Those of you who have been following me for a while know that I am a wellness and self-care advocate. Being an editor turned influencer, I’ve had the luxury of being able to road test hundreds of lifestyle products over the years. There’s just so much info and so many products out there to review and digest—I think most women these days may not have the time or budget to thoroughly vet them. It’s my job (and I love it) to weed through all this “stuff” and to recommend the top things, to my knowledge, that help me to look and feel my best. Everything is highly curated and I only recommend products and brands that I truly love. I am passionate about sharing these best-kept secrets to help you save time and lead a more enhanced life. I just turned 56 and feel better than I did when I was in my 30’s, so I know first hand that these lifestyle hacks work!
Read moreIntroducing “The Glow Girl Certified” Best in Clean Beauty
Say hello to “Glow Girl Certified” clean beauty (and wellness)! I created this Best in Clean Beauty list for you as a result of all the requests that have come in asking for my favorite product picks to be housed in one place. These tried and true selections have been thoroughly tested by me personally and help me to look and feel my best. #10yearsyounger. I will keep adding new, highly curated products to the list that I can advocate for, and will update it monthly so you can stay informed of my latest finds. I am so excited to share this information with you, and I hope you find it helpful!
xxMelissa
Click on the links for more info on the product and to order!
*Check out the new starred products added to the list*
Pictured: the KORA Organics Rose Quartz Heart Facial Gua Sha and Olie X Melissa Meyers Golden Ray Glow Drops Face Oil
SKINCARE
Beauty Pie - Use code MELISSASENTME for $10 off membership
Kora Organics - Use MELISSA15 for 15% off
Voyage et vie - Use code glowgirl15 for 15% off
Masks -
Wander Beauty Baggage Claim Gold Eye Masks
Chok Chok face mask - Use code MELISSA40 for 40% off
KORA Organics Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening and Exfoliating Mask
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength Exfoliating Mask
Face Tools -
KORA Organics Rose Quartz Heart Facial Gua Sha
Honey Belle Premium Jade Facial Roller
Jenny Patinkin Rose on Rose Face Roller
Sdara Skincare Microneedle Skin Roller
Honey Belle Premium Amethyst Facial Roller
Cleansers -
* KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Cleanser - Use MELISSA15 for 15% off
Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Cleanser
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
Pai Skincare Middlemist Seven Gentle Cream Cleanser
Pai Skincare Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Pai Skincare Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil
Reflekt Reflekt 1 Daily Exfoliating Face Wash
Facial Exfoliators -
TULA Exfoliating Treatment Mask
TULA So Polished Exfoliating Face Scrub
GOOP GLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator
Juice Beauty Prebiotix Instant Flash Facial
Toners -
Serums -
Soma Ayurvedic Vitamin C Serum
Beautycounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum
Winged Youth Radiance Serum - Use code GlowGirl15 for 15% off
Shani Darden Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum
Face Moisturizers, Creams, and Oils -
*Kora Organics Tumeric Glow Moisturizer - Use discount code MELISSA15 for 15% off
*Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream
Replenix Age Restore Nighttime Therapy
True Botanicals Renew Radiance Oil
True Botanicals CBD Anti-Inflammaging Oil
Rejuvenate with Nousha The Reset Facial Oil - Use discount code GLOWGIRL15 for 15% off
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Overnight Serum
Beautystat Universal Moisture Essence
GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Face Cream
Pai Skincare Age Confidence Cream Echium & Macadamia
TULA Hydrating Day & Night Cream
AYR Skin Care Restore Night Cream
Furtuna Skin Replenishing Balm
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream Rich
Saint Jane Luxury CBD Beauty Serum
Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil
Eye Creams and Oils -
Kora Organics Eye Oil - Use discount code MELISSA15 for 15% off
Replenix Age Restore Retinol Eye Repair
SiO Beauty Super EyeLift Undereye Patches
GOOPGENES All-in-One Nourishing Eye Cream
TULA Rose Glow & Get It Cooling & Brightening Eye BalmBeautycounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum
