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At least once a week — let’s face it, at least once every day — the writers and editors across Refinery29 discuss the latest and greatest products in our lives, from some cool new item that’s been absolutely saving our lives to a state-of-the-art sleep product that’s changed our eight hours for the better. And gatekeeping isn’t in our vocabulary, so we’re here to share the wealth and highlight our favorite products, just for you, each month.
This month we’re loving a shatter-proof phone case, an incredible gin, and a museum-worthy planner to get your life in order. Plus, a puzzle so gorg you’ll want to frame it. Keep reading to see what else we loved in January!
Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Photo Courtesy of Esther Newman.
London Nootropics Mojo Adaptogenic Coffee 12 Pack, $19
“In a bid to become ‘a better functioning adult’ in 2024, I’m trying to cut down on my caffeine intake — especially in the mornings; I’ve noticed that it spikes my anxiety and causes jitters, most noticeably when I have my coffee before breakfast, and that I crash hard about 3 p.m. This is all thanks to the caffeine spiking my cortisol levels and making me feel on edge. London Nootropics blends caffeine with adaptogens — active ingredients found in certain plants and mushrooms — to counterbalance these negative side effects and balance these stress hormones.
“So far, I’ve been drinking a cup of London Nootropics’ joe every morning for the past two weeks and I really have noticed the difference. Instead of my usual three to four cups of coffee over a morning, I’m down to just one to take me through to lunchtime. I’m feeling alert without the jitters and am keeping focused. Plus, the taste isn’t bad; in my opinion, the Mojo blend tastes the most like regular coffee (aka it tastes the least mushroom-y).”
London Nootropics Mojo Adaptogenic Coffee Pack of 12, $, available at Selfridges
Art Cats by Nia Gould Puzzle, $25
“I’m in my puzzle era at the moment. Nothing soothes my soul like a cozy afternoon at home trying to piece together cardboard shapes; a big mug of tea and some leftover Christmas chocolate to hand, and my favorite music playing softly in the background. This one really takes the biscuit — it’s cats! Dressed up as famous artists! With cat pun names! What more could you want?”
Nia Gould Art Cats 1000-Piece Puzzle, $, available at The Puzzle Nerds
Sweaty Betty Power Pro 7/8 Workout Leggings, $138
“These are genuinely the best leggings I’ve ever worn — way better than those I’ve tried from Lululemon and Alo Yoga. They’re so supportive, I can feel the difference in fit; hugging my curves and sculpting my body without squeezing it (almost like they’re lifting my bum and thighs). The fabric is heavier than other leggings I’ve tried too so I feel more comfortable and confident in them, even when I’m on my period and wearing my thicker, nappy-like period underwear. This is especially on the waistband which is a thicker, bonded material so you don’t have to worry about them falling down. I’ve started an adult ballet class in 2024 which, you may be surprised to know, has had me dripping with sweat and hobbling around the house with aching limbs. I’ve not once needed to readjust myself in these leggings or worry about flashing the mirrored classroom.”
Sweaty Betty Power Pro 7/8 Workout Leggings, $, available at Sweaty Betty
Elizabeth Gulino, Senior Writer
Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Gulino.
Casetify The Sun Tarot Phone Case, $65 $59
“I had this exact phone case — the sun tarot design in the impact case in sheer red — on my old iPhone 11 Pro. I was gifted the classic silicone case to use once I upgraded to my iPhone 14 Pro and weeks later, my screen had already cracked. Casetify has good cases, and although on the pricier side for phone cases, they really protect your phone. I’m a bit aggressive in the way that I live my life — I break nails, lose rings, and yes, crack phones — and Casetify hasn’t let me down once. I reordered the exact same one and have been happy ever since.”
Casetify The Sun Tarot Phone Case, $, available at Casetify
“For a ridiculously enormous candle, I’ve gotta be honest — $78 isn’t that bad. Expensive, yes, but this candle packs a punch in the best way possible. Not only is it gorg (I can’t wait to reuse the glass vessel, tbh) but there’s literally nothing that brings me more joy than a candle that smells like a Christmas tree after the holiday season. With added notes of cedarwood, amber, and cashmere, this candle will be a crowd-pleaser at all of your winter celebrations. I’ve already burned it multiple times and still have a long way to go. Pro tip: It’s a great hostess gift, too!”
Voluspa Noble Fir Garland Three Wick Hearth Candle, $, available at Voluspa
“I’ve had this large Away suitcase for over a year now and just got around to using it for a trip to Paris — and let me tell you, it is large. This thing can carry a ton of stuff, I had a lot of room and compartments to spare in this thing (meaning that I did use it as an excuse to shop).”
