7 favorite wellness investments in 2021
I tried some life-changing products this year and I wanted to share my honest opinion here. Please note that these reviews reflect my own experience. This article is NOT an Ad. I did not get paid nor received any free products to write these reviews.
Activewear
1) Biker shorts by TheGivingMovement
I was intrigued to try this Sustainable activewear recently launched and made in UAE! So I got myself a biker short (on sale). I followed their size chart online and got myself size L.
What I love about the brand:
SUSTAINABLE
MADE IN UAE
AED 15 DONATED FROM EVERY PRODUCT PURCHASED
What I love about the product:
Made from RECYCLED MATERIAL: 83% recycled Polyseter, 17% Spandex
“Our recycled polyester is made entirely from waste water bottles. It is both sustainable and technically innovative”
FIT is AMAZING and True to Size: I followed the size guide mentioned on their website and got myself size L.
SUPER SOFT, Light & Breathable: it doesn’t give me itches when I walk like my other leggings. By the way I was wondering why I get itchy legs when I walk and according to this website, some synthetics can cause reactions in response to residual pesticides and artificial dyes in the fabric. Luckily no issues here with these biker shorts.
SELF-LOVE Message on the back of the biker short. Mine said:
“SELF LOVE”
YOU CAN’T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP. WHEN YOU TAKE TIME TO LOVE YOURSELF YOU GLOW FROM THE INSIDE.
ززز
What I dislike about the product/ Brand:
ووو
The branding, I really don’t like the huge white tag, and that’s why I did not get a full set.
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Watch my review on YouTube
ووووو
2) THE IDŌ MOVEMENT
The IDŌ Movement, a sustainable athleisure brand newly launched in UAE; Not sure if you know this, besides being a Pilates instructor, I am also a dancer! And while I juggle my activewear often between dance and teaching Pilates, I thought to myself, I would like to buy something special for dance.
So when the first collection launched, I got myself an emerald green Kristina Leotard size (M). Since I know Sandhya personally, I was able to try a few leotards and decided to go with this one as it provides more chest support.
All their products including bamboo socks,100% hemp tops and the leotards are available online and they often participate at events and markets around the UAE, so you can check out their items
Read more about choosing your activewear for high impact workouts here.
What I love about the product/brand:
SUSTAINABLE: The brand strives to create multi-purpose designs to help consumers reduce their wardrobe. Their message is that one should not be investing in clothes for each activity (especially when you look at athletic and leisurewear). Instead, why not get clothing that allows you to perform yoga/gym or dance class, wear the same piece to jump in to the pool or even use it for casual or evening wear – reduce the wardrobe clutter.
Quality and longevity of the product is key to ensure that it need not have to be washed as often and when it is washed, It does not age or lose its structure.
And for this purpose, they leverage quality Italian fabrics that are made from waste materials such as old fishing nets and marine debris that would otherwise pollute our oceans, which are now regenerated.
These fabrics provide excellent compression and muscle support while doing sports, dance or Pilates.
Even the packaging is based on bio-degradable bags and contains a seed based tag that can be planted to grow flowers — eco-friendly and rejuvenating our environment
FIT is Snug & Comfortable: When I choose activewear, I make sue the fit is snug around the chest and waist without compromising on comfort and freedom of movement in full range of motion.
MULTIPURPOSE garments: I wear the leotard to ballet class and then head to the beach. It’s that versatility what I appreciate about it. It’s also resistant to oils and sun creams with UV protection.
What I dislike about the product/ Brand:
There’s noting I dislike in particular, just a few pointers: The style of this Leotard offers a bit of a High Cut Leg, and what this means for my body type is that the Leotard ends up being like a thong, but it doesn’t bother my dancing at all. Also since the zipper at the back goes all the way to the base of the neck, it could be a bit challenging to zip/unzip by yourself. I usually wear it unzipped to ballet class and ask someone to zip it for me, no biggie.
