All The Lifestyle & Wellbeing Products We Tried & Loved In October
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.
Susan Devaney, Life Director
Photo: Courtesy of Susan Devaney.I love discovering a new, refreshing gin brand. Enter: Gin Mare. A few friends had mentioned it to me but it wasn’t until recently that I actually got the chance to try it. From the sleek bottle design to the taste of arbequina olive, everything about this gin makes you feel like you’re on holiday in the Mediterranean. What more could you possibly want?
I recently reached the shores of Japan and had a truly incredible time there. For 12 days, I travelled around the country, eating a variety of dishes, attempting to set my eyes on Mount Fuji and nearing the point of sensory overload in Tokyo. One thing’s for certain: I’ll be back. Part of my trip involved heading to the lakes where the weather can be slightly unpredictable. This heavyweight Columbia sweatshirt was the perfect accompaniment for hiking in Japan’s colder climes. Now we’re heading into a chilly UK winter, I’ll be wearing it for the next few months until spring arrives.
Columbia Columbia Women’s Marble Canyon Heavyweight Sweatshirt, $, available at Columbia
Did I mention I went on a trip of a lifetime to Japan? Am I still posting pics on Instagram about it? Yes, I’m being that person. Ahead of the trip I realised it was time to invest in some proper luggage. The last piece of check-in luggage I ‘bought’ I basically inherited from my parents as they no longer needed it. This Carl Friedrik case caught my eye because I know it’ll last me for a very long time thanks to its polycarbonate shell, aluminium frame and spinner wheels. It’s definitely an investment staple. Most of all, it looks so chic in a shade of black.
Carl Friedrik Carl Friedrick The Check-in, $, available at Carl Friedrik
Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.New York has a special place in my heart. So do cool art prints. I saw this and knew it would look great hung up in my home. It’s vibrant and looks so good in a wooden frame. When I look at it, I’m taken back to the energy that city gives me and how different life feels there. It’s a nice reminder. Nephthys Illustrated has so many other gorgeous prints, so I’ll be going back for more.
Nephthys Illustrated Nephthys Illustrated New York, $, available at Nephthys Illustrated
I’m really getting into yoga. Most of my fitness gear is aimed towards high impact work at the gym (bright, stretchy, sweat-resistant, tight) so I’ve enjoyed switching my fitness wardrobe up to suit lighter impact work. These bootcut leggings are so flattering, so comfortable, and the material is thick enough that they make walking to classes in the cold bearable without making me overheat mid-flow. They also stay put and don’t roll down as I’m moving in and out of downward dog. I love them, and have even worn them in everyday life.
Alo alo Airbrush High-Waist Bootcut Legging, $, available at Alo
Speaking of yoga, the reason I’m getting into it is MoreYoga. My weekly morning flow class has become something I genuinely look forward to and never dread or think of cancelling. Even on rainy mornings, I’m rising early and getting myself there. I’ve also tried out hot yoga and will be doing that more going into the cold winter, yin classes for when a deeper stretch is needed, and I plan to try out some other styles too. A membership gives you access to all studios, which, living in London, means I can go close to home, to the office, or just about anywhere I meet up with friends. The flexibility is great. Hopefully my body’s flexibility gets great, too.
Sophie Boucher, yoga teacher at MoreYoga tells R29: “Yoga improves balance, flexibility, wellbeing and enhances circulation. Physically, it complements high-impact training by offering a much-needed counterbalance. While lifting weights builds strength, for example, it also tightens specific muscle groups — yoga, on the other hand, lengthens and stretches those muscles. In yoga, we focus on ‘pushing’ movements, as opposed to the ‘pulling’ movements common in weight training. Additionally, yoga incorporates breath work throughout the practice, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system — our ‘rest and digest’ mode. Many of us remain in a ‘fight or flight’ state the majority of the time. Yoga helps to calm the nervous system, creating balance and promoting recovery.”
Memberships start at £44 per month.
MoreYoga MoreYoga Membership, $, available at MoreYoga
Kelly Washington, Senior Social Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Kelly Washington.Winner of the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2024, this book is by no means new, but I bought it on a trip to Brighton last year and have only just gotten around to reading it. It’s one of those books where you actually feel your IQ increasing as you read it. Naomi Klein tracks the extreme views of a woman frequently mistaken for her, who is also in the public eye. Diving into her mirror world, Klein explores what the personal shares with the political in our current climate.
Waterstones Doppelganger by Naomi Klein, $, available at Waterstones
I’m utterly obsessed with Klayd. Their basics are like no other, fitting beautifully and with the highest quality materials, so I was thrilled to hear they were launching a sleep collection. The Pyjama Ultimate Set includes trousers, a bralet and shirt, as well as a headband, scrunchie and dust bag for travel. If their sleep range is as good as their basics, I swear I’ll never take them off.
