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 fabric shaver, an electric coffee maker, and a darling ornament set just in time for the holidays. Plus, the perfect cast iron pan for your kitchen. Keep reading to see what else we loved in November!
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
Elizabeth Gulino, Senior Writer
Written by former R29-er Gabrielle Korn, Yours For The Taking is set in the not-so-far-off future: The world is dying, the rich are getting richer, and the “chosen” population gets the chance to survive in a cluster of habitats across the U.S. called Inside while the rest of the world is left to fend for themselves. If you love dystopian stories, queer love, and a takedown of white girlbossery, then this book is for you. I read this in just two days so I’ll be here, patiently waiting for a sequel.
St. Martins Press Yours For The Taking, $, available at Amazon
My hair needs to be out of my face when I’m working. I’ve been faithful to the claw clip for years now, but as soon as I got my hands on these silk hair ties I became a convert. They’re soft, cute, and won’t pull or damage my hair the way that other hair ties tend to do. I keep losing them, though — and they’re not cheap for hair ties! — so I will be asking Santa to put more of them in my stocking this Christmas.
Slip Pure Silk Minnie Scrunchies, $, available at Sephora
One thing about me? I’m constantly schlepping. Whether it’s to an office, a friend’s house, my parent’s house, my boyfriend’s house, I’m always in need of a good, solid bag with a zipper and enough storage to hold all of my things — makeup, skincare, and shoes included. I’ve long been a fan of Dagne Dover and had to get my hands on their 2023 Fall/Holiday line, Hyperchill. The three new colors are so fun, and I had to snag the large Landon carryall in the cool green-grey color called Microchip (I have the XL in a no longer available purple-ish burgundy color, so my set is giving Barney in the chicest way). I’ll ride and die for these bags — really, they’ve never done me wrong — and am looking forward to growing my collection.
Dagne Dover Landon Caryall Bag, $, available at Dagne Dover
Kelly Washington, Social Editor
Hosting during the holidays is tough, and gifting is even harder. Whether you’re having people over or sending a loved one a gift, Vaisselle founder Lea Zana, Harvey Nichols, and St-Germain have teamed up to create this elegant hamper to kick off the festive season.
Vaiselle provides a handcrafted and painted ceramic aperitif platter with snack bowls to match, while Harvey Vicks and St-Germain add champagne and elderflower liqueur respectively. All that’s left to do is to invite your guests (tell them to bring soda water, lime and snacks!). Why go out when you can stay in?
Harvey Nichols St-Germain X Vaisselle Set, $, available at Harvey Nichols
Alexis Jackson, Deputy Director of Social
Lush’s Super Milk Hair Spray is my daily hair care hero. Its lightweight formula hydrates without greasiness, leaving hair soft and manageable. Packed with natural ingredients like coconut and almond milk, it’s versatile for wet or dry application. The subtle, sweet scent adds a touch of luxury. A must-have for luscious locks.
Lush Super Milk Conditioning Spray, $, available at Lush
This is my kitchen essential. With its versatile design and vibrant colors, it effortlessly goes from stove to table. The durable cast iron ensures even heating, while the non-stick interior simplifies cooking and cleaning. It’s a stylish and functional kitchen companion, perfect for everyday culinary adventures.
Le Creuset Cast Iron Balti Dish, $, available at Le Creuset
The Oura Ring is my wellness companion, seamlessly tracking sleep, activity, and readiness. Its sleek design conceals powerful technology, providing actionable insights for optimal health. With features like heart rate monitoring and sleep analysis, it’s a game-changer in personalized well-being. A must-wear for those prioritizing holistic health and style.
Oura Oura Ring, $, available at Oura
Jessica Aureli, Associate Copy Editor
What’s the worst thing about winter? No, it’s not endless darkness, interminable rain, or basically the entire period from January to March — it’s LAYER FRICTION. I’ve been stopping pilling in its tracks with this dinky-yet-effective fabric shaver (this isn’t even the dorkiest thing about me), and I must say: not having to suffer the indignity of being constantly covered in tiny woolen balls is disproportionately satisfying. See you in April.
Philips Fabric Shaver, $, available at Amazon
Can you hear that? That faint, disembodied wailing? That’s my body having a nervy b at the prospect of the festive season. I used November to take some party downtime, and Three Spirit’s Social Elixir took the sting out of feeling like a bit of a Johnny No Fun. Made with lion’s mane mushroom, yerba mate, and damiana, it’s billed as a spirit alternative that provides a natural, blissful feeling (could be placebo effect, could be my innate suggestibility, but I definitely found it relaxing). Non-sweet toothers will love its herbal, aromatic finish — think Jagermeister adjacent, but not in a scary way.
