All The Lifestyle & Wellbeing Products We Tried & Loved In May
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 favourite 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.I’ve placed this pretty tray on my bedside table and it’s instantly tidied the space up. Now my various hand creams and lip balms have a home, making what used to be a cluttered desktop much less of an eyesore. I also think it would look cute against jewellery or fragrances, if you need a container for those too.
Caroline Gardner Caroline Gardner Glass Scallop Tray, $, available at Caroline Gardner
Even though it’s the start of June, in the UK we’re still having regular downpours that come on suddenly and last all day. I’m just hoping we’re okay during festival season… In the meantime, I’ve upgraded the broken brolly I’ve been lugging around for years that never stays up, to this slick one. It’s checkered, so I love the design, and it goes up and down with ease. My rainy walks are no longer quite so painful thanks to this.
Original Duckhead Original Duckhead Peanut Butter Checkers Umbrella, $, available at Original Duckhead
I recently went hiking and foraging on a press trip with Columbia (lucky, I know) and got to try their clothing, having never worn anything from the brand. My favourite pieces of kit were their waterproof hiking trainers and these trousers. Women often get shoved into leggings in these contexts, but I say we should all be going for trousers instead. They’re so comfy, have stretch at the waist, and most importantly, didn’t have me worrying my bum was in people’s faces as we walked up steep inclines. I’ll be wearing these on all future camping and hiking trips.
Columbia Columbia Unisex Painted Peak Wind Trousers, $, available at Columbia
Susan Devaney, Life Director
Photo Courtesy of Susan Devaney.Finding a comfy sports bra isn’t always easy, is it? Until now, I’d never opted for a padded option and what a mistake that has been. This bra provides support whether I’m pulling a yoga pose, cycling on my exercise bike or embracing the lighter temps by running outside. Made from around 50% recycled polyester materials, it comes in several colourways. If you ask me, the bicoastal shade seems ideal for summertime.
Nike Nike Swoosh Medium Support, $, available at Nike
I’m in possession of several pairs of black workout leggings – but never have I ever been a shorts kind of girlie. In 2024, that’s changed: I’ve fallen for New Balance’s 2-in-1 shorts. They’re just so damn comfy. The lightweight fabric/spandex material found inside the shorts, in my opinion, holds everything in place and makes running in shorts more enjoyable. And there’s a zipped back pocket to hold your keys too.
New Balance New Balance RC 2-in-1 Short 3″, $, available at New Balance
Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Photo Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.When I first saw this gin I honestly just thought ‘what a pretty bottle’, but then I found out what it actually contained and was even more intrigued. Zero alcohol brands can be a bit hit and miss but this low alcohol gin feels like a big win. Promising a London Dry full of big favour botanicals and citrus, the drink contains 12% ABV rather than the regular 40, making it much easier on the head the next morning. And if gin isn’t your thing, they also do a quarter strength tequila and some pre mix negronis and margaritas.
Quarter Quarter London Dry, $, available at Quarter
Gut health has been a buzzy topic for some time now, but with an inordinate amount of “happy tummy” yogurts and digestion capsules out there, it’s sometimes hard to see the wood for the trees. A friend of mine tried Symprove a while back and saw good improvements, so I finally decided to give the gut-friendly water based drink a go in the hopes of helping with some long-time stomach issues. Taken every morning before food, the ACV-tasting liquid can be quite an adjustment (I recommend the strawberry flavour to take the edge off) but now a few weeks in I’m actually quite enjoying my cold morning shot. Each serving contains billions of live and active bacteria, which aims to balance the gut microbiome and help with everything from regulating digestion to brain function and improved sleep (all of which I could do with). While they say you need to stay consistent for three-months to start seeing the real improvements, the glowing reviews show some people say they start feeling better after a month which is keeping me optimistic. Plus, it’s vegan, dairy and gluten free for people (like me) who are also trying to rule out other possible stomach irritants at the same time!
Symprove Symprove Daily Essential, $, available at Symprove
Kelly Washington, Senior Social Editor
Photo Courtesy of Kelly Washington.Who knew Peugeot did baking dishes? Not me, but I’m glad I do now. This Ceramic Rectangular Baking Dish in Forest Green is the perfect size for a veggie bake lasagne. With a 10 (!) year warranty, I think it will last my shared house in which all our items are *well loved*. My logic: if they can make good cars, they can make good dishes.
Peugeot Appolia Ceramic Rectangular Baking Dish, $, available at Peugeot
Challengers was amazing, so I decided I wanted to look like Zendaya for my hot yoga classes. Safe to say, I failed. But Alo Yoga’s Good Form tennis skirt got me one step closer. I feel chic even when dripping with sweat.
Alo Yoga Alo Yoga Good Form Tennis Skirt, $, available at Alo Yoga
Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Photo Courtesy of Kristine Romano.I wore these last weekend for the first time and what a world of difference they make! If you think wearing earplugs will detract from your experience at a concert, festival or otherwise, I can confidently say that my experience was the opposite. Alongside protecting my ears, I actually felt like the sound quality was enhanced to the point where the music was more enjoyable. And as someone who gets easily overstimulated, I can definitely see myself using these for other purposes outside of just live music and events. They look great and feel comfortable too!
