I'm a Mindful-Movement Expert—20 Beauty and Wellness Items I Use Regularly

Melissa Wood: Favorite Beauty Products

Photo:

Original illustration by Ally Quirk

The Lineup is a monthly series where we're giving you an inside peek at the beauty lineups of cool fashion people, editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, and estheticians—all the people we trust the most. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at all the can't-live-without products that make their worlds go round.

I was first introduced to Melissa Wood-Tepperberg and her wellness platform MWH (Melissa Wood Health) when I was trying to find the best at-home guided workouts. I loved the way she incorporated mindfulness into every movement. It was a refreshing change from other health and wellness sites, where I felt the emphasis was on aesthetics over anything else. I signed up for a free trial, and the rest is history. Ever since, her videos and lifestyle content inspire me to care for myself in a conscious, holistic way—redefining "self-care" to mean something more profound than throwing on a sheet mask or taking a bath. As a result, my daily routine is more pleasurable, and I feel more vibrant. 

"The mission of MWH is to make mindful movement accessible and attainable for all," Wood-Tepperberg says. "That has truly been my goal since day one. This practice changed my life, and hearing from so many members how it has changed theirs is my 'why.' MWH now has more to offer than ever before, including workouts, meditations, nutrition, and lifestyle, and we are just getting started. … I will continue to make it the best it can be so that members continuously come to feel like their best selves."

While Wood-Tepperberg is best known for being a health and wellness expert, she's also a beauty enthusiast and an eager one at that. She says beauty and wellness coalesce, "merging as one" in the business she built. "I have always loved doing my own hair and makeup," she says. "When I first moved to NYC, I worked at the Chanel counter at Bloomingdale's and learned so much during this time. … My wellness journey has also evolved my beauty, in that I know if I am not taking care of myself on the inside, [then] it's going to show on the outside. This core understanding really changed my whole mindset and approach to how I go about each day, including my movement and meditation practice." 

Wood-Tepperberg's wellness routine is even inextricably linked to her skincare routine. "I have been very open about struggling with cystic acne for years," she says. "I had a horrible relationship with myself and was not in a good place. Meditation truly saved me. For the first time, through my practice, I learned to love myself from the inside out and saw a real shift—physically and, most importantly, mentally." Ahead, see the 20 beauty and wellness products that make her feel her very best. 

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg's Wellness Essentials

"I am all about dry brushing. … You will feel such a difference by incorporating this technique into your routine. I'll do this before I get in the shower, as it's recommended to do on dry skin—we have a full breakdown here."

"I like to use this tool after I get out of the shower. I apply body oil all over before I begin to help the paddle glide easier. Don't be afraid to apply some pressure when doing this—it really helps! I share some techniques here." 

"The best thing you can do for your gut. Use code MWHEALTH for 15% off." 

"I am dedicated to my gua sha and have no shame in my 'get it in when I can' game. Always make sure to use something like Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum ($195) or Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil ($225) as a base before applying the tool to your face." 

Aside from colonics, lymphatic drainage massages, and facials at JTAV Clinical Skincare, Wood-Tepperberg says she would splurge on this infrared sauna blanket, which increases the body's thermal energy to promote increased blood flow and relaxation. 

This Prop Kit, developed by Wood-Tepperberg, is the perfect companion to MWH videos. It includes a resistance band, a ball, two one-pound ankle and/or wrist weights, and a chic carrying case to store them in.

Melissa Wood-Tepperberg's Skincare, Hair, and Makeup Essentials

"I love using this product, especially if I had makeup on the night before to make sure I am starting the day with a clean face."

"These sheet masks are great for an instant lift for your skin. … I always rub in the excess from the mask to lock in as much moisture as possible."

When it comes to moisturizer, Wood-Tepperberg alternates between a few different favorites. First, there's this one, which includes niacinamide, ceramides, caffeine, resveratrol, and peptides. 

Then there's this one, which uses adaptogens like ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms to soothe sensitive skin. 

With uplifting citrus essences, including neroli and sweet orange, this cream is just as uplifting as it is moisturizing. 

Last but not least, Wood-Tepperberg counts this as one of her favorite moisturizers. It uses turmeric to tackle dullness and hyperpigmentation. 

Another beauty product Wood-Tepperberg loves, this lip liner comes in four different shades. 

This face/eye serum is formulated to lift the skin while keeping puffiness at bay. 

With a whole host of nutrient-dense ingredients, this scalp serum removes buildup, stimulates circulation, and moisturizes dry skin. 

Wood-Tepperberg likes this multi-stick, which can be used as a highlighter, blush, or even lip tint. 

This brow gel holds brow hairs in place, giving them a slightly glossy finish. 

This refillable lipstick provides rich color and hydration thanks to jojoba, beeswax, and sweet almond oil. 

This tinted moisturizer provides SPF 35 with sheer, dewy coverage for a natural-looking complexion. 

Convenient and effective, these peel pads exfoliate the skin, brighten discoloration, and even increase the absorption of other skincare products.