We write about hundreds of products each 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 through the vast online-shopping universe — including a smoky, salty perfume, expert-approved P50 1970 alternatives, and the Pumas our style writer calls her “new Air Rifts.”
The white T-shirt that fits Brooklyn Beckham’s broad shoulders
Brooklyn Beckham says the first time he wore a Ralph Lauren white T-shirt, he was like, “Oh my God.” The reason: He has big shoulders, and finding a T-shirt that fits him well had been a challenge until that moment. “I’ve worn so many different white T-shirts and then seen pictures of me where I don’t look great. But this one is amazing,” he says. “Ralph just has the coolest style, and he’s such a lovely guy. And, obviously, he designs some amazing clothes.”
Some gentler P50 1970 alternatives
This week, some big skin-care news broke: Biologique Recherche discontinued its widely loved product P50 1970. We’ve written about the exfoliating, acne-fighting product before, which has been referred to as a “facial in a bottle,” though it contains the controversial E.U.-banned exfoliator called phenol (which has a tingly feeling when applied). Our writer Arielle Avila spoke to author and former beauty editor Danielle Prescod, who was a Biologique Recherche user back in its heyday but has since turned to gentler exfoliators. Prescod has found that her winning combo for resurfacing skin is Sofie Pavitt’s mandelic-acid serum and Shani Darden’s azelaic-acid serum. “Neither have any smell, and my skin texture afterward is incredible,” she says.
One writer’s new “wear everywhere” sneakers
For our Strategist Brain series, we heard from our fashion writer Ambar Pardilla, who filled us in on what’s been on her mind lately — from Old Navy sweatpants to Le Bon Shoppe socks and these Puma sneakers, which officially launched in 2000 but are making a comeback. “Speedcats are my new Air Rifts,” Pardilla reports. “The sneakers I wear everywhere and with everything.”
“Godly salt-and-smoke”-smelling perfume that lasts for 24 hours
About two months ago, contributor Iva Dixit says she came close to experiencing a 14th-century saintly vision when she pulled out a coat with a strong scent that she described as “salt that has been smoked through a clean fire.” The culprit was a small vial of Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder, which had spilled into the pocket. Though Dixit has been on medication that’s left her unable to tolerate even the slightest of smells, she could breathe in the “salt, fire, and divine intervention” that is Vanilla Powder. But even more impressive is how long it lasts: “In the event of an apocalypse, I firmly believe my bottle of Vanilla Powder might outlive me altogether,” Dixit says.
An actually worth-it housecoat for your work-from-home valentine …
Shopping for a gift for a boyfriend can be a notoriously difficult task, especially if you’re trying to stay on budget and ensure your money is well spent. To that end, our writer Jeremy Rellosa rounded up stellar items that are truly useful, make for an excellent Valentine’s Day gift, and justify a steeper price tag. Rellosa swears by the stylish Offhours Homecoat, which he’s owned for over four years. “It’s somehow even softer than it looks in photos and it has the heft of a weighted blanket. I don’t own anything cozier,” he says.
… and an apple-shaped Elsa Peretti bookmark
For the girlfriends, our senior editor Liza Corsillo uncovered the cheapest, nicest things from expensive brands (that won’t drain your savings account) to give this Valentine’s Day. Elsa Peretti’s designs for Tiffany & Co. can run into the thousands, but this chic apple bookmark costs less than $100. It’s perfect for the avid reader who’s dog-eared too many pages.
Merino wool and silk travel blanket for winter train travel
There are advantages to traveling by train over flying, including the comparative lack of luggage restrictions — but that still doesn’t mean you should overpack. Our writer Kat Gillespie spoke to rail enthusiasts who know how to prepare for long-distance train journeys to hear about the luggage, shoes and clothing, and sleep accessories they recommend. While most sleeper trains provide sheets, blankets, and pillows, during the wintertime, travel blogger Sojourner White suggests packing an additional travel blanket just to be on the safe side.
A massage candle our writer is testing just in time for February 14
In the latest edition of The Strategist Beauty Brief, we heard about the extra-nice products our beauty writers are indulging in this holiday. Kitty Guo says she was gifted this Dedcool massage candle a while back. She was initially skeptical about rubbing melted candle wax on her skin, but after further research, Guo discovered that the candle is composed of skin-friendly ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. “I suppose there’s no better time to give it a test run than Valentine’s Day,” she says.
The only FDA-approved eyelash-enhancing serum
There is only one FDA-approved (and prostaglandin-containing) lash serum on the market — Latisse — and we’ve named it our best eyelash serum overall in our new shopping guide. Strategist senior editor Crystal Martin, who helms the Beauty Brief, has been using Latisse since August. Her verdict? “Really, it just works! My lashes are quite long now, longer than they’ve ever been, and long enough to get compliments from strangers,” she says. Just note: Latisse is not available over the counter, but you can find retailers that offer easy online doctor screening.
Candleholders that “seamlessly fit into any tablescape”
Candlesticks are an easy way to add some elegance to your home. To find the best ones, our kitchen and dining writer Emma Wartzman spoke to stylish people about their favorite picks, from sculptural two-in-one holders to handblown-glass types. Writer and small-space consultant Alison Mazurek likes the candleholders from Strategist-approved brand Fable. “They fit most tapers really well and seamlessly fit into any tablescape,” she says. There’s no fear of wax getting stuck on the table or tablecloth thanks to the broad, dishlike base around the bottom.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