Suncare -
Pictured: the Whish Beauty Coconut Milk and Verbena Self Tanner
BODY
Exfoliators and Scrubs -
Beautycounter Sugar Body Scrub in Lemongrass
Kopari Beauty Coconut Crush Scrub
Self-Tanners -
Whish Beauty Coconut Milk and Verbena Self Tanner
KORA Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion
Body Creams, Body Butters, and Oils -
Wellphoria Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion
Primally Pure Eucalyptus + Lavender Body Butter
Sagely Naturals Relief and Recovery CBD Cream
Goop Nourishing Repair Body Butter
Furtuna Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil
Furtuna Skin Rinascita Delle Olive Replenishing Balm
Indie Lee Essential Body Lotion
KORA Organics Noni Glow Body Oil
Winged CBD Radiance Body Oil - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off
Primally Pure Almond + Vanilla Body Butter
Thisworks Perfect Hands Intense Moisture
Juice Beauty Green Apple Hand Cream
Bath -
Lab to Beauty The Brightening Body Wash - Bubble Bath
Deodorants -
Primally Pure natural deodorant - Use code GLOWGIRL for 10% off
Primally Pure Lavender Deodorant
Kosas Chemistry ADA Serum Deodorant
Hand and Nails -
Whish Hand Cream and Cuticle Oil
Juice Beauty Green Apple Hand Sanitizer
Toothpaste -
Photo Credit: Stefanie Marie
BEAUTY
Brands-
Primer -
Tula Face Filter Blurring & Moisturizing Primer
Tinted Moisturizers -
Saie Beauty Slip Tinted Moisturizer
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer
COOLA Organic Face Rosilliance BB+ Cream SPF 30
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Concealer -
RMS Beauty “Un” Cover-Up Concealer
Ilia True Skin Serum Concealer
Beautycounter Touchup Skin Concealer Pen
Foundation -
ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
Eyeliner -
Eyeshadow -
W3LL People Natural Eye Palette
Ilia The Necessary Eyeshadow Palette
PYT Beauty No BS Eyeshadow Palette
SAINT Cosmetics Eye Palette in Nude
Mascara -
Ere Perez Avocado Waterproof Mascara
Brows and Lashes -
Luna Nectar Moon Boost Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum
Bronzer and Blush -
W3LL People Natural Bio Bronzer Powder
Westman Atelier Beauty Butter Powder Bronzer
RMS Sensual Skin Trio - 3 in 1 powder palette with bronzer, blush, and highlighter
Highlighters -
Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinter Highlighter
Au Naturale All-Glowing Creme Highlighter
Lip Gloss & Lip Stick
Lilah B. Lovingly Lip Tint Oil
Kari Gran Tinted Lip Whip Treatment Balm
Saint Jane Beauty CBD Lip Gloss
COOLA Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30
*COOLA Organic Hydrating Lip Oil Sunscreen SPF 30
Lune + Aster Vitamin c+e Lip Gloss in Poet
Photo Credit: Stefanie Marie
HAIR
Christophe Robin hair products
Shampoos -
GLOSS MODERNE Clean Luxury Shampoo
Innersense Hydrating Cream Hairbath Shampoo
Conditioners -
GLOSS MODERNE Clean Luxury Conditioner
Innersense Hydrating Cream Conditioner
Flora Remedia Lavender Hair Oil TreatmentEco Therapy Revive Conditioner
Malibu C Color Prepare Wellness Hair Remedy
Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave-In Conditioner
Wellphoria Nourishing Conditioner
Dry Shampoo-
*Vegamour Dry Shampoo Use GLOWGIRL20 for 20% off
Mousse and Mists-
Virtue The Finale Shaping Spray
COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist (sunscreen for hair)
Innersense Hair Love Prep Spray
Hair Mask -
GLOSS MODERNE Clean Luxury Masque
Serums, Supplements, and Treatments -
Hush + Hush Deeply Rooted Hair Growth Supplement - Use code “MELISSA” for 20% off)
For All Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
Vegamour Gro+ Advanced Lash Serum Use GLOWGIRL20 for 20% off
Vegamour Biotin Hair Gummies Use GLOWGIRL20 for 20% off
*Vegamour GRO+ Advanced Brow Serum Use GLOWGIRL20 for 20% of
Other -
SUPPLEMENTS
*Thorne Health Supplements - Get 20% off the products I use on my store
*Thorne Niacel 200 - Get 20% off the products I use on my store
Lakanto monk fruit sweetener - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off
GOOPGLOW Morning Skin Superpowder
Nordic Naturals Algae Omega supplement
ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
SkinTē Sparkling Collagen Teas - Use code GLOWGIRL30 (valid for 30% off 12-pack purchases)
Juice Beauty Prebiotix Antioxidant Beauty Boost
SkinTē Sparkling Collagen Teas - Use code GLOWGIRL30 (valid for 30% off 12-pack purchases)
Juice Beauty Prebiotix Antioxidant Beauty Boost
Relizen -Use code glowgirl20 for 20% off your first month’s subscription
