If you live anywhere near New York City, you'll know this has been a record-breakingly hot summer. Between the temperatures that climb past 100ºF and the near-tropical humidity, the East Coast has felt like a furnace for the better part of the season—giving the term "hot girl walk" a whole new meaning when Who What Wear editors try to get their steps in.

Though I, along with my fellow editors, love working out, trying new fitness classes, and lounging outside under the beating sun (while slathered in sunscreen, of course), there's nothing I detest more than sweating. The salty excrement removes my makeup, slicks my hair, and—let's be honest—doesn't do anything beneficial in terms of body odor. While I can't promise a sweat-free summer unless you stay cooped up indoors or shrouded beneath a Victorian parasol, I can share the products insiders trust to freshen up after steamy workouts, the skincare hacks that save their skin when face wash isn't immediately available, and the shower essentials that truly strip away sweaty funk. Let's face it. Your normal products just aren't cutting it in this weather.

Keep reading for the 17 products editors keep close when musty workouts, thick air, and sweaty temps threaten to destroy our skin and hair.

17 Editor-Approved Products for Combating Sweat and Stink

It’s hot girl summer, and that means lots of self-care, including working out. I’m not the biggest fan of the gym, but the main thing that makes me feel confident is a cute, matching workout set. For some reason, as long as my outfit looks cool and put-together, it’s easier to take on a hard workout. The caveat to a cute workout set is that sometimes they can be expensive, and if there’s one thing about me, it's that I’m a frugal shopper.

The best place to turn when you need a new workout set is Amazon. Not only can you get high-quality workout sets for an affordable price, but you can get them fast. Every time I order a set, I receive my package within a few days. It’s the easiest, most affordable way to get a new, cute workout set. Whether you’re into bike shorts and sports bras, yoga sets, or Dri-Fit T-shirts, Amazon has them and at the right price. Keep scrolling to find the best workout sets on the site that fit your personal style.

A little over a week ago, I got a phone call from ALO. This was on Thursday, and the team was asking if I was interested in flying to Saint-Tropez on Monday afternoon to join them on a 240-foot yacht sailing around the South of France to celebrate the fitness brand's summer Atelier collection. Naturally, I said yes. Four days later, I was checked in at LAX. By Tuesday morning Central European Time, I was boarding a tender at Capitainerie du Port de Saint-Tropez and then climbing aboard ALO Voyage, where private reformer classes, EMS training, a cold plunge, a sauna, and a treatment room for lymphatic drainage massages and advanced bodywork awaited.

For the next 63 hours, ALO took me on a wellness journey unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. As the daughter of a Pilates instructor who taught my friends and me how to make homemade almond milk with a nut milk bag in middle school, I'm hardly a novice. In between meals made of fresh, local ingredients—the chef's sourdough starter's name is Bradley Cooper—and morning dips in perfectly chilly and salty seawater, I had private Pilates sessions with ALO Wellness Club instructor Bianca Wise and a deep-tissue massage with a sound-bath soundtrack, and I still made time to do my best Beyoncé, jumping off the side of the yacht. There were private beach clubs and buzzy public ones, quiet mornings on the back deck to caffeinate and catch up on emails, and never-ending servings of matcha soft serve gelato, which was on tap at all times of the day and night.

Ahead, read through every moment.

63 Hours on the ALO Yacht

June 9, 2026 3:56 P.M.

After one long flight, an almost-missed connection, and a two-hour drive from Nice to Saint-Tropez, I finally arrived at Capitainerie du Port de Saint-Tropez, where an ALO-branded tender was scheduled to pick me up and take me to the boat about 15 minutes offshore. Two men in ALO trousers and matching sneakers grabbed my luggage and helped me on board (both work on the Silver Fox, the name of the yacht when it's not chartered by ALO), and soon enough, they were pointing out my home for the next 63 hours—not that it required an introduction. The three letters on its side more than gave its location away. To be honest, I didn't know what to expect when I said yes to a few nights on a yacht in the South of France. Let's just say that this boat was far, far larger and more grand than anything I could have imagined.

June 9, 2026 4:11 P.M.

After being greeted by the team, who were lounging on the back deck taking advantage of the perfect weather, I was given a tour of the place. Apparently, a lot can fit on a 240-foot yacht, including a spa fit with a cold plunge, steam room, and sauna as well as a treatment room for massages and facials. Next door was the fitness room, which opens up to a deck designed for a Pilates reformer so you can stretch and tone literal steps from the Mediterranean. Obviously, I planned to put them all to use.

June 9, 2026 4:23 P.M.

I quickly popped into my room to drop off my luggage and change into my swimsuit, and I was met with essentially an ALO store. The closet was full of ALO Atelier pieces and workout essentials, like leggings sets, running shoes, and sweatsuits. There were also two handbags, more beauty products than I could ever need—from ALO's famous Head-to-Toe Glow Oil to Digest & Debloat supplements—and a slew of miscellaneous goodies, like Therabody's TheraFace Depuffing Wand, which I used every morning to help with my jet lag–induced puffiness.

June 9, 2026 5:30 P.M.

Before I could do any wellnessing, I had a bit of work to finish that I had expected to complete on the flight, but in-and-out WiFi stood in the way. Let me tell you—working on a yacht is far more enjoyable than working in a dark airplane cabin. I'll take that trade any day.

June 9, 2026 6:07 P.M.

Once I'd scheduled my story and answered some emails, another guest and I jumped at the chance to do a private ab session with Wise, who whipped us into shape immediately. My abs were burning within the first minute and kept burning for the entirety of the 30-minute workout. She has video classes on the ALO Wellness Club app, so now, I need to download those and get to work.

I always try to move a bit after a really long flight just to keep my muscles from stiffening and stave off jet lag. This did just the trick, allowing me to run on basically zero sleep all the way through dinner.

June 9, 2026 8:40 P.M.

Post-workout, I decided it was time to settle into my room for the next few days and freshen up before dinner on the bow of the boat right at sunset, which served as a perfect backdrop for the summer Atelier collection, which is full of soft pink and champagne mixed in with classic white and black pieces. We all had Atelier pieces already stocked in our closets, but it wasn't until dinner that I saw the collection in full. I particularly loved all the lightweight cashmere pieces, but there was also a healthy mix of silk and linen options to balance them out.

First, we sipped champagne while previewing the collection before sitting down for a multicourse meal served by the Silver Fox's incredible staff. The star of the show really was the sourdough and locally sourced olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Over the course of the week, I probably ate an entire loaf.

June 9, 2026 11:07 P.M.

It wouldn't be a wellness trip if I didn't close out night one in front of a red-light panel with a cup of chamomile tea.

June 10, 2026 7:05 A.M.

I always wake up early, but the jet lag had me up even earlier than normal, so after showering and picking out an outfit for my morning reformer appointment with Wise, I headed to the back deck to watch the sun come up with a coffee and my Kindle. Though my body could have probably used more sleep, quiet mornings like this make getting up early so worth it.

June 10, 2026 8:20 A.M.

After my relaxing morning, I met up with Wise for a private reformer session in the Wellness Club. Stabilizing on a moving boat took some getting used to, but it was a great test of core strength. By the end of the class, I knew I'd feel it the next day.

June 10, 2026 10:28 A.M.

A quick breakfast followed class. Everything, even the pastries, is made on board, and the fruit is all sourced locally in France, where, apparently, the best berries on the planet are grown. I also had about three more coffees to keep awake.

June 10, 2026 11:09 A.M.

When the weather is as good as it was in Saint-Tropez during this trip, I cannot spend too much time inside. I have to be in the sun, so after breakfast, I ran to my room to change into a swimsuit and head to the top deck to sunbathe. Even with a good number of people on board, there was somehow always at least one spot that no one was occupying, and at this time, that was the top deck. I got some more work done, did a little reading, and just relaxed.

June 10, 2026 1:41 P.M.

I traded lying out on the boat for lying out at a private ALO beach club, something I was more than happy to do. The tender dropped us off on a small dock, where we were greeted with a choice of champagne or a wellness shot and then escorted to a long pink table full of incredible food. (I was very well fed on this trip, as you've probably already noticed.) This lobster pasta was especially delicious.

June 10, 2026 3:03 P.M.

The rest of the afternoon was spent swimming and tanning on beach beds and inflatables, a perfect combination when one is near the Mediterranean.

June 10, 2026 3:48 P.M.

Just before heading back to the boat, servers came around with some of the freshest fruit I'd ever tasted and giant tarte tropézienne, a famous cake that originated in Saint-Tropez and consists of a fluffy brioche base filled with pastry cream and whipped cream. It's finished off with pearl sugar.

June 10, 2026 8:43 P.M.

I swear we did more than just eat on this trip, but I forgot to capture anything after we got back from the beach club. The gap mostly consisted of me showering and getting ready for dinner, which was incredible. We ate at Kinugawa, a Japanese restaurant in Ramatuelle, where we ate everything from miso-marinated black cod to sea bass carpaccio.

June 11, 2026 12:02 A.M.

When we arrived back on the boat after dinner, the staff on the Silver Fox had chamomile tea waiting for us. It was the perfect finishing touch for the evening.

June 11, 2026 9:47 A.M.

Since we got home late the night before, I let myself sleep in a bit later than usual. Once I was properly awake and caffeinated, I went upstairs to the top deck for an EMS training session with Darci Bawdon Fistanic, one of the EMS trainers at the ALO Wellness Club in London. EMS, or electrical muscle stimulation, training is a fitness trend where you put on a suit equipped with electrodes that send electrical impulses directly to your muscles. We did 30 minutes of full-body moves, from squats and lunges to crunches and glute bridges. It'll make you sore for days, but in the best way.

June 11, 2026 12:29 P.M.

After our workout, we had breakfast and got ready for a day in town at one of the top beach clubs in the area, Loulou, followed by water sports back on the boat. As usual, I was early to meet everyone, so I set up a towel on the back deck and got some more sun.

June 11, 2026 12:47 P.M.

I got the boat shot, obviously.

June 11, 2026 2:30 P.M.

Lunch at Loulou was one of the best meals we ate during the trip, with artichoke salad, Neapolitan pizza, spicy vodka pasta, and more on the menu. The vibes were immaculate, too, in part due to the DJ, who played a mix of oldies and modern dance hits.

June 11, 2026 6:49 P.M.

After lunch, we ventured back to the boat to make the most of the rest of the daylight—jet-skiing, jumping off the side of the boat, and getting massages. Our goal was to re-create the famous Beyoncé jump, but I couldn't stomach jumping off the fourth-level deck, so we settled on doing so off the second floor. Nobody has to know.

June 11, 2026 8:34 P.M.

I really did sit outside for as long as I possibly could, and when the sun finally started to go down, I slipped inside to shower and clean up before our predinner sound bath with Wise. For the last night, dinner was on the boat and pretty casual, so I went with a super-cozy cashmere sweater and a pair of linen drawstring pants, both from the Atelier collection. There were no shoes allowed on the boat, so I just went barefoot.

June 11, 2026 9:14 P.M.

This sound bath was such a beautiful way to close out the trip. I was so relaxed I fell asleep for 10 minutes while lying on pillows set up on one of the decks. The sun's descent turned the sky a rich pink-and-yellow shade that served as a stunning backdrop.

June 11, 2026 9:17 P.M.

From there, we all took our blankets and settled in for a delicious outdoor dinner cooked by the Silver Fox's chef. We had more homemade sourdough bread with olive oil, pasta, and veggies, filling up with as much locally made cuisine as we could before deboarding tomorrow and returning home. All of our flights were pretty early the next day, so everyone headed right to bed after dinner—but not before enjoying more chamomile tea.

June 12, 2026 6:47 A.M.

I got up bright and early the next morning to enjoy one last cappuccino on the water before boarding the tender to head back to shore. It's a two-hour drive from Saint-Tropez to Nice and then a two-hour flight from Nice to Zürich, where I had my transfer. Even my flight back felt like a part of this wellness journey, especially since my business-class seat on Swiss Air from Zürich to Los Angeles doubled as a massage chair. I read my book for the majority of the flight, trying to get as much enrichment time as I could before returning to my regular life, and slept between chapters. Upon arriving home, I wasn't exhausted like I normally am after a trip, especially one as long as this one. I'd spent far too much time relaxing during my 63 hours with ALO for that to be the case.

Shop ALO's Summer Atelier Collection

As a wellness-obsessed beauty editor, I pride myself on knowing all about the latest and greatest tech gadgets before they make it big. I have a stellar track record too. I was an early adopter of microcurrent devices, LED masks, state-of-the-art shower and sink filters, vibration plates, and more. Still, I'm not perfect, and sometimes, a new device or technology will hit my radar after it's already relevant and recognizable. That was the case with PEMF mats.

I learned about them from my friend and fellow beauty editor Shawna Hudson. PEMF stands for "pulsed electromagnetic field." Proponents say it offers all kinds of benefits, including streamlined stress reduction, better sleep, faster muscle recovery, and more energy. It sounded good—almost too good. How could plugging one of these PEMF mats into a wall and lying on it for a few minutes improve so many lifestyle markers? I'm a natural skeptic, so I knew I wouldn't be sold on this new wellness modality until I could try it out for myself.

So I did. I chose to trial HigherDose's Infrared PEMF Pro Mat since it's a brand I know and trust. (I already use the Red Light Face Mask, $349, and the Infrared Sauna Blanket, $699. The latter is a winter staple for me.) I waited for the box to arrive, lugged it up to my second-floor apartment, and set it up on the floor near my desk. I committed to using it once a day for 60 days. Spoiler alert: I loved it. Now that I'm on the other side of the experiment, I'm shocked by how it helped me release muscle tension, minimize stress and anxiety, decrease daily brain fog, and even improve sleep quality. It's certainly an investment at a whopping $1295, but honestly, I recommend it if your budget allows. Ahead, learn everything you need to know about how it works and why it might be worth the price tag.

The HigherDose Infrared PEMF Pro Mat

The HigherDose Infrared PEMF Pro Mat is made with vegan, nontoxic polyurethane leather and operates at low electromagnetic fields, energy waves generated by anything that carries or uses electricity.

Unlike other PEMF mats on the market, HigherDose combines six technologies in one. There's the PEMF itself, which targets four specific brain-wave states (more on that in a minute); infrared heat to warm and relax the muscles so the PEMF can penetrate deeply; a magnetic layer for improved circulation; a charcoal layer for detoxification; a clay layer for negative-ion emission and heat balance; and a crystal layer. The latter might sound like woo-woo pseudo-wellness, but according to Jessica Alcalde, HigherDose's VP of product development, it has real science-backed benefits. "The crystal content is unmatched at 25 pounds of amethyst and obsidian, which naturally generate negative ions and amplify the infrared benefits," she says.

What is PEMF?

Alcalde says PEMF is a therapy that works by emitting low-frequency electromagnetic waves that mimic the natural frequencies found in nature, including the Earth's own magnetic field. In fact, its frequencies map directly to specific brain waves.

HigherDose's Infrared PEMF Pro Mat was created to target four specific brain wave states—delta, theta, alpha, and beta—so "users can tailor their experience to their exact need, whether that's deep recovery, grounding, creative flow, or sharp focus."

Here's the deal. Delta (one to four hertz) supports deep, restorative sleep. Theta (around 7.8 hertz) is the Earth's own frequency and promotes relaxation, memory, and healing. Alpha (8–12 hertz) is a "sweet spot of calm-but-creative focus associated with serotonin production." Lastly, beta (12–30 hertz) supports alertness and analytical thinking. "By introducing these frequencies externally, the brain naturally entrains to them, which is why PEMF can feel like meditation without the effort," Alcalde says.

What are the benefits of PEMF?

Depending on what frequency you tune in to, HigherDose's Infrared PEMF Pro Mat can benefit the brain and body in myriad ways. Here's the list:

• Stress reduction
• Deeper, more restful sleep
• Muscle recovery
• Easing tension and low-level pain
• Improved focus and creativity
• More energy

"Think of it as a cellular recharger," Alcalde says. "Our cells carry a natural electrical charge, and when that charge gets depleted from stress, poor sleep, or physical strain, our bodies struggle to recover and function optimally. PEMF essentially 'exercises' the cells, helping to restore that charge so they can work at their best."

Alcalde says that PEMF's wellness potential comes from its versatility. "It tends to resonate most with people dealing with chronic stress, poor sleep, or inflammation—essentially most modern humans," she explains. "Athletes and active people love it for accelerating muscle recovery and reducing post-workout soreness. People with chronic pain find it a meaningful drug-free alternative for relief. Those struggling with sleep issues benefit from the lower frequencies that help the brain slow down and cortisol levels drop. And anyone looking to deepen a mindfulness or meditation practice—or access those benefits without a formal practice—finds PEMF to be a genuine game changer. It's also a great tool for anyone who needs to optimize focus and performance during the workday."

Editor's note: People who are pregnant, are diagnosed with hemophilia, or have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device should avoid PEMF. Speak to your doctor before testing new health and wellness modalities.

How to Use the PEMF Mat

There are a few steps to follow for a smooth experience and the best results. First, plug in the mat and choose which level you want to benefit from. Here's a rundown of each level and the physical and mental benefits it's associated with:

• Level 1: Deep sleep
• Level 2: Calm & center
• Level 3: Meditation & creativity
• Level 4: Focus & problem-solving

Next, choose whether or not you want to turn up the heat. The controller has a handy toggle where you can adjust the infrared level to your desired temperature. Then, choose whether or not you want to activate the negative-ion technology for cognitive wellness benefits—stress reduction, enhanced focus, etc. If you do, simply select the Negative Ion feature. Last but not least, lie back and relax. You can experiment by using different PEMF levels at different times and intervals to see what suits you best.

How Often to Use PEMF

Alcalde says there's no such thing as overdoing it with PEMF. "You can use it every single day. The mat runs on 20-minute cycles, which is considered a full treatment and a great baseline for anyone just starting, though many people use it for longer," she says.

For best results, she recommends thinking of it as a cumulative practice rather than a one-time fix. "A popular approach is pairing a higher-frequency session (Level 3 or 4) in the morning for energy and focus with a lower-frequency session (Level 1 or 2) in the evening to wind down and prepare for sleep," she says. "The beauty of it is that it requires zero setup or cleanup and stacks seamlessly into things you're already doing—lying down to watch TV, stretching, meditating, or even just working from your desk."

My Review

After using it for 60 days, I'm more than willing to share my anecdotal experience with anyone interested. As a naturally anxious person who stares at a computer screen all day for work, I tend to use Level 2 (calm and center) and Level 4 (focus and problem-solving) most often. I use the former in the evenings or during anxious moments, usually just lying on the mat, letting the heat melt away muscle tension, breathing deeply, and trying to return to the present moment.

I use the latter in the morning to set myself up for the day. Often, I'll sit on the mat in the morning while journaling, filling out my planner, and creating my to-do list. When I use it consistently, I swear I experience less brain fog and improve my productivity without needing to drink that extra cup of coffee I usually rely on.

