9 Things That Delighted Us: From $45 Linen Sets to Pink Tool Kits (2024)

If you have bangs, you probably know that they require constant styling — like re-blow-drying them practically every day. That was the case for Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths, until Drybar sent her a new detangling product to test, which she calls “the best thing for bangs upkeep since the Velcro roller.” After using the formula for two months, Griffiths says her fringe always feels soft and freshly washed and is much easier to style than the times she’s used just a water mister. Plus, unlike other detanglers, there’s no buildup or film.

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or graduating senior (or just helping one shop), starting the school year means setting up your room just right. In our guide to outfitting your college dorm, Lucy Harris, a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, told us that owning a tool kit is essential: “Everyone always messages in our dorm GroupMe, ‘Who has a hammer?’ ‘Who has a wrench?’ And I’m always like, ‘I do.’” This charming pink set is her pick, though it also comes in black if that’s more your style.

When we spoke to Calgary-based pastry chef Saïd M’Dahoma about his favorite things, he told us about the vanilla paste he uses instead of vanilla-bean pods. M’Dahoma says the paste is much cheaper but achieves the same great flavor, so he likes to use it for cakes or pastry cream. “The national dish of Comoros is langouste à la vanille (grilled lobster with vanilla cream sauce), and at home, I’ll make shrimp with vanilla using paste,” he says.

The NuFace may be the OG of microcurrent devices, but have you heard of the MyoLift Mini? In our microcurrent-device roundup, we named it the best for intermediate users since it offers results similar to an in-office treatment. Our writer Tembe Denton-Hurst says at $329, it’s around the same price as the NuFace Trinity but offers more flexibility, meaning it’s a good option if you’ve used other microcurrent devices and are looking to step it up a bit.

Breezy summer nights call for a jean jacket (or a “denim jacket,” depending on who you ask). We crowned the Levi’s ’90s Trucker Jacket our top pick in our guide to the best jean jackets for women because it’s a mix of sturdy and slouchy with a mid-weight feel that’s ideal for every season — and it’s under $100. Made from 79 percent cotton and 21 percent Tencel, the jacket is “super wearable” and has a nice lived-in feel, like a jean jacket you might pick up at a thrift store.

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Retailer

We’re big fans of Dr. Idriss: She’s a board-certified dermatologist and one of our go-to skin experts, and she even has a skin-care line. In last week’s edition of our weekly newsletter The Strategist Beauty Brief, Griffiths tested one of Idriss’s recent launches, Major Fade, a three-step system that aims to fade dark spots and acne scars. After six weeks of consistent use, Griffiths says, “There’s no denying it works,” and explains that her acne scars, which were starkly red against her pale skin, are now much lighter, and her overall complexion is brighter.

Searching for a summer-vacation dress? We spotted one in our latest installment of Don’t Dillydally: a Greek Isle–inspired number from Madewell’s partnership with Lisa Says Gah, featuring airy cutouts at the sides and braided straps.