If, like me, you prefer a bra that basically feels like no-bra at all, then look no further! I have Sloggi’s Zero Feel bras in a few styles but this is by far my favourite. It’s soft, invisible under my clothes, and doesn’t dig in or leave marks on my skin – all while offering just enough coverage and support. I’ve long since ditched my underwire bras and rest assured I’m never looking back.
sloggi Sloggi Zero Feel Bra, $, available at sloggi
I love thoughtful design and Monos has genuinely thought of it all – I’ve never owned a suitcase that feels this premium. From its sleek and sturdy construction to the practical and complimentary extras (laundry bag, shoe bags, and luggage tag), it really is in all the details. I still can’t get over how effortlessly the wheels glide and turn. I know this is a suitcase that will last me a lifetime (and, if it doesn’t, thankfully it has a lifetime warranty!).
Photo Courtesy of Jessica Aureli.With the weather ostensibly getting better, I’m determined to get back into good cycling habits (that is to say, doing literally any cycling at all). And because I don’t like practicality to dictate what I wear, I use these shirt sleeve armbands to keep jeans and wide-leg trousers in check. Plus they remind me of Don Draper, and when is that ever a bad thing?
Amazon Long Sleeve Shirt Holders, $, available at Amazon
There are few things in life that make me happier than a highly useful lifestyle artefact that is also a balm for my climate emergency-preoccupied soul. The superficial premise is simple: Ocean Bottle’s travel mug has a double-walled stainless steel insulation, so it keeps hot drinks hot for four hours and cold ones cold for 10 (is it just me, or does this sound very festival friendly?). But what’s undeniably more important to know is that the Travel Mug is made from 90% recycled stainless steel, and that the sale of one mug funds the collection of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles.
Ocean Bottle Ocean Bottle Travel Mug, $, available at Ocean Bottle
I ruptured my Achilles tendon a few years ago (people often look quite queasy when I tell them this; if this is also you, sorry), and while recovery has been great, I need support, and lots of it. These were a revelation — the bigger-than-average sole did take some getting used to, but now I wouldn’t be without it. Plus the lime and mango colourway is perfect if you want to be able to wear them in a non-gym capacity, too. Two things worth mentioning: they are very vulnerable to dirt, so if you’re fastidious, be prepared to chuck them in the washing machine (works like charm). Also, even factoring in my orthotics, I had to size up — I usually take a 4, but in these I was a 6.
New Balance New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 Shoes, $, available at New Balance
Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Photo Courtesy of Esther Newman.I love cooking and I loveee trying out new recipes, most of which I discover through TikTok. Problem is, I’m constantly searching through my bookmarks for that one vegan ‘pulled pork’ style burger recipe that I’ve been craving, and so I’ve decided to go old school and treat myself to a beautiful, personalised (!!!) recipe notebook. Now, once I’ve tested out a recipe a few times, tinked with it and loved the results, I can immortalise them here (all the better for passing on winning recipes to friends and family). Also, I love that this has a conversion table at the start as I’m forever having to Google what one cup equals in grams or millilitres!
Papier Papier Recipe Journal, $, available at Papier
I’m gearing up for the most important day of my life. No, it’s not a wedding, birth or anything to do with anyone in my personal life — Taylor Swift’s Era’s Tour finally coming to the UK. Whilst I’ve been debating my outfit for months, I know that it probably won’t have pockets and so I’ve brought myself one of these Utility Lanyards from Casetify to keep my phone nearby (for capturing my favourite songs), whilst also being able to dance hands free. This will also be so handy for the festivals I have lined up this summer.
Casetify Casetify 2-in-1 Utility Lanyard, $, available at Casetify
Humeara Mohamed, SEO Writer
Photo Courtesy of Humeara Mohamed.No I’m not crying, it’s just allergy season, okay? As such, it’s out with the cute accessories and in with the tissues, tablets and Instant Relief Eye Spray. I’ve never been one to use eye drops – I find them far too fussy, and god forbid I miss my eye and ruin my makeup – which is why this spritz has captured my attention so. You can spray it up to five times a day, over makeup, with contacts in, and it instantly soothes and cools itchy eyes. It’s so easy to use (unlike eye drops), and it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
Peep Club Peep Club Instant Relief Eye Spray, $, available at Peep Club
I am a hairy, hairy girl. With this genetic blessing comes a set of eyebrows to rival that of Cara Delevingne’s (if I do say so myself) and lashes that invite, “Are they real?!” comments. Lashes so long that they bat my eyebrows, my glasses and – annoyingly – any sleeping mask I’ve ever tried, until now. Enter: The Drowsy Eyelash Protecting Mask, which is contoured to stop your lashes and eyelids from feeling squished. It’s perfect for anyone with long lashes or even extensions, as your eyelashes sit in the contoured cups. The mask is ultra luxurious and cloud-like, coming in washable 22 momme mulberry silk that wraps around your entire head to block out every speck of light. The silk doesn’t crease skin or snag hair, and it’s cooling on sensitive peepers.
Drowsy Sleep Co The Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask, $, available at Drowsy Sleep Co
I love to be on Hampstead Heath with my hound, preferably sitting in a patch of long grass, reading a book and eating vegan sausage rolls. The only thing to make this scenario better? A chic picnic blanket that isn’t a hassle to lug around during my dog walks. The Tartan Blanket Co Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket is my most prized summer possession. I love that it’s machine washable (on a wool cycle and with the right detergent) and, most importantly, very aesthetically pleasing. Chuck in a picnic basket and a punnet of strawberries and you have a viral TikTok just waiting to happen. I recommend adding a shoulder strap to make your life easier.
The Tartan Blanket Co. TBCo. Recycled Wool Picnic Blanket, $, available at The Tartan Blanket Co.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
