The Lust List: Best of Wellness
Self-care comes in different forms for everyone, which is why we’ve rounded up our favorite wellness suggestions for the mind, body, and soul. From fitness necessities and meal prep ideas to crystals and unique self-help books, here are The Retaility’s top picks.
—Lindzi Scharf
PROVENANCE MEALS
Start the year off with a healthy, balanced diet courtesy of our favorite meal delivery service. The company's six-day Provenance Detox cleanse program ($420/week), which is delivered straight to your door, offers delicious, nutritious dishes that are organic, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. According to the company, its meals — which are designed by a nutritionist and executed by a chef — help kickstart weight loss and support gut health in addition to promoting glowing skin, reduced puffiness, increased energy, and better sleep. Founded by Caroll Lee, who is a certified holistic health coach and mother, Provenance Meals makes clean living that much easier.
Available for $420/week at provenancemeals.com.
BRIGHTER TONIC
If you're trying to ditch your daily caffeine fix but worry that you'll miss the ritual, give Brighter Tonic a try. It's a low-sugar sparkling beverage that contains a blend of probiotics, acetic acid, and apple cider vinegar — making it as healthy as it is refreshing. Comprised of clean ingredients and functional raw ACV, the drink comes in a variety of enticing flavors like lemon lime and blood orange. Founded by Elizabeth Varnell and her husband Danny Olivas, Brighter Tonic is available at Erewhon, Whole Foods, Bristol Farms and Lazy Acres in Southern California in addition to the brand's website.
Available for $34.99 (12 pack) at brightertonic.com.
BROTHER VELLIES
If you absolutely can't kick your coffee habit: (1) know that you're not alone and (2) at least you can feel good about the brand you consume. Brother Vellies's At Home Coffee is an organically farmed and processed whole bean coffee that comes from Kayon Mountain Farm in the Guji Region of Ethiopia. Founded by Aurora James, Brother Vellies may be best known for its fashion-forward shoes and accessories, but it also offers a few special home goods like tennis balls, doormats, mugs, and coffee.
Available for $35 (12 oz. bag) at brothervellies.com.
THE BEAUTY CHEF
The self-proclaimed "inner beauty" company's newest product is its Deep Collagen supplement, which was created by founder Carla Oates alongside a team of naturopaths and nutritionists. According to The Beauty Chef, Deep Collagen helps support skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen density thanks to its unique combination of probiotic ingredients. Available in both a berry flavor and unflavored, Deep Collagen is great when mixed with smoothies and yogurt.
Available for $69 at thebeautychef.com.
BEAST BLENDER
Make your own nutrient-infused water, smoothies, and juices with ease thanks to this blender and hydration system, which recently made Oprah Winfrey’s list of Favorite Things.
Available for $185 at thebeast.com.
THE MIRROR
If you’re sick of Zoom virtual sessions and YouTube tutorials, The Mirror is a sleek, invisible at-home fitness program that allows you to train with experts from the comfort of your home. You can stream workouts on-demand or join a class in real-time with an instructor. With a celebrity fan base of Alicia Keys and Reese Witherspoon, it's no wonder Lululemon came on board as a major investor. The platform includes over fifty genre workouts including meditation and one-on-one personalized training.
Packages are available from $1495 to $2045 at mirror.co.
MAISON GOLDBLUM
A trained rhythmic gymnast, aerialist, and contortionist, Emilie Goldblum used her professional experiences to craft Maison Goldblum Stretch Fit, a program intended to help strengthen and tone muscles while improving one's mood and mental health. The best part? Goldblum is offering all virtual classes free of charge.
The fitness guru launched the platform last year to help support people during the pandemic. Take part on demand or subscribe to her mailing list to find out when she's holding her next live virtual class. Added bonus: Goldblum recently curated a Stretch Fit Class for @TheRetaility’s Instagram account, so you can take her class at any time.
Additional free virtual classes are available at emiliegoldblum.com.
ARITZIA
The eco-chic company's Tnalife Ribbed Bra Top and TnaBUTTER Atmosphere Hi-Rise 7/8 Legging are as comfortable as they are functional. Made of a sweat-wicking fabric, the pieces have the perfect amount of stretch in addition to a barely-there feel — allowing you to focus on your fitness; not the fit. The simplistic, monochromatic design works best when paired with bold sneakers.
Available for $25 (top) and $68 (leggings) at aritzia.com.
LDMA
Launched in late 2021 by Leland Drummond and Michele Thomas, the Southern California-based brand — which is focused on "intimates for an active woman" — stands for Life Deserves More Action. “As someone who works out everyday, I realized there wasn’t an incredible pair of underwear that makes you feel strong and sexy, but also performs at a really high level – both for working out and for your everyday, busy life,” Drummond recently told The Retaility. “We have worked tirelessly over the last several years to source the best fabric, perfect the most functional and innovative design, and find the best factory to manufacture the highest quality performance garments." LDMA’s season one drop consists of four styles: a high sculpt thong; a high sculpt brief; a low rise invisible thong; and a low rise invisible brief. Fitness instructor Amanda Kloots is a fan. She posted about the brand's white High Sculpt Thong on her Instagram account when the company first launched.