I've also seen results from using Level 1 for deep sleep. I use it about an hour before going to bed, and I tend to fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested. The only level that I can't attest to is Level 3. Maybe it's because I've never had a good meditation practice, but honestly, I feel like I don't have a good baseline to judge its efficacy.

Still, initial skepticism aside, I'm shocked at how much I love this PEMF mat. While I wouldn't say that anyone needs it, I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a budget for it and wants to elevate their wellness routine in a major way. I've already recommended it to multiple friends and family members.

5 More Editor-Approved Wellness Products & Gadgets

If you know me, you know I love a seasonal reset. Each quarter, I set aside time to clean my space, take stock of my routines, and create a wish list of new, seasonally specific items. The latter is my favorite part. Maybe it's because I'm a beauty editor, and shopping is literally part of my job, or maybe it's because I'm chronically online. Still, I love seeking out items that range from cool and collectible to useful and efficient. It's all in an effort to attune myself and my space to the rhythm of the seasons.

Summer is my favorite seasonal reset of them all. It's exciting to plan a vacation, fill up my social calendar, and prep for days spent out in the sun. This year, I'm refreshing my SPF collection, updating my wardrobe with a few key pieces, and prepping my beach bag for long, leisurely days spent by the water. And after spending two weeks shopping, I'm finally ready to share my wish list with you, dear reader. Ahead, see the 27 items I've personally curated for summer 2026.

Although I wish it were the case, Hailey Bieber and I don't have a ton in common. I (sadly) don't have a multimillion-dollar beauty brand or a closet full of extremely cute designer clothes, but something we do wholeheartedly agree on is daily morning musts. Bieber recently told Time that her morning routine consists of three essentials: skincare, coffee, and a shot of olive oil with lemon.

I was pretty excited to hear that Bieber shares my love for this seemingly random practice. I learned about the benefits of olive oil a few years ago and haven't looked back since. You might assume that drinking a shot-sized glass of the stuff won't get you too far in the long run, but think again. Experts totally back this wellness practice, and if you stay dedicated, you'll see results with your internal health, and your skin will take on a whole new quality, according to Furtuna Skin founder and CEO Agatha Relota Luczo.

Relota Luczo opened my eyes to even more benefits that drinking olive oil daily can offer. Relota Luczo is so passionate about this ingredient that she built her entire brand around it. "I've always been fascinated by the profound connection between longevity and the olive tree," she says. "Some of the most exciting emerging research around olive polyphenols—particularly hydroxytyrosol and other potent antioxidants naturally found in high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)—points to their potential role in supporting cellular health and protecting telomeres, the caps at the ends of our chromosomes associated with healthy aging."

For more on why this ingredient is expert backed and how you can incorporate it into your own routine, read on.

What are the health benefits of drinking olive oil?

From a beauty perspective, olive oil has so much to offer. Relota Luczo says, "When it comes to the skin, true high-quality olive oil is one of the most effective things you can consume for skin health. Oleocanthal—I call it nature's Motrin—acts in the same way as ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory, and combined with oleuropein, another powerful antioxidant compound, the two work together to address systemic inflammation."

Relota Luczo then went on to say that this is key. First, whatever is happening on the surface of the skin—whether that's dullness, redness, or premature aging—it's all a reflection of what's going on internally. "The polyphenols in a genuinely potent EVOO fight free radical damage and defend against collagen breakdown," she continues. "The fatty acids, both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, work at a cellular level to reinforce your skin's moisture barrier and ease oxidative stress."

As a bonus, Luczo mentioned that when take olive oil on an empty stomach, it may also support nutrient absorption through the gut (which has its own downstream effect on skin). "I think of it as skincare you eat," she adds. "The results aren't instant, but they're real, and they're cumulative. It’s about feeding the skin the same way we feed the body—with ingredients that support vitality, resilience, and long-term skin health at a cellular level."

Simon Poole, MD, a Mediterranean nutrition expert and author of Olive Oil for Dummies, adds that olive oil is a high-quality healthy fat and consuming it regularly has also been linked to reduced risk of various diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, and even dementia.

How to Shop for a Quality Olive Oil

If you're considering incorporating this wellness practice into your daily routine, you should know that any old olive oil won't do. Receiving the full health benefits of this ritual requires a high-quality olive oil. Both Relota Luczo and Poole have key advice about what you should consider. "This is where most people get lost because the marketing is so misleading," Relota Luczo explains. She's sharing her ultimate cheat sheet for the selection process below.

1. Shop by harvest date.

"[Don't go by] a 'best by' date. Polyphenol content degrades over time. You want an oil harvested within the last 12 months, ideally consumed within 18 months of harvest. A best by date tells you almost nothing."

2. Look for a single origin, single estate.

"Blended oils, especially those blended across countries, are almost impossible to trace and often contain older or lower-quality stock. Knowing exactly where the olives came from and who grew them matters."

3. Choose a dark glass or tin.

"Light oxidizes oil rapidly, and serious producers know this."

Poole's advice is to find brands featuring growers who really care about quality. "Look for an extra-virgin olive oil that tells a story of its region of production, heritage, care, and passion of the farmers," he says. "If an EVOO is also produced with organic or regenerative farming techniques, then you will know that the producer is nurturing the environment, which further encourages excellence in EVOO. Most importantly, try the oil and enjoy its fruitiness, pleasant bitterness, and pungency, knowing that it will be rich in polyphenol antioxidants."

Shop Furtuna's magical olive oil below along with my other favorite olive oil–rich beauty products you can stack your routine with.

The Best Olive Oil Beauty and Wellness Products

If you’re looking for warm-weather shopping inspiration, there may be no better place to start than looking to fashion people in Los Angeles, where there’s practically sunshine all year long. L.A. style is often defined by its ease: laidback, relaxed, and effortlessly put together. The city is also synonymous with wellness culture, from Erewhon’s now-viral smoothies and its Pilates community to the Goop-ification of beauty.

Now, L.A. residents Stephanie Suganami and Cara Santana Leto are taking that mentality a step further by bringing the clean beauty mindset into an unexpected category: pet care.

One day, after clean beauty lover Santana Leto looked at the ingredients on the grooming wipes she was using on her dog, she realized the product had synthetic fragrance and questionable preservatives. While on a call with her best friend and now cofounder, Suganami, the two began to ask, “Why doesn’t pet care meet the same standards as beauty?”

Since then, they started Lil Luv Dog, the first EWG Verified pet care brand, with a straightforward principle: If they won't use it on themselves, they won't use it on their dogs.

Given their shared ingredient-conscious mindset and love of fashion, beauty, and wellness, the founders told me their everyday staples below.

What are each of your go-to summer staples to build your ideal capsule wardrobe?

Stephanie Suganami: Havaianas and a straw bag, and a pair of Vincent Boulevard sunnies.

Cara Santana Leto: Effortless dress from Leset, my white The Row men’s dress shirt, silk pants from Khaite, and a sandal.

What are some of your favorite basics?

SS: I think Eterne has the best collection of classic basics!

CSL: A crisp white baby tee from Steph’s Adanola collab with my cutoff vintage Levis and black slides from Toteme.

Is there an outfit formula you find yourself wearing on repeat? Or one you think you’ll be into this summer?

CSL: A hat or bandana. Face accessories, because this skin needs to be protected. So making that feel cute is my strategy.

When you think of summer style, what comes to mind, and how does that show up in your own personal style?

SS: I think of effortlessness. Whatever you can wear with ease. A silk pant from Comme Si with a vintage tee and a necklace. You can pair it with flats for the day and throw on a kitten heel for night!

CSL: Comfort. I like to feel easy and transitional for a long summer day. I usually layer from a tiny tank to oversize shirt and then a sweater for the evening, so I can enjoy the day and feel comfortable.

Do you have a trend prediction for summer 2026 or a trend that you're loving right now?

SS: Anklets and toe rings!

CSL: I think we are going to see a lot of 1970s boho. Like Chloé, Doên, Eres. I like the printed pants sets going in this direction. I love a pants set.

Is there a shoe trend you’re excited to wear?

SS: I am loving my little derby shoes I just got from Celine, and I have another cute pair from Repetto!

CSL: Black kitten thong sandals.

What does your 5-minute makeup routine for summer consist of?

SS: Refy brushed brows, Summer Fridays SPF, and some Rhode lip!

CSL: Rhode Glazing Milk, Merit Minimalist Stick, Westman Atelier Blush, Kosas Brown Gel, and Ilia mascara, and a lip balm. Rhode, Summer Fridays.

You’re bringing clean beauty into an entirely unregulated category with your new pet care line. As clean beauty advocates, what are some of your favorite clean beauty products?

SS: I love Ilia for makeup and Nécessaire body products!

CSL: I echo Steph—we love Nécessaire for body. I am obsessed with them. I love Typology for makeup. And Westman Atelier as well.

Where do you think the future of clean standards are heading next?

SS: I think consumers are becoming much more educated and are asking better questions. “Clean” can’t just be marketing anymore—people want transparency, third-party verification, sourcing information, sustainability, and efficacy. That’s really why we built Lil Luv Dog the way we did.

CSL: Completely agreed. It’s not enough to just claim “clean.” What does that mean? How are we defining that standard and, more importantly, prove it. I think transparency, visibility, and efficacy of those claims are paramount. Consumers want accountability, and that is where we are headed.

Do you have any favorite dog items to share?

SS: I love my Lil Luv Dog Daily Wipes in Oat. I just got a new hands-free leash from Mountain Dog. Binx has a Wanda collar for summer from Fren Goods that is the most adorable thing I have ever seen.

CSL: I am a Cactus girl with Lil Luv Dog—especially in summer. I use our Daily Wipe and then sprinkle in our Dry Shampoo to refresh after a beach day or Runyon. I love the Ferdinando Dog Leash; it is so chic.

Do you have an ideal dog-friendly L.A. day?

SS: We love the duck pond walk at Fryman Canyon Park!

CSL: My favorite part about L.A. is how dog-friendly the community is. We love to take our dogs to breakfast at The Pantry and then walk to Community Goods and hang out on the lawn. We can stay out all day during summer with them.

Do you have a wellness routine you’re loyal to right now?

SS: I am really into homemade ginger-lemon-olive oil wellness shots right now. I love making them and trying new recipes! I also started taking Lemme Dim Detox! And I love Bee Keepers Naturals Propolis Spray to support my immune system.

CSL: Mental wellness is top tier for me and so I start every morning with a meditation and journal. I love the Calm app and the 5-minute journal. The first thing I drink is hot water with lemon to get my detox going. And I just started taking colostrum protein from Ballerina Farms, and I am super into it.

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Welcome to Worldly Beauty, a quarterly franchise in which we highlight beauty products, ingredients, and traditions rooted in culture. To offer an in-depth look, we're sharing perspectives and recommendations from local experts and tastemakers. A celebration of diversity, this column sheds light on the beauty practices and philosophies that make the world go round.

In 2026, beauty and wellness are more inextricably linked than ever. It's not about looking good (or, it's not just about looking good). It's about feeling good, too: happy, healthy, and balanced. For many millennials (myself included), it's a welcome development after the crash dieting, body scrutiny, and downright unhealthy habits that were pushed on us in the early to mid-2000s. Skipping meals to eat a bland, calorie-free cereal bar? No. Running on a treadmill for hours at a time with zero low-impact or strength-training workouts in sight? Pass. Tanning beds? Begone.

While I won't claim society has totally evolved, I can appreciate that it's come a long way, thanks in no small part to social media. Instagram and TikTok expose me to new beauty-meets-wellness content all the time. Today, I scrolled through A) a video of a content creator spreading awareness for PCOS and endometriosis, B) a picture of a friend proudly donning an LED face mask, and C) a fitness expert explaining how to intentionally and accurately target major muscle groups. I've learned a lot from social media, and admittedly, have also been influenced. My collection of beauty-meets-wellness devices continues to grow. So far, I have a PEMF mat, a vibration plate, and a stellar bedside humidifier.

There's one device, however, that's as low-tech, yet high-impact as it gets. I'm talking about my beloved De La Heart Body Tool ($38). I was introduced to it on social media, while learning all about lymphatic drainage for the first time. Years later, I'm still loyal to it. The paddle-shaped tool might look intimidating to the uninitiated, but it belongs to a Colombian beauty and wellness tradition called maderoterapia or wood therapy. Proponents of the practice claim it stimulates lymph movement, releases water retention, reduces the appearance of cellulite, helps sculpt the body, and more. Ahead, learn all about Colombian wood therapy.

"Wood therapy, or maderoterapia, is a traditional body sculpting technique that uses wooden tools to stimulate lymphatic drainage, reduce cellulite, and contour the body naturally," says Giordana "Gigi" Vogel, a Colombian-born wellness expert and founder of De La Heart. While its origins lie in Eastern medicine, Vogel says it was refined and popularized in Colombia in the 1990s, where it became deeply rooted in the country's beauty and wellness culture. "I saw my mom getting her weekly massages religiously. Passed down through generations, Colombian wood therapy combines ancestral knowledge, manual techniques, and artisanal tools to promote detoxification, circulation, and self-care—making it both a therapeutic and cultural ritual."

These days, Vogel says wood therapy is still "deeply embedded" in Colombian culture, especially in cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. "It's very common to find it incorporated into lymphatic drainage treatments, post-surgical recovery, body sculpting, and traditional spa rituals. In Latin America, these practices were never really considered 'trendy'; they've been part of beauty and wellness culture for decades."

While "lymphatic drainage" has become little more than a buzzword lately, there are real and profound benefits to stimulating and caring for the lymphatic system. "The lymphatic system is one of the most important—yet most overlooked—systems in the body," Vogel says. "I always describe it as your body's natural drainage and detoxification network. It's responsible for moving excess fluid, waste, toxins, and inflammation out of the tissues while also supporting immune function, circulation, energy, and even the appearance of your skin."

Unlike the circulatory system, Vogel says the lymphatic system lacks a pump (i.e., the heart). "It relies on movement, muscle contraction, breath, hydration, and manual stimulation to keep things flowing properly. Modern life unfortunately works against it—long hours sitting, stress, lack of movement, inflammation, travel, poor sleep, hormonal changes—all of that can contribute to sluggish lymphatic flow."

Vogel says there are signs indicating that the lymphatic system is sluggish and needs support. They are as follows: Puffiness, swelling, water retention, bloating, brain fog, fatigue, a heavy sensation, tightness in the body, weight gain, dull skin, more pronounced cellulite, and feeling "stuck" either physically or energetically.

That's where Colombian wood therapy comes in. Vogel says manually stimulating lymphatic movement offers a whole host of benefits. "It works on so many levels—it's not just about smoothing cellulite or sculpting the body (which it does!), but it also helps move stagnant lymph, release water retention, and give you that light, energized feeling. It boosts circulation, tones the skin, and supports natural detox in the most holistic, noninvasive way."

It's beauty and wellness, together, at work. "Growing up in Colombia, these rituals were always part of our daily lives, and my mission has been to modernize and simplify them so everyone could experience the benefits at home in just a few minutes a day," she says. "Consistency is really the magic. When things flow better, you feel lighter, more energized, less puffy, and your skin reflects that too."

The good news is that you can conduct wood therapy on yourself, at home. You just need the right tools, and that's where De La Heart comes in. The brand offers a range of maderoterapia tools. No matter which one you use, the process is pretty much the same. Start with dry brushing. "Before using any of our sculpting tools, I recommend dry brushing the body first to stimulate circulation, wake up the lymphatic system, exfoliate dead skin, and help move stagnant fluid toward the lymph nodes," Vogel says. "Think of it as priming the body for better flow and better results."

After dry brushing, apply a body oil (Vogel recommends the Flow + Glow Oil or the Golden Body Oil) so the tools glide smoothly across the skin. Then, you can reach for a sculpting tool. Glide them in "upward and outward" strokes along the limbs, stomach, and chest. Vogel says it's all very "intuitive," and I agree. However, the brand has multiple Instagram tutorials to reference if you're a first-timer.

All it takes is five to ten minutes for the best results. "That's the beauty of lymphatic rituals," Vogel says, "they don't need to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. The lymphatic system responds incredibly well to consistent daily stimulation."

When she says "daily," she means it. Wood therapy works best when it's practiced consistently. In fact, Vogel says consistency is everything. "Ideally, I recommend using the tools daily as part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth or skincare. But even committing to three to five times a week can yield really beautiful results over time. What I've seen personally—and from our community over the past six years—is that consistency leads to less puffiness, better circulation, smoother-looking skin, reduced fluid retention, more body definition, and overall feeling lighter and more energized."

After the treatment, Vogel recommends focusing on two things: hydration and light movement. "Drink a lot of water to support the body’s natural detoxification pathways, and if possible, go for a walk, do some light movement, or even jump for a few minutes to continue encouraging lymphatic flow. I also love ending with our Lift & Tone Body Cream because the skin is warm, stimulated, and absorbs products beautifully post-treatment."

As someone who's been using Colombian wood therapy tools and techniques for almost three years, I can attest to its efficacy. In my anecdotal experience, it banishes bloating and water retention, and the heavy, dull feeling that often goes with it. It also makes the cellulite on my thighs look smoother and contributes to a more sculpted appearance overall. It also temporarily boosts circulation, which makes my skin look brighter and makes me feel more energized. Needless to say, I 10/10 recommend trying it. Colombian wood therapy might just be the at-home beauty-meets-wellness practice your self-care routine is missing.

Shop a Selection of De La Heart Products and Tools

It goes without saying that staining your teeth is easier than it should be. Between multiple cups of coffee and tea, glasses of red wine, and deep pigmented foods (like berries, beets, and sauces), it can feel like it's nearly impossible to dodge. Sure, you can go to your dentist for professional whitening or other treatments, but if we're being honest, it's not always the most affordable option. That's where whitening strips come in.

If you're skeptical, you might be wondering if dentists actually approve of whitening strips. Short answer: yes (for the most part). "Everyone's teeth are different, and some people are better candidates for teeth whitening than others," says New York–based dentist Lauren Becker. "Especially if you have porous or sensitive teeth, whitening strips can cause 'zingers' or sharp, quick jolts of tooth pain from usage, but there are also more natural products that have been developed over the past few years that offer better options for sensitive teeth."

If you're curious to know which brands are worth the investment, you're in luck. Read on for some of Becker's recommendations.

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips, at a Glance

• Best for Fast Results: Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening Strips
• Best for Sensitive Teeth: Burst Sensitive Teeth Whitening Strips
• Best for Beginners: Crest 3D Whitestrips Whitening Starter Kit
• Best Peroxide-Free Strips: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips
• Best Dissolvable: Snow Diamond Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips

The Best Teeth Whitening Strips of 2026

Best for Fast Results: Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening Strips

Best for Sensitive Teeth: Burst Sensitive Teeth Whitening Strips

Best for Beginners: Crest 3D Whitestrips Whitening Starter Kit

Best Peroxide-Free Strips: Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips

Best Dissolvable: Snow Diamond Dissolving Teeth Whitening Strips

Best No-Slip: GuruNanda Teeth Whitening Strips

Best Viral: Quip Rapid Dissolvable Teeth Whitening Strips

Are teeth whitening strips safe?

