Back to School Awards 2017: The Best Health and Wellness Products

Meet the winners of Teen Vogue’s 2017 Back to School Awards.

June 1, 2017

This year for our second annual Back to School Awards, we wanted to make sure you were totally covered — from head to toe, floor to ceiling, and just about everywhere in between. (And, oh yes, we mean everywhere…our Wellness list covers off on just about everything.) Looking for a backpack? We got you. Looking for a cheaper backpack? We got that, too. And what about dorm décor that will be as stylish as your latest ‘fit? We’ve got it all. Flip through to see the products our editors chose as the official winners of Teen Vogue’s 2017 Back to School Awards, and get a headstart on your shopping like a good student.

1/43
Best Medicine Ball
These are not your mother's medicine balls — they have been updated with hyper-sporty styles in a variety of colors and weights, so that you can round out your collection. The rubber surface guarantees a sure grip.
Cap Barbell Medicine Ball, $10.78-$71. amazon.com
2/43
Best Resistance Band Set
Resistance band workouts are great because you can take them anywhere and do them anywhere, and they're easily stored wherever you have room. This set is great because it comes with a chart of exercises.
Black Mountain Products Resistance Band Set, $23.79. amazon.com

Annie Shen
3/43
Best Kettle Bell
These cast iron kettlebells are perfect for working out your hamstrings, glutes, and core like a pro. Plus, the seamless design is easy on the hands.
CAP Barbell Cast Iron Competition Weight Kettlebell, $14.56-$132.60. amazon.com
4/43
Best Value Free Weights
Sometimes it's just easier and more pleasant to work out from the comfort of your own room. These free weights can be displayed neatly in their rack and brought out whenever you want to tone — and they cost less than a gym membership.
Tone Fitness 20 lb. Dumbbell Set with Rack, $19.99. walmart.com

5/43
Best Splurge Free Weights
These dumbbells are adjustable between 3 and 21 pounds per hand, ensuring that these free weights are all you'll need to tone to the max.
PowerBlock Sport 24, Set of 2, $149. powerblock.com
6/43
Best Yoga Mat
We get it: College is stressful. Doing yoga (in your dorm room, school gym, or on the quad) can help, but only with the proper tools. Gaiam's reversible mat promises a successful downward dog no matter the setting.
Gaiam 2-Color Yoga Mat 5mm, $29.98. gaiam.com

7/43
Best Yoga Mat Cleaner
If you've ever done yoga, you know you're gonna get sweaty, even if you're not doing Bikram. Combine that with carting your mat from class to the gym to your dorm, and that mat is going to be dirty. These Dragonfly Yoga Cleaner Wipes will keep your mat fresh from Sun Salutation to Savasana and beyond.
Dragonfly Yoga Mat Cleaner, $40. dfyoga.com
Courtesy of BKR
8/43
Best Water Bottle
If you've ever wished you could go through an entire workout without having to refill your water bottle, finally there is an answer. The 1-liter glass bottle from BKR wil not only become your favorite gym accessory, but it comes in enough shades of pastel to suit anyone.
BKR 1L Glass Water Bottle, $45. neimanmarcus.com

9/43
Best Fitness Subscription App
If you haven't jumped on the Kayla Itsines bandwagon yet, what are you doing? You can access her top-notch training through the SWEAT app, which offers easy, 28-minute workouts that you can fit in between classes to get to your strongest self. (And if you're paying for a subscription, that means you'll do it, right?)
SWEAT, $19.99/month. sweat.com
10/43
Best Healthy Snack
For a healthy snack Barnana's Peanut Butter Bites are a great source of natural protein and potassium. (Not to mention, they're delicious!) Plus, company is committed to reducing food waste by "upcycling" imperfect bananas that would otherwise be thrown out on their way to the grocery store.
Barnana Organic Peanut Butter Chewy Banana Bites, $14.99 for a pack of 3. barnana.com

