Prevention Picks December 2021:15 Editor-Approved Wellness Products – Prevention.com

Share Article

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why trust us?
All the snacks, beauty products, and gear that got us through the month.
At Prevention, we take pride in picking the best products for our readers. Our mission has always been to highlight top-rated, expert-backed selections that truly solve a problem for you, make your day easier, or bring joy to your life.
That’s why we curate Prevention Picks each month, where our editors hand-select products that have genuinely made a difference in their lives. From brand-new launches to tried-and-true favorites, we shout out beauty products worth your money, fitness gear that will elevate your workouts, convenient gadgets for your home, tasty snacks that stand out from the rest, and so much more.
This month, with Christmas and New Year’s right around the corner, we’re taking the time to make sure our gift-giving lists are in tip top shape, while also keeping all of the holiday sales top of mind to find new items for ourselves too. And since winter is in full effect, our editors have also shared all the products that’ll keep you feeling warm and cozy through the colder months.
You’ll find a few everyday essentials, like reusable storage bags and containers (great for the environmentally conscious people on your list), a cult-favorite body milk moisturizer, and running shoes that will keep your feet feeling comfortable on those super chilly early morning runs. We’ve also discovered new favorites that are great for gifting and keeping, including a moisturizing tinted lip oil, healthy cereal that tastes incredible, and a cozy sheet set that is so soft and luxurious. Below, check out our 15 favorite finds and stock up before they sell out!

