing our many gift guides. Instead of getting Mom another bouquet of bodega flowers, consider giving her this orchid. It’ll only take an afternoon of LEGO building to fully assemble — and it’s immortal.
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.
