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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 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.
Tanyel Mustafa, Senior Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.This cinnamon twist on a classic goes down too easy, especially at this time of year when I want everything to be warmly spiced. I’ve had it neat with ice before nights out with friends (I’m maturing, evidently), and it’s deliciously smooth. Friends have been horrified at first, witnessing me sip it straight — until I give them a glass, and then they’re asking for more.
Jack Daniels Tennessee Fire, $, available at Jack DanielsAnyone who works out knows the fear of having your underwear line showing through tight gym leggings, especially during a class when someone is positioned directly behind you, with full view of your rear. These briefs from Lululemon are both thin and soft, meaning they fit comfortably without showing through. They’re the only briefs I have that I’m confident are undetectable.
Lululemon InvisiWear Mid-Rise Bikini Underwear, $, available at LululemonI had the previous iteration of this shoe and although I loved it and wore it until it completely wore in, I think this new version is much, much better. It fits my feet perfectly and I haven't needed to break them in at all. They're wider and were comfortable from the first wear. I've worn these at the gym, to run, and in everyday life. I'm glad I have a new and improved version!
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14, $, available at New BalanceLike many people, my mood dips in the winter months because of the long stretch of lacklustre days. A lamp isn’t going to work a miracle but bright light exposure certainly helps alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I’ve sat in enough expert talks to know that getting a high dose of lux (the unit of luminance) first thing in the morning by taking a walk outside is the best thing for this but some mornings I’m just not motivated to get out in the cold. This sleek update from Lumie takes up hardly any space on my bedside table and is touch-sensitive, with the ability to dial the light up and down. When it’s at full brightness, it’s blinding in the best way. This will be firmly in use throughout winter.
Photo: Courtesy of Susan Devaney.Anything with morello cherries and I’ll be the first in line to try it. Enter: Hotel Chocolat’s Black Forest Gateau Velvetised Cream. It’s so indulgent, which makes it perfect for the festive season. While vodka might not be my drink of choice, when it’s mixed with cream, chocolate and cherries I find it very hard to say no.
Hotel Chocolat Black Forest Gateau Velvetised Cream, $, available at Hotel ChocolatDisclaimer: All year round I wear proper pyjamas to bed. I can’t describe the comfort and joy I get from wearing cosy cotton PJs. During the winter months, I up the ante and always invest in a new pair. Throughout November I’ve been wearing Chelsea Peers’ gingham style and I simply love them, especially the added detail of piped edging.
Chelsea Peers Organic Cotton Gingham Check Long Pyjama Set, $, available at Chelsea PeersI’ve been wearing the same winter scarf since 2015. But this year a new style has come into my life: a Barbour x Ganni fluffy lambswool scarf. In a camel shade, it goes with pretty much everything I own (I’m usually wearing black). And it’s so soft, so stylish.
Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Aureli.File this one under “Never knew I needed, now I can’t live without.” Hokan’s stoneware pots are microwave-, oven-, fridge/freezer- and dishwasher-proof, which means you can use them to cook, reheat, store, and serve (plus they’re stackable and seriously good to look at). The sky really is the limit with these, so feel free to experiment — I’ve recently discovered they're brilliant for making bread.
Hokan The Hokan Range, $, available at HokanI initially sent this one to the group chat as a joke — but it was my birthday recently, and as my friend Yas said, you really have to be careful about what products you talk about around gifting times. All this to say that I am now the proud owner of this electric blanket hoodie, and I’m a convert. It’s warm even when it’s not on, it eases my “turning on the heating” stress, and you can even get into bed with it if you like the idea of spooning a gigantic fleece (and if you don’t, seriously, what is wrong with you?).
Marks & Spencer Heavyweight Heated Fleece Electric Hooded Blanket, $, available at Marks & SpencerJust when you think there can’t possibly be any more air fryer innovations, along comes the pizza oven iteration. I spent the summer obsessing over the Ooni pizza oven in my parents’ garden, so this indoor-friendly option is easing my separation anxiety. There are cooking options available for both store-bought and handmade woodfire-style pizza so you can get as extra as you like about your dough. For those moments when you don’t want pizza (again, what is wrong with you?), there are 20 other functions, including roast, bake, dehydrate, and dedicated settings for cookies, bagels and steak.
ProCook Electric Pizza Oven Air Fryer, $, available at ProCook
Humeara Mohamed, Contributing Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Humeara Mohamed.If you’re ever at a loose end in London, go to Søstrene Grene. Entering one of their stores is like entering a home and crafts grotto, with magic at every corner. Now that it’s nearing Christmas it’s even more exciting, with cute ornaments, wrapping paper, ribbons, fairy lights, candles, toys and tableware galore. I’m loving these glasses, which look way more expensive than they actually are.