Available for $26 per pair on LDMAbrand.com.
APL
Los Angeles-based Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)'s trendy TechLoom Tracer is the perfect training shoe. While it’s available in a variety of fashion-forward unisex designs, we particularly love the cream and burgundy tie dye sneaker as well as the black and white tie dye shoe. The TechLoom Tracer includes a molded Lycra collar and tongue; cushioning; rubber traction pads; a lightweight Propelium midsole; and a newly developed lacing system that limits lace-loosening during workouts.
Available for $230 at athleticpropulsionlabs.com.
BALA
The Los Angeles-based company is best known for its weighted Bala Bangles — thanks to its founders Natalie Holloway and Maximilian Kislevitz's appearance on “Shark Tank” — but the fitness company has a wide array of other accessories and items. Bala most recently released The Floor Series, which includes a play mat, balance blocks, and an hourglass roller in three colors: blush, sand, and charcoal.
Available for $45 to $120 at shopbala.com.
OUAI
Hairstylist Jen Atkin's Los Angeles-based brand has branched out far beyond hair care to include lifestyle items like their Melrose Place candle, which features coconut and soy-based wax blends and allows for a fifty-five hour slow burn with minimal smoke. Its rose scent is infused with a blend of bergamot, lychee, white musk, and champagne, which perfectly sets the mood for unwinding after a long day.
Available for $44 at theouai.com.
ASTARA COLLECTIVE
Founder Mariah K. Lyons's Astara Collective has everything one needs for mind and body crystal support. A few of our favorite items include Lyons's book "Crystal Healing for Women" ($14.99); her Magnetize Kit, a collection of minerals and herbs (clear quartz, peach moonstone; howlite; and pyrite) that reportedly heighten focus and enhance abundance ($77); as well as her company's uniquely stylish crystalline grounding footwear ($260 for the Selene Malachite Mule - $335 for the Sahara Clear Quartz Sandal as seen above). The crystal healing practitioner also offers various courses and wellness programs.
Learn more at astaracollective.com.
RADIANT HUMAN
Often referred to as "the Annie Leibovitz of aura photography,” artist Christina Lonsdale explores the relationship between color and human energy through more than two hundred Polaroids of family and friends including Chloë Sevigny, Joseph Altuzarra, Busy Philipps, and SZA. Having taken 45,000 aura-based images over six years, Lonsdale selected her favorite shots that explore the essence of one's aura and what it reveals about them. She uses each image to explain the nuance of aura — allowing the reader to understand how we each radiate and receive energy in order to better analyze ourselves.
Available for $29.99 at amazon.com.
HOW TO BREAK UP WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Don't let the title fool you. Author and psychotherapist Erin Falconer's latest book is all about cultivating strong and long-lasting friendships. Filled with extensive research and personal testimonials from Goop's former chief content officer Elise Loehnen; influencer Chriselle Lim; television personality Maria Menounos; and The Retaility's founder Lindzi Scharf, the book explores how to set healthy boundaries as well as how to be a great friend yourself.
Available for $24.99 at amazon.com.
THE HANDMADE SOAP CO.
Sleep a little easier thanks to The Handmade Soap Co.'s Pillow + Room Mist, which features a combination of essential oils in lavender, rosemary, thyme, and mint. According to the brand, you should spritz your pillow thirty-minutes before bed for a night of optimal sleep. And who couldn't use that these days? (And always!)
Available for $19.95 at thehandmadesoapcompany.com.
KOALA ECO
The Australia-based brand's natural cleaning products are made in California using Australian essential oils that are plant derived, non-toxic, and pH-balanced. Founded by husband-wife duo Jessica Bragdon and Paul Davidson in 2017, the company's hand wash is a particular favorite thanks to its fresh lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary scent.
Available for $23 at koalaeco.com.
PAPR
Ever wonder what's in your deodorant? You should. But with PAPR's natural deodorant, you don't have to worry. The company's products are aluminum-free, silicone-free, paraben-free, vegan, and dermatologically tested. Additionally, all packaging is one hundred percent biodegradable; so you can feel good in addition to smelling great. The product is available in five scents as well as "Bare Naked" for those who prefer an unscented approach.
Available for $14 each at papercosmetics.com.
SIDIA
Get cozy before and after a rejuvenating bath thanks to Sidia's Towel Wrap, which is made of bamboo terry cloth and features gold embroidery. Thanks to its velcro closure and pockets, the hands-free design is as practical as it is chic.
Available for $80 at sidiathebrand.com.
LORD JONES
Those who love CBD swear by the Los Angeles cannabis company's bath salts. Available as a three-pack, each travel-size pouch contains 30mg of CBD mixed with botanicals; a blend of arnica and calendula flowers; Epsom and Himalayan pink salts; eucalyptus and citrus oils; and magnesium.