I love everything about these! They are perfect for replacing single-use zip lock bags for packing up lunches, creating individual snack servings, keeping leftovers, and other random storage needs. The thoughtful design includes a stand-up (flat bottom) feature that is convenient when filling them up, and they can be nested when empty. They are dishwasher, freezer, and microwave-safe, repel food odors and eliminate lid-matching chaos with their easy zip closure. You can buy individual pieces or invest in different sets. And, of course, all of this is SO much better for our planet!
— Sue Kakstys, Assistant Managing Editor
If you’re looking for a “just left the beach” scented moisturizer, this is for you. I love to use this hydrator year-round, especially in the cold when I could really use a vacation—at least mentally. A dollop of this luxe lotion instantly transports you to an island, even if it’s for a minute. Plus, the included coconut oil really soothes dry skin.
— Dori Price, Freelance Beauty Editor
As a longtime competitive runner, I know that any old shoe won’t do when you’re clocking miles. So for my super long-running days or walking-all-over-NYC weekends, I lace up a pair of Altras. These sneakers are made for runners, walkers, and really any active person—they have Goldilocks support, are truly light as a feather, hold up to tons of pavement pounding, and the toe box is specifically constructed to accommodate the natural toe movements and spreading that occurs when you’re out and about on your feet! Plus, they have tons of cute colors and are stylish enough to wear even when you’re not working out.
— Alyssa Jung, Senior Editor
I’ve always loved adding a pop of color to my lips, but the pandemic had me putting away my go-to lipsticks in favor of chapstick (no one likes chapped lips under a mask!). Then I found Merit’s tinted lip oils, and haven’t looked back. Not only are they full of hydrating ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, but they offer up *just* the right amount of color to create the perfect pout. Think of these as a cross between your favorite lip gloss (without the tacky feeling) and lip stain (minus dry lips after wearing). I have these lip oils in five colors, but Sangria (a deep berry hue) might just be my favorite.
— Emily Goldman, Senior Editor
My partner is a low-carb keto-Atkinsish kind of guy, and honestly, he gets excited about low-carb versions of foods that frankly make me feel a little sorry for him. But one day I tried his Catalina Crunch cereal and I was like, oh, wait, okay now! With no artificial ingredients or sweeteners and lots of plant protein and fiber, the fact that it’s low carb seems almost beside the point. It doesn’t have the exact texture of “regular” cereal, but it stays crunchy longer and tastes great. His favorite is the Maple Waffle, whereas I’m all about the fruity flavor. So now we fight over it.
— Stephanie Dolgoff, Deputy Director, Health Newsroom
I have thick curly hair, and when it comes to untangling knots, I cannot live without this handy detangler brush. It has widely spaced flexi-bristles that glide through my hair without breaking or damaging my strands. I also love the super-wide handle, which gives me a comfortable and sturdy grip to hold onto while detangling my hair in the shower. It’s a must-have for anyone with waves, curls, and coils! 
— Shauna Beni, Associate Ecomm Editor
I love that this body exfoliating pad holds an aromatherapy lavender and honey-scented soap inside so that you can slough and cleanse the skin (plus get a little pampering) at the same time. Plus, the jute pad is biodegradable, so it can be composted at the end of its life! 
— April Franzino, Beauty Director 
I recently moved to an island and wanted the perfect zen paradise room decor, so I decided to try the Parachute white linen duvet cover and sheets. And let me tell you that they did not disappoint! The texture is light and breathable, and the delicate white linen color pairs perfectly with my natural wood decor and plants. It seriously feels like I am sleeping in a cloud, and I will never own another pair of sheets!
— Nicol Natale, Freelance Editor
A body lotion, to me, needs to do two things: Smell good and immediately make me forget I applied lotion. Who wants to be greasy for the next hour? This super-hydrating body lotion, which does both with panache, is keeping me afloat right now. Plus, its medicinal-seeming packaging makes me feel vaguely European when I use it—how lovely.
— Jake Smith, Editorial Assistant
I became obsessed with this Instant Pot four years ago, and it remains one of my most useful kitchen must-haves to this day. The moment that converted me–cooking melt-in-your-mouth brisket in just an hour and a half (a recipe that takes eight hours in a slow cooker!). While the Instant Pot is labeled a pressure cooker, it’s more of a magical multicooker: Think tender beef stew, perfectly cooked lentils, warm chicken tagine, creamy risotto, and more. It comes with a number of features, including pot handles, additional settings, and an LCD screen.
— Mica Bahn, Editorial Fellow  
This Fern + Moss diffuser is touted as a go-to for nature lovers, and in every form (room mist, candle, and beyond), it’s made my home smell heavenly. The surprisingly powerful diffuser turned my living room into sage-lavender-spruce heaven, and it’s worth splurging on to treat friends and family for the holidays.
— Allie Early, Digital Director 
With these cauliflower crackers, my son is a little closer to his dream of eating only crackers, all the time, since I feel a lot better handing these over than certain buttery nutrition-free options. Our family loves the Everything Bagel seasoning variety—so tasty!—but the crucial thing here is that nobody is giving up the crunch and flavor of a true cracker in order to get a veggie as the first ingredient.
— Sarah Smith, Editor in Chief  
I found these adorable succulent gift box home gardens and everyone is getting one on my holiday shopping list. I have one sitting on my windowsill and, especially as winter gets closer, it’s been so lovely (and honestly, low maintenance) to have this in my room while I work. They’re the perfect price for a gift (ranging from $28-$62), you can choose from a variety of inclusive holiday-themed packaging, and they are a valuable and thoughtful holiday present for friends and family.
— Arielle Weg, Associate Editor 
As a longtime acne sufferer, I’ve tried my fair share of spot treatments, and most of them either dried out my skin, made a mess on my pillow, or just didn’t work at all. I’ve finally found one that is not only effective but disappears into the skin, leaving behind a moisturized, calmed spot instead of a flaky and inflamed scab. It also helps prevent those pesky post-pop scars. 10/10 would recommend.
— Kayla Blanton, Freelance Writer
These energy bites have so much going for them. Delicious and flavor-packed (the Lemon-Coconut ones are my fave, with Apple Cinnamon a close second), with a short ingredient list (three or four ingredients, all organic), no added sugar, and a nice amount of protein. Cute packaging, too! I also like the company, which prioritizes sourcing from USA farms and is committed to putting the planet first.
— Lisa Bain, Executive Director, Health Newsroom

source

You might also like

Surviving 2nd wave of corona
COVID-19

Surviving The 2nd Wave of Corona

‘This too shall pass away’ this famous Persian adage seems to be defeating us again and again in the case of COVID-19. Despite every effort

@voguewellness