All The Lifestyle & Wellbeing Products We Tried & Loved In August
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.
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Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.I love this summery addition I’ve made to my room. I keep it next to my plants that, honestly, I’m surprised are still growing (I don’t have the best track record in keeping them alive). Having it there helps me to remember to water them, and makes the job easier to do. Before getting this jug, their watering schedule was a bit haphazard. Although I’m not using the jug perhaps how it’s intended, I’m enjoying it — and my plants are grateful, too.
Flying Tiger Flying Tiger Lemon Jug, $, available at Flying Tiger
Vodka is my favourite spirit, largely because it’s the least flavourful. It’s that or whisky in the form of an Old Fashioned. (Gin, on the other hand, is horrific.) If I’m going for vodka, I enjoy a sweeter drink, like a Pornstar Martini. I thought this new honey-flavoured vodka would go down easy(ish) and it really does taste like honey — it’s so sweet, and mixed into a cocktail it’s pleasant to drink. I’ll be enjoying getting this bottle out when I have friends round and want to surprise them with a different drink from our usual wine.
Absolut Vodka Absolut Hunni Flavoured Vodka, $, available at Tesco
This is the most comfortable yoga bra I’ve come across. As someone with a DD chest, most low-support bras are a complete no — even for a gentle yoga practice. They lack support, they make larger boobs look heavy and saggy, they don’t do anything for your body or confidence. But not this one! My boobs are held nicely, look good in the bra, and the material is so buttery soft that it’s a pleasure to have against my skin. I’ve had this bra for months and it washes well and feels comfortable every time I wear it. Sometimes my favourite thing about going to a yoga class is knowing I have an excuse to put this on. It’s one of the best buys you’ll find at Lululemon.
Lululemon Like a Cloud Longline Ribbed Bra, $, available at Lululemon
Sticking with the summer theme, I’ve also been keeping this in my room and it’s such a nice hit of fragrance every time I come back after being out for the day. It smells like the name suggests: a holiday in Santorini. During these muggy months in London, my room often becomes quite hot, stuffy and unpleasant. This freshens things up. Two months into use, the bottle still has over half of the fragrance oil left so it will see me through until autumn no problem. I’ll keep the holiday feeling going long after the British weather turns.
NEST New York NEST New York Santorini Olive and Citron Reed Diffuser, $, available at Cult Beauty
Susan Devaney, Life Director
Photo: Courtesy of Susan Devaney.A tundra blue handpainted plate? Yes, please. In a kitchen full of white plates, cups and bowls (thank you, Ikea), a Caroline Gardner handmade ceramic plate has certainly been a welcome addition. Each one is unique and made in Portugal, which adds a special touch while you eat your lunch.
Caroline Gardner Caroline Gardner Tundra Blue/Green Ceramic Plate, $, available at Caroline Gardner
Nostalgia is in the air right now, isn’t it? As Oasis reunite for a long-awaited tour next year, we’ve all been thinking about yesteryear. But what about the 1970s? I wasn’t alive then but it sure seemed like a fun, hedonistic decade. Designer Bella Freud offers up several insouciant accessories with 1970 emblazoned across them — but why? It was a pivotal year for the New York punk scene and Patti Smith. While I sip on my bone china mug (it’s handwash only), I’ll feel part of a decade I never knew.
Bella Freud Bella Freud 1970 Mug, $, available at Bella Freud
Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.After saving each episode like a tasty little treat, I have finally (and devastatingly) come to the end of The Bear season 3. For anyone who has watched the show, you know that beyond giving you passive anxiety, it also gives you a huge spurt of cooking motivation. This pan from Ninja gives me serious restaurant kitchen vibes, with its stainless steel exterior (ideal for high heat), ZEROSTICK formula (20x tougher than normal non-stick) and metal utensil-safe finish. Yes, chef!
Ninja Ninja ZEROSTICK Stainless Steel 28cm Frying Pan, $, available at Ninja
I’m sure I’ve mentioned this in a story somewhere before but I have little ears. This means that finding earbuds that fit is somewhat of a complicated task. Thankfully I’ve found these Sony wireless headphones, which have the most comfortable fit of any noise-cancelling earphones I’ve tried. A huge part of this is down to the soft elasticity of the earbud tips, which almost feel like memory foam in your ears rather than hard silicone shells. They also come in three different sizes for extra comfort. Beyond comfortability, the earbuds have all the criteria you want, including a range of adaptive noise-cancellation options, crystal-clear sound quality and for those who carry tiny bags like me, a small and compact travel case.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, $, available at Sony
We’ve all read about people waking up at the crack of dawn to dunk themselves into an ice bath, claiming it has restorative healing powers. Well, I’m here to tell you that there may be some truth to that…but only when paired with the gorgeous balm that is a thermal bath. Located in the cellars of a historic Georgian townhouse, AIRE Ancient Baths London boasts a multitude of hot water baths that aim to aid in relaxing muscles while the cold water pools aim to reduce swelling and provide relief to sore areas of the body. The contrast of both treatments (along with a muscle-pummelling jet pool and salt float tank) works to soothe inflammation and quicken muscle recovery. Add in one of the spa’s signature rejuvenating massages and you will leave with a body that feels brand-new.