Available for $27 at lordjones.com.
CORPUS NATURALS
The vegan beauty company recently launched its Nº Green cleansing bar, a citrusy coconut-based concoction that is made of virgin olive oil, marula oil, and squalane oil in addition to Nº Green, which is extracted from the root, seed, stem, pulp and rind. Featuring a bergamot, pink lemon, orange blossom, and cardamom scent, Corpus Naturals's cleansing bar is sure to elevate your next shower.
Available for $22 at corpusnaturals.com.
HATCH
Let's not forget those who may be pregnant. Most of the items featured on our Lust List are great for those with mini-me's on the way; however, maternity lifestyle label Hatch creates items specifically with expectant mothers in mind. The Ariane Goldman-founded company's Spa Day Kit adds a bit of luxury into one's everyday routine thanks to its all-natural Mama Calm Bath Soak, Belly Oil, and smoothing dry brush.
Available for $108 at hatchcollection.com.
ODACITE
Founded by breast cancer survivor Valerie Grandury, the California-based company's Gua Sha crystal contour is great for facial massages. Available in rose quartz, blue sodalite, and aventurine, the hand-carved tool is inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and an approach to massage as a form of self-care. While it reportedly helps eliminate fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, dark circles, puffiness, and congestion, it can also be used for pregnancy. California-based doula Leah-Vail Soloff says, "The Gua Sha is amazing for pregnant women to have their partner use on their back and sides with a body oil. I use it with my doula clients all the time."
Available for $45 each at odacite.com.
DETOX MODE
The wellness company's Renewing Foam Cleanser's Juniper Oil reportedly helps even out skin tone while cleansing the skin thanks to its anti-microbial properties. It also includes a pineapple fruit extract; a blend of calendula, elderflower, evening primrose, dandelion, and milk thistle; grapefruit and cypress; and bromeliad, a combination of enzymes that exfoliate while avoiding inflammation.
Available for $36 at detoxmode.com.
EMMA LEWISHAM
The Australian skincare brand's Illuminating Exfoliant brightens one's complexion while providing twenty-four hour hydration, which leads to glowing skin. Its all natural ingredients include organic yarrow; mallow and hibiscus flower peptides; sea kelp; and saccharide isomerate, the latter of which is a natural hyaluronic acid that activates the skin's rehydration system. Additionally, all of the company's products are made from frosted glass and are one hundred percent recyclable. They're designed to be refilled multiple times before being recycled through the company's "Beauty Circle" recycling program.
Available for $60 at emmalewisham.com.
LINNÉ
The botanical skincare brand recently launched its first eye product: the Revive eye serum, which helps with depuffing, brightening, and anti-aging. Created in small batches and formulated from plant and mineral sources, LINNÉ's products are formulated using unrefined plant extracts and cold-pressed seed, nut and fruit oils.
Available for $80 at linnebotanicals.com.
R BROW
Vogue writer turned beauty entrepreneur Rachel Marlowe launched R Brow in mid 2021 after searching for an easy approach to styling one's brows. Made from all-natural ingredients, the clear balm conditions and stimulates hair growth while also helping to shape the brow. Apply the product onto a clean surface or pre-penciled eyebrows — whatever your preference. We personally love using R Brow to clean-up the brows before shaping and tweezing any stray hairs that have gone rogue. In our humble opinion, grooming one's eyebrows is the easiest, least time consuming act of self-care. Your brows will thank you.
Available for $23 at therbrow.com.
PRETTY RIPE
It's no secret that women's magazines tend to cater to teens and twenty-somethings. Veteran journalist Monica Corcoran Harel (of The New York Times, ELLE and Marie Claire) wanted to do something about that; so she launched "Pretty Ripe," a newsletter that focuses on the needs, desires, and interests of women over forty. The beauty, health, and fashion-related newsletter — which is delivered direct to your inbox — is chock full of smart content for the savviest of readers. And it's free.
Sign up at prettyripe.com and follow along on Instagram at @PrettyRipe.
THE BEAUTY VANGUARD
Hosted by Nyakio Grieco (founder of Thirteen Lune and Nyakio Beauty) and journalist Melissa Magsaysay (of the L.A. Times and WWD), The Beauty Vanguard podcast explores the intersection of beauty, culture, and ethnicity while creating a dialogue about the beauty landscape as it stands and where it's headed. Guests have included industry veteran John Demsey, make-up artist Hung Vanngo, and Naomi Osaka's dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye.
Listen on demand through Spotify, Amazon, Apple, or Google.
MOTHER TONGUE
Launched by journalists Melissa Goldstein (of T Magazine) and Natalia Rachlin (of WSJ) in 2021, this bi-annual print publication dives into modern motherhood through a feminist lens. With stories on art, sex, pop culture, politics, and food, Mother Tongue is the magazine you didn't know you needed. Unlike other "mommy mags," this smart, beautifully crafted publication has nothing to do with kids or parenting; instead it's focused on the lives led by women with children.
Each issue is $20 at mothertonguemagazine.com.