Robin James’s Gamechangers: The products he recommends to everyone

Well, 2020 seems to have been the year of Amazon. Half my flat came from there. I spend a lot of my life saying, “oh, just from Amazon,” to people, so it’s pretty hard to pick just one. But I have to say, I am obsessed with storage solutions. I love my wall mounted organiser. It’s not sexy, it’s not exciting, but it’s so satisfying to fit two mops, a broom, a shovel and a dust pan on the back of my cupboard door! They all fit so perfectly and neatly.

I love my coffee machine. I really, really love her. I’ve had my Krups bean-to-cup coffee machine since 2017 and it’s changed my morning, late morning, afternoon and evening routines – an espresso when I get up and then a long line of coffees all day. This machine makes 17 different variations of coffee. That said, I really only push the button for black coffee. But it is lovely to say, “oh, whatever kind you like,” when you have guests over. My previous model (the EA9010) is now out of production, but the EA907D40 is the updated version – either way, I’d recommend the brand to anyone.

Read more: The ultimate coffee machine buying guide for the perfect cup of joe

Everyone needs to know about Bulldog Skincare. The brand produces fantastic products at a really great price point. At £3 for 500ml, the shower gels aren’t just cheap, they’re also made with 100 per cent natural fragrance; sulfate free; cruelty free and vegan. I’m a big fan of the lemon and bergamot wash. It’s like taking a drive along the south coast of Italy, but from my flat in Peckham!

“Alexa, good morning.” The way I start my day, everyday. I do wonder just how much Alexa is listening in – especially in a bedroom – but she keeps me on track. My morning briefing includes calendar events, weather and BBC News headlines. Also, with the video function, you can “drop in” to your friends from bed.

Spark Joy by Marie Kondo literally changed the way I look at my personal possessions. Does it spark joy? No? Get it rid of it then! It’s an essential for anyone that likes to hoard old magazines, receipts (yes, that was me), or wardrobe items that are two sizes too small.

Oh goodness, everything has become an essential. Coffee, candles, chocolate wine… but I have to say, fresh flowers have really done it for me. Commercial offices tend not to go big on flowers (probably a health and safety issue… or so they say), but working from home means you can really furnish your space with all those little floral touches.

I often get my flowers from the supermarket but when I’m splashing out I order from Bloom & Wild. A bit funeral, I know, but I love big white oriental lilies – there’s so much drama there! Top tip: Chop off the stamens as soon as they open. They really do stain!

Read more: 13 best letterbox flowers for all occasions to deliver at any time

Penhaligon’s fragrances are next level luxury. They aren’t cheap but they will transport you to an exotic land in just one spritz. Cairo from its Trade Routes collection is a firm favourite of mine. Definitely a hint of ‘Indiana Jones musky tomb’ but in all the right ways. Honestly. It has a real inviting warmth to it and sits so well on the skin.

Never underestimate the damage that the sun does to your skin. Don’t give me the excuse of, “but I didn’t go out today,” or, “but it’s cloudy, there’s no sun.” Nope. Stop. Beware of incidental sun exposure – this is the sun that creeps up on you without you knowing – like the sun through the window of your car. It all does damage. This Tropic skincare SPF 50 is my go-to. A good (light, broad spectrum) SPF doesn’t need to be pricey; and it’s a lot cheaper than a face lift.