2013 Editors’ Picks: Our Favorite Beauty & Wellness Products!

Jackie’s Picks:

Zaggora Hot Pants™ + Svelt Melt & Motion Lotion

I love a good multi-tasker and one that means my workouts have twice the effectiveness – well sign me up! I’ve been using these Zaggora Hot Pants™ for a year now (whether I’m working out or just doing around-the-house errands) and I have loved the results, especially when I pair wearing them with using Svelt Melt and the Motion Lotion!

The pants are made using ThermoFit Technology (a multi-layer fabric technology) which uses your body’s own natural heat during exercise to help you burn more calories – in fact you’ll feel the heat long after you’re finished with your workout (which extends the exercise calorie-burning benefits!)

Motion Lotion and Svelt Melt are my newest faves in the cellulite cream department. Both products use caffeine and menthol to breakdown fat cells and smooth and hydrate skin – however Motion Lotion is a cream and Svelt Melt is more of gel. I use the Svelt Melt under the Hot Pants and think it really maximizes the effects and I use the Motion Lotion for mornings since it has a very moisturizing feel.

Hot Pants 2.0 Short; $59

Motion Lotion; $39

Svelt Melt; $39

Jackie’s Picks:

Viviscal Extra Strength

If you are anything like me, a bad hair day is way more than just a style mishap; it has the ability to ruin my favorite outfit, to change my attitude and generally just makes me want to hide in a room… preferably with anti-frizz serum and a straightening iron. Bad hair days were pretty much guaranteed after experiencing a mix of stress, not eating well, and a terrible straightening treatment on my once bouncy thick curls. I ended up losing 50 percent of my hair’s volume. Forget the occasional bad hair day; I was having a bad hair life. Enter: Viviscal!

The miracle product (which is used by celebs, models, and hairstylists!) works in four stages over six months (but I saw results after my first month of the product!)

STAGE 1 – Nourishes the hair follicles

STAGE 2 – Strengthens and promotes the growth of existing hair

STAGE 3 – Promotes the growth of existing hair where it has slowed down or temporarily stopped –  these hairs are thin and wispy at first

STAGE 4 – Hair becomes stronger, healthier and more vibrant. *Clinical trials were conducted on male subjects. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results will vary.

After looking over the ingredients and seeing that it was a 100 percent natural product that utilizes marine complex, cherry extract and horsetail extract, I figured I would at least give it a shot. My honest verdict? This product is one that I will use for the rest of my life. My hair is noticeably longer, stronger and shinier and I am finally used to the slight fishy smell and taste of the pill (thankfully that doesn’t linger!).

Jackie’s Picks:

Bliss Fabulips Softening Lip Balm

I can say 100% that I have the absolute worst chapped lips – all year round and until this special lip balm I never found anything that truly worked and kept on working! This is the same softening lip balm used by estheticians during each facial at Bliss Spas worldwide. Thanks to shea butter, jojoba, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E my lips are finally smooth, soft, and lipstick ready!

bliss fabulips softening lip balm; $16

Jackie’s Picks:

My (Own) Lip Color Blend

Okay ladies, even as a beauty editor I’ve always found lipstick to be… well, intimidating. I loved it on others but for some reason whenever I tried on any color other than a creamy nude I felt I looked like a little kid that got a hold of mom’s makeup stash. That was until I started experimenting with blending and suddenly I was wearing rich reds, corals, and my personal favorite vampy violets.

I like to mix my lip color arsenal to create unique shades that go best with my skin tone and here is my formula for a vampy violet (I totally apologize because two of these lippies have been discontinued but you can still score them on Amazon – and be sure to let us know in the comments if you want to get links to good substitutes!)

Start with Mary Kay Confidence ($11.99, amazon.com) is a great merlot shade which has deep reds mixed with the purples.

Next dab on a layer of Revlon Va Va Violet ($7.99, drugstore.com) which is a dark (nearly black looking) purple.

Finally layer on some of MAC’s lipglass in Wrong Spell ($38.77, amazon.com) which is a deep burgundy-plum gloss that helps to blend the layers and tie it all together!

I usually blot after the gloss step because I don’t like my lips to be too shiny

Jackie’s Picks:

Merle Norman Pro Pen Eyeliner

Up until I found this eyeliner pen I thought the cat eye trend was a cruel joke directed at me and my inability to achieve the look! I had tried everything: the tape, the business card, the screaming – the crying –  I mean, you get the picture. Then I started using the Pro Pen Eyeliner and suddenly with the flick of my wrist I was rocking the perfect Lauren Conrad (hello my biggest beauty crush!) cat eye eyeliner!

Merle Norman Pro Pen Eyeliner; find a retail location near you

Kate’s Picks:

Suja Juice

I wasn’t sure if I would jump on the juicing bandwagon, but I’ve found I can’t resist Suja Juice’s 100-percent USDA-certified-organic and non-GMO-verified line. I prefer the brand’s Suja Classic™ juices, made up of fresh, crisp fruits and veggies and available in 12 distinct flavors.

Whole Foods, sujajuice.com $6.99-$8.99

Kate’s Picks:

Kate Somerville Age Arrest Eye Cream

If the eyes are considered the window to the soul, then I’m open to any anti-aging eye cream that delivers results. Age Arrest’s advanced formula boasts Telo-5™ Technology, based on Nobel Prize-winning medical research on telomeres—and while that sounds extremely enlightening, all I know is that it tightens my skin and masks under-eye circles. And that’s good for my soul.

katesomerville.com; $75

Kate’s Picks:

Dr. Dennis Gross Steamer Solutions

If I can’t make it to the spa as soon as I should, I don’t stress—this at-home facial device using steam fusion technology is designed to keep even the driest skin (aka, me, all winter) hydrated, exfoliated, and clear. It’s a quick 20-minute treatment (recommended once or twice a week) with pretty lengthy-lasting results.

sephora.com; $125

Kate’s Picks:

Nike Studio Wrap Pack

I’m one of those people whose workout motivation lies within the exercise attire I wear. The cuter the clothes, the better the workout. In steps Nike Studio Wrap Pack, a three-part footwear system that literally puts a spring in my, well, step. It’s perfect for those of us who hate to go barefoot in yoga, barre, or Pilates class (plus, stylish as well!): There’s a lightweight wrap to help prevent slipping, a supportive ribbon that makes me want to embrace my inner ballerina, and a durable flat slip-on for when I leave the studio.

nike.com/us/en_us; $110

Kate’s Picks:

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation SPF 20

I’m obsessed with Josie Maran’s Argan Oil (the multitasking treatment has completely changed the texture of my skin and hair for the better), so when I purchased the foundation, my expectations were high—and I have to say, were exceeded. The fragrance-free powder is packed with 100-percent pure argan oil to keep my skin supple, yet still feels sheer—and allows for light to heavy coverage, depending on which side of the sponge I use. Available in three shades.

josiemarancosmetics.com; $34