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Household & Lifestyle
3) Robot Vacuum Cleaner by EUFY
All right, all right! let me start by saying that I am not really sure how I discovered Robot Vacuum cleaners existed, but I was in disbelief! Like how I didn’t know about this! So having two long haired cats that shed all year long, the situation at my home is often OUT OF CONTROL!
So I started researching various brands and I became the nerd of reading comparative reviews about different machines. Then when I make up my mind on one particular brand and machine, I head over to Amazon to read the reviews, and I get so confused about the said product and had to do a deep dive all over again.
Finally I set up my mind and got the Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid Robot Vacuum Cleaner . Click here to get yours at an amazing discounted rate! (Please note as an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases).
What I love about the product/brand:
CUSTOMER SUPPRT: Most reviews on Amazon and from articles I read online raved about their amazing customer support.
PRICE: Great value for the price. As I mentioned I researched a lot, but also I had a budget about the 1,000 AED mark.
Easy Set-Up & Functionality: It’s a quiet machine relative to other brands and has a low height (2.85 in) so it can easily glide under furniture and kitchen appliances.
It has all the important features: good battery life, start and resume, and mobile App control, come with 2-in-1 Sweep and Mop, 2000Pa Suction, Wi-Fi, Boundary Strips.
I never used the boundary strips, all you have to do is remove clutter and loose wires off the floor so the fan doesn’t get tangled. It takes the robot about 40 mins to clean my studio apartment. It run twice and makes sure to cover all areas.
I rarely use the mopping function, but it’s a sweet feature and you can add essential oils to the mop and your apartment will smell DEVINE.
Easy to maintain and Clean: The Eufy has a larger dust container than other brands.
Comes with a few Spare Parts & Worry-free 12-month Warranty: click here for details
What I dislike about the product/ Brand:
Nothing so far. No problems detected since I bought it in April 2021.
Watch my review on YouTube
4) Water Filter by LIQUID OF LIFE
Okay so again for full disclosure, I wanted to switch from bottled water to water filters for a while but never got around to do it. Then something magical happened in 2020! I won my first water filter by participating in an Instagram competition run by the brand. I am so happy I made the switch and I renewed my contract this year!
What I love about the product/ brand:
SUSTAINABLE: As I am trying to improve my impact on our planet, this is one of the small steps I took.
“Liquid of Life was born out of the belief that whilst we can have a negative impact on our environment, we are faced with choices everyday that will either continue to cause more harm to the planet or allow it to start healing. Whilst the issues facing our planet can be overwhelming, I truly believe we have the opportunity to change and know what we need to do – and this does start with us as individuals, because what we do matters and will make a difference.” – A short message from founder – Rukhsana Kausar
EASY SETUP/ MOVE: The system I got is an UNDER the SINK WATER FILTER . They fit neatly beneath my sink and are were installed quickly and easily by their technicians in just 30 minutes. Once installed, I can enjoy filtered drinking water all year long (because the filters last a year). Then, when I needed to move houses, I called their customer support and they suggested to change the filters as they moved the filters, and since it would have been nearly a year. Otherwise, they would call at 12 months to arrange a convenient time to come and change the filters.
Price according to their website is 950 AED + VAT . Renewal Price as per my invoice: 630 AED+ moving expenses 200 AED + VAT ( they also gave me a 100 AED discount).
Personal Hygiene
5) Bikini Trimmer by Philips
This is a new purchase. But I’ve been contemplating it for awhile and like the RoboVac, I did a deep-dive into this product, read as many reviews as I can . Then got discouraged by customer’s reviews on Amazon. Then just decided to go for one after speaking to a friend. although, Philip launched a newer model, I decided to get the older model because of the shape of the handle.
What I love about the product/ brand:
IT’s MAIN PURPOSE: I hate trimming the bikini area, I tried shaving but I got pimples from the razor. I tried using the scissors, but it’s too time consuming and my neck hurts trying to get into all the tricky areas. So Khalas! I decided to try something new!