As previously mentioned, those with sensitive teeth may have to be a bit more selective about which whitening strips to choose from, but ultimately, they are safe to use. "There are so many great options to choose from that are both safe and efficient," says Becker. "It’s always best to consult with your dentist about what option is best for you."

How often should you use teeth whitening strips?

Each kit has specific instructions on the safest way to use it. That said, it's key to not overdo it. "Whitening strips can provide buildable results, so repeating treatment with taking breaks in between will help whiten teeth over time," says Becker. "Take breaks in between and continue treatment until you reach your desired shade of white."

How We Chose

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best teeth whitening strips for this roundup, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including key ingredients, number of treatments, and ease of use. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.

Why Trust Who What Wear

Since 2006, Who What Wear has been a digital fashion, beauty, and lifestyle publication and community where people can discover the latest brands, trends, and must-have products to help define and evolve their personal style. Think of Who What Wear as your most trusted style and shopping resource.

I turned 30 this year. After spending the last decade focusing on my career, moving across the country (twice), and dealing with the traditional canon events of being a twenty-something, I was ready to bring some attention back to my health and wellness routines. It was the perfect time. I had a fresh new decade stretching out before me, I had just gone through a bad breakup, and I finally felt like I was in a place where I could expend some serious time and energy on myself.

So I undertook a realistic health-and-wellness routine. When I say realistic, I mean it was maintainable and built on small, daily steps that would make me feel good. I committed to walking 10K steps a day (a surprisingly easy number to hit when you own a high-energy golden retriever). I tried to eat more protein-rich meals. And I spent more time outside, rain or shine. They were small habits, but they worked; I felt stronger, healthier, and more energetic after just a couple of weeks. Cut to today, and these habits have become intrinsic to my lifestyle.

However, after finding myself in the midst of a TikTok doomscroll, I was inspired to attempt the ultimate social media–inspired experiment. I wanted to copy the exact in-depth health and wellness routines popularized by content creators to see if it would elevate my life the way I thought it would. Yep, I wanted to live my life as if it were a daily wellness vlog.

The research was easy; I consumed a lot of wellness content. (My FYP is still flooded with it.) Next, I compiled a list of the most common habits they recommended, separating them by morning, midday, and nighttime. Then, I put it all into practice, doing my best to stick to it for two weeks. Here's how it went.

Morning Routine

5 A.M. Wake-Up

I'll start by saying this: I am NOT a morning person. Despite this, I saw so many content creators recommend waking up at this time. Often, they quoted The 5 AM Club, a book written about the benefits of waking up this early.

I desperately wanted to fall in love with this habit and "own my morning," as so many content creators put it, but honestly, I hated waking up this early. It didn't make me feel powerful, energized, or productive. It made me feel exceptionally tired by 2 p.m., even while committing to an early bedtime. It actually negatively affected my productivity, and I went back to my usual 7 a.m. wake-up time after a few days.

To be fair, I probably needed to stick to this one for a longer period of time to see the real benefit, but I'm a firm believer that everyone is different and should take advantage of their natural wake-sleep cycles when they can. For me, that's going to bed around 11 p.m. and waking up at 7 a.m.

16 Ounces of Water + Morning Movement

Usually, I'm a "coffee before anything" person. I'm also a chronically dehydrated person, so forcing myself to drink 16 ounces of water immediately upon waking up was new—and for the best. I could definitely feel a difference in my energy level, and I experienced less afternoon brain fog by delaying my caffeine intake.

It also prepped me for my morning movement of choice—getting outside and taking the dog for a 1.5-mile walk. Admittedly, this is something I already did before I began this experiment. Nevertheless, it's become a can't-miss daily ritual. It makes a world of difference in how I feel throughout the rest of the day. It wakes me up, gets my blood moving, and makes me feel accomplished before breakfast.

Journal and/or Read

This is another habit I already had before conducting this experiment. I LOVE journaling. In fact, I think it's one of the most underrated ways to gain self-awareness, reduce anxiety, and express gratitude. That's why I've barely missed a single morning of journaling in years. All I need is an inky pen, my favorite notebook, and five to 10 minutes to scrawl my thoughts across the page.

Usually, I prefer an open-ended format, where I can write down whatever I'm thinking and feeling that day and let my mind wander. Sometimes it's profound, but often it's not. It tends to be a collection of thoughts, observations, and reminders. Regardless, it helps me ground myself before busy days during which I get swept up in work, responsibilities, and trying to make time to run that one errand I keep putting off.

Lately, though, I've been loving my gratitude journal. My sister bought it for me as a New Year's gift. It takes all of two minutes to fill out. (You list three things you're looking forward to and then three things you're grateful for.) It sounds simple, but it's shockingly effective. It helps me feel more present and notice small, positive moments in my day. I'll take it!

Breakfast Before Coffee

This one was so difficult for me. To reiterate, I'm a "caffeine before anything" person, and I'm used to sipping on coffee pretty much as soon as my eyes open in the morning. It's one thing to wait until I get back from my morning walk; it's another to wait until after I manage to feed the dog, tidy up, journal, and make breakfast.

Aside from a few slight mid-morning caffeine headaches, I didn't notice anything major. During my research phase, I saw multiple content creators claim that drinking coffee on an empty stomach makes them feel jittery and anxious and even experience digestive discomfort. Fair. I have a high tolerance for caffeine, so I don't experience these things, which is why I'm honestly happy to go back to drinking it before breakfast.

PEMF Mat

A PEMF mat is definitely an investment, but if your budget allows for one, it can elevate your wellness routine in a major way. PEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field. It uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate cells in the body. Research suggests that it influences cellular behavior by activating electrical changes both in and around cells. Translation? It can improve energy, focus, sleep quality, and more.

I've been using Higher Dose's Infrared PEMF Go Mat ($699), and I love it. It combines PEMF with infrared therapy (a deep-penetrating, detoxifying heat) and a crystal layer. (It naturally generates negative ions that deepen the benefits of the PEMF and infrared.) I turn it on, choose the mode I most need that day, and lie on it or stretch on it for 10 to 15 minutes. Most often, I choose Level 4, which is all about improving energy and focus.

Skincare

As a beauty editor, I'm obsessed with skincare, and I could talk about it forever. Lately, though, I've been sticking to a short-and-sweet morning routine that involves cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen. When I'm feeling a little puffy, as I often do on early mornings, I'll reach for a de-puffing mask or eye patches. My favorite ones are from Rhode, YSE Beauty, and Abib.

Midday Routine

During the day, I'd do as the TikTokers do—keep taking short walks while on break from work to get my steps in, spend time outside while on said walks, and drink water. (I'd aim for at least 32 ounces. It might not sound like a lot, but for me, it is.) I'd also work out three times per week, whether that was going for a two-mile run on the treadmill after work or doing a 30-minute Pilates session on my yoga mat at home.

These were all 10/10 habits. They kept my energy up throughout the day (no 3 pm. crash!), reduced stress, made me feel more present, and even improved my sleep quality. That's not surprising. They're the basic tenets of a healthy lifestyle.

Nighttime Routine

No Screens Past 9 P.M. + Read

I hate to admit it, but I'm used to throwing on a Netflix show at the end of a long day and zoning out into oblivion. It's not the healthiest or most productive use of my time, especially seeing as I stare at a computer screen for eight plus hours a day. Sticking to a 9 p.m. cutoff wouldn't have happened if it weren't for this experiment, so for that, I'm grateful. It A) helped me work through the old copy of Wuthering Heights I've been stuck on since February and B) improved my sleep quality in an epic way. I was actually tired and ready to fall asleep by 10 p.m. Imagine that!

So, yes, I've officially forced myself to experience the benefits of ungluing my eyeballs from electronic devices at a decent hour. And now that I have, I've promised myself I won't go back, at least not on weeknights. I'm determined to stick to my 9 p.m. cutoff and curl up with a good book instead. Bonus points if I remember to wear blue light–blocking glasses past 5 p.m., as they can help prevent the disruption of natural melatonin production from artificial light.

LED Face Mask

If there's one thing almost every wellness-centric vlog on Instagram or TikTok contains, it's an LED face mask. I've been using them for years. As a beauty editor, I'm well-versed in the skincare benefits they offer, namely treating acne, stimulating collagen production, minimizing wrinkles, and more. I can attest to these benefits. After using them consistently, I've seen smoother, plumper, more radiant-looking skin. So using them as part of an in-depth wellness routine felt like a no-brainer.

Some content creators use them in the morning, and some at night. I chose to do the latter because red light reportedly helps promote better sleep by supporting natural melatonin production. Plus, it's a lovely way to unwind right before going to sleep, which, for me, happened promptly at 10:30 p.m.

The Verdict

Now that the two-week experiment is up, I have some thoughts. First and foremost, I thought this experiment would lead to a revelation about my wellness routine—like somehow it would unlock an incredibly high-functioning, ultra-productive version of myself (as if the key to personal evolution is hitting a step count or consistently using a techy device!). In reality, though, it just reaffirmed what I already knew to be true about myself—basic things like how I'll probably always drink too much coffee or how I don't like waking up early (even if it's in the name of wellness).

I think it's easy to strive for perpetual self-improvement in the age of social media, and in-depth wellness routines are one way to do that. However, I think wellness can and should be a lot simpler than that. I see it as supporting yourself by feeling better in bite-size ways (and not necessarily attempting to achieve a "personal rebranding").

Here's my takeaway. 1) Adopting a content creator's full health-and-wellness routine can be expensive and time-consuming. 2) Wellness isn't all or nothing, despite what social media might make you think. 3) Your wellness routine should be individualized in that it works for you and your schedule. (I'm a beauty editor who works from home and has a somewhat flexible schedule, so I had the luxury of indulging in the full gamut. A unique privilege!)

It's all about maintaining healthy habits that suit you. I, for example, won't be adopting a 5 a.m. wake time. Nor will I be skipping my 7 a.m. standing date with my espresso machine. I don't care what TikTok says. However, I will be making better choices elsewhere—namely, drinking more water, shutting off screens by 9 p.m., and continuing to shoot for 10,000 steps per day. If anything, this experiment made me less influenced by 20-step TikTok wellness routines and more confident in my own ability to take control of my wellness. A success nonetheless.

Apart from gathering lush floral bouquets for my bedside table straight from the garden and investing in floaty blouses to take me through spring and summer in style, I've been reviewing the essentials I use as part of my beauty and wellness routines to set the tone for the next few months. Through this admittedly extensive process, I've developed a system of trading out the products I don't feel drawn to anymore for ones that inspire rest, creativity, and self-care. In other words, I'm being more mindful of everything I use on the daily to set myself up for success as I move throughout my busy day as a beauty editor.

Since kicking off this effort at the beginning of spring, I've successfully identified 13 products across skin, body, and beyond that not only deliver the results I crave but keep my routines feeling elevated. Interested in knowing which products made my new and improved lineups? Scroll on for my official edit of the best beauty and wellness essentials that inspire slow living and intentionality.

The Best Intentional Beauty and Wellness Essentials, Listed

• Best for Reusable Eye Care: Dieux Forever Eye Mask
• Best for Barrier-Boosting Support: Fresh Sugar Melt Lip Cream
• Best for Restful Nights: The Laundress Beauty Sleep Detergent
• Best for Everyday Rituals: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash
• Best for Soothing Skin: Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Calming Mask

Best for a Fresh Fitness: ALO Total Refresh Mat Spray

Best for Repairing the Skin Barrier: Cetaphil Repair & Renew Serum

Best for Reusable Eye Care: Dieux Forever Eye Mask

Best for Barrier-Boosting Support: Fresh Sugar Melt Lip Cream

Best for Restful Nights: The Laundress Beauty Sleep Detergent

Best for Gentle Exfoliation: Soft Services Green Banana Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant

Best for Sensorial Showers: Cyklar Bergamot Bond Sensorial Body Wash

Best for On-the-Go Aromatherapy: Aesop Ginger Flight Therapy

Best for Balancing the Mind and Body: Osea Vagus Nerve Pillow Mist

Best for Soothing Sensitivity: Eadem Mami Wata Ultra-Calming Rescue Mist

Best for Everyday Rituals: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash

Best for Soothing Skin: Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Calming Mask

Best for Inspiring Creativity: Diptyque L'Eau Papier Eau de Toilette

I live in Northern Michigan, where winters are intense. (Other Midwesterners and Northeasterners can relate.) Over the course of this one, we received roughly 12 feet of snow. So, as you can imagine, I'm excited—no, giddy—when I sense the first signs of spring. The warm breeze? Birdsong? *Actual* sunlight? It feels like a prize for putting up with so many dark, blustery days.

That's why, each year, I set aside time to complete a full spring reset. It's my chance to refresh both my space and my routines. Plus, I love embracing the energy of a new season. No category is ignored; I invest in beauty, fashion, home, and wellness products—basically whatever my budget allows. This year, I took two weeks to plan it to ensure my purchases were intentional. And now, I'm sharing them with you. Ahead, see my (very personal) ultimate spring reset guide.

Over the past few years, perfectly fitted, color-coordinated workout sets have evolved into a kind of status symbol. Since the pandemic, brands have generated enormous revenue by appealing to consumers who want their activewear to look just as polished as their designer wardrobes. Labels like ALO, Set Active, Adanola, and Outdoor Voices have grown into major players in the space. But alongside their rise, a quieter shift has been taking shape—one that challenges the idea of the perfectly curated workout look altogether.

Gen Z, in particular, has been subtly reshaping fitness fashion. Instead of sleek, matching sets, they’re embracing a more eclectic, personality-driven approach to dressing for movement. The result is a deliberately mismatched, expressive 2000s activewear style that prioritizes individuality over coordination and pushes back against the polished, brightly colored sets that, at times, can feel more performative than practical.

That shift isn’t happening in a vacuum; it’s being built piece by piece in secondhand shops, on running paths, and inside boutique fitness studios. For Isabella Oday, founder of vintage and archival activewear brand Rummage Stretch, it started with a personal disconnect. “I realized I didn’t like the style of any yoga clothes,” Oday explains, recalling a post-breakup retreat that unexpectedly sparked the idea for the brand. What followed was a return to something more intuitive: old track shorts, vintage Nike tanks, pieces that felt lived-in and personal. “Feeling like an individual with personal style has been sort of missing from this space,” she notes.

Rummage Stretch leans into that absence, embracing what one early write-up described as a “cornucopia of maximalist workout clothing from the late ’90s and ’00s”—an era when getting dressed for a fitness class was less about optimization and more about just showing up.

That sense of individuality is precisely what feels new again. Instead of buying into a single aesthetic, Gen Z is pulling references from everywhere: nostalgia, thrift culture, and even humor. “Nostalgia is a huge part of this trend,” the founder adds, “but it’s also the expressiveness and fun that brings a whole new energy to a previously exhausted workout space.” Rummage Stretch customers, Oday adds, aren’t just dressing for performance; they’re dressing for themselves. “Ultimately, people want to feel good about themselves and feel like themselves.”

The same ethos plays out online, where creators like running influencer Jenna Litner have built a following around deliberately eclectic, personality-first workout looks. For Litner, the shift away from matching sets is less about rejecting style and more about reclaiming it. “I started showcasing [my outfits] more intentionally when I felt fatigued by how homogenous fashion was becoming because of social media,” she says. “It never made sense to put effort into how I dressed in one core part of my life and not the other.”

While you'd think this retro and personality-forward activewear moment is just a pan in the flash, Litner believes it speaks to the broader fatigue everyone is feeling right now. “Gen Z grew up in peak trend culture,” she explains. “With constant access to social media, it became easy to dress in whatever set was trending… instead of what actually felt personal.” The result is an audience that's hungry for her outfits comprising colorful workout shorts, vintage jerseys layered over turtlenecks, neon shorts, and Y2K-style sunglasses.

Most importantly, this evolution in style isn’t just aesthetic—it’s psychological. Litner is candid about the role expression plays in her performance: “I have no shame admitting expression is my number one priority because I perform best when I feel confident.” That confidence can look wildly different from day to day. “Some days I want retro/vintage, some days futuristic, and some days I want to be a fitness Barbie,” she jokes. The point, she emphasizes, is freedom: “Wear whatever helps you get out the door and move your body.”

In fitness spaces, that mindset is becoming increasingly visible. Pilates instructor Taylor Isabelle sees it firsthand in her classes, where the once-dominant matching set is no longer the default. “People want different cuts… halter tops, capris, wide leg leggings,” she says. “When New Yorkers start wearing color, you know fashion is shifting.” Beyond silhouettes, there’s a noticeable change in attitude. Clients aren’t just dressing for the workout—they’re dressing for the experience. “Some have even told me wearing a cute outfit… has improved their performance,” she notes, pointing to the familiar idea that “look good, feel good” still holds weight.

There are also practical reasons behind the shift. As Isabelle points out, changing spending habits is playing a role: “People would rather spend their money on supplements, treatments, and experiences. Therefore, this forces them to use what they already own… and start to mix and match.” In other words, the chaotic gym outfit isn’t just expressive for Gen Z—it’s also resourceful.

What emerges from all of this is a redefinition of what gym style is supposed to do. Gen Z's activewear in 2026 is something messier, more personal, and ultimately more human. A vintage tennis dress paired with worn-in sneakers. A neon sports bra under an oversized graphic tee. An outfit that doesn’t quite “match,” but somehow makes more sense.

In the end, Gen Z isn’t just abandoning the perfectly curated workout set—they’re rejecting the idea that there’s only one way to look put-together. The new gen is turning the gym into something it’s never quite been before: a space not just for movement, but for self-expression. And, of course, wired headphones with a neon polka-dot sports bra in tow.

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The first sign is usually subtle. A widening part you swear wasn't there before. A ponytail that feels thinner in your hand. Hair left behind on the bathroom floor long after the blow-dryer's been put away. For many young women, hair loss doesn't arrive with a diagnosis or a dramatic moment—it creeps in quietly, then all at once.

Female hair loss has long been framed as something that happens after childbirth, during menopause, or later in life. But a growing number of women in their 20s and 30s are now confronting thinning, shedding, and receding hairlines far earlier than expected. For a generation raised on wellness culture, beauty "optimization," and constant self-surveillance via social media, the emotional impact (and financial drain for those seeking to reverse it) can be profound.

Young women are losing hair in increasing numbers—and they're finally starting to talk about it. On TikTok, teary testimonials documenting shedding and widening parts rack up millions of views. Group chats fill with frantic product recommendations. Friends quietly admit to spending thousands on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, medications, supplements, extensions, and scalp treatments that promise instant regrowth but rarely deliver certainty. The reasons behind this shift are complex and often overlapping: chronic stress, hormonal fluctuations, PCOS, postpartum changes, nutritional deficiencies, rapid weight loss, and, more recently, the rise of GLP-1 medications. What's emerging isn't a single cause so much as a perfect storm.

