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The Best Things We Bought This Year
21/12/22
Author: RIISE Team
DOCUMENTED BY: RIISE
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The year is coming to an end and we’re not sure about you, but it’s got us feeling a little nostalgic.
We’re reminiscing on the nice times we had, the fact that a few of us actually took a holiday, and the great things that came into our lives over the last (nearly) 365 days. It’s a train of thought that led us to ask: what are the best things we bought this year?
From investment kitchenware to the earrings that has our CEO frequently stopped on the street, these are the best purchases we made in 2022.
Katelin Rice, Editorial Assistant
reMarkable
Katelin Rice, Editorial Assistant
reMarkable
This digital notebook – which is as close to paper as it gets – has been my favourite purchase of the year by far. Whether you’re slightly disorganised (like me) or take after the methodic Oscar Martinez from The Office, the reMarkable helps keep all your tasks orderly. Plus, you can draw on it and have your scrappy meeting notes translated into readable files (who doesn’t need that?). My favourite part is that you can take it offline while you’re on holiday and write/journal sans screen time.
Josephine Necklace Gold Vermeil – Monarc Jewellery
Whenever I don't know what to wear, I think about what will look nice with this Monarc necklace. It’s the perfect showstopping piece to seal the deal on any outfit for any occasion, particularly a dinner or something special. Its warm, golden, spherical nature always makes you look put-together (even when you don’t feel it).
Elizabeth Roberts, Deputy CEO
Cherry Patchwork Blanket – Curio
This patchwork blanket from Curio is so cute and so warm. It’s made from Merino wool so it’s also super soft. It was definitely an investment but I know it will be keeping me snuggly for decades.
Courtney Kruk, Managing Editor
Bella Hemp Denim Baggy Jeans – Afends
Courtney Kruk, Managing Editor
Bella Hemp Denim Baggy Jeans – Afends
I find shopping for jeans to be nothing short of an ordeal but this year I lucked out with a pair that fits super well and works for my shape. I’m big on the fact that they’re longer than most, which is good for my height, and that they’re made from a hemp and organic cotton blend – very comfy.
Kawakawa Balm – Aotea
This was by far the best beauty product I bought this year. I was directly influenced by our social media assistant, Kiara, who reviewed the balm to see if it would help her dermatitis. I’ve had my own run in with dermatitis this year and can confirm it has also worked wonders for me. In another review, someone said they’d been using the Kawakawa Balm as an overnight mask to help with their dry skin, so I’ve also been doing that. Such a good multipurpose product.
Hana Okada, Head of Content
Harakeke Seed Oil Night Cream – Aotea
This is a recent discovery and it’s already shot to the top of my best products list. Aotea’s night cream is beautiful, sinks into the skin easily and a little pinky nail amount is more than enough for the entire face and neck. The nourishing harakeke seed (flaxseed) oil is rich in omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids which helps to regulate oil production and improve hydration. I wake up with visibly hydrated skin without feeling sticky. Supposedly it’s so natural all of the ingredients are 100% edible – though I’m yet to test that.
Kiara Cengic, Social Media Assistant
Refining Cleanser – LESSE
I have sensitive, oily and irritated skin so I have tried a lot of different cleansers in my time. LESSE’s Refining Cleanser is by far the best cleanser I’ve used this year. I absolutely love it. After using it, my skin is glowing and feels really soft. It doesn’t strip my skin like other cleansers do and the apricot shell granules are a nice touch as a gentle exfoliator. I also love using the LESSE Bioactive Mask after the cleanser two times a week for extra glow and hydration.
