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 item 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.
Last month we were loving a cutesy heart glass, cozy lighting, and a handheld iron to smooth out all of your wrinkly clothes. Plus, a Sofia Coppola coffee table book, naturally. Keep reading to see what else we loved in December!
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
“I love a Papier planner — the page layout just makes sense to my brain. I buy one every year. The cute design on this particular one and personalized touches (which don’t cost extra to have) mean I’ll enjoy keeping this up to date, instead of relying on memory — which I’ve been guilty of at times!”
Papier Always Growing 2024 Planner, $, available at Papier
“The scent on this is strong, and it’s so cozy and comforting on cold, rainy nights in. It’s like a spiced, autumnal drink — just as the name suggests. I’ve had this burning for hours over the last month, and I’ve barely made a dent in it.”
NEST New York Pumpkin Chai Candle, $, available at Sephora
“I didn’t really get the hype about essential oil diffusers for a long while, to be honest. However, since this came into my life, I’ve been in love. When I work from home, I set this to diffuse scented oils in my room for 30 minutes at a time, and by doing so the battery life lasts me ages. I feel calmer when it’s on too — being grounded into the here and now through the sense of smell, it helps me remember to slow down and breathe. My favorite home scents involve eucalyptus and sandalwood.”
Aromatherapy Associates The Atomizer, $, available at Amazon
“Yes, I did walk into my local Anthropologie, see this glass on a shelf, and immediately buy it. It’s quite literally the perfect size to pour a fizzy drink in or make a cocktail with, and the hearts add the most endearing touch to the usually boring glassware that’s currently in my cabinets. After buying this, I’m tempted to add the other designs to my cart — the lemons are so cute I could cry.”
Anthropologie Icon Juice Glasses, Set of 4, $, available at Anthropologie
“To me, Hoka does no wrong. While I only have one pair of running shoes from the brand, I’ve long been an admirer, and I’ve always wanted to get my hands on one of their recovery selections (while I’m not a runner, I still want my feet to be feel like they’re floating on a cloud, okay?). These brand new Ora Primos just launched and I’m obsessed. Are these absolutely ridiculous looking? Yes. Do I like that they are absolutely ridiculous looking? Also yes. I can’t wait to wear these in the green colorway for all occasions: getting coffee, going on a walk, and just meandering about town.”
Hoka Ora Primo, $, available at Hoka
“I saw a TikTok recommendation for this book (shout out Lady Efron) and ordered it right away. (For full transparency, I have a library app so it was free to borrow, but I would 100% buy it). The story is partially narrated by an octopus, which sounds weird but it’s not at all marine biology. Marcellus the octopus helps tell the story of two lost people, an old woman and a young man, who work at the aquarium and turn out to be connected in this crazy, devastating, beautiful way. It’s one of the best books I read in 2023. Also, did you know an octopus has three hearts?”
Ecco Press Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, $, available at Amazon
“I have an everyday tote bag that is probably one season away from needing a replacement. This J.Crew bucket bag has caught my eye and holds a spot in my tabs. I love how it’s styled on the model. Ahead of the cold, dark winter, I just might treat myself.”
J. Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag, $, available at J. Crew
“As a strict no-overhead-lighting household, cozy lighting is everything, and I’m slowly replacing all of the bulbs in my lamps with these Philips Hue ones. The few I already have have lasted for ages (we’re talking years!) and I love that they’re both dimmable and bluetooth controlled.”
Philips Hue Smart 40W B39 Candle-Shaped LED Bulb, $, available at Amazon
“Okay, I know not everyone needs a little tripod, but as someone who films social content, this small-but-mighty apparatus actually looks quite handy. Plus, you can also use it to hop on a quick Zoom if you’re on the go or use it to steadily stream shows on a long train journey home — ideal.”
Moft Snap Phone Tripod Stand, $, available at Moft
“Since coming back from a big trip away, I still feel a bit all over the place with sleep, food, illness, et cetera. On recommendation from R29 travel writer Venus Wong, I’m looking to stock up on these gut-friendly supplements to help boost the friendly bacteria in my digestive system and get me back to health (we’ll just ignore the imminent inhaling of mince pies for breakfast).”