Klayd Klayd Pyjama Ultimate Sets, $, available at Klayd
Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Esther Newman.I don’t just hope, I know that everyone in my life thinks of me when they hear Taylor Swift. Being her biggest fan and a lover of fashion, I’ve naturally had this book pre-ordered for months — and now it’s finally here! I devoured it instantly. It’s not just packed with so much information and insightful thoughts from the undoubted expert (Sarah Chapelle is the brains behind @taylorswiftstyled aka the go-to for Swifties searching for fashion-related Easter eggs and where to buy Taylor’s style); it’s also a beautiful, hardback coffee-table book. I know I’ll be returning to this over and over. If you’re thinking about what to buy for the Swiftie in your life come Christmas, this is a great bet.
Waterstones Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras, $, available at Waterstones
I love figs so much — I love them as a fancy snack, with a cheese board, on toast as fig jam… And now I love them in the form of a candle. I’ve been after an autumnally scented candle that wasn’t too sickly sweet pumpkin spice, and this one from CO Bigelow is perfect. It’s rich and inviting, also using a mix of rhubarb, vanilla and cedar wood.
Co Bigelow Co Bigelow Ficus Carica Candle, $, available at Debenhams
I’ve been up and down the country this year, travelling often for concerts and festivals, and in doing so I realised just how important a good jewellery case is — I’ve spent way too much time detangling necklaces and piecing together the correct backs for earrings. No longer! This case from Wolf is a dream. It comes with five separate zip compartments for all your chains and necklaces to sit individually, made with clear plastic so you can see them instantly. There’s also a ring bar and earring bar for keeping any smaller items organised.
Wolf Wolf Maria Zip Jewellery Cube, $, available at Wolf
Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.I truly believe that comfy pants are the only way to live. These knickers from Stripe & Stare are the ultimate choice when it comes to seeking softness, with each pair made from 95% biodegradable Tencel (which comes from trees), which is said to be even comfier than cotton. This new bow design is super sweet and unlike other festive-themed underwear, looks good all year round.
Stripe & Stare Stripe & Stare The Original Knicker, $, available at Stripe & Stare
I really wish I wasn’t a renter cliche but all my houseplants end up crumpled in the corner. I’m feeling hopeful for my latest addition though, as it specifically lists itself as ‘unkillable’ and happy in dark spaces (perfect for my hovel of a living room). Fingers crossed it stays looking as lucious as it did arriving in its giant box. The postal aspect is a major win for those of us without the arm strength required for Columbia Road.
Beards & Daises Beards & Daises Kentia Palm, $, available at Beards & Daises
There was a time when alternative pain relief practices would have never crossed my mind but as I battle with ongoing period-related problems, I’m now open to just about anything. Enter: The London Acupuncture Clinic, which has a focus on helping those who have problems like fertility issues, PCOS and endometriosis to name but a few.
After a comprehensive conversation about my cycle, my period and my pain experiences past and present, we spoke about the benefits that acupuncture can have for gynaecological issues, like increasing blood flow to the ovaries, which can help decrease the intensity of cramps and create healthier and less painful cycles in the future. While much more than one session is needed to see any major effects, I found my first experience much less scary than I anticipated (speaking as someone with a childhood needle phobia). Tapping microneedles into my feet, ankle area, abdomen and hands, I hardly felt anything (I also got to relax under a heat lamp for 15 minutes like a lozzucking lizard). I have little experience with Chinese medicine practices and I found the session to be reaffirming of the pain I’m experiencing and hopeful that I may be able to achieve a less painful period moving forwards with a more holistic approach.
Dr Aziza Sesay, GP and creative director of Black Female Doctors UK, says there is some research that acupuncture can help to relieve menstrual cramps with a relatively low risk of side effects. “However, at present the research is not of high enough quality,” she adds. “The effectiveness can be subjective and acupuncture may not work for everyone. We need more robust, high quality research to confirm its effectiveness. It could be used as an option for someone struggling especially if they have noted a benefit while using it. As always, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare professional to ensure it is safe for you as an individual depending on your medical history, medications and overall health.” Photo: Courtesy of London Acupuncture Clinic.
Jessica Aureli, US Money Diaries Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Aureli.My friend Emily is a big fan of creating ‘scent journeys’ through her flat (but she does it with Yankee Candles, so you know she’s not completely insufferable). I’m not that organised, plus candles make me anxious — wait: I’m in charge of making sure they’re out before I leave the house? No thanks — so I turn to Temple of Incense. Its sticks smell amazing, the scent really lingers, and you can stretch them out by using half at a time (note: I’m never this economical). I’ve got my eye on its Big Cleanse Gift Box next — I’m hoping it’ll cure my candle anxiety.