Søstrene Grene Wine Glass, $, available at Søstrene GreneI’m one of those rare human beings who doesn’t drink coffee. I do drink tea, but not outside, because who’s paying £5 for a cup of tea? Not me, which is why hot chocolate is my go-to whenever I’m in a coffee shop. I love it. So when Earl of East’s Cafe Collection, which I already adored, expanded to include a hot chocolate-scented candle, you better believe I squealed. It smells just like a chocolatey pudding — rich and malty with an oozing centre. It’s the first candle I’ve ever been cautious about burning, because I just don’t want it to end. You can smell it even when it isn’t lit, which is such a treat. I love being caught off guard by wafts of chocolate.
Earl of East Limited Edition Soy Wax Café Candle - Hot Chocolate, $, available at Earl of EastHave you ever looked at the bottom of your toothbrush holder? Warning: It might make you gag. I’m not sure what’s going on in there but the build-up of leftover toothpaste residue combined with water seems to make a rancid potion of stringy white bits. Suri is a sustainable electric toothbrush brand that recognized this problem and solved it (hallelujah!) with an aesthetically pleasing toothbrush mount that sticks to your mirror so that your toothbrush doesn’t have to sit in a yucky pot. I can’t lie to you, despite the brand’s long list of accolades (using recyclable materials, carbon neutral, B corp) it’s the toothbrush’s aesthetics that really draw me in. I’m a sucker for anything pink and pretty, especially when it comes to elevating life’s mundane rituals.
SURI Sustainable Electric Toothbrush, $, available at SURI
Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.Okay, sending holiday cards might seem like something only your nanna still does, but I’m suggesting we bring the tradition back — with a more refined mailing list. You don’t need to send one card to your cousin’s dog walker, but sending a few festive notes to your besties is a cute (and low effort) idea I can get behind. These beautiful little cards have a handmade feel, will look beautiful on a sideboard or tacked to the fridge and best of all, profits are donated to Mummy's Star: a UK charity supporting women and birthing people diagnosed with cancer around pregnancy.
Wrap Magazine Charity Christmas Card Set by Rosy Nicholas, $, available at Wrap MagazineI’m about to say something no one in the UK has been talking about over the last few weeks: I’m freezing. It came to my attention that I owned precisely one long-sleeve top and it felt like it was time to think sensibly and invest in some thermals. M&S always comes in clutch for these lifestyle staples and the fact they offer a two-pack is even more thrilling. I really like the ribbed texture of these tops and the bordeaux colorway really makes it feel like a fashion choice rather than one to keep my bones warm. I will say to be careful with how many layers you put on top, unless you want to be sweating out on your commute to work, but I like that it manages to insulate well with not a lot of material. Unlike the fleecy thermals that are made for the mountains, these are thin enough to slip under a cardigan without looking bulky/trek-ready.
M&S Collection 2pk Heatgen™ Thermal Ribbed Tops, $, available at Marks and SpencerFluffy towels are something I’ve only ever experienced in a hotel, but I’m making the effort to be a real grown up whose towels don’t feel like cardboard. Having dyed my hair a lot over the years, my towels also have a number of stains across them and I’m ready to change that with these plush cotton and bamboo-blend towels. Super soft, sweet and stripy, this size is perfect for twisting my hair up into and lying on my bed for two hours.
Cozy Earth Luxe Striped Hand Towels, $, available at Cozy EarthAs many will have read over the last few weeks, NHS gynaecology waiting times have tripled in the last decade. Navigating the system has become increasingly difficult for me this year and with a host of issues that aren’t going away, I’m starting to explore other ways to get information about my body. Enter: the Hertility at-home hormone testing kit. While the finger prick test is uncomfortable (make sure to majorly warm your finger up to help the blood flow), the DIY process is well worth what you learn. Testing between three and 10 hormones depending on your form of contraception, my personal report analysed six hormones including ovarian reserve, thyroid health and androgen hormone health. You then receive an analysis which suggests what conditions your levels could indicate, with the option to book a private gynaecologist video call to talk through your results further. On top of this, you can also book things like ultrasounds and cervical screenings, or you can simply use your results to feel more informed about your fertility and ovary health for your next GP appointment.