"Social media is everything when it comes to driving what our generation is thinking and talking about," says Abby Price, founder of custom embroidery studio Abbode. Price noticed her hair thinning gradually over the years and largely attributed the loss in density to genetics—her mother also has thin hair. But it wasn't until her Instagram and TikTok feeds became flooded with sponsored hair-loss content and videos of influencers with long, glossy locks that her awareness tipped into fixation.

Even knowing that much of what she was seeing wasn't real—that extensions and filters were likely doing more work than biology—the pressure to have thick, bombshell hair in the creator space felt inescapable. "It makes you question yourself," she says. "It's like, 'Do I need to fix this?' And you get trapped in that cycle and buy into the system."

Like many young women, Price has spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars trying to stop the clumps of hair she finds in the shower drain every time she washes her hair. Earlier this year, she began a series of platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, treatments at Great Many, a New York–based medical spa—an expensive option that involves drawing blood, spinning it in a centrifuge, and injecting it back into the scalp. While PRP has been buzzy for the last decade thanks to its skin benefits seen in those notorious post–Vampire Facial selfies, people are only just realizing that the same principle can be applied to your scalp, too. Three sessions can cost upward of $1500, putting it out of reach for most.

The idea of paying to endure what she jokes feels like "medieval torture" wasn't something she initially embraced. But a few months after completing a series of three treatments, each spaced a month apart, she started seeing results via small flyaways she's had to comb down in pictures or slick down with products. It's the only intervention she's been consistent with—and the only one that's actually worked. Even so, she's clear-eyed about its limits. "You can do all of the medical tricks in the book, but at the end of the day, nothing will solve the problem of not looking like an Instagram model with long, luscious hair unless you get fake hair," Price notes. Short of adding extensions, the promise of effortless, influencer-level fullness remains just that—a promise.

Part of what makes hair loss so destabilizing is the uncertainty around what's normal compared to what young women are seeing on social media. Most people shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, a rational, typical amount. If you don't wash or brush frequently, more hair may show up on washday simply because it's been built up. Seasonal shifts, including increased shedding during the colder months, can also be a cause for concern if you didn't know about it prior. But in the age of social media, every clump can feel like a crisis. Some of it might be fearmongering, insists Helen Reavey, trichologist and founder of scalpcare line Act+Acre, but if it's out of the ordinary, it's time to look into it deeper.

Clinically significant hair loss tends to show up as persistent shedding lasting longer than six to eight weeks, visible thinning at the temples or part line, or a noticeable increase in hair on pillows, brushes, and shower drains, Reavey says. "That's usually the first sign to look closer at what's happening on the scalp."

"When we look at the key drivers of thinning, like stress, nutrition, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle factors, it’s important to take a whole-body approach," adds Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Chief Medical Advisor at Nutrafol. "A dermatologist can help identify the underlying cause of hair shedding and develop a personalized treatment plan to effectively address your concerns."

In clinics, trichologists and dermatologists are seeing the same thing, with Reavey and other experts seeing an overall trend of increased hair loss in young women—often at an earlier age compared to their baby boomer mothers and grandmothers. "For most young women today, the scalp is dealing with multiple stressors at once," she says. Chronic stress, hormonal fluctuations, nutritional gaps, overuse of hot tools, and inconsistent wash routines can disrupt the scalp microbiome, increase inflammation, and push more follicles into the shedding phase of the growth cycle.

Telogen effluvium—stress-related shedding—is one of the most common diagnoses Reavey sees, but it rarely exists in isolation. Hormonal shifts from stopping or starting birth control, postpartum changes, PCOS, and thyroid imbalances often overlap. "Many people reach out thinking they have one issue," Reavey says, "only to find it's two or three overlapping triggers, so the assessment matters."

There's also a quiet, unmistakable reason more young women are experiencing hair loss—the rise of widespread use of GLP-1 medications. As semaglutide injections become more widely available and, in turn, less taboo to take and talk about, more and more Americans are losing weight more rapidly than ever before. Any rapid change in weight or nutrient absorption can disrupt the hair cycle," Dendy Engelman, a board-certified New York–based dermatologist, explains. With the onset of rapid weight loss, the body can be shocked yet again, leading to increased shedding as nutrients are diverted from having healthy hair to sustaining bodily functions. "Nutritional contributors, especially low iron or inadequate protein, are also easy to miss because the symptoms can mimic hormonal or genetic hair loss," adds Engelman.

"My peak hair loss was months one through six of being on a GLP-1. I think my body was in a very stressful place, and I wouldn't eat anything, and after meeting with a nutritionist who recommended supplements and better dietary choices, things calmed down a bit," explains Amanda, a 30-year-old fashion publicist, whose name has been changed to protect her identity. Amanda has been taking Mounjaro, an injectable semaglutide drug deliberately administered to help patients lose weight. At first, she only noticed hair loss during times of high stress at her job, but after beginning her weekly GLP-1 injections, Amanda would see countless strands of hair fall out while showering her hair—a telltale sign of nutritional deficiency often linked to the use of GLP-1 drugs. It's simple—the less you eat, the fewer nutrients your body absorbs, and in turn, the more hair you tend to shed.

"For me, as someone who has been overweight for the majority of my life, my hair was always like a comfort tool for me. It was the one thing I had control over and, even if I was super heavy, compliments were always given to me about my hair," Amanda explains. "I'm lucky I haven't had the type of hair loss that comes out in chunks, but even if I did, you could call it a necessary price to pay for paying attention to your health. I think the benefits totally outweigh the negatives."

Social media has helped crack open a conversation that was once deeply private. Women now share bare scalp photos, document PRP injections, and openly cry about hairlines and shedding. For some, it's validating. For others, it's overwhelming. "Social media has had a truly double-edged impact," Jerome Lordet, a New York City–based hairstylist, says. "On one hand, it has opened up conversations that were once considered taboo. On the other, the sheer amount of misinformation online can do more harm than good."

Engelman is more blunt. "There is definitely a fair amount of fearmongering circulating the internet right now," she says. Viral content often oversimplifies complex conditions or promotes unproven solutions, amplifying dramatic stories while making normal shedding feel catastrophic.

The beauty and wellness industries, meanwhile, are eager to capitalize. Hair loss is emotionally devastating and financially draining, with women spending thousands on supplements, serums, devices, and treatments that promise instant results. While there are evidence-based options—topical minoxidil, PRP, red light therapy—none are quick fixes, Engelman urges. Hair grows in cycles, and meaningful change takes time, often around three months or more.

"Consistency matters," Lordet adds. "It's not one miracle product—it's the routine you follow." He emphasizes gentle care, reduced heat, scalp health, and patience. He also reminds clients that not all shedding is permanent and that much of what they perceive as loss is actually breakage that can be corrected.

Beyond treatments and products, Lordet says the right haircut and styling approach can make an enormous difference in how thinning hair looks and feels while the scalp recovers.

For clients dealing with reduced density, he often turns to soft, blended layers that maintain movement without exposing sparse areas, along with face-framing pieces that draw the eye forward rather than toward the part or crown. Short, chin-grazing styles and long, collarbone-grazing bobs have fallen back into favor—perhaps a nod to the whispers that everyone in Hollywood is on some form of semaglutide and masking reduced density. Stranger things have happened.

Hair loss in young women is no longer a fringe issue. It's what happens when stress, hormones, medication, and modern beauty culture collide. It shows up quietly, then lingers, changing how women see themselves and how much mental energy they spend managing something they never expected to worry about so soon. Mirrors become moments of assessment. Hairstyles turn strategic. Confidence starts to feel conditional.

The uncertainty leaves space for an industry more than willing to step in. Supplements, serums, injections, devices, extensions—each promising progress, if not a fix. For many women, the cost adds up quickly, and the results are inconsistent at best. When regrowth doesn't come, or comes slowly, it's easy to feel like you didn't commit hard enough or spend enough. The disappointment becomes personal, even when it shouldn't be.

What feels different now is that women are finally saying it out loud. Talking about hair loss doesn't make it easier, but it does make it less isolating. And for many, understanding what's happening—without panic, shame, or a constant stream of miracle promises—can be its own kind of relief.

In a market obsessed with instant transformation, hair loss forces a slower, more honest reckoning. One that values context over cures, patience over panic, and care that isn't measured by how much you're willing to spend. For a generation navigating it in real time, that shift may be the most meaningful progress there is.

It's a special moment in this beauty-editor household! I've managed to maintain my New Year's resolution past "Quitter's Day," or the second Friday in January when around 80% of people abandon their goals. I'm usually proudly part of that majority (a daily meditation practice just won't stick, no matter how many "Maybe this is my year!" promises I make), but for 2026, I decided to make the objective much more general and thus easier to see through: Commit to slower, softer mornings.

As a type A editor who checks her email the second she cracks open her eyes and guzzles down an espresso before even glancing at her water bottle (then wonders why she struggles with anxiety), I wanted to try easing into my hectic schedule as opposed to swan-diving into various responsibilities. Sometimes this entails taking a walk around the neighborhood before a morning meeting or merely taking a few minutes sans screens to breathe and sip on some electrolytes before signing on. The right tools also make sure I stay on track, so below, I'm sharing all the wellness items I've been using and loving in the a.m., from high-tech infrared mats to aromatherapy rollerballs.

Do I use all 10 products every single day? Of course not. Some mornings are busier than others, and I might only have time for just a couple minutes of self-care. That said, I have been using them regularly enough—way past Quitter's Day, anyway—to consider them permanent additions to my routine. For less chaotic mornings, I highly suggest scrolling ahead.

10 Wellness Items That Have a Permanent Spot in My Routine

I was scrolling on TikTok one day in December when I saw a video of Raya Carmona talking about her "delusional Christmas wish list." At the very top was a Prenuvo scan. "I want a whole-body scan once a year to subside my hypochondria symptoms," she said. I immediately paused. I've joked for years that I want a full-body scan, always assuming it was a luxury reserved for millionaires. I hadn't heard of Prenuvo specifically, so I googled it.

That search sent me down a rabbit hole of TikTok videos and articles explaining what Prenuvo is: a radiation-free, full-body MRI designed to find abnormalities before symptoms appear. It's been trending online, and celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton have publicly shared that they've done it.

I'm always curious about a health or wellness trend—acupressure mats, vibration plates, red light therapy, tinctures—so this feels like a more extreme iteration of that curiosity. The cost is still not what I'd call accessible, but it's nowhere near the astronomical number I'd assumed something like this would cost. Prenuvo has multiple scan tiers. Its most comprehensive options are priced in the low four figures, and more limited scans are available for less. The scan is still expensive, but suddenly, it's not totally unimaginable.

Health Anxiety

Last January, my grandma passed away from a tumor in her brain that was only caught the previous August. I've had a baseline level of health anxiety for a while, but after she died, I felt a noticeable shift. I started wondering more and more, What could be inside of me that I can't see?

Even before that loss, I'd had my own share of health mysteries. I had abrupt, debilitating stomach pains and could barely stand or walk until they passed. Sometimes, they came monthly, and sometimes, it was once every handful of months with no pattern. Then there was the period when I decided to figure out why I have to pee so frequently (do I have an abnormally small bladder?), which turned into a string of appointments that led nowhere.

There was one year in particular when I decided to really try to get to the bottom of all my health concerns. I saw a primary care doctor, an ob-gyn, a gastroenterologist, an ENT, an allergist, a neurologist, and more. I got blood work to no avail and X-rays of random parts of my body that came back normal. As I looked for explanations that never quite materialized, it felt like throwing darts in the dark to see if something stuck.

To add to my list of past health worries, my bones used to ache whenever it rained, which made me wonder if I had arthritis. (I don't.) I once had a health scare, and I was mistakenly told I had endometriosis. Most recently, I've caught myself compulsively checking my lymph nodes just to see if I can feel anything. Am I making myself sound neurotic yet, or is this just a response to navigating a healthcare system that rarely gives the full picture? As I was writing this, I wondered if anyone close to me (someone who wouldn't lie) would consider me a hypochondriac, and they all said no.

I obviously know TikTok isn't a place for medical advice, but I can't pretend I hadn't been susceptible to it. Every so often, I'd stumble across videos about everything from parasite cleanses to curing candida overgrowth to personal stories of illnesses that went undetected—the symptoms people ignored, the signs they wished they'd noticed sooner, and, even scarier, cases where someone was completely asymptomatic. My immediate thought was always, Could I have that too? That corner of TikTok has the same effect as WebMD. Suddenly, you're cataloging a dozen things you could possibly have. For years, I'd wanted a full-body scan just to stop guessing.

The Scan

In exchange for sharing my experience, Prenuvo gifted me with the Enhanced Screening With Whole Body Scan. On December 29, I took an Uber from Brooklyn to Prenuvo's midtown location because the idea of navigating crowds near Penn Station felt like too much that day. The office is right next to the AMC movie theater, so it's hard to miss. In the weeks leading up to the appointment, I kept telling friends and family, "Did I tell you I'm getting a full-body MRI?" I was usually met with confusion and sometimes concern. "Wait, why?" they'd ask. I'd go into my explanation about how you usually can't see what's going on inside your entire body at once, how it's preventative care, and how I've wanted one for ages. I'd usually end with "Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton have done it!" Only my mom and one particularly wellness-inclined friend really understood why I was so excited, joking that this was our dream.

Before the appointment, all patients are required to fast for four hours. You can also request a mild sedative if you're worried about feeling claustrophobic in the machine. After I changed, the technician led me into the MRI room. I was given over-ear noise protection and offered optional earplugs, which, in hindsight, I'd probably take next time. You can watch Netflix on a screen through the head coil while lying down or listen to music. (If you need ideas, I suggest The Talented Mr. Ripley, Zodiac, and episode 1 of the unhinged but incredible first season of Prison Break.)

The machine is loud, but I didn't find it unbearable. I'd describe it as an alternating mix of construction clanking and something that resembles a car alarm. Your head, torso, and legs are inside the machine, and coils are placed over your body to capture the images. The torso coil, in particular, feels like a very heavy weighted blanket. The scan lasts about an hour, and the technologist is there the entire time outside of the room, visible through a glass window. You're given a squeezable ball to alert them if you need anything, and there are periodic check-ins from a prerecorded voice telling you when to breathe in and when to hold your breath. Knowing there were openings at both ends of the machine eased my anxiety about feeling trapped. Before I knew it, I was done and thought, "That wasn't so bad."

Separately, I went to Quest Diagnostics to have blood drawn, which was sent to Prenuvo's team ahead of my follow-up appointment to review the results.

The Results

About two weeks later, I met virtually with Shannon Ashley, MD, a senior preventive medicine physician at Prenuvo. I scheduled the call early in the morning and woke up right before it started so I wouldn't have time to spiral.

She began by walking me through a detailed report broken down by body system (nervous, respiratory, circulatory, integumentary, endocrine, digestive, reproductive, musculoskeletal, and urinary) along with images of the inside of my body. Findings were labeled as minor, moderate, or major, making it easy to understand what was concerning and what wasn't. Blood work, body-composition analysis, and advanced neural reports were also included. Early in the call, she said, "There is nothing big, bad, or scary today that I have to tell you about," which immediately put me at ease.

Although there were only minor findings, a Prenuvo scan doesn't replace breast cancer screenings and colonoscopies, which require contrast or internal imaging. Instead, it gave me a clear plan to follow up with an ob-gyn and a gastroenterologist. Instead of guessing, I now know exactly what to prioritize. My ongoing mental list of "what could be wrong" changed dramatically. The scan didn't give me every answer, but it gave me direction, and that alone felt like something.

The Bigger Picture

One thing that stood out to me throughout this experience was the idea of shifting healthcare from reactive to proactive. Right now, imaging often comes only after symptoms appear, which can turn into a long guessing game of referrals and appointments just to piece together what might be going on.

After getting my results, I was curious how Prenuvo thinks about where scans like this fit into a healthcare system that isn't exactly known for accessibility. When I asked Alina Ioani, Prenuvo's VP of business development and strategic partnerships, she put it simply: "In today's healthcare system, imaging is typically ordered in response to pain, concern, or suspected disease. Proactive whole-body MRI flips that model, helping people walk away with reassurance or clear next steps."

Of course, cost remains part of the conversation. The ideal is for this kind of imaging to become standard and widely available, not aspirational. Ioani echoed that sentiment, noting that accessibility is central to Prenuvo's long-term goal. Currently, scans are not covered by traditional insurance yet, but they are FSA and HSA eligible.

For me, the scan didn't erase my health anxiety, but it did get rid of a lot of concerns. Instead of an ever-expanding list of hypothetical concerns, I now have a focused plan and a clearer understanding of my own body. Maybe the most telling thing of all, I haven't tried self-examining my lymph nodes since.

Shop Health & Wellness Items

Lately, I’ve been seeing ear seeding content flood my FYP on Instagram and TikTok. (You know how the algorithm works—you engage with one video and you’re suddenly served 100.) If you’re like me, this isn’t a term or a topic you’re familiar with. So if you’re asking me what on earth ear seeding is, I get it. Allow me to explain. Ear seeds are tiny magnets, dots, or balls that are applied to the outer ear and secured with adhesive. The idea is to place them on specific pressure points, which can provide certain skincare and wellness benefits. Proponents of the practice say it can do everything from facilitate lymphatic drainage to sculpt the appearance of the skin and even reduce anxiety and alleviate insomnia.

Ear seeding is taken from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), so while it’s not new, it seems to be trending nonetheless. In one video, a content creator applies ear seeds ahead of a long-haul flight, stating that she won’t fly without them, because they ease her anxiety. In another, a content creator places ear seeds on one ear but not the other. After a few hours, the ear-seed side of her face looked like it had been treated to a luxury facial; it was more lifted, sculpted, and defined than the other side. Intriguing? Yes, but I wasn’t sold just yet. I’ve been a beauty editor long enough to know research is required before jumping into anything, internet-viral or not. And, often, TikTok and Instagram don’t communicate the history and context behind any given product or practice. So I did what any good beauty editor would do, and I reached out to the experts. Ahead, read what dermatologists and TCM doctors have to say about ear seeding.

The History of Ear Seeding

Gudrun Snyder is the founder and CEO of Moon Rabbit. She’s also a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. “Ear seeding is ancient—its roots go back thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine,” she says. “The idea is that the ear is a microsystem of the body, with different points corresponding to organs, emotions, and systems. In the 1950s, a French neurologist mapped the ear in the shape of an inverted fetus and helped formalize what’s now called auriculotherapy, but the foundation was already deeply established in TCM.”

Haley Parker is a board-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist as well as a professor and director of clinical operations at Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. She seconds this, saying the concept comes from TCM, and it’s based on the idea that the ear is a “microcosm: a small reflector of the entire body and nervous system.” However, systemic auriculotherapy maps (like the ones found in modern acupuncture clinics) were formalized by French physician Paul Nogier in the 20th century. “Ear seeds specifically are a noninvasive extension of this tradition, providing acupressure rather than needle puncture,” she says. “Ear seeds became popular as a gentle, accessible option for people who want acupressure without needles.”