Temple of Incense Temple of Incense Amber Sticks, $, available at Temple of Incense
Like most people, cold weather is a killer for my skin. Like, why am I so dryyyy? In an effort to up my water consumption, I’m boycotting glassware and using this 750ml Ocean Bottle for my at-home hydration. It keeps my soda water super cold (counterintuitive at this time of year, but I can’t stand lukewarm liquids) and helps me keep tabs on how much I’ve drunk in a day.
Ocean Bottle Ocean Bottle Original Sand Stone, $, available at Ocean Bottle
I’m obnoxiously opinionated about lighting (and many other things, but lighting is definitely up there). The Big Light is my nightmare and anything other than warm white can get in the bin — so Lutris’ Monte-Carlo lamp is my new favourite thing. Inspired by the palm trees of the French Riviera and cast with a gold, brushed aluminium finish, the Monte-Carlo is dimmable, so I’ve been using it on its lowest level in the mornings to ease me into the day — take that, seasonal affective disorder.
Lutris Lutris Monte-Carlo Cordless Lamp, $, available at Lutris
Cortni Spearman, Director of Social Media
Photo: Courtesy of Cortni Spearman.I’m just going to say it. I love underwear. I have so many pairs of underwear it’s honestly ridiculous at this point. I love feeling supported under my clothing and knowing that I have something a little cute and fun hiding underneath. But finding the right pair of pants seems like such an impossible task. Something that makes me feel sexy but also comfortable are few and far between. I’ve tried expensive, trendy undies that claim to have ultimate support and pairs on the cheaper side that say the same. For the Few has merged comfortability and support with style seamlessly. With the bikini, FTF has been able to blend sexy, playful vibes with the ideal coverage for a bikini and the colours make me feel confident. I finally found a nude pair of undies that match my skin tone precisely, making the worry of anyone seeing my underwear a thing of the past.
For The Few For The Few Every Woman Bikini, $, available at For The Few
Humeara Mohamed, Contributing Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Humeara Mohamed.Honestly, I get overwhelmed and overstimulated pretty easily. I hate clubs for this exact reason, and I often find myself using the noise cancellation setting on my AirPods without even listening to any music — just for some peace and quiet — at work, on the train and beyond. So I recently figured it was time to invest in some Loops. I was pleasantly surprised by how cheap they are, with different options at different price points, and I love that they’re built to last. Even with waxy ears, they’re easy to clean and reuse. To be honest, they’re no different from a standard set of earplugs in terms of what they do, but they’re infinitely more chic. They come with a sleek carry case and multiple earbud sizes for comfort and — here’s where things get really impressive — they come with an entire set of double-tipped buds for even better noise cancellation, should you fancy it.
I tend to use the single tips at work where I need to hear to some degree, and the double tips at concerts and the like. I don’t use them for sleeping though, instead I use the Dream Loops because they’re shaped in a way that’s slightly easier to snooze in. R29 senior writer Tanyel is also a big fan of the Dream version for daytime naps when the world outside is noisy.
We have a huge dog and, as much as I love him, there’s simply no denying that his food stinks. This Tomato Home Spray is the perfect antidote to stinky kitchen aromas, whisking you away to a sunny, tomato-filled garden with freshly washed laundry hanging in the breeze and kids squealing in happiness on the grass. At least, that’s where this scent takes me. The best part is that this spray doesn’t just smell nice, it actively tackles odours and it’s completely alcohol-free, so you don’t get that nasty synthetic smell. Basically, when you spritz this, it binds to malodorous molecules to neutralise any stinkiness. Amazing.
Malin + Goetz MALIN + GOETZ Tomato Home Spray, $, available at Malin + Goetz
I maintain that the best Christmas present I ever received was a set of suitcases eight years ago. Yeah it sounds boring, but do you know how expensive and useful suitcases are? Nothing beats a good set, especially if you travel often, which I do to visit family. I was all but heartbroken when my beloved cases finally kicked the bucket (think: missing wheels, split seams, broken handles) but my despair was short-lived thanks to Antler’s stylish Icon Stripe collection and lifetime warranty. This cool-blue cabin bag has so far accompanied me on quite a few trips and I’m really impressed with its durability and size. It still looks brand-new, save for a few superficial scratches on the shell, and it’s big enough to fit my dozens of beauty products as well as my dog’s food and toys.
antler Antler Expandable Cabin Suitcase, $, available at Antler
Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Photo: Courtesy of Becca Sax.I love my teeth, like, a lot, and I religiously wear my retainer. But I always felt a lil icky because I am human and I get morning breath. I didn’t even know that it could be bad for my teeth to use my retainer without a deeper cleanse than running it under water. This cleaner has been a game-changer in making my retainer feel squeaky clean each night. I got my mom and dad one and they also use it every night. It’s a great gift that someone may not know they needed but can’t live without.
Zima Dental Zima Dental Dental Pod Pro, $, available at Zima Dental
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