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 water bottle 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.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Life Writer
Photo Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Never did I think I’d race through a 700-page work of fiction at the pace I’m currently going. I’ve been warned this book will break my heart even more as I go on — it’s incredibly sad, painful, and horrid to read at times. But it’s also an exceptional work of fiction that’s truly worth the hype. I love how Yanagihara switches between voices and narrative angles so effortlessly. I love how every time you think a character has been left or forgotten about, they’re immediately picked back up with ease. It’s no small feat for a novel of this size and complexity. I highly recommend, but only if you aren’t feeling fragile.Anchor A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, $, available at Amazon
Lululemon Define Cropped Jacket
Spring might be on the horizon, but the weather in London is just as drizzly and cold as it’s been all winter. Running outside is a pain on days like these, but it’s made that bit better when I get to put this on before stepping outside. It’s so soft and comfortable, it’s figure-flattering, the pockets are big enough for my phone and keys, and it keeps me warm without overheating as I work up a sweat.Lululemon Define Cropped Jacket Nulu, $, available at Lululemon
New Balance Fresh Foam Running Trainers
My feet feel light as air when I run in these, thanks to how bouncy they are. They’ve become a staple part of my running kit, and I love the pastel color design on them — they’re fun and functional. The only thing to keep in mind is they’re better for narrow/regular feet, rather than wide.New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13, $, available at New Balance
Susan Devaney, Life Director
Photo Courtesy of Susan Devaney.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
A friend recently gave me a copy of Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata and I found myself struggling to put it down. Most of us now readily accept stupidly fast-paced lives, which is why Murata uses her protagonist, Keiko Furukura to make us question it entirely. She’s been working part time at her local store for 18 years and she’s more than happy with this set up. But, of course, those around her aren’t. Gender politics and societal expectations thrust upon this 36-year-old make her even more defiant to do things her way.
Grove Press Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, $, available at Amazon
Roku Sakura Bloom Gin
This autumn I will be venturing to Japan. It’s a trip that I’ve been planning for quite some time and, frankly, I can’t wait to immerse myself in Japanese culture. So, I think sipping on some Roku Sakura Bloom in the meantime seems only fitting, right? It’s delicious mixed with a splash of tonic, touch of ginger and a handful of raspberries.Roku Roku Sakura Bloom Gin, $, available at Sainsbury’s
Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0
Slowly but surely I’m attempting to remove chemical-laden pans from my kitchen. It’s an expensive change but one I’m adamant to make happen. For Christmas, I treated myself to the Our Place Always Pan 2.0 pan in sage. Now, I’m in possession of its mini sidekick in the same shade. Both pans have been made without PTFEs, PFOAs, and potentially other toxic chemicals too. I’m certain an Our Place pan will last me a pretty long time too.Our Place Mini Always Pan 2.0, $, available at Our Place
Kelly Washington, Senior Social Editor
Photo Courtesy of Kelly Washington.
Loop Experience Andrew Footit
I owe Loop my life (but mostly my ears!) I attend enough music events to likely have hearing problems in the not-so-distant future. If I don’t look after my hearing like many people I know in the music industry, I’m at risk of going that way. I’m at high risk as I’m often stood right next to speakers (at the front, where else would I be?!). Long-term or repeated exposure to sound levels above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage, and even hearing loss(!) – and I was shocked to learn that long days and nights at noisy festivals can severely damage your hearing. Eek! Loop have collaborated with artists like Andrew Footit to create art you can wear, sporting a “radically unique print, so no two pairs the same.” Top tip: they’re a relatively new thing, and so pretty easy to forget. I’m attaching mine to my keys so I’m never without.Loop Earplugs Experience Andrew Footit, $, available at Loop Earplugs
Iridescent Sunset UO Exclusive Lamp
Having the ‘big light’ on terrifies me. So bright, so erratic, so offensive. I need mood lighting to be immaculate, in order to create the optimum chill ambiance. The lighting in my room is severely lacking (a Lumi alarm can only do so much on its own), so I’m on the hunt for another one to level up my lighting game. This iridescent projection lamp claims to fill the room with a calming sunset hues, at just £45, it’s worth a go. I can’t imagine it will be strong enough to do all the leg work, but if you add 1+2 more and build up the textures on a feature wall, you’re winning!