Interestingly enough, Snyder says it’s called “ear seeding” because practitioners would traditionally use the seeds of the Vaccaria plant, which are small, round, and “perfect for applying pressure” as in acupuncture, but without the needles. “These days, we’ve zhuzhed things up with gold, stainless steel, and even Swarovski crystals. So they’re not just functional—they’re also kind of fabulous. Healing, but make it chic.”

Wellness Benefits

This is the burning question, and it seems the answer is yes—mostly. Let’s talk about ear seeding regarding wellness benefits first (namely, stress, anxiety, sleep, and pain). Snyder says ear seeding can legitimately improve all of the above. “When done correctly, ear seeds are incredibly effective. They’re based on auriculotherapy, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that treats the ear as a map of the entire body. Specific points on the ear connect to different organs, systems, and emotional states. When you apply light pressure to those points with a seed, you're essentially sending a message to your body to reset, regulate, or rebalance. We use ear seeds in the clinic all the time to help with stress, sleep, pain, and anxiety. It’s like acupuncture you can take home with you.”

Parker agrees, saying there’s truth to the claims, albeit with important clarifications. “The outer ear is highly innervated and reflects the nervous system. For years, clinicians have used points on the ear to influence stress response, sleep regulation, and pain modulation. Ear seeding provides constant acupressure stimulation throughout the day, which can support many things like pain and ‘fight or flight’ stress.” Parker says ear seeding is so impactful that some of her patients notice the moment the ear seeds fall out.

She references multiple potential theories for why ear seeding works:

• Polyvagal Theory: “Ear stimulation ‘talks directly’ to the nervous system and helps shift the body out of survival mode.”
• Embryological Development Theory: “During fetal development, the ear forms from multiple embryological layers. Because of this shared origin, the ear maintains deep neurological connections throughout life, which is why ear stimulation can have whole-body effects.”
• Neurovascular and Autonomic Reflex Theory: “The ear has blood vessels and reflexes and modulation pathways to send signals to the rest of the body.”
• Traditional East Asian Medicine (Meridian and Qi Theory): “Ear work helps the body return to balance by improving flow and communication.”

Skincare Benefits

When it comes to using ear seeds for skincare (lifting, sculpting, and de-puffing), it’s not the magic wand that Instagram and TikTok videos might claim it is. Take it from board-certified dermatologist Jenna Queller, MD, FAAD. “From a medical standpoint, there is no high-quality evidence that ear seeding produces true lymphatic drainage, facial sculpting, or long-term de-puffing. Anatomically, the face drains through the deep cervical lymph nodes, not the ear, so there’s no established pathway for ear seeds to redirect lymphatic flow.”

While she says some people may notice a mild, short-term effect, it’s likely related to relaxation and stress reduction, which can transiently lower cortisol and fluid retention. However, it will be a temporary and indirect side effect. “Ear seeding cannot change facial fat, muscle tone, or skin laxity. The dramatic before-and-after images circulating online are often influenced by lighting, angles, facial massage, or timing rather than the ear seeds themselves.” (There! My burning question, answered.) “Some small studies suggest auricular acupressure may reduce stress and anxiety, which can indirectly influence inflammation through neuroimmune pathways. However, these effects are nonspecific and not targeted to facial skin.”

Snyder seconds this, saying the skincare side of ear seeding is often misunderstood. “Ear seeds alone won't ‘snatch’ your face, but what a lot of people don’t notice is that the viral videos often include a mini lymphatic massage during application. That’s what’s giving the immediate lift or de-puffing effect. The seeds themselves don’t physically sculpt your face. That said, they can definitely support healthy skin from the inside out. Certain points on the ear help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and calm stress—all of which are big players in how our skin looks. So while they’re not your next contour tool, they are a great companion to a holistic skincare routine.”

And any IG or TikTok videos that claim ear seeding can improve skin tone and/or reduce facial redness, especially from rosacea, aren’t to be trusted. Take it from Judy Kim, an aesthetician at Body + Beauty Lab in Radnor, Pennsylvania. “At this time, there is no strong medical or clinical evidence to support claims that ear seeding improves skin tone, reduces facial redness, or significantly decreases inflammation. Any perceived improvements are likely indirect and temporary, related to overall stress reduction and nervous system regulation rather than a direct effect on the skin itself.”

Queller agrees, “Ear seeding does not affect cutaneous blood vessels, rosacea or erythema pathways, melanin or pigmentation, skin barrier function, or collagen remodeling. Any perceived improvement in redness is most likely temporary and stress-related, not a true dermatologic treatment effect.”

At the end of the day, Kim says the “primary functions” of ear seeding are to regulate the nervous system, modulate mild to moderate pain, and reduce stress throughout the body. “As a result, the face or body may appear healthier due to reduced tension, improved circulation, and a more relaxed nervous system.” While some individuals report mild, temporary benefits, there is “limited scientific evidence” to support claims that it directly or dramatically impacts the skin.

How to Use Ear Seeds at Home

The experts say ear seeding can be effectively practiced at home. “Ear seeds are one of the few TCM tools that are super user-friendly,” Snyder says. “You don’t need to be a pro to get benefits, especially if you have a good guide or a practitioner’s advice to start. We design our Moon Rabbit kits with clear diagrams to help people use them confidently at home. That said, if you're dealing with something specific or complex, a licensed acupuncturist can help tailor point placement to your needs.”

Parker agrees that ear seeds can be used at home, but “placement and awareness matter.” She recommends referencing a guide or diagram to pinpoint the precise placement areas. “Home kits often have instructions, and a practitioner can help to guide users during their treatment for at-home care between their professional treatments,” she says. “A licensed clinician (like an acupuncturist) can be more specific for points, conditions, and constitutional treatment goals, and adjust the points based on the presentation. Just remember if you have complex symptoms (chronic pain, significant sleep disruption), a professional assessment is highly valuable and may need a referral or would be a candidate for acupuncture or herbs.”

Below, Snyder and Parker share a few highly effective ear seeding placements to consider:

• Shen Men: This is helpful in reducing stress. “Shen Men is one of the most popular calming points,” Snyder says. “It helps quiet the mind and reset the nervous system.”
• Endocrine Point: This is helpful for hormonal balance
• Sympathetic Point: This helps boost circulation and reduce inflammation
• Heart Point: This is helpful for emotional support.
• Kidney Point: This is “traditionally linked to adrenal and inner quiet,” Parker says.
• Lung Point: This is “associated with releasing tension and fluid regulation.”
• Point Zero: This helps bring the body into balance

Parker recommends using light pressure when placing ear seeds at home. “Ear seeds are about stimulating the nervous system, not aggressive massage,” she says. And, as with any wellness practice, it will work best when paired with other healthy lifestyle habits, especially as it pertains to the skin. “For visible relaxation, combine with hydration, rest, and gentle lymphatic facial techniques,” she says. “Never underestimate the power of drinking more water and going out to exercise to move the blood and lymph!”

“It’s also important to know that even subtle ear stimulation can bring about a noticeable shift in tension and breath pattern, which cascades into mood,” Parker says. “Don’t underestimate the power of touch and just taking a moment to tune into the self. This is a great way to shift [your] mood. Encouraging mindful breathing along with seeding enhances the benefit.”

How Long Ear Seeds Last

While it may depend on the specific at-home ear seeding kit and/or adhesive being used, you should generally expect to keep ear seeds in place for a few days at a time. “For my patients, I tell them to keep the seeds in for about as long as a Band-Aid and change it every three to five days,” Parker says. “Remove if irritation occurs, like with sleeping or overstimulation.”

What to Be Cautious Of

The experts agree that ear seeding is generally safe; there are just a couple of considerations. “Individuals with sensitive or reactive skin may experience irritation, allergic reactions, or contact dermatitis from certain adhesives or metal materials used,” Kim says. “For those prone to hyperpigmentation, repeated pressure on the ear may cause lingering dark spots, and if ear seeding is done too frequently, it can temporarily compromise skin comfort or texture. Anyone considering ear seeding should consult with a licensed or medical acupuncturist to determine whether they are an appropriate candidate.”

Queller agrees, adding, “While generally low risk, ear seeding can cause irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, local inflammation, or infection if hygiene is poor. Potential dermatologic risks include contact dermatitis from adhesives (glues) or metals, local irritation or pressure-related inflammation, and infection if seeds are worn too long or not kept clean. Rarely, cartilage irritation or chondritis occurs with excessive pressure. Patients with sensitive skin, eczema, metal allergies, or a history of keloids should be especially cautious.”

What to Look For in an At-Home Kit

Parker recommends looking for the following in an at-home kit:

• Sterile, hypoallergenic seeds or pellets (maybe alcohol wipes)
• Clear point charts
• Simple, user-friendly instructions

On the flip side, she recommends avoiding products that “claim miraculous, guaranteed results or “use irritating adhesives or cheap materials.” The latter can lead to potential skin reactions.

The wellness industry is full of well-meaning, yet often conflicting (even inaccurate) advice. I've been reporting on it for years, so I've seen my fair share of trends come and go...and come back again. And as I reflect on a few of the most basic diet and exercise trends from the past 10 years, I can't help but feel like we've been put through the paces. In such an ever-changing industry, does anyone know where we've found ourselves in this moment in time? What wellness trends will dominate and define the coming year? Most importantly, which ones are *actually* worth investing in?

To answer these questions, I turned to the experts—seven to be exact! I asked these doctors, nutritionists, dermatologists, and brand founders to cut through the (very loud) noise and predict the most significant wellness trends of 2026. And they did. Ahead, see all 10. Some, like cycle syncing, are somewhat familiar. Others, like "snack-sized workouts" and cellular efficiency, are new. Overall, though, the theme is clear—we're taking a holistic, science-centered approach.

Take it from Krysha Mallari, Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner & Functional Health Expert at Body+Beauty Lab. "Wellness in 2026 is moving away from quick fixes and trends toward a more intentional, personalized approach to health. [...] Patients are becoming more informed and more cautious about where they get their health information and treatments. Practices that prioritize safety, individualized care, and long-term optimization rather than generic solutions will continue to stand out and deliver the most meaningful results."

1. Gut Health

Zulia Frost, MD, is the co-founder and Clinical Director of Recharge Health. She says we're turning away from unsubstantiated "detox" protocols, extreme cleanses, and other dramatic claims. (Anyone remember the various "detox" juices that ruled the mid-2000s? Yeah, no thanks.) In 2026, there will be a newfound focus on fostering holistic gut health. "Trends such as 'fibermaxxing,' fermentation, and products designed to support the microbiome are gaining serious traction," she says. "We are also seeing a rapid rise in peer-reviewed publications linking gut dysbiosis to almost every major system of the body—metabolic health, immunity, mental health, and chronic inflammation. This firmly positions gut health as a foundation of overall wellness, not a niche interest." What's more, the products and protocols worth investing in will have "measurable outcomes and scientific evidence" to back them up. Imagine that!

Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, and Founder of Pendulum, says there will be a focus on fiber, specifically. "Fiber will continue to be one of the most important wellness trends in 2026. Most Americans are still not getting enough fiber, and fiber is one of the primary ways we support and nourish the gut microbiome. As people become more aware of how deeply the gut influences things like metabolism, energy, and even mood, fiber will feel less like a 'nutrition checkbox' and more like a daily health essential. I think we’ll see a continued shift away from extremes and toward these foundational habits that quietly make everything work better."

2. "Mental Fitness"

The internet has been interested in the concept of nervous system regulation for a long time, AKA prioritizing mental health and managing stress in our chronically stressful world. Frost says we're going to take it a step further in 2026, training our minds as we do our bodies. "Wellness is moving beyond basic stress management toward active training of the nervous system," she says. "People are increasingly investing in technologies and daily practices that support emotional resilience, cognitive performance, and autonomic balance. Mental fitness and physical wellness are converging, with mindfulness platforms, biofeedback devices, and emotional regulation tools becoming mainstream."

Sarah Cash Crawford, PT, DPT, COMT, CMTPT, and founder of Anchor Wellness & WAVE Physical Therapy & Pilates, agrees. "Instead of 'self-improvement at all costs,' there’s a shift towards nervous system regulation — i.e., adaptable stress response, emotional resilience, micro-meditations, breathwork, vagus nerve techniques, and mental fitness training. Wellness is broadening to include psychological endurance and calm as core measures of health."

While there is no shortage of helpful tools on the market, Frost specifically mentions devices that are designed to stimulate the vagus nerve (a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system), like Neurosym. "These allow safe, at-home support of autonomic balance and nervous system regulation, directly aligning with the mental fitness and stress-resilience trend," she says.

3. Simplified Self-Care

Mansha Sethi Thacker, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist. She says the approach to self-care and skincare will shift in 2026, both in at-home routines and in-office treatments. Instead of complicated routines, we'll see a move toward simple, minimalist ones. "People seem to be moving away from long, drawn-out, 10-step skincare routines to simpler, gentler routines focused on barrier health and fewer irritants," she says. "As a cosmetic dermatologist, I am seeing a shift from overdone fillers to targeted lasers for skin rejuvenation. My patients don’t want to change how they look; they want to focus on correcting sun damage, for example, for a more natural, refreshed look. People want evidence-based yet personalized, sustainable care. Microbiome-friendly skincare and treatments are also gaining popularity. The idea is to support and strengthen the skin with ingredients that mimic the natural skin environment. Hydration-boosting injectables with vitamins, antioxidants, and peptides that have long been used in the European market are making their way here."

Thacker is excited about new technology emerging in the at-home skincare space, specifically Mind The Skin patches. "The microbiome-barrier patches help restore the skin’s balance after an insult such as an eczema flare. The entire line of these patches is fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. They also have Surge Flare Patches that are steroid-free and full of antioxidants when your skin needs extra support."

4. Longevity Science

"Longevity," while a vague term, is a growing area of interest in the wellness space. People are seeking real, holistic ways to improve their long-term health. Longevity will continue to grow as a dominant wellness category," Frost says. "However, it is evolving from anti-aging aesthetics into a more serious focus on metabolic health, mitochondrial function, biological age tracking, and long-term disease prevention. In other words, longevity is moving from marketing language to medical and physiological substance."

Crawford says this is why we see "Slow, intentional fitness (like Pilates, mobility work, strength training for healthspan)" taking hold. People are interested in long-term strength and mobility—not intense, aesthetic-driven workouts. "The 'no pain, no gain' mentality and ultra-intense protocols are losing appeal as consumers recognize burnout, joint wear, and long-term stress are not wellness outcomes. Instead, slow, controlled, recovery-oriented routines better align with longevity principles."

A major part of the longevity conversation is preventative health. "Wellness is shifting from reactive care to preventative and highly personalized approaches," Frost says. "This is no longer limited to monitoring alone; emerging technologies are actively designed to support early intervention and functional optimization. In parallel, AI tools are bringing meaningful health insights into everyday life, enabling early detection, individualized health plans, and tailored lifestyle strategies rather than one-size-fits-all solutions."

Erin Barrett, nutrition biochemist and Senior Director of Product Innovation and Scientific Affairs at Shaklee, agrees. "One of the biggest wellness trends we’re seeing is a shift toward longevity-centered health. People are living longer, but that doesn’t always mean they’re living well. Many of the changes we associate with aging, such as lower energy, loss of strength, and cognitive decline, often happen gradually over time. As we’ve learned more about how aging works, it’s become clear that the habits we build earlier in life really matter. That’s why wellness is moving away from quick, short-term goals and toward supporting long-term health. In practice, this looks like prioritizing strength training, making sure we’re getting enough protein and key nutrients, and focusing more on recovery and sleep instead of chasing quick fixes. The focus has shifted from 'How do I feel right now?' to 'How will this help me function as I get older?'"

The foundation, as always, is found within your daily habits. "The biggest benefit comes from focusing on everyday habits that support long-term health," Barrett says. "That means eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet built around lean, high-quality protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; staying physically active with an emphasis on strength and movement; prioritizing good sleep; and maintaining strong social connections. High-quality supplements can help fill nutritional gaps, including a daily multivitamin and clean protein options. The goal is consistency over time, choosing habits and products that are easy to maintain—not extreme or short-term fixes."

5. Cellular Efficiency

Cellular energy is intimately related to longevity, and the experts say 2026 will the year of monitoring, supporting, and improving it. "People are starting to understand that energy isn’t just about how alert or motivated they feel, it’s about how well their cells are able to produce and use energy every day," Barrett says. "Cellular energy powers everything the body does, from breathing and moving, to thinking, focusing, digesting food, recovering, and repairing damage. When that system isn’t well supported, it shows up as low energy, reduced focus, slower recovery, and declines in strength and stamina."

Barrett says focus is shifting from quick fixes to underlying systems, AKA mitochondrial health. "Instead of asking how to get a quick boost, people are focusing more on how to support steady, all-day energy at the cellular level." Again, it starts with daily practices, like your diet. After all, nutrient-dense foods produce the best cellular energy. "Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods help the body manage everyday oxidative stress, which can interfere with normal mitochondrial function. Cellular energy also depends on the body’s ability to recycle energy that’s already been used. Creatine plays an important role in this process and is naturally found in foods like lean meats and fatty fish. For some people, especially as energy needs change with age or activity level, supplementation is important. Regular movement every day, especially strength-based activity, along with good sleep and recovery, also supports how the body produces and uses energy over time."

Mallari adds peptides (cell signalers) to the conversation. "There is growing interest in therapies that support cellular signaling, resilience, and efficiency. Peptides are a key part of this trend. While many people associate peptides only with weight loss, they also support sleep quality, tissue repair, immune function, mitochondrial health, and overall cellular communication."

For at-home use, the experts either recommend A) red light devices or B) PEMF mats. Both of which are thought to stimulate mitochondria, increase cellular energy production, and support circulation and muscle recovery.

6. Community-Based Wellness

Kira Jones is the founder of Cacti Wellness. "Coming out of the lockdown surrounding the pandemic, there was a strong push toward staying in and focusing on self-care. While that inward focus still matters, 2026 is about bringing self-care back into the community. We’ll see more activations and social experiences that make wellness something you do together, not just alone."

Barrett seconds this. "Health doesn’t happen in isolation," she says. "Research has shown that people are more likely to stick with healthy habits when they feel supported, and this has become even more relevant as wellness has moved away from short-term goals and toward long-term consistency. Community-based wellness includes shared education, accountability, and encouragement. Learning together, checking in on progress, and feeling supported all make healthy behaviors a lot easier to maintain over time. As people focus on building habits they can sustain long term, community has become an important part of that process. It's important to surround yourself with people who are working toward similar goals. Support doesn’t have to be formal. It can be simple check-ins, shared challenges you all participate in together, or regular touchpoints that help with accountability."

Consider scheduling time to hit the gym with a friend, joining fitness classes, or even a running club. Barrett even recommends a wellness-themed book club. Regardless, we're finally recognizing that the community aspect of activity is more important than ever.

7. Cycle Syncing

Cycle syncing is the concept of aligning your diet, exercise, and lifestyle with your menstrual cycle. Proponents say it offers a gentler, more holistic approach to wellness for women. "This topic has been gaining traction for a few years, but 2026 is when it becomes truly integrated into daily life," Jones says. "People are getting more in tune with their hormone levels and potential imbalances—using real data from lab testing, paired with intentional schedule shifts (for workouts, meetings, social events, etc) that better support each phase of the cycle."