Hush + Hush PlantYourDay Protein - Use code MELISSA for 20% off sitewide
Joya Adaptogen Bliss - Cacao Elixir Blend
Kroma Superfoods Ultimate Vitality
Om Mushroom Superfood - Use code MELISSAMEYERS for 20% off sitewide
Beauty Bar Chocolate - Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off sitewide
Winged Relaxation CBD Gummies Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off
CBD
Beauty -
Saint Jane Calming Luxury Lip Shine
Rejuvenate With Nousha Face Reset Oil
Winged Face Oil - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off
Switch2Pure Bright and Shine Gel Cleanser
Sagely Naturals CBD Brightening Eye Cream
Saint Jane Luxury Beauty Serum
Priya Apothica CBD Bliss Renewal Serum
Priya Apothica CBD Phyto Metamorphosis Cream
Lord Jones Acid Mantle Repair Moisturizer
*True Botanicals CBD 500 Anti-Inflammaging Treatment Oil
Hair products -
For All Hydrating CBD Hair Mask
Wellphoria Nourishing Conditioner
Bath & Body -
Winged Radiance Body Oil - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off
Prima R & R Advanced Recovery Cream - Use code GLOWGIRL for 20% off
*Prima Beyond Body Oil Stress Remedy Use code GLOWGIRL for 20% off
Herbivore Botanicals Emerald CBD Cleansing Bar Soap
Sagely Naturals Calm Relief And Recovery CBD Roll-On
Lab To Beauty Soothing Bath Soak
Highline Wellness Hydrate, Relax, Restore Bath Bombs
Dr. Kerklaan Natural CBD Sleep Cream
*Terra Vita Revive CDB Bath Salts
Ingestibles -
Winged Sleepy CBD Gummies -Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off
Winged Relaxation CBD Gummies - Use code Glowgirl15 for 15% off
*Winged Rise Up Energy and Focus CBD Gummies Use code Glowgirl20 for 20% off
Lief Royal 1250 Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Calivolve RESTORE Collection Chocolate Box
Gron Adaptogenic Chocolate Sampler
The Trusted Lab CBD Wellness Gummies With Vitamin C + Zinc
Topical Pain Relief -
Prima Bath Gem - Use GLOWGIRL for 20% off
Pictured: the Beautycounter Sheer Lipstick
BEAUTY COUNTER
After years of testing several Beautycounter clean beauty products, I have been very impressed with many of their products and will be reporting on my favorite items from their line. The company is a leader in the clean beauty movement and I stand behind their philosophy to help educate and share the safest, best quality products available!
Makeup -
Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation
Skin care -
Sugar Body Scrub in Lemongrass
Hydrating Body Lotion in Citrus Mimosa
Citrus Mimosa Hand Wash and Hand Cream
Holistic Wellness Tips and Immune-Boosting Supplements to Take from Dr. Lekkos
Nicole Fogel, Founder of SHIFT Mind Body Soul, Dr. Apostolos Lekkos, Elissa Goodman
I recently attended an incredibly informative lecture hosted by SHIFT Mind Body Soul, one of the rising stars in programming in the holistic health and wellness space. With Coronavirus weighing heavy on everyone’s minds, I wanted to share some valuable take-aways I learned so that you can use these extra measures to stay healthy during this stressful time!
The educational lecture took place in Beverly Hills at Spring Place and featured renowned functional medicine expert and GOOP Contributor Dr. Lekkos, Founder of Bios Functional Medicine, and was moderated by my friend and holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman. The discussion offered so much timely information regarding wellness and how best to support our immune system.
Below is a list of the wellness supplements that were discussed and some other tips on how to stay healthy and centered. I am currently using all of these, but I’m not a doctor so please do your homework before introducing anything new into your regime; research and talk to your physician if you are unsure of what is best for you.
I wish you continued well-being during this challenging time. Sending healthy vibes your way!
xx Melissa
“Think from your heart, not your head, soak in life and think about why you are here, experience as many things as you can, and above everything else, do YOU all the time.” - Dr. Lekkos
Click directly on supplement titles to order my faves!
IMMUNITY SUPPORT
Monolaurin is a chemical made from lauric acid; used to build the immune system, it is found in coconut milk and breast milk. It’s recommended for preventing and treating viruses such as the common cold, influenza, swine flu, herpes, shingles, and other infections. Dr. Lekkos recommended this as the best supplement to take if you feel a sore throat or virus coming on.
