Let's face it, 2020 was a total write-off. But if we dig deep and try to find something positive to take away from it (which is basically impossible to do, we know), it's that those of us who were able to stay home were forced to slow down and take more time to invest in ourselves and others, if possible. If you're still feeling the effects of coronavirus [1], lockdown, or just binge-watching every new show on Netflix, then let us bring you a roundup of the ultimate feel-good products to start this year right.
Looking to enjoy a little spa experience at home? Check out the bath-time essentials from small British brands like Holistic London [2] and HOLM [3] to relax and unwind (because even WFH in loungewear can start to feel tiring after a while). And to elevate your bedtime routine, we've tracked down the most comfortable eco-friendly bamboo pyjamas from Serena Days [4], as well as weighted blankets and diffusers aimed at helping you get a better sleep.
If like us, you may be working from home and want to upgrade your living space, and perhaps adding a few plants courtesy of Bloom Box's monthly plant subscription service [5], might help (studies have shown [6] that indoor plants can improve your mental health). And if your "office" needs a real pick-me-up, then you won't want to miss some of our new favourite candles from brands like Sol de Janeiro and Keys, the new wellness brand from Alicia Keys [7]. Read through, and take your pick (you can thank us later).
London Serenity 1-2-1 Fitness
The luxury mobile massage, beauty, and fitness app has gone virtual. As lockdown continues and we can't get our usual fix of beauty treatments, the app has launched 1-2-1 Zoom fitness [8] classes for personal training, Pilates, and yoga (£36). As we all turn to working out at home, their range of qualified and professional trainers can keep you feeling fit and healthy, whether you're a beginner or a total pro. And when things start to go back to normal, we wouldn't blame you if you booked in for that long-awaited massage, too.
Bloom Box Plant Subscription
It's not just in your head. According to research [9], being surrounded by nature and plants improves our mental health. Bring some greenery into your space with Bloom Box [10] (£39 and up), a plant subscription service created by Dr Katie Cooper, a therapist and psychology lecturer. The service sends you a new plant every month including greenery from their immune-boosting category, which are said to maintain respiratory health and speedy recovery. In these times, we couldn't think of a better way to boost our bodies and minds.
Keys Soulcare Sage + Oat Milk Candle
When it comes to celebrity beauty launches, we've come a long way since Britney's Fantasy. Alicia Keys [11], the queen of natural beauty, has launched an incredible range of products that not only nourish the skin, but also nurture the soul. The Sage + Oat Milk Candle [12] (£35) smells as delicious as it sounds — warm, soothing sage blends with sweet and cocooning oat milk to invoke your senses — it's essentially the reset button in a candle. Keep your eyes peeled for the full range dropping exclusively to Cult Beauty on 29th January.
Holm Liquid Gold Bath Oil
Add some glamour to your bath time with the pink pepper- and rosemary-infused Holm Liquid Gold Bath Oil [13] (£28), which also contains hydrating avocado oil and soothing hemp seed oil. The warm and seductive blend is your mind's turndown service, and will not only leave you with a more relaxed and happy mind, but supersoft and nourished skin, too.
Chāmpo Shampoo & Conditioner
If you're looking to reset your hair-care routine with a carefully considered range of shampoos and conditioners, look no further than the Ayurvedic-inspired brand Chāmpo, which uses naturally derived ingredients to create three ranges, aka their "Hair Doshas": Vata for hydration and shine, Pitta for volume, and Kapha for balancing the scalp and hair. Take your pick. We're currently treating ourselves to the Chāmpo Kapha Balancing Shampoo [14] (£18.50) and Chāmpo Kapha Balancing Conditioner [15] (£20.50).
Laid Silk Sleep Set
The incredible benefits of sleeping on silk is nothing new to us: it reduces the friction and tugging on your skin and hair, which helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and stops hair pulling and tangling while you sleep. Laid is the newest range of silk accessories that's a level up, with their silk pillowcases and sleep masks that are infused with hyaluronic acid that the brand claims helps your skin retain moisture just that little bit more. It brings a whole new definition to beauty sleep. We recommend checking out the Laid Silk Sleep Set [16] (£80), which is available in four colours.
