At least once a week — let’s face it, at least once a
day — the writers and editors across Refinery29 discuss the latest and greatest products in our lives, from a 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. Because gatekeeping isn’t in our vocabulary, 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.
Susan Devaney, Life Director
Photo: Courtesy of Susan Devaney.
It takes guts to write about any personal relationship, even more so to be so frank about opening your marriage. Molly Winter’s debut, More: A Memoir Of Open Marriage , is brutally honest in such a way that it’s hard to put down. She takes you with her as she navigates first dates, first sexual experiences with strangers, and the first, tough conversations about being ‘open’ with her husband. It’s both intimate and interesting.
Doubleday More: A Memoir of Open Marriage, $, available at Amazon
Autumn has arrived, which means cozy nights are upon us. It can only be mandatory that some wine is had then, right? Sea Change’s new, organic Picpoul de Pinet has caught my attention. Not only does it pair perfectly with fish, but it tastes so good, too. Better yet? Sea Change supports global ocean conservation charities.
Sea Change Organic Picpoul de Pinet, $, available at Sea Change
Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.
Moving into fall, I want comfort food. Ottolenghi’s latest cookbook, Comfort , sets you up with recipes for just that. I’m trying to get more confident in the kitchen and diversify the meals I make, and this has been helpful. I’m going to be dipping in and out of it throughout the long winter.
Ten Speed Press Ottolenghi Comfort: A Cookbook, $, available at Amazon
I sleep in a position that’s described as one of the worst, apparently, according to a friend who recently saw a physio. I sleep sort of on my side, sort of on my front. The catch with sleeping like this is that I often wake up with a neck ache. So after doing some research, I found that a body pillow can help side-front sleepers move into a better position for the body’s alignment. This one from Simba is comfortable, has a cooling effect that’s nice to rest against, and strikes a balance between soft and sturdy. I now rely on this to help me drift off. I also use it under my knees after running to help ease any joint pain.
Simba Simba Body Pillow, $, available at Simba
I recently took this bag on a three-day trip, and it was the perfect size. It fit my clothes, laptop, a book, headphones — there was even room for snacks. What I love most about it is that there are the multifunctional pockets that make organizing your stuff so much easier, so you know where things are rather than rummaging through a packed bag, messing up any neat folding. It also has a slot so that you can securely and neatly stack it on top of a suitcase, as well as a detachable pouch. It’s the perfect bag to chuck on the back seat of the car before setting off for a long weekend away from home.
Monos Metro Carry-All Duffel, $, available at Monos
Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Photo: Courtesy of Becca Sax.
I’ve never been a pajamas girl, as a super hot sleeper — usually I opt for an old, oversized T-shirt and call it a day — but since trying this red silk set from Etam, my world has been revolutionized. I feel the most luxurious I’ve ever felt in my life. Not only do I feel so sexy in this, it’s comfortable as heck! I only have one set of these (so far), so they're going to be reserved for when I’m sharing a bed with someone else, but I highly recommend these to any sleeper who wants to elevate their sleepwear.
Etam Silk Camisole, $, available at Etam
Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
As autumn creeps in and we anticipate the clocks going back, I’m preparing for the long, dark nights — especially as I suffer from seasonal depression. In particular, I’m upping my vitamin intake, namely of vitamin D (I started taking vitamin D supplements every day last year and it really transformed my mood and energy levels). Since I hate swallowing tablets, I’m excited to try out these vitamin strips, designed to dissolve on your tongue.
Diso Diso Dissolvable Vitamin Strips D3 & K2, $, available at Boots
I’m planning for fall, which means treating myself to an extra thick, extra cozy fleece for early morning walks. (As it gets darker earlier, I like to get up early for a walk to ensure daily sunshine and fresh air.) Columbia has never let me down in the warmth and comfort departments, and I love the abstract mountain print on this design. It’s way more stylish than the old, tatty fleeces I’ve inherited from my parents!
Columbia Helvetia™ II Printed Cropped Half Snap Fleece Pullover, $, available at Columbia
I’ve wanted to learn to knit and crochet for so long, but all the YouTube videos and TikTok tutorials just confuse me. So, I’m turning to Wool and the Gang and one of its highly recommended knitting kits. According to friends who’ve used them before, the instructions are super clear and easy to follow, and you don’t have to worry about choosing the wrong yarn or needle — everything you need for this one pattern comes in one handy package. Rather than watching and trying to follow someone else’s technique (I hate the constant pausing of video tutorials), I’m excited to get cozy in front of some autumnal TV and slowly go through the instructions at my own pace.
