You may have noticed some posts from our friends at the Strategist on the Cut. They’ll be dropping in every now and again, sharing their expertise on the basics you don’t have time to research and the weird and wonderful things you don’t yet know you need.
November has only just begun, and already we’ve found a cache of pre–Black Friday sales, including at Nordstrom and Ulta. Plus, Sephora’s holiday sale wraps up on Monday night, so now is your last chance to snap up your favorite beauty products for less. And as always, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter for even more sales coverage.
A supremely plush bath mat keeps your toes safe from chilly bathroom floors.
This smiley-face water bottle is fun and practical. Its double-walled vacuum-insulation construction ensures that cold drinks stay colder longer.
Another smiley-printed product, this time for a skateboarder (or skateboarding fan). It’s made from polished maple wood in a cheery yellow and would also make for interesting wall art.
Everything from Sephora’s in-house collection is 30 percent off — like this kohl eye pencil that Strategist contributor Diksha Basu likens to her mother’s favorite kajal. “It is buildable, so I can choose how dramatic I want my eyes on any given day,” she says. “I could probably even use it to eventually get to Julia Fox levels of eyeliner absurdity.” (There’s also an even cheaper version she recommends if you’re prone to misplacing things.)
Depending on how much you routinely spend at Sephora, you can score sitewide discounts — anywhere from 10 to 20 percent off — until November 7. We wrote about Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey way back in 2017 — pre-TikTok cult status. Former New York fashion editor Amy Larocca says that the fits-everyone lipstick stains the lip just a shade or two darker than your natural color — and never feels waxy or catches on your teeth when you smile.
Some highly giftable Lego sets are 20 percent off at Amazon. What Star Wars fan wouldn’t want to build Luke Skywalker’s training scene with Yoda?
Or start the Star Wars fun early with this Disney advent calendar. There are 24 toys in total, ranging from iconic characters like C-3PO and R2-D2 in holiday sweaters to mini-vehicles, like Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder and a Droid tri-fighter.
Ulta has also slashed prices on some Strategist-approved beauty and self-care products, including Klorane’s gentle oat-based shampoo that keeps your scalp healthy. (We’re also fans of this formula in its dry-shampoo form.)
Milani’s blush in the shade Dolce Pink is a dupe for the Chanel Joues Contraste Blush in Rose Bronze, according to Allure’s former visuals editor Joelle Hyman. “What I love so much about both of them is that they give this really amazing natural flush effect,” she says. “It gives off something in between a true look of being in the sun and flushed baby cheeks — without any red tones.”
If you’d like to know what sleeping under cotton candy feels like, this Strategist-approved comforter from Buffy is 20 percent off right now. “It’s tremendously soft, light, and cool to the touch right out of the box,” says Strategist contributor Lori Keong. “You feel nestled under an airy but cozy canopy.” Instead of down, Buffy weaves recycled PET bottles into fluffy fibers to use for fill, and the biodegradable lyocell shell is sourced from eucalyptus instead of traditional cotton.
A woodblock train set that’s surprisingly stylish is on sale at Shopbop. Magnetic connectors allow kids — or kids at heart — to easily rearrange the train cars.
I bought a set of packing cubes from Baggu a few years ago and they totally upgraded my luggage. They’re great for organizing smaller things like socks, underwear, and toiletries — and they come in such fun designs, like this veggie print.
Speaking of travel, Calpak’s puffy Luka duffel is 20 percent off until November 14. We like it for a weekend getaway bag, but you could also use it to tote gym gear.
New York–based jewelry brand Catbird is taking 15 percent off customizable jewelry through Sunday night. The sale price still applies even if you decide to skip the engraving.
As a longtime lover of East Fork, I’m always excited when they have a sale — they’re fairly rare! Several kitchen and pantry items are 25 percent off, like these charcuterie-shaped candles that would make a fun addition to your next dinner party’s tablescape. (You can buy three plates and get the fourth one free for a limited time, too.)
I am also enamored with this French linen tea towel. And, on sale, it hits that coveted under-$25 price point for a gift.
This basic but non-boring long sleeve tee from James Perse was already on sale, but you can get an extra 20 percent off with the code LOVE20.
Another already discounted top that’s an extra 20 percent off (this time with the code THECUT) is this emerald-green sweatshirt from one of my favorite loungewear brands, Richer Poorer.
If you’re looking for a gift for a mixologist friend whose bar is already stocked, this cheeky graphic tee is just $8 with the code THECUT.
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.
