Welcome to How I Pick My Picks — a kind-of-regular newsletter series in which we check in with the Strategist staff on the stuff they’re using day-to-day, the products they’re testing for stories, and the things their friends and family won’t stop asking them about. Consider it a peek into the always whirring brain of a Strategist writer. Today, we talk to clothing basics and bath and body writer Brenley Goertzen.
I started as an intern at the Strategist, but before that, I worked at a few different publications covering sports. When I became a full-time shopping writer on the clothing-basics and bath-and-body-care beats, I realized the two careers aren’t entirely different. In the same way that sports reporters analyze game footage, scores, and standings, we examine the data in our own field. I probe prices and trends — from uncovering what materials make up a crisp white T-shirt to finding body washes for all skin types — to bring readers my obsessive research on the winners. And at the Strategist, we even have our own Super Bowl! (You may have heard we call it Prime Day.)
I’m a visual person, so when it comes to my personal testing methods, I usually spend time lining up each item alongside the others to get a closer look. This helps me identify any parallels or distinctions more quickly. This year, when I worked on my story about jean jackets — a wardrobe necessity in my book — I laid five unique styles across my living-room floor and studied their denim material and designs side-by-side. I do the same thing with body-care products; for example, I’ve had ten body oils on my bathroom counter and applied the various formulas to different areas of my skin for comparison purposes. This method helps me determine standout features, whether it’s packaging that won’t slip out of your hands in the shower or a jacket with particularly flattering draping.
What’s the product that friends and family always ask for your advice on?
Most of my friends want to hear about my go-to “everything shower” essentials. I must admit that my picks constantly change, especially based on what I’m testing. One steady contender is Phlur’s body wash in the Somebody Wood scent. It’s spicy and warm — perfect for fall.
Do you have any strongly held opinions that have changed after testing?
This is crazy, but I never owned a plain black T-shirt until I started working on our “Best in Class” post on them. I did own black bodysuits, black sweaters, and black graphic tees, but now I know the truth: A plain black T-shirt is a nonnegotiable. White T-shirts are undoubtedly a classic, but a quality black T-shirt that washes well and doesn’t attract lint is a workhorse on another level. If you’re into cropped crewnecks, I swear by the semi-sheer Core Baby Tee from Organic Basics. It’s stretchy and lightweight, and I wear it on repeat. I’ve also been testing Cozy Earth’s All Day Tee, made from 50 percent pima cotton, so it’s naturally breathable and amazingly soft.
What’s the least amount of money you should spend on, for example, a body scrub?
The sweet spot for a solid body scrub is roughly $30. Don’t be afraid to splurge here, though — according to the many dermatologists I’ve interviewed, you should only use a scrub once, twice max, per week, so a container should last you for a while. I always have Nécessaire’s the Body Exfoliator in my shower because it’s a physical and chemical exfoliating treatment. It’s done wonders on the keratosis pilaris on my arms and thighs. Another favorite is Ouai’s sugar-based scrub in the St. Barts scent because who wouldn’t want to smell like a tropical vacation?
What are you currently testing and researching?
Trench coats! I’m looking forward to sampling a denim trench coat, which my editor, Hilary Reid, has been spotting in the wild. I’m also testing Osea’s new body wash. So far, it’s just as stellar as the brand’s other products.
What’s the last thing you bought?
I get all my socks from Nordstrom or the Rack — just be sure it’s their in-house brand. They’re bright white and completely logoless, and my partner won’t stop stealing them from my drawer. I finally bought him a few pairs of his own.
What’s the most expensive product that you own?
My TheraFace Mask from Therabody. I wrote an ode to the device, which I still use almost every night. It’s become such a nice ritual, and I do think it’s worth the investment; however, after trying my mom’s Omnilux, I think the Contour Face is a better choice for frequent flyers (or anyone who values portability) because all the Omnilux masks can lay flat in your bag or luggage.
If you had to spend $1,000 at Sephora, what would you buy?
Obviously, I’m pro-light-therapy. Since I already own an LED skin-care mask, I’d go for a body device like the BodyWare Pro from Dr. Dennis Gross. It’s wireless, can contour to all body areas, and targets fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Then I’d probably re-up some of my favorite formulas, including Nécessaire’s body wash, the Soft Services Buffing Bar, and Biossance’s sugar-based body scrub (which a Sephora employee recommended to me once). Though this isn’t body-care-related, as a big fan of Therabody, I’d add the brand’s new Depuffing Wand to my cart. It’s designed to offer instant cold and heat face treatments, and for under $150, it’s very reasonably priced for the technology you’re getting.
What are some open tabs on your computer right now? What’s on your list that you can’t bring yourself to buy just yet?
I recently stumbled upon the British body-care brand Mirror Water, which beauty influencer Estée Lalonde founded. I’ve been eyeing this nice-looking body oil ever since. Apparently, the brand is available at the Great Eros in Williamsburg if you want to track it down in person.
I’m always getting ads on social media for products that intersect with my beat. This lymphatic-drainage kit is one that I’m genuinely curious about because it includes a body wash and body oil. Just watching the brand’s videos of the silicone cup gliding over soapy skin makes me feel more relaxed, so I can only imagine what using it for real is like.
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.