8. "Snack-Sized Workouts"

As the 'all or nothing' mindset falls by the wayside, experts say we'll see a trend towards lighter, shorter, and more consistent activity—or, what Jones calls "snack-sized workouts." I love that.

"As more people return to the office (hybrid or full-time), there’s simply less room for the hour-long fitness class," Jones says. "While studio classes and wellness events will continue to thrive in 2026, I think there’s a growing demand for workouts that are efficient, effective, and flexible. Think of more strength-focused routines you can do at home or quick sessions at the gym. As strength training regains momentum, so does the appeal of a gym membership and showing up on your own schedule, allowing movement for the amount of time you actually have."

9. Sleep Optimization

We can't talk about wellness without talking about one of the most basic tenants: high-quality sleep. According to Mallari, "Sleep is finally being treated as a non negotiable pillar of health rather than an afterthought. In 2026, we will continue to see a rise in sleep focused technology such as Eight Sleep smart bed systems, Oura Ring, and Whoop, along with environmental sleep tools and recovery tracking. Patients are beginning to understand that sleep impacts hormones, metabolism, immune function, mental health, and longevity. Optimizing sleep will be viewed as essential, not optional."

10. Sexual and Pelvic Health

Maral Malekzadeh, MD, is a board-certified gynecologist and co-owner of The Well Westlake. She says we're done being discreet when it comes to important topics related to women's health. "One of the most important wellness shifts we’ll see in 2026 is the continued normalization of sexual and pelvic health as essential components of women’s overall wellbeing," she says. "Women are becoming more comfortable having informed, proactive conversations about intimacy, comfort, confidence, and function, not just when something feels 'wrong,' but as part of preventative care throughout different life stages."

Along with that, Malekzadeh says we're witnessing an evolution in restorative gynecologic care. "Treatments that address changes related to childbirth, aging, hormonal shifts, or pelvic floor strain, such as vaginal laxity, tissue thinning, or mild prolapse, are increasingly viewed through a wellness lens rather than a purely corrective one. Whether surgical or non-surgical, these approaches are centered on restoring function, comfort, and quality of life."

Instead of investing in consumer products, Malekzadeh says the most "meaningful alignment" is to seek out clinically guided treatments and individualized care plans with an expert. "For sexual and pelvic wellness, non-surgical technologies such as FormaV, targeted regenerative treatments, and carefully selected injectable approaches can help improve tissue quality, sensation, and comfort when used appropriately. These options allow us to support intimate wellness without overcorrecting or disrupting natural anatomy. For women experiencing structural or post-childbirth changes, procedures such as labiaplasty, perineoplasty, or labiapuff, when thoughtfully planned and conservatively performed, can play an important role in restoring both function and confidence. These treatments are not about aesthetics alone. They often address irritation, discomfort, or changes that affect daily life and intimacy." Yes to normalized sexual and pelvic health convos in 2026!

11. Personalization

Personalization is perhaps the most significant 2026 wellness trend. Experts say we'll see more personalization in lab testing, hormone health, supplementation, and beyond.

"There is a strong shift away from one-size-fits-all medicine toward comprehensive lab testing that goes beyond basic reference ranges," Mallari says. "Traditional labs often compare patients to very sick, very old, or very young populations. In integrative and functional medicine, we focus on optimal ranges, patterns, and trends over time. Hormone optimization will continue to be a major focus, especially for perimenopausal and menopausal women. Supporting hormones through sleep, nutrition, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle interventions will remain a cornerstone of care. Patients are no longer satisfied with being told their labs are 'normal' when they still feel unwell. They want answers and actionable plans."

Crawford seconds this, adding that new technology is leading the change. "Biomarker tracking, advanced lab insights, AI-powered health tools, and personalized nutrition are becoming mainstream. [It's] wellness that's tailored towards individual needs and less commercial."

Cutcliffe agrees. "Personalized health and nutrition will also keep gaining momentum. With more accessible blood testing, wearable health devices, and tools like continuous glucose monitors, people are starting to connect real data to how they actually feel day to day. That insight helps turn wellness ideals into something very personal and allows people to make more informed, realistic decisions about their health." There you have it. In 2026, wellness is moving beyond the collective, becoming smarter, science-based, and highly personalized.

If I’m being frank, I’m not one to traditionally stick to a "New Year’s resolution". I'm proudly Type B, so the phrase has often filled me with a sense of dread. However, this year I’m determined to make a change. With smaller lifestyle changes on my to-do list (make it to more than one reformer class a month, eat healthier—you get the gist), I must say the past two weeks have been pretty successful, for me at least. Having made it to a few 6 am(!) classes, a well-deserved reward was in order. So when the task of testing out every It girl's favourite workout brand, Alo Yoga, landed on my to-do list, it felt like cosmic timing.

Over the years, I’ve been somewhat sceptical of the allure of Alo. A staple of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber's workout wardrobe (as well as every other chic celebrity and influencer on my feed), I’ve often wondered if these pieces are as life-changing as they're made out to be. Far from an emerging label, the LA-founded brand has been the go-to for the rich and famous since even before the athleisure boom during COVID-19. With its enviable invitation-only gyms, serene wellness experiences and exquisite custom colourways floating on a wave of virality, I’ve often wondered if I, too, could be an Alo girl.

With 10 years of 200-meter sprints under my belt, I’m a touch fussy when it comes to activewear. Constricting sports bras, ill-fitting leggings and unsuitable fabrics are struggles I know all too well, so deviating from my tried-and-true workout gear is something I rarely do.

So when I went to try on Alo's more recent collections, I was pleasantly surprised when I ended up wanting to take everything home. With sports bras ranging from £48 to £78 (there are some cashmere lounge bras, which are priced a tad higher) and leggings from £88 to £168, the brand veers slightly more on the expensive end of the activewear spectrum, which fans of the brand may justify by citing the functional materials chosen to withstand a range of motions whilst being soft to the touch. I stayed true to size throughout my try-on, choosing almost every piece in an S-M, and the trainers in UK 8.

Scroll to discover the Alo Yoga pieces I loved.

1. Airbrush Heart Throb Set

My Review: When you think of Alo Yoga, the Airbrush Heart Throb brand leggings are probably the workout set which comes to mind. One of the brand's signature silhouettes, at its core, the design leans rather simplistic. Yet it's the distinctive contrast stitching flowing through the set in sculpting placements that sets this two-piece apart.

Starting with the sports bra, I was beyond impressed. With a gently scooped sweetheart neckline and low-back cut, it's the perfect shape for medium-intensity movement. The medium-level compressed Airbrush fabric held everything right and tight, whilst the soft elasticated underbust band contoured "the girls"; it really felt like a gentle second skin. I tried the wiggle test, a simple yet effective way of deciding whether a piece is big bust-friendly (I typically wear a 30 DD). Much to my surprise, it passed with flying colours. With slight movement, they were constricted, not restricted, and I was able to lean, bend and stretch with ease.

Onto the legging's, I was a touch disappointed. With a high-waisted, full-length finish, the texture of these leggings were reminiscent of the cotton Nike Pro's we all wore at secondary school. The medium compression fabric did nip and tuck (in a second skin type of way rather than a constricted blood flow type of way). However, when testing how they'd work during a 'work-out' (I'd settled on a few squats and star jumps) these leggings began to wiggle down my waist. In speaking to the sales assistant, he advised (if, like me, you fall between sizes, to size down). This will alleviate the dreaded roll or any excessive wiggle room you may have. However, I can't help feeling that had I received these sight unseen, I would have been left a little frustrated as the quality was not quite what I was expecting. Just a little tidbit before you take the plunge.

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2. Airlift Line Up Set

My Review: If you’re an avid follower of celebrity culture, you’ve probably seen the Airlift Line Up set on your For You page at least once or twice. From Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber's best-friend post-workout coffee dates to Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid's morning hikes, this Alo set is a favourite amongst L.A. It girls. Naturally, I was looking forward to testing it out for myself.

Unfussy in shape, it's the sheen-y, sculpting finish that attracts so much attention. Similar in shape to the Airbrush Heart Throb Bra (see above), the Airlift has a few distinctive features that make it stand out amongst other sports bras I've tried (and I've tried a lot).

With removable cups for added boob support, a functional hook-and-eye closure and skinny adjustable straps, this piece would withstand even the most intense HIIT workout. The flocked band adds visual interest, whilst the subtle contrasting colours make the bra look just that touch chicer. Slightly more compressed than the Airbrush, the Airlift bra flew through the wiggle test. With little to no movement in the bust region, you could easily complete an elbow crunch with no issues.

Now, the leggings are a little different. With sweetheart detailing on the back, they’re less sculpting and do far more heavy lifting than the Airlift. These leggings are super durable. With a snug, compressive fit, they handled my 10 (poorly executed) squats and five star jumps with ease. Somehow, I looked like a pumped gym-goer rather than the sweaty dishevelled mess who’d just tried on half the Alo store. Now, if that doesn’t say "wonder leggings", I don’t know what will.

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3. Airbrush Better Together Bra + Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant + Alo Runner

My Review: Anyone who knows me well knows that any outfit featuring a straight-leg tracksuit bottom is right up my street. And after all that compression fabric, I was craving comfort, so the Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant felt like a godsend. Made from a sumptuous French terrycloth-cotton shell and fleece-lined on the inside, they really lived up to the hype. Think of these as your favourite trackies with a luxurious twist.

Now, even for someone who enjoys all things baggy and loose, these were gloriously oversized, so I’d advise you to size down. Grazing the floor on my 5'10" frame (if you’re under 5'5", they may well be far too long—just some food for thought), I paired them with the Airbrush Better Together Bra, and my perfect loungewear combination was created. These bottoms were one of my favourites of everything I tried on; I could see myself shrugging them on for a chilly London day or post-workout class.

Can we talk about the double-layered sports bra for a second? I initially grabbed it as a throw-on piece to try with the bottoms, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how elevated this sports bra looked. Leaning into the layering trend we're seeing everywhere in fashion right now, it felt super comfortable and gloriously supportive. I was secure yet unconstricted, and looked put-together yet pared-back. With only the yellow-and-white colourway available in-store, I placed an order for the black-and-white as I knew it was about to become my newest go-to loungewear piece.

Alongside tracksuit bottoms, trainers were on my hitlist. Whilst the Alo Sunset Sneakers remain a go-to for the fashion set, workout-wise, it was the Alo Runner I was interested in. Designed as a practical running trainer, these shoes have all the features of the perfect exercise shoe: lightweight to carry in a gym bag, a cushioned yet supportive heel, a breathable double-mesh layer to keep your toes cool during high-intensity workouts and springy soles to propel you when you need the extra energy halfway through a 5K. I tried my normal size, and even though one of my feet is slightly larger than the other, there was no pinching, squeezing or claustrophobic toes. I was very impressed.

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It seems obvious to talk about activewear in January, but you know us, we like to give the people what they want. Fitness and January go together like peanut butter and jelly (or jam, if you’re as British as me). Whilst we’re certainly not saying that you need to exercise at the beginning of a new year, there’s no doubt that it’s a time that people feel inspired to make new habits.

As such, we’re reissuing our much-loved Great Try On franchise, but with a fitness spin. Trialling and testing the activewear collections and sportswear brands you’re most interested in, and giving you our honest thoughts, we're doing the hard work so you don't have to. Whether you’re a runner or a hiker, are taking up pilates or just need some athleisure for walking your dog, we’re here to guide you through the best pieces in the latest edits. This year I’ve tested Tala, an eco-conscious affordable activewear brand that uses recycled materials to create stylish, high performance essentials for different types of exercise. It's also the It brand I see on stylish London girls in every spin class I go to.

For reference, I’m 5ft 4, I’m a size 10-12, with a bigger bust. Usually, I’d wear a size M in tops and a S-M in bottoms, depending on the piece. I’m someone who exercises fairly regularly, loving HIIT classes that you find at F45, 1Rebel and Barry’s Bootcamp and the like. But as well as being someone who enjoys keeping fit, I'm a fashion girl at my core. By this I mean I still like serve even when sweating, squatting or even doing a burpee, so refuse to accept that sportswear has to be the least chic thing in your rotation. Actually, as someone who has been known to wear a flared legging to the office, and is partial to a quarter zip pullover, I'd consider myself a bit of an expert when it comes to activewear pieces fit for wearing on and off the treadmill.

And with that, I tried on much of Tala's collection for 2026, and these four looks were the ones I loved most. These were my honest thoughts.

The Best Tala Pieces for 2026

1. Dayflex Wrap Flared Yoga Pant + Zip-Through Sports Jacket

My review: If you were to see me at the gym, there’s a 99% chance I’ll be wearing black. Classic and forever-cool, I feel my most comfortable in an all-black ensemble. Despite usually being an avid slim legging person, lately I’ve really enjoyed flared leggings, just as its a style I'm happy wearing out the office. These I've tried on are part of the new Dayflex range, in a 30’’ leg and size S, the length is absolutely perfect. As the name suggests, these have been designed for yoga, which I think they'd be great for. If you're more of a runner or enjoy spin class, I would recommend a slimmer silhouette, as, by definition and design, they're less streamlined and either flap in the breeze as you run, or can get caught in your bike pedals. In terms of fit, they’re a little tight around my waist, but I love how they look when I have top layered over the waistband.

The overlapping ‘V’ shape waistband sculpts my stomach slightly, which I love, and the high zip jacket in a M feels snug in the way that it’s supposed to. I could have gone up a size in both, but there’s nothing worse than baggy activewear, so I’m happy with how these feel. Special shout out to the square neck sports bra and tank top, which snatches and lifts my upper body. I’m a 34E, and am wearing a size M bra and top, so if you have a bigger bust like me, and don't want a huge cleavage, I'd recommend sizing up.

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2. Dayflex Wrap Legging + Cocoon Zip Through Hoodie

My review: As you can probably tell from the selection of items I've chosen to style in these four looks, I'm not usually one for vibrant colours. As mentioned, I wear black to workout most of the time, but the odd occasion I fancy venturing out of my all-black comfort zone, it's likely to be a shade of brown, cream or white. Tala's colour palettes are sumptuous and rich, offering earthy greens, buttermilk shades and, as shown here, a few tonal coffee hues. When testing the Dayflex Wrap High Waisted Legging, I went for mocha brown, and paired it with complementary tones like this hoodie in Oat Marl, and I'm really into how they work together.

But how do the pieces fit? The leggings, which are an icon for the brand, I was really impressed by. Cleverly designed with a sweetheart overlapping 'V' shape waistband, they sit perfectly on the waist and ensure comfort even when doing core exercises like crunches (which I find isn't always the case). I had the full length size, and they are slightly too long, so I'd recommend getting the 7/8 style if you're on the shorter side.

The hoodie fits exactly like its name suggests, like a cocoon. I really like this silhouette, and honestly have't tried one like this before: slim and cropped on the waist, but with these balloon-like arms and large hood, it's really hitting the mark in terms of being sweats with a subtle difference. It's also an incredibly soft cotton.

I'd also like to call out the sports bra which isn't pictured, the Dayflex Bandeau sports bra, which I styled in Americano. As someone with a bigger bust, I have to say Tala's bras probably aren't supportive enough for me to do high intensity training in them, but this one particularly is great for lower impact workouts, and just felt great to wear. It also had adjustable straps on the back help you get the best fit for your size, which I often find is overlooked with basic activewear bras.

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3. Dayflex Capri Legging + 365 Boat Neck Top

My review: This is probably my favourite look of all four, simply because I know I'd wear each piece outside of the gym. I've long been looking for a simple boat neck top for everyday, and this is a great option for work, to work-out. I don't normally love a tight-tight top, often feeling a little exposed, but there's something about Tala's compressed fit pieces that make me feel good about an ultra-slim silhouette. I think with this top specifically, it's the extra thick fabric, which feels more like a warm hug than a way to reveal more than I want. This being said, I do worry that this extra thick fabric will make me quite warm, but for hiking in winter, or a gentle stretch session, this would be perfect.

Now let's talk about the leggings. Full disclosure, I am a capri legging addict. Despite this shorter length being a little passé for a decade or so in activewear trends, I've noticed that it's really making a comeback lately. The deep waistband sits at the perfect spot on my waist, right on the tummy-button, which feels quite '90s and chic. Most capri styles I find have a small split on each hem at the side, but I think not having this (like these) is much neater. I also love their seamless design, which makes them feel less like activewear in their aesthetic. Personally, I would rather wear these for lower impact exercises, where I don't need to wear a bulky pair of running trainers, but can switch it for a slimmer trainer silhouette, or even my Nike Air Rifts like pictured here.

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4. Dayflex Floaty Shorts + Elevated T-Shirt

My review: This is honestly one the softest, best-fitting t-shirts I've ever tried on. And as you can imagine with my job, I have tried and tested a lot of t-shirts in my time! Usually, I wouldn't wear a standard cotton t-shirt for the gym, just because it's less breathable and has a heavier weight than those options made in recycled polyester. However, when paired with the shorts, this is the type of thing I'd choose to wear for padel or tennis, which come the spring months, I tend to play every fortnight. I love this soft grey colour as I'm terrible at keeping white, white, but the downside to grey, as many of us know too well, is that it shows the sweat, so I would say this is best for less active sports, or an option for a throw-on tee for the post-class coffee or juice. In terms of its fit and shape, it's slightly oversized, without being overbearing. The arms are a little more fitted, and the ribbed crew neck feels thick and sturdy.

As this look for me was less about my usual work-out routine, and more to showcase the extra pieces Tala offer, I wanted to show two very different options for the bottom half. The Dayflex Floaty Shorts are definitely the more sporty option: they're loose and oh-so comfortable, so perfect for those that like to avoid tighter silhouettes like cycling shorts and leggings. I love the zip-up pocket, this is a minor detail, but I don't think I've ever tried a pair of sports shorts that have a zip-up hidden pocket before. Usually it's a secret flap, which isn't great for valuable items (airpods case, phone, jewellery etc). So this is definitely something that impressed me.

On top of these, I styled this look with the Everyday Tailored Trousers, which I was also most impressed by. Not many activewear brands do fashion or loungewear pieces so well. The elasticated waist gives the comfort, but the wide leg and pinstripe design feels very on point to sartorial trends of late. I would definitely wear these in the office, at the weekend et al, but it goes without saying that they're not so fit for exercise.

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Shop More of My Adanola Picks

With the new year now in full swing, I'm keen to set some personal goals, kick-start fresh habits and actually set aside time to work on myself. Getting back into a new gym routine is high on my priority list, as not only do I want to keep my heart healthy and my body feeling toned, but I also love the feeling of endorphins I get from a good, sweaty workout. I typically mix things up with cardio, weights, floor work and yoga for full-body conditioning, but admittedly, I did fall off the wagon a little over the festive period. It's time to get back to business.

To get me into the mood for my fresh start, I wanted to try on some new gymwear—pieces that feel fresh, stylish and practical. My current rotation of workout gear feels a little tired, and so I was excited to check out the latest collection from H&M Move. I've heard great things about it from friends, collegues and fellow gym-goers, so giving it a real spin for the first time felt well overdue.

