NYT Strands puzzle gives lip‑makeup themed hints for July 9, 2026

The New York Times Strands word‑search game released its July 9, 2026 puzzle with a “lip‑makeup” theme. All words in the 6×8 grid relate to lip cosmetics, and the spangram that spans the grid reads “KISS AND MAKEUP.” The puzzle’s hint series guides players from gentle clues to full solutions, listing examples such as “STICK,” “LINER,” “STAIN,” “GLOSS,” “BALM,” “TINT” and “PLUMPER.” Both articles provide the same hints, word list and spangram answer, describing how the game works and offering help for solvers.