L-Lysine (2000 mg per day)
Elissa Goodman recommended this supplement as a good one to take along with Monolaurin. This gem of a supplement offers immune system and respiratory health support.
NAC (1,500 mg/day and not on an empty stomach)
This important supplement replenishes levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant found throughout the body - our levels decrease as we age. Taken together they can help boost immune function. They also help with chronic respiratory conditions and support brain health.
Glutathione is an important antioxidant that declines with age. It is critical for healthy immune system function and is necessary for proper detoxification. Works well in conjunction with vitamin C.
NAD (Take 500 mg plus)
NAD helps fuel many of the body’s essential functions. It’s important for our cells and it gives us energy and a sense of wellbeing, but NAD levels also diminish with age and stress. Taking this supplement can help elevate our own levels with increased and consistent use. Read my blog here on TRU NIAGEN (a unique form of vitamin B3) to see why I love taking this NAD supplement daily!
Vitamin D (5000i.i. daily)
This familiar vitamin is good for supporting muscle, bone, teeth and immune health. According to ScienceDaily, taking large doses of vitamin D reduces respiratory infections like pneumonia, influenza, and bronchitis. Dr. Lekkos also mentioned to take it in larger doses to cure bronchitis.
Reishi and Other Adaptogenic Mushrooms
Reishi and other mushrooms are important for immune function support and some also act as natural anxiety relievers that may help calm any angst we are experiencing. I like the delicious powders by Four Sigmatic!
Taking a probiotic every day to maintain gut health is great for ongoing immune support and a healthy microbiome. But taking a probiotic that has prebiotics blended into the formula makes them even more beneficial since they do a great job of fertilizing the good bacteria you already have in your gut. I also like to get additional probiotics by starting the day with the Hush & Hush PlantYourDay protein powder. Click HERE to order and use discount code MELISSA during check out to get 20% off.
This herbal supplement is great for reducing inflammation and as an antioxidant. It’s also used for relieving the stiffness and joint pain of arthritis.
Photo credit: Stefanie Marie Photography
SLEEP EASY
Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together. — Thomas Dekker
A combination of Magnesium and L-Threonate, this can be beneficial for helping you fall asleep. It calms the buzzing in the brain, making it easier to relax and drift off into dreamland.
Looking to CBD as a way to calm your nerves and help you get some shut-eye? Charlotte’s Web is one of the most respected brands out there. Whether you prefer a flavored oil or a gummy, they’ve got you covered.
Felix Grey Blue Light Blocking Glasses
These clinically tested blue light blocking glasses can aid in getting your beauty sleep by improving melatonin secretion by 2x. You know what that means? Less chance of dark circles in the morning!
Gwen Dittmar, Breath Work Coach; Nicole Fogel, Founder of SHIFT Mind Body Soul.
Photo Credit: Kelly Fogel Photography.
Elissa Goodman and Dr. Lekkos.
Photo Credit: Kelly Fogel Photography.
MIND OVER MATTER
It’s your perception and your reaction to life so be aware of how you are thinking. - Anonymous
Wellness isn’t just about taking care of our body, it’s also about managing our minds. Here are a few tips to help turn down the noise and get your head in a better space.
Breathing
Taking deep breaths throughout the day can help calm you down. I personally find box breathing super helpful to manage my adrenaline when it gets ramped up. Simply inhale for five seconds, hold for five seconds, exhale for five seconds and repeat. For some more amazing breathing techniques, check out Breathwork Master and Coach Gwen Dittmar and her step-by-step breathwork class on mindbodygreen.
Journaling
Sometimes you’ve got to let it flow! Grab a notebook and pen and just write. It helps to declutter the mind, and things seem to fall into perspective once you read back what you wrote. Keeping a daily gratitude journal is also a great way to shift your thoughts and realize how much you truly have. I believe when you approach life from a place of gratitude there comes even more to be grateful for.
Meditation
By now we all know how powerful a meditation practice can be for brain health. From Calm to Headspace, there is no shortage of apps out there that can guide us in taming our monkey-minds. Dr. Lekkos recommended another cool app called Brain.fm. It is basically a streaming music service that produces a continuous loop of computer-generated music that can help you meditate, focus, or sleep, using a combination of bimodal tones. This scientific approach claims to affect your brain differently than any other music.
“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.” ~Elbert Hubbard
Photo credit: Stefanie Marie Photography