April 18, 2025

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photo: Luke Fontana, Joe McKendry

Jesse Tyler Ferguson is in Twelfth Night at Shakespeare in the Park this summer and has been reading a No Fear Shakespeare edition of the play to help him prepare. He learned the tip from Al Pacino, of all people, when they were rehearsing for a play together, “I noticed that he was working from his No Fear Shakespeare version of The Merchant of Venice. Since then, I have no shame.” Relatable. Also on his list of things he can't live without: the Moleskin planner he's been using for 16 years and this little wedge he uses to pry Legos apart when building sets with his son.

Also on the site: Leigh Plessner told us about the big British underpants she buys in bulk, Emma Wartzman added Breville’s Soft Top Pure to our list of the best kettles, and our favorite work pants from Banana Republic that were on sale yesterday are even cheaper today. Plus Dominique Pariso rounded up all the best new stuff this week, including some very colorful Puma Speedcats.

SALE

MICRO ODE

I love how a blotted lip looks, but it’s usually the first part of my makeup to come off — and constantly reapplying lip product is annoying. I finally found the solution in Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Lip Tint. It’s a liquid lip tint that gives me that elusive smudged-lip look and actually stays on all day. I picked up one in the mauvey-pink shade Kneehigh and it lasted through my birthday dinner and drinks afterward. What’s especially nice about it — aside from the drugstore price point — is that it’s buildable from a sheer wash of color up to a bolder lipstick look. I now own it in three other colors: the warm pink Petalcore, the classic red July Forever, and the darker red Wild at Heart. —Margaret Eby, contributor