H&M is one of the biggest players on the high street and is constantly at the forefront of trends, as well as offering solid wardrobe staples and affordable items which are deceptively expensive-looking. The brand has been designing its workout-friendly Move line for several years, and this season, the collection is inspired chiefly by hot Pilates, infrared saunas and cold plunges (all of which I'm looking to introduce to my weekly exercise sessions in 2026). Aesthetically, this collection is all about '90s minimalism: clean lines, sculpting silhouettes, smoothing fabric and pared-back colours (hello, ink black, ivory white, soft sand and pomegranate), powered by a new fabric H&M is pioneering: SculptMove.

“This collection is about glowing from the inside out, facing the future with purpose and power and feeling excited. We wanted to channel all the energy, anticipation and transformation that comes with starting a new year into pieces that will make you feel and look like the best version of yourself," says Marie Fredros, head of design at H&M Move.

For context, I am 5'8" and typically take a size 12, medium or large, which suits my height, shape and curves. I tried on everything in a Medium, which felt spot-on and true to size thanks to the compressive nature of both the sports tops and leggings. The H&M Move collection is offered from XS to XXL, which, according to the size and fit guide, should benefit those looking for pieces from a UK 6 to a 22, catering to a wide range of body types and needs. I tried on pieces in colour-coordinated combos (which is how I like to style my activewear) and gave each a thorough review, providing pros and cons to help you decide if they'll work for you.

If you want to check out which items I tried on, loved and will undoubtedly be sweating in soon, scroll on for my H&M Move picks, which are available online now.

The Best H&M Move Pieces for 2026, Tried and Reviewed by a Fashion Editor

1. Sculptmove Sports Jacket + Vest Top + Leggings + Waterproof Jewellery

My Review: I'm not typically one for an all-white look (I'm a coffee drinker, after all), but this soft ivory-toned set felt like exactly what I need for 2026: a clean slate, fresh start and clear perspective for my workout goals. The base of the look is comprised of H&M Move's new signature Sculptmove pieces, including a vest top and leggings and finished with a bodycon Sports Jacket. The fabric feels buttery soft on the skin, and each piece promises to be moisture-wicking, quick-dry and breathable, which is necessary when getting a real sweat on.

I loved the hug-like fit of each of the items. Leggings that roll down and sports bras that don't compress my chest adequately are my biggest ick when it comes to activewear, and these pieces felt like they wouldn't fall into that category. The jacket has a slim-fit shape and short, stand-up collar, as well as full-length arms with thumb-holes for that extra bit of comfort and coverage on chilly days.

To complete the outfit (and for the others you'll see below), I opted for long white ankle socks (from a five-pack) and a pair of chunky white-and-silver trainers. As far as high-street trainers go, these felt premium and comfortable, but truthfully, I know I would normally opt for a tried-and-tested sports-specialist brand for a sneaker that can go the distance. These will get you to your morning classes just fine, however.

Cleverly, H&M is now offering waterproof jewellery made of 100% stainless steel, so you can still add a hint of shine to your 'fit without the worry of it tarnishing or turning your skin a funky shade of green. The simple huggie hoop earrings and snake-chain necklace are a highlight. All in all, I really liked the clean lines and fresh hue of this full look, and I feel like it would be perfect for Pilates and yoga sessions.

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2. Loose Fit Sports Hoodie + Sculptmove Medium Support Sports Bra + High-Waisted Leggings

My Review: For those seeking a punchy, bright and head-turning gym ensemble, might I suggest this fuchsia-pink set? Admittedly, the hoodie itself is an ever-so-slightly different shade from the sports bra and leggings (the hoodie is a few shades lighter), so this is worth noting if you were seeking something truly monochromatic. Otherwise, you can opt for the Sculptmove tee or sports jacket in the same hue for a head-to-toe pink moment.

The hoodie feels warm, chunky and soft, the cropped fit is modern and flattering and I love the classic kangaroo pocket and loose feel; it's easy to whip over your head pre and post-workout.

In terms of the sports bra, it's a classic cropped fit and has medium support with a round neckline and removable cups, which can be taken out with ease depending on preference. The leggings have a high-waisted cut, which I liked for that extra touch of coverage on my abdomen. Hot pink was not on my 2026 bingo card, but for the greyest days of winter, this is a nice dose of dopamine dressing.

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3. Water-Repellent Padded Sports Jacket + Sculptmove Sports Vest Top + High-Waisted Leggings + Weights

My Review: Next up, I gave this tonal taupe look a whirl. I do love a look that feels like an extension of my everyday capsule wardrobe, and so this neutral but modern colourway is something I naturally gravitated towards.

I tried on the Sculptmove Sports Vest Top and matching High-Waisted Leggings (having already loved them in the ivory colourway), and teamed them with the corresponding Water-Repellent Padded Sports Jacket, which was a true match in colour (a win!). There's even a two-pack of wrist weights in the same beige tone, so you can add a bit of resistance to your workout, stylishly.

The jacket was a favourite of mine, as the light padding and weather-repellent fabric would mean I have no excuse not to step outside and take that short walk to the gym, whatever Mother Nature throws at me. The square cut, funnel neck, cropped cut and discreet side pockets make it look ultra-modern, timeless and chic, and it will effortlessly pair with infinite leggings and cycling-short looks. This is the outfit I adored the most. It felt like the most "me", and the dark, biscuit-y shade will stand up to frequent wear, sweat and weekly wash cycles.

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4. Sculptmove Sports Top + Cycling Shorts + Tote Bag

My Review: Last but not least, I tested this sleek, minimal and dare I say quite sexy two-piece in black. Comprised of the Sculptmove Sports Top with long sleeves and the Sculptmove Sports Cycling Shorts, this ensemble would be just the ticket for a dance class or gentle weights session.

The long-sleeve cut of the top features thumb holes (quite '90s, no?) and a chic square neckline. The hem is neither cropped nor long, but right in the middle, which means it teams perfectly with the cycle shorts, which have a regular cut, if you're comfortable showing a flash of midriff. Going back to the top, it does, in fact, have bust support, so you might not need a bra too (depending on how much bust support you require).

Black is, of course, a fail-safe shade for both curated day-to-day wardrobes and athleisure, as it pairs with everything and can withstand stains, sweat and the perils of constant daily wear. I'm saving this set for warmer days when I dare to get the pins out. I also checked out the frosted-white tote bag, which was easy to throw over my shoulder, apt for holding all of my sweaty items post-shower and even large enough for a towel and water bottle, too. Ideal!

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More of the Best from H&M Move Right Now

When it comes to the world of sport, style isn’t something that typically quantifies someone’s performance. But, when you look at someone like Serena Williams wearing a denim mini skirt at the US Open or Sha’Carri Richardson sprinting around the track in a full set of acrylic nails, you can’t help but pay attention. It’s precisely this reason why I’m keeping a closer eye on the pieces I wear when I’m working out. I’m not an elite athlete, let alone a novice one. (My exercise regimen starts with hot girl walks and ends with bi-weekly reformer Pilates classes.) But should that hinder me from looking considered and, dare I even say, chic when sweating?

Adanola is a viral activewear brand that shares this sentiment exactly. Founded over a decade ago, the Manchester-based label has quickly become one of the biggest go-to spots for sports bras and leggings in the UK for its softer approach to gym gear. Amongst exceptionally comfortable materials that offer both stretch and support, refined cuts that come in a wide range of sizes and a loyal base of celebrity adherents that include Kendall Jenner, you’ll notice Adanola thrives in creating modern silhouettes that are rendered in beautifully tonal shades.

Those who turn to brands like Leset for well-crafted and thoughtfully coloured wardrobe fundamentals and Aeyde for pared-back and intentionally textured footwear will find a kindred spirit in Adanola’s use of pigment. Instead of gaudy or lurid tones you’d typically find activewear offered in, you’ll notice Adanola is set apart by its minimalistic shapes rendered in polished, trend-forward and neutral tones—mocha brown, dark cherry, eden green, graphite grey and slate blue (which has become chic again thanks, in part, to Isabella Rossellini’s scene-stealing role in Conclave). As a proponent of ‘90s fashion, it’s this characteristic that really drew me towards the brand. I'll say it now, it's basically The Row of activewear.

I’m not someone who typically finds myself endeared to finicky design elements like multiple zips, cross-body straps or waist-cinching boning, so having a brand that excludes these pieces from its offerings whilst maintaining an air of effortless elegance is really important to me as a consumer. Better still, the mutable palette means I can easily pull together a sophisticated workout outfit without thinking too hard. (Because an hour class is strenuous enough, let alone expending energy styling a look!)

What’s more, these are styles refined enough to wear from a mat class to my monthly brunch catch-up with my girlfriends. The fabric is designed to be moved in, which is great for days when I need to run errands after exercising, but still want to look smoothed and sculpted whilst doing so.

With all these factors in mind, it felt entirely right that I turned to Adanola to replenish my athleisure collection for 2026. But how did the brand live up to the hype? Ahead, I break down the pieces that piqued my interest most, review the brand’s best sellers and share my honest thoughts on whether the brand is worth the price tag. (But as my favourite instructor would tell you, it most certainly is, given how regularly I wear these styles.)

Shop the Best Adanola Pieces of 2026:

1. Ultimate Leggings + Ultimate Short Sleeve Top

My Review: Basics are the building blocks of any great ensemble. Once you’ve nailed the fundamentals, anything you layer on top of it will simply sing. When we’re talking about activewear, these flourishes usually consist of a pair of trending trainers and a functional bag like the bumbag-esque Pocket bag from Miu Miu. Still, the point remains.

In terms of the staple styles Adanola offers, you can’t overlook the brand’s Ultimate range. Particularly, the Ultimate Leggings and Ultimate Short Sleeve Top. As the name suggests, these pieces are the superlative style in Adanola’s entire collection and are designed for “doing everything, every day”, as the brand says on its website. Here, I’m pictured wearing both in a size medium. For context, I’m usually a UK 10 and stand at around 5’5” high, so you’ll typically see me cuffing, hemming or folding most trouser hems. Such was the case for these leggings.

Though it’s something I’ve become accustomed to, I want to caveat this for those who typically take their standard size, as I’ve found a few mixed reviews when it comes to leg lengths from my fellow editors who have also tested the brand. And, because Adanola doesn’t have any retail stores, you really are stabbing in the dark when it comes to selecting the correct size, especially since there are three lengths (regular, tall and ⅞) and eight sizes (XXS - XXXL) to choose from. In saying that, they do fit really well through the calf and thigh and also offer a compressing sensation that truly makes you feel more athletic.

As for the top, I didn't necessarily love the short sleeve as much as the leggings. As someone with a bigger bust, I found the t-shirt to be quite constrictive, which is saying something considering the fabric is designed to be skin-tight. I also found the seam along the shoulder to be cropped at an awkward angle, which led to a really stiff and strained feeling around the top of my bicep. I would’ve enjoyed it more if the tee had been cut more generously, as the fabric did sit quite heavily on top of my skin because of the taut finish.

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2. Ultimate Wrap-Over Leggings + Ultimate Square Neck Bra

My Review: Another thing I really like about Adanola is that the brand really considers its designs. Instead of boasting superfluous design elements like a built-in holder for your phone, because whoever uses that slip that always appears on the side of leggings anyway, or panels that are designed to add an element of sex appeal where it’s not required, the shapes it puts out are intentional in working with your body’s natural curves and aiding movement.

The Ultimate Wrap-Over Leggings and Square-Neck Sports Bra are perfect examples of this. On the latter, I’m wearing a wrap top over it, as I found the neckline to be a little too risqué for my taste. (Cleavage at a 9 AM gym class is not what I had in mind for my activewear upgrade!) However, I did find the top to still be really supportive, despite my bigger chest size, and still kept my boobs sitting really nicely throughout the duration of a class.

The leggings also boasted this undulating curve, which is great for those who want to display a glint of skin. You’d think this wavy hemline would mean you’d be constantly adjusting throughout your workout, but I never found myself reaching to pull the band up once. Better still, it added an extra layer of support around my tummy, which was great for perfecting my form in tabletop positions.

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3. Impact Seamless Racer Back Bra + Impact Seamless Leggings + Oversized Pocket Zip Through Fleece

My Review: The intersection of sports and style is always one ripe for innovation. Think: On’s CloudTec® technology for better strides, Nike’s Dri-FIT technology for sweat-wicking runs and even the way Adidas adopted the three-stripes as a signature branding tool. Now, Adanola has entered this cannon with a revolutionary new category launch: Impact.

Like Ultimate, this range is designed specifically for movement in mind. The main point of difference, as the name hints at, is the fact that these pieces are made for higher-intensity workouts in mind. Think: HIIT classes, spin, interval training and boxing. These pieces are made unique because of their bonded edges, contoured segments, a smoothed finish, and breathable panels. Intentionally seamless for a sleeker and more dynamic silhouette, the brand promises the new range “provides support through every rep and set, adapting effortlessly to every motion”.

Whilst I’ve always found Adanola to be supportive of my lower-intensity Pilates classes, this new Impact range certainly hit the mark for me on days when I wanted to break out into a bigger sweat. Thankfully, the fabric still felt buttery soft and lightweight, despite being compressive and contouring. I wore the Seamless Racer Back Bra in an XL, and although it was a bit low-cut, I enjoyed the fact that it had thick adjustable straps that could alter the level of support. I did think the buckle was slightly clunky and not as chic as the options available, so this is something to consider, as I regret not getting the tank top to layer over.

The leggings were really lovely, but I did have a slight gripe when my sock line showed underneath, a factor that comes down to their second-skin finish. The real star of the show was this ultra-cuddly fleece. With a lined interior and incredibly comfortable texture, this is the kind of thing that will make your weekend dog walks and early morning trots to get a takeaway coffee all the more enticing.

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I write this fresh from lamenting my achy muscles to my colleagues. Between reaquainting myself with treadmill sessions and topping up my Spotify with particularly peppy playlists, January’s annual fitness renaissance is in its stride. And if my on-again, off-again relationship with exercise has taught me anything, it’s that there’s no stronger motivator to get back to the gym than a brand-new outfit. So when the task of testing new-season activewear landed on my desk, it proved to be exactly the push I needed.

A long-time devotee of Marks & Spencer for my everyday staples, it felt only right to turn to the brand once again—this time for workout wear. Their activewear collection is extensive, spanning everything from jackets and leggings to trousers and sports bras, and I was genuinely taken aback by just how considered and stylish the offering felt. Armed with the intention of trying some of their chicest bits, I headed to the fitting rooms with enthusiasm. For reference, I tried tops in Medium, UK 10s on the bottom and sports bras in a size Large—all of which fit perfectly (spoiler: one outfit came home with me).

While the premium look and feel stood out immediately, it was the price point that really sealed the deal. With several standout pieces coming in under £30, this is a collection I’d wholeheartedly recommend if you’re keen to refresh your workout wardrobe while January purse strings remain tightened.

Read on for my honest reviews of M&S’s new-in activewear—including the full look I couldn’t resist taking home.

1. Funnel Neck Running Top and Wrap Waist Yoga Leggings:

My Review: I was instantly drawn to the thumb-hole detailing on this black quarter-zip running top. There’s something inherently comforting about cocooning your hands—especially when you’re bracing yourself for a cold-weather run. Unsurprisingly, this was the piece I walked out of M&S with. Beyond the thumb holes, I loved the depth of the zip, which can be pulled down to the chest to allow for airflow mid-run. And while jet black might not be the most exciting shade, it’s the colour I gravitate towards time and again—activewear included.

Paired with M&S’s buttery-soft wrap-waist yoga leggings, this duo feels like a reliable foundation for easing back into a fitness routine. Unlike glossy, scuba-style leggings, these have a softer, more matte finish—so that I’d happily style them with knee-high boots on off-duty days.

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2. Quilted Longline Wrap Jacket + Waist Flared Leggings:

My Review: For its price, this padded jacket feels surprisingly luxurious. From the diamond-quilted texture and elegant wrap fastening to the piped hem detailing, it’s a piece that wouldn’t look out of place far beyond the gym. The powder-rose hue, combined with practical side pockets, makes it particularly appealing for low-impact workouts and post-class errands alike.

Styled with the coordinating flared leggings and a tonal longline sports bra in a slightly lighter shade, this three-piece ensemble had me seriously considering booking a Pilates class on the spot.

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3. Scoop Neck Seamless Fitted Crop Top + High Waisted Leggings:

My Review: I’ve been on the hunt for a long-sleeve top to see me through chilly January runs, and this scoop-neck style is a strong contender. Rendered in a deep midnight blue, it offers a subtle injection of colour while still aligning with my preference for understated activewear. I opted for a size M, which fit perfectly, and paired it with the coordinating leggings in a UK 10 for a streamlined, pulled-together look.

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Who's surprised to hear I'm shopping for activewear in January? No one? Yeah, I figured.

I always get hyped up on fitness this time of year because there isn't much else to do, especially if you live somewhere cold. Plus, all this talk about New Year's resolutions, even though I've tapped out this year, has my mind on getting back into my routine. This year, my only goal is to stay moving. I am really looking forward to working out for the sake of working out simply because I love it. I've put myself on the waiting list for several popular Pilates classes, and in the meantime, I'm in the mood to give my activewear drawer a refresh.

This is the upgrade anyone who loves working out as much as I do absolutely needs. I have the perfect outfit for a chill Pilates flow nailed down, but I also occasionally go for runs and consistently lift weights. My goal with this roundup is to find pieces that are both functional and cute. My least favorite thing is when I discover something in my activewear drawer isn't cutting it during leg day or overexposing me. This is the year of making your activewear work for you. Below, these are the 42 pieces that'll make it happen.

Track Star

Activewear right now is all about a retro look, so it's no surprise racing stripes have made their way to center stage. Whether you go for nylon track pants or the modern legging take on the trend, you can't go wrong.

The Layered Look

What started as a micro-trend is now available for purchase from every single one of my favorite brands. The look of two sports bras in one is not only super supportive, but it's also chic.

V Waistlines

If wearing a low-waisted pair of leggings, scares you, you need to test-drive a V waistline. It's incredibly flattering.

Flared Leggings

Lately, I've loved wearing flared leggings on lift days. They're not exactly yoga pants because they offer a lot more support, but they have the same effortless look.

One-Step Wonder

For a lazy day, throwing on a onesie of some sort never fails. It gets you out of the door fast, and you never have to worry about your leggings slipping down.

Contrast Lining

Another motif in activewear lately that feels incredibly retro come from the contrast colors that outline staple pieces. It's a fun upgrade to the classics.

The Final Touch

When it's winter in NYC, wearing what you wear in the gym without an extra layer isn't possible. You need a coat, a sweatshirt, and an extra layer. A bolero or wrap top is my favorite thing to wear during a warm-up.

I may be a beauty editor who tests new beauty products for a living, but I also have a keen interest in all things health and wellness (in fact, I used to be a health writer earlier in my career). And if your TikTok For You Page is anything like mine, you might be inundated with Oura Ring reviews right now, and wondering if it's worth buying one for yourself.