A+ffirmation Culture Candle
Netflix's new immersive meditation series with Headspace has been a hit, and if you're looking for the perfect accompaniment to soothe your mind and soul, try the feel-good A+ffirmation Culture Candle [17] (£32). Each one comes with an affirmation card to keep and repeat — plus, they donate a portion of their sales to mental health charities every year.
Serena Days Pyjamas
Elevate your bedtime routine with luxurious pyjamas from Serena Days [18]. Launched just this year, their buttery soft sets — we're currently living in the Serena Days Scoop-Neck Vest & Classic Fit Drawstring Trousers [19] (£60) — are made from an eco-friendly, bamboo-based fabric that's sweat-resistant, hypoallergenic, and insulating, which means they keep you warm in cold winter nights and cool in the summer. Their flattering designs hug the body in all the right places while feeling lightweight and silky on the skin for a comfortable sleep. The best bit? They offer free monogramming for a totally personalised feel. Trust us when we tell you, it'll be hard not to have a duvet day everyday.
Sana Jardin Revolution de la Fleur Candle
Create a sanctuary at home with niche fragrance brand Sana Jardin's luxury candles, which are paraffin free and made with 100 percent vegetable wax. With a capsule candle collection of just three of their signature scents, there's one for every mood. We're obsessed with the Sana Jardin Revolution de la Fleur [20] (£95), which takes you on a bright and exotic journey with white floral notes of ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and jasmine.
Sculpd Pottery Kit
Tired of baking banana bread? Invigorate your mind and get your creative juices flowing with the Sculpd Pottery Kit [21] (£39), which provide heaps of fun and a little bit of mess. The brand's at-home clay kits are perfect for picking up a new skill or brushing up on an old one. Whatever your expertise, it's a therapeutic activity that results in your very own, one-of-a-kind design.
Holistic London Relax & Sleep Bath Salts
There's nothing like a warm bubble bath to relax and unwind at the end of the day and Holistic London's Relax and Sleep Bath Salts [22] (£16) are packed with calming essential oils, as well as Epsom and pink Himalayan salts. Handmade in small batches in the brand's west London studio, pair it with their sustainably sourced all-natural candles (we recommend Neroli + Chamomile) for the ultimate pamper night in.
Mela Weighted Blanket
Coronavirus insomnia [23] is a real thing, and if you've been having trouble sleeping, one option may be investing in a Mela Weighted Blanket [24] (£100 and up). The blankets, which are available in three different weights, are supersoft and mould to the shape of your body, while the Deep Touch Pressure technology applies equal pressure across the body to help calm your nervous system and make you feel more relaxed.
Garmin Venu Sq
Whether you're working out at home, heading outdoors to run or cycle for your allotted one hour, or simply want to make sure you get your 10,000 steps in each day, the Garmin Venu Sq [25] (£230) is a smart and sophisticated looking way to track your health and fitness. What better way to start the year?
Hotel Chocolat The Velvetiser
A little bit of chocolate always seems to do the trick when you need a little comfort. Hotel Chocolat does it all, from the brand's Biscuits of the Gods (which has perfected the chocolate to biscuit ratio in our opinion), to its Brownie or Peanut Butter Batons. For the ultimate indulgent treat, try the The Velvetiser [26] (£100) that creates barista-grade hot chocolate in just a matter of minutes. And if you're a real chocolate connoisseur, sign up to their new Inventing Room Tasting Subscription (£30 a month) to taste and review their latest recipes before they've even launched.
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62 Candle
If you love Sol de Janeiro's famous Brazilian Bum-Bum Cream and its tropical vanilla-coconut scent, you'll love this limited edition Sun Bum Cheirosa '62 Candle [27] (£47), which is basically sunshine in a candle. The bright yellow vessel and summery scent of salted caramel, jasmine petals, sandalwood, and pistachio will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside and transport you straight to the beaches of Brazil — even if you're just bumming around on your sofa.