Urban Outfitters Iridescent Sunset UO Exclusive Lamp, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Toast Washed Linen Cotton Duvet Cover
I have very few home non-negotiables (I am a woman of simple pleasures), but one of them is that I must sleep in a giant fluffy cloud. Pillows? Huge. Bedding? White, white. My friends are always laughing at me as I’m forever soaking my bedding, desperately trying to get coffee and nail polish stains out. I could switch from white, but I love it way too much. So I was super keen to try Toast’s washed linen cotton duvet cover – and it did not disappoint. The soft, textured cotton is a dream to sleep in. Super cozy, emulating that of a boutique hotel bedding. Warning: you will likely flop into it and never get out. Check measurements as sizing can differ too.
Toast Washed Linen Cotton Duvet Cover, $, available at Toast
Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Photo Courtesy of Kristine Romano.
Wuka Stretch Seamless Midi Brief
From swimwear to bike shorts, I’ve tried my fair share of one-size fits all clothing and every single item has been worth it and these period underwear are no different. I just love the idea of owning clothes that fit and adapt to my body at whatever stage it’s in, and it honestly saves me money too! Available in two ‘multi-size’ sizes, these period underwear from WUKA claim to fit all body sizes while still providing full coverage and protecting against leaks. At first, I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to squeeze into them but not only do they fit, they’re super comfortable too – a new firm favorite in my period underwear rotation.
Muji Acrylic Jewellery Case
I want to be that person that has all of their jewellery beautifully on display in trinket dishes and bowls but… THE DUST! I simply can’t do it. I still have my everyday hoops and rings on a lovely blue ceramic dish but everything else is stored in this handy acrylic case from Muji. I love the simple design and the clear acrylic means I always have eyes on everything I have stored away so I don’t forget to actually use it.
Muji MUJI Acrylic Jewellery Case, $, available at Muji
Piglet in Bed Teal Waffle Chambray Linen Duvet Cover
There’s something so comforting about textured bedding, I was immediately sold when I came across these sheets from Piglet In Bed in this dreamy teal color. Throw in some linen and I think we have the dream combo! I’d actually never slept in linen bedding before but it’s safe to say, I finally get the hype. These sheets are soft yet breathable – I feel so cozy every night when I get into bed.
Piglet In Bed Teal Waffle Chambray Linen Duvet Cover, $, available at Piglet In Bed
Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Photo Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.
NEOM Real Luxury Pod Starter Pack
My old diffuser broke and the idea of doing my nighttime routine without a little cloud of fragranced air was clearly too much to take. Everyone has always spoken about how lovely Neom oil diffusers are and it turns out, they were absolutely right. The warm light function is my favorite feature and it can be controlled with little touch buttons — it even has a glowing “breathing mode!” Catch me trying to undo half an hour of bedtime doom scrolling with this lovely smelling night light from now on.
Neom Wellbeing Real Luxury Pod Starter Pack, $, available at Neom Wellbeing
Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Photo Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
String Ting Cherry Blossom Wristlet Phone Strap
While I never thought I needed a wristlet for my phone, now that I’ve been using this one from String Ting for a few months now, I don’t know how I went without using one. It’s so convenient to not have to constantly be searching for my phone in my bag or to have to find a place to put it when my hands are full. Bonus: It makes all my selfies look way better.
String Ting Cherry Blossom Love Wristlet Phone Strap, $, available at String Ting
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Headphones
I am a creature of habit who believes in investment purchases, so I’ve had the same headphones for the last 10 years. After they broke for good last year, I got this pair from Bowers & Wilkins that even got my sound editor husband’s stamp of approval and which I plan to use for another decade. In addition to having noise-cancelling abilities, these headphones are also sleek to wear in public and comfortable enough to sleep in on the many the international flights I take.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones, $, available at Bowers & Wilkins
Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Photo Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
Who Gives A Crap Forest Friendly Paper Towels
I’ve tried my best to use less single-use cleaning and kitchen products, but sometimes you just need a paper towel for big messes and quick cleanups. I love these are made from 100% recycled materials, plus the brand uses all plastic-free packaging for a little bit more peace of mind — the convenience of having a box delivered straight to your door is pretty nice too.
Who Gives A Crap 100% Recycled Paper Towels, $, available at Who Gives A Crap
Jessica Aureli, Associate Copy Editor
Photo Courtesy of Jessica Aureli.
