The Strategist staff, known for their discerning taste, once again revealed the items they purchased for themselves throughout March 2026. Being editors means they are inherently picky shoppers, but these selections represent items they deemed essential enough to acquire.

Health and Wellness Upgrades

Finding Better Sleep with Mouth Tape

One staffer admitted to being a skeptic regarding mouth taping for sleep but became open to trying it after experiencing poor rest. They chose the VIO2 tape because it leaves most of the lips uncovered, allowing for easier speech and hydration overnight.

While initially requiring adjustment, the tape is now part of the nightly routine. The adhesive is strong without leaving residue, and the user reports feeling more rested, suggesting the tape contributed positively to sleep quality.

Skincare Routines Revamped

After a period of excessive skin picking led to breakouts, one editor returned to a trusted pore treatment just before a looming photoshoot. They noted its rapid improvement in the size and texture of blemishes and scabs over two consecutive nights.

This treatment significantly dried out pimples and smoothed the appearance of pores around the nose, earning its place back in the biweekly rotation. Another staffer rediscovered a glycolic-acid face wash, using it as a cleanser.

This product, which dispenses as an unscented cream before foaming, has prevented workout-related breakouts and is gentle enough not to aggravate eczema or cause new rashes, resulting in smoother, more even-toned skin.

Fashion and Accessories Acquisitions

New Apparel Favorites

A staffer purchased hot-pink, four-inch shorts from Everlane after seeing their preferred size was available, noting that sizing had been limited recently. Another editor sought a replacement for a discontinued favorite tank top, finding a slightly cropped option that hits perfectly at the bellybutton (19 inches long) for their short torso.

This new top has already become a frequently worn item. After spotting a striped Rollneck at J.Crew and seeing it styled on another person, an editor finally ordered the red and burgundy version, finding it perfectly captures the spring mood for stripes.

Jewelry and Bag Updates

A purchase was made from the unisex-jewelry brand Sue the Boy during a flash anniversary sale; the editor secured the buckle hoops they had long desired. Since the Australia-based brand requires shipping, the staffer hopes the earrings will be comfortable enough to wear continuously.

A committed user of the Longchamp Le Pliage bag replaced their dingy tomato-red version, which had picked up dye from dark winter coats. The new purchase is a celadon-hued bag, saved for use once winter jackets are packed away.

Comfortable Undergarments

One staffer, who exclusively wears bralettes and sports bras, sought a comfortable, bra-shaped alternative. They tried an Organic Basics bralette found at a discount retailer and was pleased with the fit, noting it feels as comfortable as a regular bralette while resembling a traditional bra shape.

Home Goods and Tech Investments

Cleaning and Textiles

A staffer who has purchased the same preferred vacuum model for 15 years finally replaced their irretrievably broken Dyson V15, noting the convenience of finding replacement parts now available. They used a photo and ChatGPT to identify the broken components needed for repair and also acquired an upgraded HEPA filter.

Another staffer became a thin-washcloth evangelist, preferring them over plush alternatives. They recently stocked up on five baby washcloths from Honest, finding their soft, organic cotton composition and palm-size ideal for their routine.

Luxury Fabrics and Unique Finds

A lightweight Sunspel sweater was purchased, knit from a blend of rare cotton fibers—described as having more than two “extra”s beyond “extra-long staple”—and cashmere. This blend provides silk-like smoothness, cotton breathability, and added warmth perfect for spring layering.

A staffer visited the Meow Wolf immersive art installation in Denver before skiing in Winter Park and bought a soft frog hoodie from their gift shop, describing the merchandise as genuinely cool.

Culinary Discoveries

Spicy Snack Upgrade

Excited by the launch of Wa-Chaa! snacks on American shelves, a staffer tried the new offering from the makers of Huang Fei Hong peanuts. Wa-Chaa! uses the same large, crunchy peanuts but substitutes soybean oil for avocado oil and MSG for umami herbs, including paprika and garlic powder.

The staffer prefers the “double heat” version for matching the original spice level, enjoying the seasoning that resembles “all-natural Doritos dust.”

Targeted Skincare Solutions

When experiencing a mix of dry/flaky and oily/spotty skin, one person visited Pureseoul and was recommended two products: Cell Fusion C’s Papaya Granule Peels and IUNIK’s Propolis Vitamin Sleeping Mask. They saw results within two days; the granules foam without being abrasive, and the mask is silky and quenching without exacerbating breakouts.

New Apparel Fit

One staffer bought Relax Lacrosse shorts and Uniqlo U barrel pants, noting the shorts fit exactly as hoped, even after drying.

Technology Decisions

After years of using a slow iPhone 11, one staffer finally decided to upgrade after being delayed by the malfunctioning Citi Bike app. Though desiring a practical “dumb phone,” they sought the best alternative from the Apple Store, realizing the need for a more functional device as a mother.