Three Spirit Social Elixir, $, available at Three Spirit
You’d think Googling “coffee machine alarm clock” would be the definition of wishful thinking — and yet here we are. Without wanting to overstate things, this Bialetti coffee maker is the best present I’ve ever received, in my life, ever (thanks, mum and dad). Sure, its functionality is rudimentary, the display is brighter than the sun, and as far as I can tell, there is only one (rather trying) option for the alarm sound, but if I’ve learned one thing about my morning self, it’s this: I’ll tolerate a lot if I can be gently roused with the smell of espresso and the promise of piping hot coffee without having to surrender my horizontality. (Honourable mention has to go to this Breaking Bad-esque beauty ).
Brew Italia Electric Coffee Maker, $, available at Brew Italia
Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
’Tis the season and I simply can’t wait to decorate our tree while blasting Christmas tunes. I love these paper ornaments from Arket that come in a few different colours and shapes. While simple, they still make a statement and aren’t at risk of breaking like delicate glass ones (as beautiful as they are).
Arket Honeycomb Ornaments, $, available at Arket
A cute tea towel can have a big impact on the ambiance in a kitchen and this colour combination just speaks to me. They also pair quite nicely with some existing ones I have from Dusen Dusen, which is a win.
Zara Home Line Tea Towel, $, available at Zara
Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
I haven’t read anything quite like this and I doubt you will have either. Boy Parts is dark and subverts typical gender power dynamics (which is interesting to say the least), as a female photographer scouts young men for graphic shoots. Of course, that isn’t where it ends. I’ve been lost in conversation with friends over this book, and think it would be great for book clubs due to the controversial themes it deals with. I got through it in a few days, needing to know what would happen next. Already, I’ve passed it onto a friend.
Amazon Boy Parts, $, available at Amazon
I have these in the brown (now sold out), but these leggings are exactly what fitness fans need this winter. They’re thick, so they’re a bit warmer, and yet they don’t feel heavy on. If anything, they stay up on my waist while doing sets of weighted squats better than my thinner leggings do. Also, they’re ideal for running outdoors during the cold months, as the weather has definitely turned in London over the last week. I stocked up on a few more pairs of these over the Black Friday sales, and recommend you do too.
Gymshark Vital Seamless 2.0 Leggings, $, available at Gymshark
I love the thick sole on these running shoes. I’m no running expert, but I imagine it’s doing something good for my knees. These trainers comfortably fit my slightly wide feet, which can sometimes be tricky, and they felt sturdy as I dodged people while running in my local park. They’re comfortable for long walks too, and with the ultra-bright red/pink colouring, I’m confident people can see me crossing the road from miles off. If you think they look bright online, just wait till you get them on your feet.
ASICS Kayano 30 Running Shoes, $, available at ASICS
Megan Decker, Beauty Editor
I love melatonin gummies because I can dose them however I want by taking a small bite of a gummy instead of the whole five milligrams or whatever. I’ve tried a lot of different types of melatonin supplements but these Goli ones are the best! I take a half or a quarter of a purple gummy most nights and I found they help me fall asleep and stay asleep and I never wake up groggy. Because I’m usually taking only two milligrams it might be a placebo, but it works for me. I’ve also used the brand’s Apple Cider Vinegar gummies, which I love for digestion.
Goli Dreamy Sleep Gummy, $, available at Reubsretail
This tiny bottle of P50 has become my travel must-have. I apply a few drops to a cotton pad — or like a folded up paper towel, if wherever I’m staying doesn’t have them — and wipe it across my clean, dry face before bed and I wake up to glowing skin. It exfoliates, purifies, promotes cell turnover, and evens my skin tone. Because it’s so powerful (you want to be careful with it if you have sensitive skin, start with applying it a few times a week and work up to every night), I don’t need to pack a bunch of different serums and oils in my carryon. As long as I have P50, a simple moisturizer, and sunscreen for daytime, I’m all good.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM 400, $, available at Embassy of Beauty
Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator, Shopping
Sometimes you just need a spritz of good energy whether you’ve been having an off day or want some protection before you head outside your apartment to an evening of shenanigans and Pink Moon’s mist provides just that. I love the refreshing smell of this face and body mist and the beautiful floral notes. Treat yourself (or a friend) to some good vibes.
Pink Moon Over the Moon Lunar Rose Mist, $, available at Pink Moon
I have a lot of frizz in my hair and it’s something I’ve learned to be okay with. I recently got my hands on this IGK kit of three products from the Good Behavior line that is specifically intended for frizz control and shine and I will not be going back. The 4-in-1 Prep Spray and Smoothing Spray are especially good investments for my fellow frizzy gals. While these products aren’t magical cure-alls that will demolish all your frizz, there is a noticeable difference when they are used versus not.
IGK Hair Good Behavior Smoothing Kit, $, available at Amazon
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