8 Wellness Essentials to Add to Your Routine, According to the Apothékary Founder

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Published on Feb 10, 2026 at 2:50 PM

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The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to Apothékary's founder and CEO Shizu Okusa, who shares her top wellness product recommendations here.

Shizu Okusa's career started like most corporate power players, working around the clock in "high-performance environments like finance at Goldman Sachs and the World Bank," she tells Popsugar. In that frenzied environment, her desire to dive deeper into the wellness space began to take shape. "I was constantly searching for ways to stay energized and sleep better while living behind a desk."

Hers is a challenge many can relate to — but her solution couldn't be more distinct: she's less concerned with chasing the next wellness craze and more with returning to nature and tradition. "My [Japanese] upbringing taught me that wellness doesn't need to be loud," she says. "It's often about minimalism, consistency, respect for nature, and letting the product speak for itself."

Her wellness brand, Apothékary — beloved by our editors for its bestselling wine replacement — is rooted in that very ethos. "We aren't looking for 'hacks.' We are building intentional rituals that honor nature's pace. My purpose is to bridge that Eastern sense of longevity with the Western need for efficiency, creating a brand where ancient wisdom meets modern science."

My [Japanese] upbringing taught me that wellness doesn't need to be loud. It's often about minimalism, consistency, respect for nature, and letting the product speak for itself.

Okusa practices what she preaches, turning to age-old wellness practices when it's time for her to unwind: sleep, movement, and joy. "I recharge by disconnecting from my phone and reconnecting with my body," she shares. "If I'm anxious, movement is my fastest reset. Movement reminds my nervous system that I'm safe and that I can take action." She also appreciates a good, warm bath when she's experiencing a creative block. "If I need more creative, flowing energy, you will often find me in the bath — or in Japan, we call 'onsen.'"

Much like downtime in the bath, Okusa views sleep as an essential part of her routine. "I'm very protective of sleep. I try to be in bed by 10 PM, because nothing good happens between 10 and midnight — it's usually just scrolling, overstimulation, and not actually resting."

She finds it equally important to balance rest with play. "[Self care] is not only discipline and routines," she explains, "it's also play. Joy, laughter, and being fully present with people I love. The more I protect that, the more grounded and motivated I feel."

Keep scrolling for Okusa's health, beauty, and wellness essentials — and more advice for embracing a wellness routine you can actually stick to.

Ouai Lightweight Hair Oil for Frizz Control ($32)

Okusa's post-exercise routine involves top-notch hair-care products. "I use this to smooth out my hair post workout, and it's a lifesaver for any frizz," she explains. "I love how it makes my hair shine without making everything feel greasy or weighed down."

Apothékary Blue Burn Metabolic & Weight Support Tincture ($39)

If you're struggling with low energy, sugar cravings, or high cortisol levels, Apothékary's Blue Burn tincture is a great place to start. "I use Blue Burn every day," says Okusa. "It's perfect if you're looking to support your metabolism, manage your cravings, and feel more balanced before or after your workouts."

Apothékary Wine Down Relaxation Support Tincture ($39)

"Wine Down" comes highly recommended from Okusa and our editors for its ability to soothe stress and foster relaxation. "Swap your evening glass of red for this herbal alternative designed to ease tension and promote a restful night's sleep," advises Okusa. "Formulated with California Poppy and L-theanine, it's the ultimate nightcap." Our former editor raved about the nightcap in her Apothékary Wine Down Relaxation Support Tincture review.

Editor Quote: "After a few sips of my tincture-infused drink, I found myself noticeably calmer, more relaxed, and (despite my night-owl tendencies) ready for bed at an earlier hour. While it doesn't pack quite the same punch as a full glass of Sauvignon Blanc, it does help ease me into a more tempered state without any toxic, alcoholic ingredients — and best of all, without the usual drowsiness that follows. I'd compare it to a magnesium drink or even melatonin gummies, but with a rich flavoring that makes you forget you're taking a stress-reducing supplement at all. I love that it offers a failsafe way for me to take the edge off in the evenings — no vino necessary." — Kyley Warren, former assistant shopping editor

Solidcore Class ($43)

Okusa considers movement an integral part of her wellness routine, and Solidcore is her class of choice. "I'm in and out of classes several times a week — just hit 2,300 classes — because it keeps me energized and in tune with my body," she shares. "I also recently beat my own record with 20 classes during the 'Solidays' challenge."

Solidcore is a low-impact, high-intensity workout class that focuses on building muscle while putting minimal stress on your joints. It's available in single classes, class packs, and monthly memberships.

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil ($52)

This editor-loved, seaweed-infused body oil hydrates the skin and adds radiance. Okusa refers to it as a wellness treatment in a bottle. "I love the calming scent and the ritual of slathering it on every day is like a comforting massage," she says. Our editor shared why the Victoria Beckham-loved product is worth the hype in her Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil review.

Editor Quote: "The hydration is long lasting, and I notice that my skin feels moisturized throughout the entire day without the need for reapplication. Plus, the scent — which is beyond words — lasts for hours. It's a mix of lime and grapefruit, and it's an absolute citrus dream. I always get tons of compliments on how I smell whenever I wear it, even if I forget to spritz on perfume before leaving the house." — Renee Rodriguez, senior staff writer and social video producer

Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream Line-Plumping Moisturizer ($72)

Okusa considers Tatcha's famous moisturizer the hero product in her skin-care routine. "I swear by Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream," she says. "It gives you that 'just had a facial' glow instantly and feels incredibly luxe without being heavy." With a formula that includes hyaluronic acid, the skin cream gives your skin a natural glow while hydrating and reducing fine lines.

Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.

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