MAHŌ Sensory Sticks
Forget everything you know about traditional incense sticks — the modern, beautifully scented MAHŌ Sensory Sticks [28] are a niche find from Australia. Not only are they sustainably sourced and made with natural aromatic resin, but the modern design will also look incredible in your home. And if you love Tom Ford's Oud Wood, try the brand's Gypsy Wood incense, which smells just like it.
Bubble Bulb
Surprising as it sounds, something as simple as a lightbulb can lift your spirits. These modern LED lights from Bubble Bulbs [29] (£40) are handmade-to-order, and not only look unique, but bare also better for the planet (LED neon lights consume 70-90 percent less energy than traditional lighting). Plus, with every purchase, the brand donates £1 to plant in a tree with their reforestation partners, One Tree Planted. It's a win-win in our eyes.
Sisters & Seekers
Oversized hoodies, joggers, and sweatshirts are the ideal lockdown fashion — they're comfortable, effortless, and with Sisters and Seekers [30], always looks good. The brand's off-duty edits have everything you need for your cosy WFH attire or your "pop to the shop" outfit, from teddy coats and oversize tees, to essential base layers and slogan hoodies. Plus, they've totally captured what we're all feeling right now — the Sisters and Seekers "Great Again" Hoodie [31] is our current fave.
Find Your Glow Wellbeing Pod
This sleek ceramic Find Your Glow Wellbeing Pod [32] (£75) electric diffuser not only elevates your interior space with its minimalistic design, but its slow release of mood-boosting essential oils also completely transforms your space. Whether you want to energise, de-stress, or get a good night's sleep, this diffuser is designed to emit the optimal amount of fragrance throughout your home to improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The Countryside Edit Dried Flowers & Vases
If you're after a countryside, boho interior then you'll love the dried flowers and Insta-worthy pampas grass arrangements — not to mention handmade Grecian vases — from The Countryside Edit. The premium collection of hand-tied bouquets, flowers, and plants — like the The Countryside Edit Big and Fluffy Pampas [33] (£37.50), shown here — add a chic, rustic, and cosy feel to any home.
Tonik Supplements
The new year tends to bring in the intention of taking better care of yourself — whether that's promising to work out more or eating healthier. Meet Tonik [34] — the supplement brand that aims to make wellness easy and convenient. There are currently four kinds of capsules available — Coconut Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Tonik No. 3 Organic Turmeric Capsules [35] (£44) — and each capsule is filled with the perfect dosage for everyday wellness. As always, make sure to consult your GP before adding any supplements into your diet.
BetterYou Magnesium Sleep Bath Flakes
If you already love the buzzy BetterYou Magnesium Bath Flakes [36] (£10), you'll be pleased to learn the brand has launched a lavender-scented version to help support your eight hours' beauty sleep. A warm soak in this blend of magnesium, lavender, and chamomile is the most relaxing way to prepare your body and mind for the best sleep of your life.
Fable + Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil
Experience the power of Ayurvedic hair care with the silicone-free, vegan, clean Fable + Mane HoliRoots Hair Oil [37] (£29) that's made with strengthening ashwagandha, hydrating dashmool, and stimulating castor oil. The potent formula is a god-send for dry, fragile strands and sensitive flaky scalps.
Ripple
Have you met Ripple? Not to be confused with a vape, these zero-nicotine, nonaddictive, plant-powered puffs are a bit like mood-enhancing teas in gaseous form, made with botanical blends and natural ingredients. There are currently five aromas — Power, Dream, Boost, Relax, and Revive — with the brand's newest flavour, Focus [38] (£40 for a pack of 4), launching in early February. The tropical blend contains mouthwateringly delicious mango to uplift your mood, bacopa to boost brain function, and guarana for increased energy levels.
The Wright Brothers Luxury Seafood Box
If you're living lockdown life with your partner and running out of date night ideas, treat yourself and a loved one to a luxury grocery box delivered straight to your door. Need some inspo? The Wright Brother's Luxury Seafood Box [39] (£95) is a winner for five-star dining at home — think lobster, caviar, oysters and more. Delicious.