All The Lifestyle & Wellbeing Products We Tried & Loved In April
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 WriterPhoto Courtesy of Tanyel Mustafa.I’ve had a bit of an underwear overhaul recently and chucked all the old bits, and brought in some new pieces. Finding pretty knickers that are actually suitable for everyday life can be a challenge though, so I’ve been loving these. They’re hot (in a female gaze kinda way, because your underwear is for you) and the mesh is super soft. I feel both confident and comfortable in them, so my boxes are ticked. Understatement Understatement Mesh Bikini Briefs, $, available at UnderstatementPutting these on my bed makes fresh sheet day even better. Not only do they look luxe, they feel it. They’re so soft to lie back on when I have a power nap, and they keep me warm when I’m underneath them at night. I’ve washed them a couple of times now, and so far they’re washing well without any colour runs or changes to the fabric. They’re by far the most fancy bed sheets I own, and I absolutely love them.Furn Furn Palmeria Quilted Velvet Duvet Cover Set, $, available at FurnI took these for a spin on a hike recently and they made walking through a muddy forest and up hills much easier. Growing up is accepting that you need to invest in a pair of walking shoes, rather than using your standard trainers and hoping for the best (while ruining them). These were comfortable straight from the first use — no blisters! — and I’m confident I’ll have them for years to come. They also cleaned up easily the next day with a wet wipe.Merrell Merrell Women's Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX, $, available at MerrellSusan Devaney, Life Director Photo Courtesy of Susan Devaney.For the longest time people have told me of how great Matt Haig’s writing is. Now, I’ve finally joined them in reading one of his novels: The Midnight Library. Following Nora Seed, the fantasy novel challenges the decisions we make in life, the choices we opt for and the many other lives we could’ve lived too. It’s magical and melancholic. Amazon The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, $, available at AmazonSummer should be here shortly, right? I’ve switched up my duvet for spring but in time for summer I’m opting for some lightweight Cozy Earth bedding. Made with viscose from bamboo, it feels silky and oh-so soft. Having picked out a charcoal hue, it’s a welcomed change to my go-to white sheets. Cozy Earth Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcases, $, available at Cozy EarthA recent welcomed addition to my morning routine: My Oral-B i06 toothbrush flashing “Hello” on its tiny screen. I’m not even a morning person but during bleak political times, it’s the wee things, right? In a sleek black shade, it’s powerful and very easy to use. It has a countdown clock so you know you’ve brushed for two minutes. And it lights up as you brush. Oral-B Oral B iO6 Black Lava Electric Toothbrush, $, available at Oral-BAlicia Lansom, Associate EditorPhoto Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.I literally can’t cope without some sort of gadget on the back of my phone that steadies my tiny hands to text properly, which also helps me watch videos on long and boring journeys. This ring holder from BURGA is my current go to as it comes with a matching spring-ready phone case to make the practicality look pretty. It also allows you to keep an extra grip on your phone in public places, which if you have no sense of direction like me, is imperative. Burga BURGA Purity Ring Holder, $, available at BurgaOkay, I used someone’s titanium pan recently to make some pancakes and when I say that guy was slippery AF, I mean it. As someone who lives in a household where people seem to intentionally burn food until it sticks, a good non-stick man is a must. This all chrome bad boy from Our Place looks to be both the chic and sensible answer. According to the brand, the titanium surface is 300% harder than normal stainless steel pans, and can take heat up to 535 degrees, making it “indestructible” (which as we know, I need). The coating-free non-stick is also made without PFAS, so you can enjoy your shiny silver dome without the worry of forever chemicals. Our Place Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, $, available at Our PlaceKelly Washington, Senior Social EditorPhoto Courtesy of Kelly Washington.All my PJ tops are my ex-boyfriend’s old T-shirts, and while this is ok, honestly, I’d like some sexier options. Currently crushing on this PJ Top from Hay, which they also have in electric blue. Already envision
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 had a bit of an underwear overhaul recently and chucked all the old bits, and brought in some new pieces. Finding pretty knickers that are actually suitable for everyday life can be a challenge though, so I’ve been loving these. They’re hot (in a female gaze kinda way, because your underwear is for you) and the mesh is super soft. I feel both confident and comfortable in them, so my boxes are ticked.
Understatement Understatement Mesh Bikini Briefs, $, available at UnderstatementPutting these on my bed makes fresh sheet day even better. Not only do they look luxe, they feel it. They’re so soft to lie back on when I have a power nap, and they keep me warm when I’m underneath them at night. I’ve washed them a couple of times now, and so far they’re washing well without any colour runs or changes to the fabric. They’re by far the most fancy bed sheets I own, and I absolutely love them.
Furn Furn Palmeria Quilted Velvet Duvet Cover Set, $, available at FurnI took these for a spin on a hike recently and they made walking through a muddy forest and up hills much easier. Growing up is accepting that you need to invest in a pair of walking shoes, rather than using your standard trainers and hoping for the best (while ruining them). These were comfortable straight from the first use — no blisters! — and I’m confident I’ll have them for years to come. They also cleaned up easily the next day with a wet wipe.