Away The Large, $, available at Away
Isle Of Harris Gin, $59.99
“In 2022, I took a trip to the Isle of Harris in Scotland. Being Scottish, it was frankly criminal that I had never seen this beautiful island before. After visiting the local gin distillery, I discovered how much Harris Gin is a part of the community, providing islanders with jobs and more. Fused with sugar kelp, juniper berries and liquorice root it’s got a very unique but not overpowering taste. It’s now my go-to tipple, which I sip from my gin glasses made from the islanders, too.”
Isle of Harris Gin Infused with Sugar Kelp, $, available at Whisky Shop
Tangle Teezer Plant Brush, £17
“I have naturally curly hair which means it gets easily tangled. For many months now, I’ve been using Tangle Teezer’s Plant Brush and it feels like it just glides through my hair every time I brush it. Not to mention the shape of it means it sits perfectly in the palm of your hand. It’s lightweight, too. But the best part? The brand’s new edition has been made from sustainably sourced castor beans. It also comes in four vibrant shades of pink, blue, purple and orange. Now, I fully understand the hype.”
Tangle Teezer Plant Brush, $, available at Tangle Teezer
Sloggi Ever Infused Aloe Leggings, £36
“You’ll never find me in a gym — but you will find me on my exercise bike, out running or trying to pull a yoga pose from the comfort of my living room. This is why I’m a fan of comfortable athleisure. I like leggings to be made from thick fabric, especially for when I’m out running during the colder months. Sloggi has created a pair that is super thick and infused with aloe vera. Personally, I like this style in black with the matching crop top, too.”
sloggi Infused Alo Leggings, $, available at sloggi
Hannah Rimm, Senior Life Editor
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Rimm.
Yours For The Taking
by Gabrielle Korn, $29 $24.52
“The seas are rising, the air is thick with heat, the world is coming to a spiralling end — and yet, there is still juicy, heart-wrenching, page-turning lesbian drama. That is the essence of Yours For The Taking, Gabrielle Korn’s debut novel, and it is absolutely delicious. Part post-apocalyptic epic, part family drama, part queer love story, Yours For The Taking is a smart, scathing take on girlboss white feminism and billionaires told over multiple decades in the not-so-distant future when climate change has made the world unlivable. Call me biased because Korn is a Refinery29 alum (previously our Fashion & Culture Director), but I could not put this book down — and I’m frothing at the mouth for the sequel, set to come out in December of this year. A stunning masterclass in world-building and prose, Yours For The Taking is an absolute must-read.”
St. Martin’s Griffin Yours for the Taking by Gabrielle Korn, $, available at Amazon
Partanna Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $23.95
“I love olive oil the way a normal person might love chocolate — I truly believe it belongs in almost every dish and often find myself using it as a dip, sauce, topping, and even drink (don’t @ me, I’d sip a good EVOO). With that said, I’m also very particular about my olive oil. Sure, I’ll use a Trader Joe’s brand for an everyday stir fry, but for a pasta or salad dressing, I require the best. So when Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil entered my life, I was absolutely besotted. It’s earthy, rich, and flavorful enough to (consensually) smack you in the face. Perfect over pasta with a crack of pepper and parmesan cheese, this olive oil has become a near daily staple in my kitchen.”
Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $, available at Amazon
Papier Wildflower Undated Daily Planner, $35 $29.75
“I am a planner and calendar girly to my core. I love to be scheduled, booked, and busy even if what I’m busy with is forcefully self-prescribed alone time. I also can be inconsistent and shallow — I won’t bring a paper planner on vacation, but I hate the idea of wasting even a single page and I will forget about a boring ugly planner the second I put it down. Thankfully, the Papier x Mother of Pearl Daily Planner covers all my bases. First and foremost, it is gorgeous, like a luxurious, colorful, belongs in a museum type of gorgeous. Organized by week and then day, I love that it is undated (no skipping pages!), has space for additional notes, and has an easy-to-use to-do list prioritization system. Now that return to office has become a reality, this planner has become an absolute daily essential and almost never leaves my side.”
Papier Wildflower Undated Daily Planner, $, available at Papier
Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Photo Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Down the Drain by Julia Fox, $28.99 $14.49
“Fox wasn’t lying when she said this book is a ‘masterpiece’ (though she’s since admitted she hadn’t actually written a word when she first said this — iconique). I’ve been listening to this while I go for runs, and it actually makes me excited to go for a run to find out what’s next. I went into this not knowing much about Fox, aside from her brief relationship with Kanye West — and let’s face it, we’re not doing the work if we only know who women are through the men they’ve associated with. Without ruining anything, this book is fascinating. From her experiences as a dominatrix to the love she’s poured into her female friendships, Fox’s life has been colorful, difficult, and fascinating, to say the least. Oh, and I’m now obsessed with her.”