Wool and the Gang Audrey Sweater, $, available at Wool and the Gang
Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.
If you put the words "wind down" on a bottle, I’m gonna be lining up to get it. Having a shower before bed and getting into clean sheets is probably one of the top 10 human experiences; adding calming fragrances like lavender and chamomile to the situation can only make it better, in my opinion. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and slip into some cozy PJs for extra zen.
Method Wind Down Body Wash, $, available at method
As someone who feels like they can’t function if they don’t get at least nine hours, the stress of not being able to get to sleep is the worst. While I’m trying all the good things — no pre-sleep screen time, reading before bed, trying not to eat too late — I’ve also looked into natural methods to help me drift off and these minty CBD drops are my current fave. Whether it’s just the ritual and tasty cooling flavour that signals to my brain it’s sleep time or whether the CBD does help my body relax, I can’t be sure, but I feel good knowing that I have a method to bring some calm into my bedtime routine. They also make lower strength ‘power’ drops with a zesty orange flavour and tons of vitamins for daytime.
OTO Wellbeing OTO Day & Night CBD Drops, $, available at OTO Wellbeing
Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Green Day was one of my favorite bands growing up, and I had a blast reconnecting with my punk rock-loving teenage self when they played at Wembley Stadium this summer. I’ve been humming all the hits from American Idiot since then, and was so excited about their matcha latte collaboration with Grind. (The band now has its own coffee brand, called Punk Bunny, believe it or not.) I have very discerning tastes when it comes to matcha, and this canned drink surprised me with its creamy smoothness. You can taste the matcha green tea powder, but it doesn't taste bitter or grassy. It has the perfect richness to serve it over ice, and the matcha gave me a nice jolt of energy — no caffeine jitters, thankfully.
Grind Grind x Green Day's Punk Bunny Iced Matcha Latte, $, available at Grind
I’ve been a big fan of Matilda Goad’s lighting designs for a while now but unfortunately can’t afford a £290 lampshade (from what I see on TikTok, queues for the brand’s sample sales are impossibly long, so that’s out of the question, too). This M&S table lamp captures the brand’s signature look — all scalloped edges and bright gingham — at a wallet-friendly price point. I'll be carting the dark green colorway to match the green tones of my living room.
Marks and Spencer M&S Kirsten Ceramic Table Lamp, $, available at Marks & Spencer
Good bedding is one thing I'm always willing to invest in. I’ve been sleeping on Piglet In Bed’s cotton percale sheets this summer and have been really impressed with the breathable fabric that looks great even when wrinkled. As the temperature starts to drop, I’ve got my eyes on the brand’s new Memories of the Lodge collection, featuring nostalgic prints inspired by the 1950s mountain lodge aesthetic. I’m partial to this linen-cotton blend duvet cover with an oversized marigold gingham pattern, which looks like it will only get cozier and softer with every wash.
Piglet In Bed Russet Yellow Emsworth Plaid Linen Blend Duvet Cover, $, available at Piglet In Bed
Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Photo: Courtesy of Kristine Romano.
I love a coffee-scented candle, and UK coffee company Grind has nailed that freshly-ground scent. There’s just something so comforting and cozy about the smell, especially come fall. This one gets bonus points for being made from vegan soy wax, and I’ve even found that the scent lingers when unlit. My aunt came to stay with me for a few days, and thought the neighbors were just making coffee all day long — it’s that good!
Grind Grind House Blend Candle, $, available at Grind
As we head towards colder weather, I’m trying to set better habits before it’s too late. I’ve been going on regular walks and, when I do, it’s always a consideration where I’m going to put my keys or phone. I don’t like carrying them in my hand (in fear of the phone snatchers!), and a bag just feels like it’s weighing me down. My preference is typically some sort of legging with a pocket, though they feel surprisingly hard to come by. Thankfully, these ones from Adanola are perfect, and will see me through the seasons! It also helps that they’re buttery soft and so comfortable to wear.
Adanola Ultimate Pocket Leggings, $, available at Adanola
I’ve always relied on baking paper or foil when oven cooking, but no more! This sheet pan from Our Place is genuinely a game-changer. Not only is it nonstick (and so easy to clean), it also doubles as a griddle, which means it can be used on the hob as well. I’m already eyeing the larger version…
Our Place Mini Griddle Pan, $, available at Our Place
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Lifestyle & Wellbeing Products We Tried In August
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