Claire Mills, physiotherapist and Pilates instructor at Core LDN, says there are mental and physical benefits to hot/cold contrast therapy. “They can promote faster recovery time. Cold plunges can help reduce muscle inflammation and soreness as they decrease metabolic activity and constrict blood vessels. Saunas or thermal plunges on the other hand can help to relax muscles and relieve tension. The combination of these can help to promote faster muscle repair after intense exercise. The change in temperature with contrast therapy can also help to improve circulation, boost energy levels, as well as reduce stress levels through increasing endorphins in the body.”
Prices for AIRE Ancient Baths London experiences start from £120.
Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Photo: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.Earlier in the year I upgraded to an iPhone 15 Pro Max. Since then I have been trying to find a case whose design wouldn’t be blocked by a suction mount that I also wanted to get, to stick my phone to flat surfaces to take selfie-style videos and outfit photos for work. Just when I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to lose part of the design to the suction pad, I stumbled upon this Casetify case. It has a built-in suction back and a cute design that’s not only functional but also makes for fun mirror selfies.
Casetify Casetify The Stick-It Case, $, available at Casetify
In my opinion, no one makes better travel accessories than Tumi. My most recent obsession is this jewellery case, which keeps everything organised even when the rest of me is living out of my suitcase. It’s just big enough to house my chunky earrings, statement necklace and jewellery for weeks-long trips without being so large that I can’t find any of my daintier pieces. I used to travel with a bunch of jewellery bags; now this is the only case I bring on all my trips.
TUMI Tumi Leather Jewelry Case, $, available at Nordstrom
Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Photo: Courtesy of Becca Sax.Okay, I know what you’re thinking: This looks like the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever seen or heard of. But for someone who loves feeling like they’re being cocooned in their sleep but is also a warm sleeper who needs their dogs to get air, this is heaven. I was just resting inside it and fell asleep and I swear it was like I was a baby in the womb. I rested so peacefully until I woke up all snuggly and didn’t want to get out of bed. I love how you can have your feet and head inside or outside the cocoon while your body stays cosy. For sizing, I’m about 5’5” and got a medium; I initially thought it was too big but it actually worked perfectly.
Hug Sleep Hug Sleep Hooded Sleep Pod Move, $, available at Hug Sleep
Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Photo: Courtesy of Kristine Romano.If you’re looking for affordable yet well-designed homeware, I can’t recommend Søstrene Grene enough. I always stock up on candles when I pop in but most recently I picked up a few frames that come in all kinds of sizes. For the price point, I think they’re well worth it. Not only do they use actual glass, I also love that they come in a natural pinewood — perfect for painting (though I much prefer leaving them as they are).
Søstrene Grene Søstrene Grene A6 Frame, $, available at Søstrene Grene
I was so pleasantly surprised by these! Alcohol-free drinks can be very hit or miss but Wednesday’s Domaine has really created some delicious and sippable 0.0% ABV wines. The Elan Rosé in particular is perfectly tart yet refreshingly light — exactly what I look for in a summer wine. I can definitely see myself reaching for these on days when I want to enjoy a drink but am trying to lay off alcohol.
Wednesday’s Domaine Wednesday’s Domaine White & Rose, $, available at Wednesday’s Domaine
As someone who loves a good smash burger or tuna melt, I didn’t know how much I needed a grill press until I tried one for myself. This one from Our Place is an absolute game-changer, doing all the work to ensure my food comes out perfectly browned and crispy every time. It’s so simple but it makes all the difference!
Our Place Our Place Grill Press, $, available at Our Place
Humeara Mohamed, SEO Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Humeara Mohamed.Along with every other Gen Z on Earth, I am obsessed with Jellycat. I don’t know how or when it happened, I just know that it did: I blinked and suddenly I was surrounded by soft toys (in my current line of sight, there’s a unicorn, an octopus, a monkey and a peanut). Anyway, it only made sense to get myself a keyring, too. How else am I supposed to find my keys among the boring adult stuff that crowds my bag? I like buying my Jellycats IRL in Selfridges (there’s nothing like seeing rows upon rows of Jellycats to light a joyful fire of nostalgia within you) but you can also shop online. If you do opt for the in-person experience, don’t forget to check out their now-viral fish and chips pop-up!
Jellycat Jellycat Little Pig Bag Charm, $, available at Jellycat
As a beauty journalist by trade, I’ve tried nigh on every hand soap out there, from the most luxurious (Loewe, Aesop, Byredo, Diptyque) to the most reliable and affordable (Dove, Aveeno, Dr Bronner), but my go-to time and time again is the Original Hand Wash by Moroccanoil. It’s the hand soap that I bring out on special occasions, so when my bestie came to visit London from NYC last week, you better believe this went straight from the cupboard to the sink before she could even say hello. Surprise surprise, she commented on it after her very first trip to the loo, thanks to its frankly intoxicating scent and hand-softening prowess.
Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Hand Wash Fragrance Originale, $, available at Moroccanoil
I know that some people refuse to burn their fancy candles, instead opting to gawp at them in admiration forever. I am not one of those people. I burn candles a lot; come summer or winter, rain or shine, there will be a candle alight in my flat. So when my favourite Diptyque scent of all time (Papier, obvs) became available as a candle, I snapped it right up. What I love about Diptyque candles in general is that they’re super strong. Light them and they’ll fill your entire flat with scent; leave them unlit and they’ll do much the same, just on a slightly smaller scale. Papier smells like fresh sheets of paper and linen (which are actually notes of musk) combined with buttery popcorn (sesame), to create this ultra-cosy, ultra-clean, ultra-comforting atmosphere that I adore.
Diptyque Diptyque Papier Candle, $, available at Diptyque
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