Merrell Merrell Women's Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX, $, available at Merrell
Susan Devaney, Life Director
Photo Courtesy of Susan Devaney.For the longest time people have told me of how great Matt Haig’s writing is. Now, I’ve finally joined them in reading one of his novels: The Midnight Library. Following Nora Seed, the fantasy novel challenges the decisions we make in life, the choices we opt for and the many other lives we could’ve lived too. It’s magical and melancholic.
Amazon The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, $, available at AmazonSummer should be here shortly, right? I’ve switched up my duvet for spring but in time for summer I’m opting for some lightweight Cozy Earth bedding. Made with viscose from bamboo, it feels silky and oh-so soft. Having picked out a charcoal hue, it’s a welcomed change to my go-to white sheets.
Cozy Earth Cozy Earth Bamboo Pillowcases, $, available at Cozy EarthA recent welcomed addition to my morning routine: My Oral-B i06 toothbrush flashing “Hello” on its tiny screen. I’m not even a morning person but during bleak political times, it’s the wee things, right? In a sleek black shade, it’s powerful and very easy to use. It has a countdown clock so you know you’ve brushed for two minutes. And it lights up as you brush.
Oral-B Oral B iO6 Black Lava Electric Toothbrush, $, available at Oral-B
Alicia Lansom, Associate Editor
Photo Courtesy of Alicia Lansom.I literally can’t cope without some sort of gadget on the back of my phone that steadies my tiny hands to text properly, which also helps me watch videos on long and boring journeys. This ring holder from BURGA is my current go to as it comes with a matching spring-ready phone case to make the practicality look pretty. It also allows you to keep an extra grip on your phone in public places, which if you have no sense of direction like me, is imperative.
Burga BURGA Purity Ring Holder, $, available at BurgaOkay, I used someone’s titanium pan recently to make some pancakes and when I say that guy was slippery AF, I mean it. As someone who lives in a household where people seem to intentionally burn food until it sticks, a good non-stick man is a must. This all chrome bad boy from Our Place looks to be both the chic and sensible answer. According to the brand, the titanium surface is 300% harder than normal stainless steel pans, and can take heat up to 535 degrees, making it “indestructible” (which as we know, I need). The coating-free non-stick is also made without PFAS, so you can enjoy your shiny silver dome without the worry of forever chemicals.
Our Place Our Place Titanium Always Pan Pro, $, available at Our Place
Kelly Washington, Senior Social Editor
Photo Courtesy of Kelly Washington.All my PJ tops are my ex-boyfriend’s old T-shirts, and while this is ok, honestly, I’d like some sexier options. Currently crushing on this PJ Top from Hay, which they also have in electric blue. Already envisioning lounging around in it on Saturday mornings, coffee, croissant and book close by.
Hay HAY Outline Pyjama Short Sleeve Shirt, $, available at Earl of EastRemember the pastel mini polaroid cameras that were big a few years ago? Well this is their big sister. The Fujifilm Instax Mini has undergone a little update, featuring six colour effects including sepia and light leak (you can even create vintage-effect shots). This handy cam is perfect for making memories at pre-drinks (maybe put it away for afters) and makes a great present.
Fujifilm Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 Black Instant Camera, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Kristine Romano, Associate Editor, Photo & Design
Photo Courtesy of Kristine Romano.I’ve been looking for a sturdy water bottle with a straw cap and this one from Yeti ticks all of my boxes. It’s leak resistant, easy to clean and keeps my water cool for hours. I also love the handle and that the straw cap is colour matched to the bottle.
YETI Yeti Rambler Bottle With Straw Cap, $, available at YETIThis bobbly table lamp is a dream and perfectly compliments a lot of my existing furnishings. It also gives off the loveliest warm glow, making it a nice light to both sit by and/or just have to fill up a room. I also love the simplicity of the pleated linen shade but might consider swapping it out for something bolder down the line.
M&S Marks & Spencer M&S Tilly Table Lamp, $, available at Marks and Spencer
Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Photo Courtesy of Irina Grechko. If you told me a few years ago that I would be recommending a luxury makeup bag, I wouldn’t have believed you. But ever since I was gifted this piece, it’s the only one I travel with. The compartments are big enough to hold full-size skincare products for long trips, the fabric is durable enough to prevent any luggage spills, and the clear pockets make it easy to locate everything. My favourite part though is the hook which you can use to hang this toiletry bag over the shower or bathroom door, which allows me to have a full view of my toiletries while staying at hotels with limited sink spaces.
TUMI Tumi Madeline Nylon Cosmetics Bag, $, available at Nordstom
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24748328/236706_Mac_Pro_AKrales_0094.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23437484/acastro_220503_STK084_0001.jpg)
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25454244/Screenshot_2024_05_18_at_12.02.42_PM.png)
