As summer draws to a close, it’s no surprise this month’s favourites reflect the transitional feeling of this time of year. There’s a hint that some of you still have a holiday coming up or are hoping for a late spurt of hot weather, as you’ve been looking at gel heel socks to get your feet sandal-ready and portable fans to keep you cool.
For some of you, though, it’s clear the “back to school” energy September brings has already taken effect. You’re investing in plastic-free scourers to crack on with the cleaning you’ve neglected during busy summer months, and treating yourself to a new office chair to upgrade your work-from-home setup.
Whether you’re clinging on to the year’s final warmer weather or ready to embrace crisp, cosy autumn days, here are your favourite things to see you through the transition.
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Socks that will leave your feet marshmallow soft
Gel heel socks
£8.99 for three pairs at AmazonIf your feet are in need of a refresh, Sali Hughes recommends sleeping in these a few times a week. “Apply a little body cream before bed, pull on the socks, and wake to marshmallow-soft feet,” she says. A versatile tool for getting your feet holiday ready or soothing dry, cracked heels in colder months.
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A year’s supply of plastic-free sponges
Seep sponge scourers
£26 for 12 at SeepIt’s easy to neglect household chores during the chaos of summer, but many of you have been getting back on track with these eco-friendly and practical scourers. A big hit from my guide to plastic-free kitchen swaps, these loofah and wood-pulp cellulose sponges are safe to use on nonstick pans, and a box of 12 should last a year.
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Top-rated fan
Handheld and foldable desk fan
£12 at John LewisMany of you sought relief from the August heatwave with this handheld fan from John Lewis. It was rated the best overall in our test of the best portable fans, and reviewer Alan Martin says it “provides what you need without fuss” at a very reasonable price. It has a battery life of up to four hours (on the highest setting) – ideal for late-season holidays and long journeys.
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A budget reusable bottle
Ion8 leakproof stainless steel bottle, 400ml
£14.99 at DecathlonZoë Phillimore tested 42 reusable water bottles for her roundup of the best, rating this compact option from Ion8 the best budget buy. “It’s great for the commute and chucking in your bag on the run,” she says – and her leak test proved you won’t need to worry about spillages on the go.
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A toy to spice up your sex life
Penile stimulating sleeve
£26 at TengaAlix Fox’s extensive guide to spicing up your sex life is full of toys and accessories, from massage mitts to saliva-stimulating mints, to add some oomph in the bedroom. If you’re hoping to liven things up and aren’t sure where to start, this penile stimulating sleeve was the most popular choice with readers.
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The alcohol-free merlot
Oddbird Domaine De La Prade merlot
£10.06 at AmazonIf, like me, you’re planning on having a sensible September, then low-alcohol drinks are a great way to relax and unwind without the risk of hangover. Wine expert Sophia Longhi describes this merlot from Oddbird as “youthful with fruity blackberry and plum notes” in her roundup of the best no- and low-alcohol wines.
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The leakproof travel mug
Stanley AeroLight insulated travel mug
£33 at John LewisAs we inch closer to crisper, cooler weather, a travel mug will be great for sipping hot drinks on autumn walks. Pete Wise named this offering from Stanley the most leakproof in his test of the best travel mugs, making it an excellent option for commuting. “I bounced on a trampette with it, shook it upside down, threw it over my head – and not a drop was spilt,” he said.
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An affordable office chair
Habitat Beck mesh office chair
£95 at Argos“It’s less than £100, but the Beck looks and feels like a more expensive chair,” said Stuart Andrews in his guide to the best office chairs. This bright pink and orange chair was rated the best budget option and is making for a cheery upgrade to many of our readers’ home office setups.
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A moisturiser for mature skin
Charlotte’s magic body cream, 200ml
£49 at Cult BeautyThis Charlotte Tilbury moisturiser has peptides, caffeine, hyaluronic acid and glycerine to “help smooth, soothe and plump mature skin”, says Sarah Matthews, who rated this cream the best for mature skin in her guide to the best body moisturisers. A great all-rounder for keeping skin hydrated after sun exposure or soothing dry skin as the weather gets colder.
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A scent for the new season
&Horace eau de parfum, 50ml
£62 at Horace“With fewer balmy nights on the horizon, you may want to change your lightweight spritz to one more woody or aromatic,” said Peter Bevan in his August men’s style essentials. And many of you wanted that change. He recommends &Horace as the ideal transitional scent, with notes of sandalwood, bergamot, white pepper and tobacco for a scent that’s “at once crisp and warm”.