Expert opinion:“By offering an initial assessment, home-testing kit and a doctor written report, I think the Hertility at-home hormone testing kit is a valuable and reliable personalised tool for gaining insights into your hormone health and fertility. It measures a variety of hormones such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), each of which plays a crucial role in the fertility journey. AMH provides an estimate of ovarian reserve, giving a sense of how many eggs you might have left. FSH helps regulate the growth and maturation of eggs in the ovaries (changes to this hormone level can indicate conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency or menopause). LH triggers ovulation and plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and changes to this can indicate polycystic ovary syndrome or pituitary disorders. By providing analysis of these hormone levels with a personalised doctor's report, the kit can inform you about potential conditions such as diminished ovarian reserve, polycystic ovary syndrome or other hormonal imbalances that may affect fertility. It can also indicate whether further specialist care may be of benefit and easy ways to book these online, if required.” —Smita Sinha, consultant gynaecologist atSerenity Women's Clinic, Somerset
Hertility Hormone and Fertility Test, $, available at Hertility
Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Photo: Courtesy of Kristine Romano.I love nothing more than making my flat cosy in winter and so abide pretty firmly by a “no overhead lighting” rule. I much prefer loads of candles and dimmable lamps. This one by John Lewis is my newest addition and I love it. The chunky, natural wood base pairs perfectly with the simple fabric lampshade. It also has a built-in touch sensor to easily switch the light on/off. While a nice addition, I’ve gone for a smart bulb instead so I can control just how bright it is.
John Lewis Slater Wood Touch Table Lamp, $, available at John LewisI’ve been searching high and low for a sizeable rug to help make our kitchen feel that little bit more cosy and this one from Oliver Bonas was an immediate yes. I love the blue and cream chequerboard pattern — it’s different enough without being something I know I’ll tire of. As for the price point? I can’t really fault it. Not only is the rug made of wool, it’s also big enough to fit under my dining table. Most other rugs of this size, material and design would be well out of my price range.
Oliver Bonas Simeon Blue & White Stripe Wool Rug, $, available at Oliver Bonas
Kelly Washington, Senior Social Editor
Photo: Courtesy of Kelly Washington.Moth cocktails in a Christmas cracker? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. The set of six each includes a Moth cocktail, jokes, trivia and charade prompts. The cocktails included are a Cosmopolitan, Pink Gin Fizz, Margarita, Espresso Martini, Negroni and an Old Fashioned. I know I’ll be my mum’s favourite this year when I bring them home.
Moth Cocktail Crackers, $, available at MothI’m not sure if it’s age or working at R29, but recently I have become obsessed with the quality and softness of my hair. Any product, treatment or lifestyle habit I can do to protect my lengths, I am willing to give it a try. Also a long-term sufferer of eczema, I thought it might be time to take a look into how the hard water in my shower was affecting my skin, too. This shower head from Hello Klean includes a two-step circular filtration system that reduces unwanted metals, chlorine and impurities in hard water, claims to save 25% more water with each use and boosts water pressure by up to two times. After the first use, my hair definitely felt softer and more supple, and after a month of usage I am converted. My water pressure hasn’t changed dramatically and while it won’t be a magic solution for all your problems with your hair and skin, I’ve noticed the water feels much smoother on my body and hair and in the winter months, it definitely makes a difference. Hello Klean advises replacing your shower head filter every three to four months.
Hello Klean Shower Head 2.0, $, available at Hello Klean
Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Photo: Courtesy of Venus Wong.I often show up to the R29 offices with a Blank Street matcha latte in hand. While I'm partial to the iced blueberry matcha, as the weather gets chiller, I've gravitated towards the coffee chain's steamy winter specials, such as vanilla fudge matcha and honey macadamia latte. I'm so excited to see that the brand has launched a holiday collection that includes this ceremonial matcha powder tin. It's perfect for when I'm in hibernation mode but still need my Blank Street matcha fix. This blend features green tea powder from Kagoshima, Uji and Shizuoka — all regions in Japan famed for their high-quality matcha production. It's as creamy and delightful as the in-store version.
Blank Street Ceremonial Matcha Powder, $, available at Blank StreetI grow tired of a certain scent quite easily and hardly ever finish a whole candle — especially when it's tied to a theme (read: anything pumpkin-spiced). However, I simply can’t resist sniffing out Cowshed’s Winter Warming Candle. The blend of juniper, cinnamon and pine reminds me of a Christmas tree farm and is so instantly relaxing. I feel like I’m walking in a snow-covered forest every time I light this up.
Cowshed Winter Warming Room Candle, $, available at CowshedI have a staggering number of beauty products piled up on my dining table. In an effort to eliminate the clutter for good, I recently invested in this tallboy bathroom cabinet. The tasteful dark wood and rattan combo make this piece look much more expensive than it actually is, and I love how it comes with five compartments, plus a sliding drawer, without being too bulky. It's the perfect new home for my ever-growing collection of beauty devices, perfumes and makeup.
Dunelm Winslow Black Rattan Tallboy Storage Unit, $, available at Dunelm
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