I've always been interested in wearable health trackers, but, to be honest with you, I think a lot of smart watches are pretty ugly-looking. So when I came across the sleek Oura Ring, with its minimalistic and discreet design, I knew this was one health tracker that I wanted to wear. So, I decided to put it to the test over three months, and I have a lot of thoughts about it—both good and bad.

If you're wondering whether to invest in the new Oura Ring 4 yourself, scroll ahead for my honest review, and find out if the Oura Ring is right for you and worth the investment.

Oura Ring 4, Reviewed

What's included:
- Oura Ring 4
- Charging dock
- USB-C cable

What Is the Oura Ring and How Does It Work?

The Oura Ring is a wearable health tracker, which tracks and monitors lots of different health markers, such as sleep, activity, stress, heart health and your menstrual cycle. It measures your vitals using a range of sensors to track biometrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen and body temperature, amongst others.

It pairs with the Oura app, which can give you a snapshot of your general health whilst allowing you to take a closer look at more detailed metrics if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of your health data.

My Experience of the Oura Ring 4

I've been wearing my Oura Ring 4 for three months now, so I've really put the health tracker through its paces. Firstly, if you're considering an Oura Ring, I'd highly recommend ordering the sizing kit (free with purchase on the Oura site or redeemable against the ring from other retailers, including Boots), which allows you to try on the different sizes before ordering your ring. For the most accurate date, it's recommended to wear your ring on your index, middle or ring finger.

I was between sizes 7 and 8, and if you also find yourself somewhere in the middle, Oura recommends sizing down. It's better to have a tighter fit to ensure the ring accurately measures your vitals and doesn't fly off your hand (and when you're spending hundreds of pounds, you want to avoid that!) I opted for size 7, which comfortably fits both my middle and index fingers.

Readiness

When you wake up and check the Oura app, you'll be given a "Readiness" score. This takes into account how well you slept, the previous day's activity and other biometric data (such as heart rate, body temperature, and heart rate variability) to formulate a score out of 100, which gives you an indication of how ready your body is that day. It's a helpful snapshot to see how much you should push yourself. A high readiness score means you might be able to go harder with your workouts, for example, whereas a lower readiness score encourages you to prioritise rest when you can.

It gives you a top-line overview as well as more detailed metrics, flagging any areas that may need attention, with the option to go more in-depth if you want. In my case (as you can see above), my HRV—one of the markers that measures recovery—needs attention. Lots of things can affect it, including stress, illness or intense exercise. In this instance, I'd been unwell, so I was prioritising rest to bounce back.

Sleep Tracking

A core part of forming your daily "Readiness" score is how well you slept, and the Oura Ring tracks an incredible amount whilst you snooze. It's able to measure not just how much sleep you had, but the percentage of your total sleep you spent in the different stages, including REM (often associated with dreaming), deep sleep and light sleep. It can also detect naps during the day.

Additionally, it will tell you at which times your ring detected movement during the night, as well as any incidents where your breathing was affected. It will also alert you to any "sleep debt", which can help keep you accountable for getting enough shut-eye each night. After 90 days of wearing your Oura Ring, it will also gather data to work out your sleep chronotype, which can determine whether you're a night owl or a morning person.

I like that you can add tags to each evening to help log patterns or figure out what may be affecting your sleep, such as eating a later meal, drinking a coffee late in the day or experiencing illness, which can all negatively affect your sleep. On the flipside, you can add behaviours that positively affect your sleep (like pre-bed yoga or having a warm bath). It really helps to give a good overview of what works—and doesn't work—for you.

I've been really trying to prioritise sleep, and it's showing up in my sleep scores, which are consistently around the 80/100 mark, so it's motivating to see my efforts pay off. Although I definitely noticed how illness and stress also affected my quality of sleep on days when it wasn't so high.

Activity

The Oura Ring also tracks your activity, but you don't have to be a regular gym-goer to benefit from it. It captures daily activity from doing chores around the house (turns out that even vacuuming counts) or walking. But it's also good at detecting other types of exercise like running, dancing and lots more (it can even pick up if you're skiing, doing martial arts or playing basketball). It's also waterproof, so you can wear it whilst swimming.

It will also tell you the calories burned, your step count and what heart rate zones you're reaching when exercising, from Zone 0 (the lowest heart rate) all the way through to Zone 5 (full-throttle exercise that pushes you to your absolute limits). I found this insight helpful, as whilst I do a lot of walking and reformer Pilates, my heart rate wasn't reaching Zones 3, 4 or 5 very often, so it's encouraged me to incorporate more cardio into my weekly routine.

One thing I will say is that I noticed that my Oura Ring never picked up my reformer Pilates workouts (mostly because the movements are slower and less noticeable than, say, running, where your body is moving more regularly). As this is my primary form of exercise, this oversight is annoying, though you can manually add your workouts if something hasn't been tracked by the ring automatically. Amusingly, when I was drying my hair with a hot brush one evening, the Oura Ring detected it as a workout.

I also like that the Oura app encourages me to stretch my legs if I've been sitting at my desk for too long (guilty), so it helps me stay active in even small ways, which all add up over time.

Stress and Resilience

Tracking my stress levels has been the most eye-opening part of wearing my Oura Ring. Measuring your heart metrics, it can detect when you're feeling calm and zen (in the Relaxed and Restored modes) as well as when you're feeling more switched or stressed (during Engaged and Stressed modes).

It's interesting to see how they can fluctuate during different days and what activities bring on stress or restoration. Not all stress time is bad (Oura says activities that bring about excitement or enjoyment can also be logged as stressful; equally, a stressful work day or a bad commute can also be stressful), but it can be helpful to see the amount of stress versus rest you're experiencing day-to-day, and see in real-time how well your body bounces back.

My ring had detected some moderate cumulative stress, and whilst my body was showing signs of solid resilience, it's been needing more attention lately, so I've been looking at working to reduce my cortisol levels. The app gives you suggestions on ways to relax and unwind, and you can access in-app meditations and see in real time how these activities help to bring your body back to a more relaxed state of mind. It's helped me prioritise both mental and physical rest and make active steps to improve my resilience. We all know that behaviours like meditation and yoga are good for the mind and body, but it's another thing being able to see their effects in personalised data—I'm much more likely to actually do it when I can see positive results.

Cycle Tracking

Another feature of the Oura Ring is being able to track your menstrual cycle. It does so by measuring your body temperature, helping to predict not only when your period is due, but when you're ovulating as well. It's been extremely accurate in predicting the start of my period, and it's helpful to know where I'm at in my cycle each month, when I may need to rest more during the luteal phase or when I might have more energy for activities in the follicular phase. If you want to conceive, it will also predict your optimum window for conception.

Out of all of the features, I found this one to be the most underwhelming, to be honest. Whilst you can log how heavy your period is, there is no way to tag other symptoms (as of yet) that you might have during your cycle that other period-tracking apps have. So I favour apps like Stardust (which can be connected to the Oura Ring) to log and track other symptoms for my menstrual cycle health.

Heart Health

You can also see data on your heart health, and this goes hand-in-hand with the stress tab to see how much restorative time you get versus stress, as well as your current heart rate, sleeping range and activity range, which give you a picture of your cardiovascular health. I was delighted to see that my heart health age was lower than my actual age, and it motivates me to keep up with exercise and manage my stress.

Symptom Radar

A great feature is the Symptom Radar. By measuring your biometrics, it can detect if something is straining your body or if you're coming down with something. It flagged when I was unwell; however, it took a couple of days into my illness for the ring to register it. That being said, it helped me to prioritise rest until I was better. When the symptom radar detects something, you can turn on "Rest Mode", which will pause your activity goal. You can also turn on rest mode for jet lag, illness or injuries to help you prioritise rest and recovery. It's helped me to be kinder to myself on days when rest is needed.

Other Features

There are lots of other nice features of the Oura Ring. It includes the Advisor, which is an AI-style chat where you can ask it just about anything about your health metrics, or ask for advice on how to create a good bedtime routine, ways to manage stress and more. You can always refer back to older conversations, too.

The Oura app can also be linked with other health apps, including period-tracking apps like Natural Cycles and Stardust, fitness apps like Strava and The Sculpt Society, nutrition apps such as Cronometer and Zero, as well as apps like Headspace and Open to support meditation and breathwork.

Another cool feature is being able to take a photo of your meal, and the Oura app can identify foods and tell you how nutritious they are. I haven't used it all that often, perhaps because I was testing during the festive season, where I didn't need an app to tell me that cheese and biscuits aren't a highly nutritious meal. But it's nice to have.

Lastly, you can also consolidate your data into trends and reports. This can be helpful for looking back on previous weeks or months, or supplying data such as your cycle or sleep to medical professionals. Plus, if you happen to lose your ring, you can trace it on the Oura app.

The Verdict

Having worn my Oura Ring over the past few months, I can honestly say that I can't imagine being without it now. There is so much I love about it, and the more I wear the ring, the more insights I get about my health. But there are also a few things I dislike.

The Pros: I have a much better understanding of my health, particularly with my sleep and stress levels, and I like that the Oura app provides actionable tips to improve them. You can get down into the really nitty-gritty with the data if you want to, but it's not forced upon you. Upon opening up the app, you can see at a glance how your sleep, stress and activity fare to help inform how you want to approach your day.

A nice surprise of reviewing it has been that my activity levels are much higher than I thought (even housework all adds up!), and it's helping me to manage my stress better and prioritise a good sleep routine.

The design is also sleek and comfortable to wear, and is much more discreet than other wearable health trackers. Plus, the range of colours means you'll find one to match your jewellery or style. There really is a wealth of information at your fingertips, and it gets better and more accurate the longer you wear your ring.

Whilst some reviews have noted dwindling battery life, this isn't something I've experienced yet. I only need to charge it once every 5-6 days, and a full charge takes 30 mins.

The Cons: The main con is the initial investment, which, depending on the colour you buy, can set you back nearly £500. On top of that, you'll also need to commit to a £6 monthly fee to access all the features on the Oura app. Personally, I think this ought to be included as standard. However, it does mean that any updates or new features will be available to you without having to buy a new Oura Ring.

I should also mention that my ring has become quite scratched, so I'd recommend buying a cover for it and wearing the ring on your non-dominant hand to reduce damage, or removing it for activities like weight-lifting. Lastly, I wish that the ring would pick up workouts like Pilates better; however, it had no trouble identifying other exercises, so I'm willing to see past this.

The Final Verdict: If you're someone who is really into tracking your health and wellness, you'll love the Oura Ring—especially if, like me, you're really nerdy about tracking all your health vitals.

Of course, this type of investment is a nice-to-have purchase, and there's definitely an argument that you don't need a tracker to tell you slept badly when your body knows you've had a bad night's sleep. It's sensible not to obsess over the data too much and stay in tune with your body, but I do feel the Oura Ring has made a positive difference in my health habits.

However, with all the details and insights the Oura Ring has provided me over the past few months, it's become a valuable part of my daily routine and has actively helped me to improve many areas of my health. And for that, I think it's a worthwhile investment.

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How We Tested

I've been wearing my Oura Ring 4 every day for three months, tracking my vitals every single day and overnight to track my sleep. I put the ring to the test through exercise, during restful and stressful days, and during times of illness to see how the ring fared at capturing my health data. I've tested all features of the app and noted how well the ring tracked my sleep, activity, menstrual cycle, stress and other health vitals.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

In 2025, I made it my mission to create healthier habits for myself. From cutting down on sugar to weekly Pilates classes (with some stylish workout clothes, of course) and evening meditations, I noticed a huge difference in how I felt day to day. In fact, I saw such a difference that I've gradually developed a huge interest in the wellness industry. I love speaking to experts and learning about the latest wellness trends, and I'm excited to take this even further in 2026.

The thing is, since immersing myself in the world of wellness, I've quickly realised just how overwhelming it can actually be. In my opinion, feeling good should be simple, but with so much information at our fingertips, not to mention new trends emerging daily, sometimes it can be hard to know where to start.

So, when compiling the biggest wellness trends of 2026 for this feature, I wanted to narrow it down to six things that I actually wanted to incorporate into my day-to-day life. Forget waking up at 5 am for a 10-step morning health regime and overcomplicated skincare routine; below, I've rounded up the expert-approved trends that feel somewhat manageable when leading an already busy life. Of course, these aren't for everyone, but if you want to learn more about what to expect from the wellness industry next year, then keep on scrolling.

The 6 Biggest Wellness Trends of 2026

1. Let's Boogie

Dance workouts were all the rage in the early '00s (my dance mat was my favourite way to get a sweat on back in school), but according to Charlie Ruhrmund, master trainer at London's coolest new workout spot, The Method, dancing is making a big comeback in 2026. "I feel like dance workouts are becoming more popular in 2026 because people are finding joy again," he tells me. "We need to find happiness, especially with the stresses of daily life. People can come in and enjoy a dance workout, completely forgetting everything else that's going on in the world."

Aside from improving your mental well-being, Ruhrmund tells me that this style of working out can positively impact your health in many ways. "Benefits include getting your cardio in, which is essential for heart and lung health. It also benefits cognitive health. With dance cardio, your brain is always switched on, thinking about what the next step is."

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2. Pick-Me-Up Perfumes

Next up, 2026 is the year we'll be turning to the best perfumes that not only smell good, but also make you feel good, too. Last year, in the Boots 2025 Beauty Trends Report, the brand reported that fragrance was becoming a powerful tool for self-care. However, this trend has developed throughout the year, with brands such as Moods launching in the UK, creating scents designed to shift your mindset, boost stress and increase productivity.

In the latter half of the year, Lookfantastic released a new-season trend report, in which Billie Faricy-Hyett, chief buying officer at THG Beauty, outlined how wellness fragrances will continue to be a key trend in 2026. If you've been considering investing in a functional fragrance, now is definitely the time to do so.

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3. Listen to Your Gut

I know what you're thinking: hasn't gut health been big in wellness for a while now? Whilst you're not wrong, it appears that we will all be taking our gut health more seriously in 2026. According to Holland & Barrett's new-year trend report, the global gut-health market is expected to surpass $90 billion by 2030, thanks to increased awareness of the topic. I was keen to speak to the brand to learn more about this and see how I can start caring for my gut more next year.

"We now understand that gut health is one of the key cornerstones of overall wellness," says Alex Glover, global product formulation lead at Holland & Barrett. "2026 is the year we’ll give our bodies balance as we continue to learn and understand how the entire gut microbiome may influence our body, from our brain and mood to our skin."

If you have prolonged gut issues, always speak to your doctor for support to rule out any underlying health conditions. However, if you don't have any potentially concerning symptoms, in terms of caring for your gut in your everyday life, Glover says it's important to eat a balanced diet, focusing on whole foods. "The gut bacteria thrive on variety, through plant foods like vegetables, whole grains and legumes, as well as fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir or kimchi." He also says staying hydrated and prioritising gentle movement, such as daily walks, are great ways to start working towards a healthier gut.

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4. Inner Beauty

What do I mean by inner beauty? Fuelling our bodies with the right nutrients and supplements to help support healthy skin, nails and hair. "We’re seeing huge growth in these categories," says Rachel Garrett, global innovation and future strategy lead at Holland & Barrett. "Online sales of collagen have increased by 32.8% vs. 2024, with almost two million collagen products sold in 2025. That equates to 5302 each day and 220 every hour; a trajectory we’re expecting to continue into 2026 and beyond." In 2025, Boots also reported a 227% increase in searches for marine collagen, with overall collagen sales up by 62%.

According to Garrett, we're now understanding that the skin, hair and scalp are closely connected to what’s happening inside the body. "As supplements and ingestibles become more science-backed and trusted, supporting beauty from the inside out feels less like a trend and more like a smart, everyday approach."

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5. Check It Out

If there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that 2026 will be the year of the check-up. Yep, Holland & Barrett reports that the UK health-check-up market is projected to reach around $4.42 billion (approx £3.27 bn) by 2033. I'm not just talking about any old check-ups, though. With companies like Neko Health offering incredibly advanced, in-depth appointments, we're thinking about health longevity and preventive wellness methods more than ever. Of course, not everyone has hundreds of pounds to blow on a full-body scan, but with access to phone apps and wearable health trackers, it seems we're more aware than ever of what's happening inside our bodies.

"With greater access to health data, wearable technology and personalised insights, people are more aware than ever of how daily habits influence long-term wellbeing," Garrett tells me. "Rising healthcare pressures, longer life expectancy and growing public understanding of chronic disease risk factors have also encouraged individuals to take control earlier, rather than relying on reactive care."

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6. Big on Bodycare

Last but not least, whilst the skincare industry continues to boom, it's bodycare that's set to have a moment in 2026. "More advanced, face-level bodycare is set to be a major 2026 trend, and what we’re seeing now is just the early adoption phase," says Garrett. "Throughout 2026, consumers will increasingly treat the body as an extension of the face. This is a result of rising skin literacy and an understanding that the skin is actually the body’s largest organ, so it needs to be cared for as much, if not more so, than just focusing on our face."

Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd, agrees. "We’ll continue to see face-level innovation applied to the body: polynucleotides, exosomes, NAD+ precursors and bio-fermented peptides designed to optimise skin function and resilience long-term." As Dr Granite tells me, skin longevity will become as relevant for the body as it is for the face.

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It's almost 2026, and a lot of us are quietly deciding it's time for a little end-of-year "rebrand." When it comes to health and wellness, we're not trying to become new people—we just want to feel different. This year, the things we're reaching for are the ones that actually fit into real life: the glowy staples you don't forget to use, the gadgets you don't mind leaving out, and the tiny upgrades that make your day go down easier. We're getting our health back, baby—without turning our whole lives inside out.

We're moving toward small, surprisingly effective things that shift your mood or your energy without much thought. A creatine gummy that tastes good and actually supports your brain and muscles or a meditation headband that gets you centered faster than scrolling Instagram ever will. These are the little things you grab on your way out the door or keep on your nightstand because they actually help.

So if you're plotting your own 2026 refresh, here are the wellness essentials we're genuinely using—and sticking with.

New Year’s Eve in NYC can either be iconic or wildly overstimulating, and this year I’m choosing neither. I’m planning to spend the time in Florida with family and think this might be the first time in a long time I choose to spend the night in. I want to do something low-key, cozy, and completely centered around feeling good—mentally, physically, energetically. If all goes as planned, I'll be treating the night less like a party and more like a reset button. Although an epic party invitation could change everything for me, I'm hoping to set myself up for a night in that will make me want to stick to my plan. Part of this planning, requires curating a tiny assortment of wellness things that will make staying in feel like a luxury, not a compromise.

Surprisingly a lot of people are on the same page this year, instead of sequins and stilettos, a lot of my friends are sharing links to magnesium powders, chic candles, calming teas, and good books. Call me inspired. If your idea of the perfect NYE is soft loungewear, intentional rituals, and waking up on January 1 feeling like the best version of yourself, these are the wellness buys actually worth adding to cart.