Gigi Knit – Andean Collective
This was the perfect knit to wear throughout winter. I love that it goes with everything so I can style it multiple ways. It’s also hand knitted from alpaca and Merino wool which kept me extra warm walking to work and meant I didn’t have to layer lots of pieces under it (which I hate). It has definitely become a wardrobe staple, especially living in Melbourne where winter weather can hit at any time of the year
Amy McCulloch, Head of TV Development
Angel Eye Jellies – Foile
Documented By: RIISE
Amy McCulloch, Head of TV Development
Angel Eye Jellies – Foile
These reusable under-eye masks are brilliant. They come in a cute aluminium case for storage and are such a welcome alternative to single-use masks. Just dab your favourite hydrating serum under your eyes and pop these over the top! I love them so much that I’m gifting several friends a set each for Christmas.
Anna Frill Blouse – Dominique Healy
This floaty top is my summer holiday dream. I love the contrast stitching and the way the asymmetrical cut sits off one shoulder so effortlessly. The flax linen is soft and luxurious, with a crinkled texture that means no ironing – ever! It’s loose and floaty making it super comfortable for daytime, but the volume sleeves add drama so it can be easily dressed up for evening.
Sara Bell, CEO
Hermione Hoop Earrings Two-Tone – Monarc Jewellery
I got my ears pierced when I was 10 years old but go through phases of not wearing earrings and then having to open up the holes again (which is a pain). Since I bought Monarc’s Hermione Two Tone Hoop Earrings I've definitely been in an earring wearing phase. A long one. I've never owned a pair that so consistently get comments from random people - not always a good thing but proof of appeal…
Lave Tailored Trouser – Esse Studios
I love the cut of Esse Studios’s pants, Charlotte Hicks just knows how to create a pair that make you feel powerful. I bought the Lave Tailored Trouser in putty because I was living in a similar black pair and wanted a different colour (and like, occasionally, they need to be washed...). I was a little nervous that my love of red wine might make these a challenging wear but so far so good. I'm having fun pairing them with my vintage shoe collection and feeling very put together.
Lucy Jones, Features Writer
Set of Japanese kitchen knives – Provider Store
Lucy Jones, Features Writer
Set of Japanese kitchen knives – Provider Store
I am slowly replacing my IKEA homewares with high-quality, handcrafted alternatives. These knives were an investment, but with the right care they should last a lifetime. The marbled steel is pretty to look at and that super sharp blade makes dicing veggies extremely satisfying.
Roman Pool Towel – BAINA
I take this bad boy to the beach every single morning. Apart from being super chic, it is generously sized, absorbent and made from a lush, thick pile that doesn't snag or unravel. The short fibres also seem to hold less sand than regular towels and dry quickly. After a solid year of use, it's still in good shape and has become my go-to gift for friends and fam who live for an ocean dip.
Aili Lynarko, Graphic Designer
Condor Mesh Sneakers – Veja
As a mama to a toddler who loves to run and climb everything he sees, I am constantly on the move. The Veja Condor are my go-to shoes – I literally wear these every day. I’ve never owned runners that fit and support my feet as well as these and trust me, I’ve tried them all.
Leaving the Nest Laundry Kit – The Dirt Laundry
My little foodie’s current obsession is berries, which has been a nightmare for my clothes. The Leaving the Nest Laundry Kit from The Dirt Company has been one of the best purchases I've made this year, largely because of the stain remover starter pack. The mini stain remover bottle lives in my bag. It has been a life-saver!
Julia Holly, E-Commerce Manager
Bean Nail Polish – Licia Florio
I love painting my nails, especially in summer. It’s been so nice to find a sustainable nail polish. This one from Licia Florio is free from harmful chemicals and available in a bunch of beautiful colours. I love their range so much that I'm gifting several friends a polish for Christmas.
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Kawakawa Balm
Aotea
Angel Eye Jellies
Foile
Refining Cleanser
LESSE
Harakeke Seed Oil Night Cream
Aotea
Bioactive Mask
LESSE
Hermione Hoop Earrings Two-Tone
Monarc Jewellery
Roman Pool & Beach Towel
Baina
Bean Nail Polish
Licia Florio
Leaving the Nest Laundry Kit
The Dirt Company
Josephine Orb Necklace Gold Vermeil
Monarc Jewellery
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