Issue #938 Sun 27 Sep
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — September 27, 2026
Today's grid requires a methodical approach to assemble the pieces. Expect a measured pace as you navigate the connections.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Cotton pads, a row of glass bottles, and the quiet ritual of preparing for the day ahead.
Personal grooming and maintenance
DAILY TOPICAL REGIMEN
Spangram 4 hints · 10 letters
The connector word
A compound noun formed from two separate words.
10 letters.
Starts with B, ends with E.
BEAUTY CARE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (8 letters)
- 2 M (11 letters)
- 3 S (5 letters)
- 4 S (9 letters)
- 5 T (5 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CL (8 letters)
- 2 MO (11 letters)
- 3 SE (5 letters)
- 4 SU (9 letters)
- 5 TO (5 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 8 letters
A theme word
Use this first to remove the day's grime and leave a blank canvas.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CL.
CLEANSER
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 11 letters
A theme word
Apply this to lock in hydration and prevent dry patches.
11 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MO.
MOISTURIZER
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A concentrated liquid treatment targeting specific concerns.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SE.
SERUM
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 9 letters
A theme word
Essential protection against ultraviolet rays during daylight hours.
9 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SU.
SUNSCREEN
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 5 letters
A theme word
A clarifying liquid used to balance the pH of the face after washing.
5 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TO.
TONER
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- CLEANSER
- MOISTURIZER
- SERUM
- SUNSCREEN
- TONER
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on September 27, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for September 27, 2026, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on September 27, 2026?
NYT Strands on September 27, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 5 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the September 27, 2026 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 10 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "B" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on September 27, 2026?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 5 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 10-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 10-letter spangram