Bio-Kult Everyday 120’s 2 Pack, $, available at Bio-Kult
“There’s a sweet, sweet joy that comes with leveling up with our luggage, and I will admit I’m somewhat addicted. As a stressy airport person (think a three-hours-plus arrival time or I’m sweating), having an easy-to-use suitcase with 360° wheels and an in-built lock system just makes the process a little bit less hectic — and this one from Monos ticks all the boxes. Plus, it actually has cute shades, making it feel more like a sweet accessory than functional luggage.”
Monos Carry-On Plus, $, available at Monos
“I’ve always hated ironing my clothes, but sadly, they don’t look as good when wrinkled. Instead of getting an iron, I’ve turned to this spray for years. It’s been a godsend for the holiday season, especially when last-minute invites require a wrinkled outfit to be pulled out, as well as traveling. I usually spray it all over the wrinkles and let the piece hang for about five to 10 minutes. Thank me later.”
Bounce Rapid Touch-Up 3 in 1 Wrinkle Release Spray 4 Pack, $, available at Amazon
“While I love a pine-scented candle during the holidays, this season, I went for the Le Labo Palo Santo candle. This year has been a trying one, so the calming-yet-cleansing scent is helpful for a season that’s meant for relaxation and reflection. Although it’s a pricey candle, the size makes it a durable one, so I’m foreseeing lots of meditation sessions courtesy of this candle.”
Le Labo Palo Santo 14 Classic Candle, $, available at Nordstrom
“Waiting around for suitcases after a long flight is not the vibe for 2024. Thankfully, this year, I got to test the Away carry-on suitcase, which makes traveling light and organized a breeze. Its best feature has to be the combination lock, making it easy for people who always lose their locks (that’s me!) to keep their belongings protected. Definitely worth the money.”
Away The Carry-On, $, available at Away
“I hate ironing. When I say hate, I mean hate. I don’t even own an iron or an ironing board, and my cheap mini steamer I bought in college has been my only source of wrinkle resistance in years. Me and steamers don’t have that much better of a relationship than irons either: the refilling of the water, the splattering that occurs if you’re not holding it just right, the non precision… I prefer to enter the world wrinkled. But The Nori Press has changed my life for the better. It’s basically a flat iron for your clothes; it’s so compact and convenient, and it works like a charm. The shape of the iron allows for me to be very precise and it gives a dry clean result! And did I mention it’s a two-in-one iron and steamer with no board required!? Sign me up.”
Nori The Nori Press, $, available at Amazon
“Everyone knows Santal 33, but Le Labo’s newest fragrance, Lavande 31, might take the cake for me. This isn’t your grandmother’s lavender scent, as it incorporates a unique blend of bergamot and neroli essential oils while still infusing the lavender fragrance. It’s earthy, musky and a little sweet, making this scent perfect for everyday wear. I’ve gotten so many compliments; it lasts all day and is super refreshing and unique. If you’re looking for something a bit different from the Santal 33 scent but still want that classic yet innovative feel, this scent is for you.”
Le Labo Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum, $, available at Le Labo
“Sofia Coppola is my favorite director ever, creating pure magic on the screen every time — I want to live in the worlds she creates! Unfortunately, I’m still trying to work out reality-to-film transportation, so as a wonderful second option, I’ve been pouring over this treasured, wonderful tome. It’s a chronicle of all her work, taking you behind the scenes with her own photographs, prep work, reference collages and moodboards, annotated scripts and so much more.”
Mack Archive by Sofia Coppola, $, available at Barnes and Noble
“I’ve started using a gua sha every evening and have really seen the difference — I’m a sinusy gal who suffers with allergies and often gets congested (my glands are the first sign that I’m under the weather and I didn’t realize until I started just how much fluid I was storing up!). This is a recent addition to my routine and it — along with a face oil — helps create that slip needed for the gua sha. It’s also amazing for opening pores and helping face masks work better.”
HoMedics Nano Facial Steamer with Adjustable Steam Nozzle, $, available at Amazon
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