Product’s specs as advertised on Amazon:
- 30 min battery run time
- 4 length settings. Trimming Range: 0.5 – 10 mm
- Click-on comb included to trim hairs to 3 mm length. Round teeth effectively cut hairs while protecting the skin
- Bikini trimming head precisely trims down hairs to 0.5 mm. Ergonomic design for easy navigation around the bikini area
- Mini shaving head included for a clean look after trimming
- 2 Years Manufacturer Warranty from date of purchase
PRICE: About 128 AED.
EASY to USE: So far I used it once and it was pretty easy to use for a newbie like myself. I still would shave just around the swimsuit line, but that’ fine.
Get it Amazon (Please note as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).
6) Menstrual Cup by Lunette
I’ve been contemplating to switch towards the menstrual cup after I saw an influencer I follow on Instagram talk about the harmful chemicals contained in traditional disposable menstruation products. Then I spoke about it to my best friend, who’d already made the switch and she guided me to a website, where I can take a menstrual cup quiz to figure out the best brand, size, material etc.. and compare different products as well.
I got a few options to choose from and then decided to go with Lunette as I could order via Amazon (Please note as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).
What I love about the product/ brand:
SUSTAINABLE: A recurring theme I guess on this list, yes It’s sustainable and reusable for years according to their website. Mine still works perfectly until now!
BODY – SAFE: “Made with super soft medical-grade silicone, which is BPA and chemical free. And, unlike tampons, Our cups collect rather than absorb fluids, keeping you naturally lubricated, comfortable and healthy.”
Price: Although they’re are cheaper alternatives on the market, my friend made a very good point :” Since you’re buying something to last you a long time ( I thought it would last a year initially) , it’s better to go with a good quality product. Do not Opt for the cheapest”
I got the Model 1 for light to normal flow and paid 167.5 Aed to be exact including shipping. I checked the prices online and the prices were in the same range.
Easy to Insert/ Remove: Okay, okay, okay, not gonna lie here! The first time was tricky and maybe a bit painful, but once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. “After easy insertion, they’re held in place by a seal formed by the walls of the vagina, so you’ll barely feel a thing!”
Check out this FAQ on this website if you have any unanswered questions and still undecided whether to try the cup.
Doesn’t SMELL and No LEAKEAGES: OMG! I don’t have to deal with those period smells coming from the disposed pads and tampons in my bins, or every time I need to change for that matter.
No LEAKEAGE: Maybe I was lucky that the first cup I ever bought didn’t leak, but omg I can sleep better, dance, practice Pilates and not have a worry in the world.
Easy Maintenance: according to the leaflet that came with my Lunette cup, I need to boil the cup in water for 20 mins after each period and before using it the followings cycle.
7) Natural Deodorant Stick by Hemani
What I love about the product/ brand:
NATURAL
SUSTAINABLE
This is a Natural Deodrant Stick which consists of natural mineral salts that give the body protection against odor causing bacteria hence preventing body odor.
I have been using a coconut based paste before but I found it wasn’t effective, starts to roll down my arm when I started sweating which is super embarrassing and on top left white marks on my cloths during the the summer months; and, I had to switch back to toxic antiperspirants that’s full of harmful chemicals for those 6 months in the years
HOW TO APPLY: I basically moisten the stone and rub it on your armpits a few times on each side to make sure you have enough coverage , and THAT’s IT!
Don’t be SCARED to SWEAT: You’ve probably been using antiperspirant since you were a teen, and you’re used to your pores being sealed up. When you quit using antiperspirant, which contains pore-clogging aluminum compounds, your body will want to flush out the poisons it has absorbed over time. Sweating is your body’s natural way of detoxing and cleaning toxic substances from your body and skin.
PRICE: less that 10 AED
Get it on Amazon (Please note as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)
So there you have it friends! My favorite items I was happy to pay for in 2021. I hope this will help you take small steps towards living more sustainably TOO!
If you have more tips about products you bought that helped you tremendously, or made small switches towards sustainability, feel free to share in the comments below so everyone reading this post can benefit as well.
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Love ,
Zeina 💕