Simon & Schuster Down the Drain by Julia Fox, $, available at Amazon
Lovehoney Power Petal 2-in-1 Clitoral Suction Stimulator with Thrusting Egg Vibrator, $84.99
“Whenever I read sex toy reviews that say, ‘I came within 30 seconds and then came three more times,’ I’m a bit intimidated. Only once have I had that response to a sex toy, and judging by my friends, they aren’t having many of these rapid-fire experiences either. Also, where’s the fun in that? I like to make an event of using a sex toy and enjoy playing. This new toy from Lovehoney is great for just that. It’s a two-in-one, with a clitoral stimulator and a vibrator — which, by the way, you can use together or only have one end on. I especially like how the vibrator side creates thrust strokes that feel realistic. Used solo or with a partner, it’s a lot of fun.”
Love Honey Power Petal 2-in-1 Clitoral Suction Stimulator with Thr, $, available at Love Honey
Whoop, $239 for an annual membership
“Whoop, unlike other fitness recorders, is more centred on recovery than anything else. Everyday it gives you a score for how much you’ve ‘strained’ and how well you recovered in your sleep — it’s a little bleak when your sleep score is in the pits, and your deep sleep is tracked at less than 30 minutes a night. However, I’ve enjoyed tracking my workouts with this, and like that it’s way less focused on metrics like calories. My friends have Whoop too, so I can be nosy and see how they’ve done for the day.”
WHOOP Whoop, $, available at WHOOP
Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Photo Courtesy of Alicia Lanson.
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, $15.20
“I’ve been using emollient creams to help my eczema forever, but sadly they only come in great big giant tubs. This new ‘healing ointment’ from CeraVe is the perfect replacement, offering a smaller vessel, easy application, and a smooth application for sore skin.”
CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, $, available at Look Fantastic
Soho Skin Radiance Toolkit, £75
“I went for a facial recently and after a short tutorial from the facialist, I am finally convinced of the power of the gua sha. I’m no longer being lazy and I’m actually going to put in the work to perform some much-needed lymphatic drainage on myself and depuff my face once and for all.”
Soho Skin Radiance Toolkit, $, available at Soho Skin
Athleta Ribbed Through Sweatshirt, £95
“Trying to exercise in the cold is losing battle at the best of times, but especially when you don’t have the proper layers. I’ve been wanting a long sleeve zip-up for ages and this Athleta one is designed precisely for yoga practice and comes in a range of cute colours. Win.”
Athleta Ribbed Zip Through Sweatshirt, $, available at Gap
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Vacuum, $649.99
“For anyone who has ever seen The Royle Family, know that my excitement about getting a Dyson is exactly the same as Barbara’s. As someone who has been using a heavy cord hoover that breaks my back every time I use it (or let’s be honest, puts me off using it all together), getting a wireless vacuum cleaner is truly a dream come true. This model is the most lightweight and even features a green light to reveal dust invisible to the naked eye (eek!). Plus, it has a specific hair tool which means my housemates can’t complain about me shedding all over the house anymore. My 2024 cleaning is about to seriously level up and I don’t even care that makes me sound incredibly old.”
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Vacuum, $, available at Dyson
Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Photo Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
Papier Monogram Leather Notebook, $55 $46.75
“I’ll be an analog girl forever, so naturally I love starting off the new year with a fresh notebook to keep thoughts, to-do lists, and personal goals. This simple option from Papier is covered in upcycled leather, comes in both fun and classic colorways, and has a little ribbon marker to help keep your place.”
Papier Monogram Leather Notebook, $, available at Papier
Cortni Spearman, Director of Social Media
Photo Courtesy of Cortni Spearman.
Coconu Wave Massager, $49.99
“My latest and greatest personal massager died on me so I was on the hunt for something compact and powerful to take its place. The Coconu to the rescue! This personal massager is compact, sleek and fits easily in your hand while the shape and size is optimal for small places if you know what I mean. I also love the material. It’s made from platinum grade silicone and is uber soft! It has 10 different vibration settings with different speeds and intensities to shuffle through making this product great for exploring. At a price point of $49.99 this has got to be one of the most affordable and powerful massagers I’ve had.”
Coconu Wave Massager, $, available at Coconu
The Standard Hotel, East Village
“When it comes to my wellbeing and mental health, I’m going to give myself a little treat. And by little treat I mean a staycation — and The Standard East Village is the perfect place to have one. Reasonably priced and situated in one of the most accessible parts of the city, The Standard offers everything I needed for a wellness weekend away. Excellent views, convenience, room service and a cozy bathrobe to relax in and forget about my woes. Luckily, The Standard has properties all over the US and world including London, Bangkok, Melbourne and more, so no matter where you are, you can experience the property in all of its glory.”
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