Earth’s Secret Original Sleep Mask
My apartment overlooks an overground station. This is great for people watching, and for my general fondness for getting places quickly, but in terms of light pollution, it’s a nightmare: The place is lit up like a Christmas tree 24 hours a day. I’m a Venetian blinds person, so blackout curtains are obviously out of the question, which makes this sleep mask an absolute lifesaver for me. It’s super comfortable, and the socket design — which puts me in mind of a pair of goggles that you would wear should you happen to find yourself in a sidecar, but made of foam — relentlessly blocks out any bit of light that tries to infiltrate your slumber.
Earths Secret Original Sleep Mask, $, available at Earths Secret
British Wool Mountain Punch Needle Cushion
Do you have an inner monologue that sometimes just won’t shut up? Is your beleaguered brain incessantly bothering you with mundane hypotheticals and endless speculation? Punch needle could be for you! Once you get the hang of it (huge caveat, that), this embroidery-adjacent craft activity is so soothing — something about the colors, and the tactility, really help me zone out. My first port of call in this new hobby era was The Modern Crafter, and now I wouldn’t go anywhere else: It’s independently run by sisters Rachel and Siobhán, and the packaging and presentation alone (complete with handwritten note), was enough to guarantee my loyalty forever. I’ve currently got my eye on the punch needle cushion kit — I think the cheerfully hued cushion would make a great gift for my two-year-old niece (at my rate of production, probably just in time for her 21st birthday).The Modern Crafter British Wool Mountain Punch Needle Cushion, $, available at The Modern Crafter
Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Photo Courtesy of Esther Newman.
The Death of Summer & Other Promises Vinyl
I saw Etta Marcus as an indie artist at her very first show, opening for another of my faves, Tommy Lefroy, back in 2021. I fell in love with her haunting voice and poetic lyrics then, and now — signed to Polydor Records — she’s released her third EP on vinyl, The Death of Summer and Other Promises. I can hear that she’s taken inspiration from many of my other favorites: ‘Girls That Play’ is very Wolf Alice esque, there’s a riff on ‘Little Wing’ that really gives me Ethel Cain vibes, and her cinematic, cathartic musings on girlhood and growing up are very Florence & The Machine by the way of The Last Dinner Party. Likewise, there’s a whole mixture of genres mismatched here; a patchwork quilt of 90s Mazzy Star dream pop, Riot Grrrl grunge and Golden Age British indie. But Etta ‘s music is uniquely Etta. The highlight? How she’s able to weave her soulful, emotionally wrought lyrics around so many sounds and genres and keep the balance between nostalgia and modernity.
Polydor Import Death Of Summer & Other Promises by Etta Marcus, $, available at Amazon
Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Photo Courtesy of Becca Sax.
The Plufl Human Dog Bed
I am so jealous of all the time that my dog Chicken Nugget got to spend in her donut cuddler bed when I am just getting the Plufl. It is that awesome of a bed. I put the bed together and fell soundly asleep in it that same night, to say that it’s comfortable is a gross understatement. Since we got the Plufl, my roommate, Chicken Nugget and I have now spent many hours a day in the bed, switching off who is lucky enough to occupy the cozy haven. I cannot recommend the dog bed for humans enough, it sounds and looks like a gimmick, but it is very much not. I highly recommend it to everyone, you will not regret it.
Plufl Human Dog Bed, $, available at Plufl
Kanuda Primo Air Pillow
I have had bad neck problems ever since I can remember, being glued to screens for work, being a tummy sleeper, and going prawn mode when working probably does not help my situation. I’ve never found a pillow that helps decompress my neck like the primo pillow does. The pillow forces me to sleep on my back, and I find I’m actually quite comfortable doing so as the pillow provides enough support for my neck and shoulders to do so. While it is a bit of a splurge as a pillow, a pain-free neck is priceless for the everyday comfort it’s provided.
Kanuda Primo Air Pillow : Flagship Comfort, $, available at Kanuda
Radhika Menon, Freelance Contributor
White Noise Machine Babelio Mini Sound Machine
There comes a certain point in life (in my case, promptly as I turned 30) where sleep becomes a treacherous journey. I tried nicer pillows, a diffuser, setting my phone to sleep mode an hour before my desired bedtime, and countless other recommended tips. But nothing worked quite as well as my mini white noise machine. With three timer controls and 15 noise options to choose from, this little guy will ease anyone with sleep difficulties into dreamland. The best part? It’s so compact, you can take it with you anywhere.
Babelio Babelio Mini Sound Machine, $, available at Amazon
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