11/43
Best Value Humidifier
Shaped like the very drops it sprays into the air, this humidifier is the cutest way to spruce up your room while also making your air more breathable when it's dry. It's antimicrobial and holds a gallon of water, making it easy to set and forget over night. At less than $50, it's a solid investment for a good night's sleep.
Crane Drop Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier, $44.99. amazon.com
12/43
Best Splurge Humidifier
This all-black cube is an extremely quiet — but high-performing — humidifer. It has an off timer, a night mode with dimmed lights, and a mist diffuser. It's chic, minimal, and goth all in one.
Stadler Form Oskar Humidifier, $149.99. amazon.com

Courtesy of Holmes
13/43
Best Value Air Purifier
An air purifier is a must-have in an old, musty dorm. This egg-shaped model by Holmes is a wallet-friendly option that can remove up to 99% of airborne pollutants, and is ideal for smaller spaces.
Holmes HAP600-U HEPA-Type Egg Air Purifier, $78.99. amazon.com
14/43
Best Splurge Air Purifier
Dyson's air-spinning technology is unparalleled by any brand. They are the top of the line in vacuums, hair dryers, and air purifiers, too. This model will remove 99.7% of allergens from your space and cool it down to boot.
Dyson Air Purifier and Fan, $499.99. dyson.com

15/43
Best Aromatherapy Device
It's no secret that dorm rooms get STINKY. Ditch the chemical air fresheners and opt for an essential oil diffuser; your room will freshen up while you reap the aromatherapeutic benefits of whatever oils suit your fancy. The automatic shut-off feature means you won't have to stress about turning it off, either.
Viva Naturals Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser, $19.99. amazon.com
16/43
Best SAD Lamp
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a hugely common mood disorder that affects almost 3 million Americans a year. One of the most effective treatments against it is light therapy, using lamps that mimic the sun's rays. The aptly named Happylight is a student-friendly solution to SAD, or it could help get your sleep cycles in check during those dark winter months.
Verilux HappyLight Liberty 10K LUX Light Therapy Energy Lamp, $97.95. amazon.com

17/43
Best Essential Oils
Different essential oils are therapeutic for different reasons. Lavender soothes stress while tea tree is antibacterial; peppermint calms an upset stomach while rosemary enhances memory. Having a full set is not only a good value, but ensures you'll have whichever oil you need for whatever might be ailing you.
Plant Guru Ultimate Essential Oil Variety Set, $99.99. theplantguru.com
18/43
Best Menstrual Cup
If you're bothered by how much waste using tampons creates, or want to be more in control of what's inside your intimate parts, then a medical-grade silicone menstrual cup might be for you. Lilycup's innovative, spill-proof design even comes in millennial pink. Insertion may take some getting used to, but once you master that, it feels like you're wearing nothing at all.
INTIMINA Lily Cup A, $39.95. amazon.com

19/43
Best Value Eco-Friendly Pads
Your overnight protection just got turned up a notch. These reusable (yes, reusable) pads and inserts snap around your underwear, eliminating the annoying adhesives that conventional pads use. They're fully machine-washable and dryable, and come in tons of fun patterns and colors.
Lunapads Maxipad and Insert, $16.99. lunapads.com
20/43
Best Value Cotton Pads
One common critique of traditional menstrual management products is that there's no way to tell what's actually in them. Veeda's 100% cotton pads eliminate that question by putting it right on the label. You'll never find pesticides, rayon, or dyes and fragrances in these all-natural pads, which are ultra-thin for comfort, too.
Veeda UltraThin Pads, $25.05. veedausa.com

21/43
Best Value Organic Tampons
If you're concerned about what you're putting in your body, but still want the coverage you know and love, you can't go wrong with organic tampons. That's why we love L.'s line of ethical AND hypoallergenic tampons. Their cute packaging will make tampons the new "it" desk accessory. Plus, every L. purchase is matched with product distribution to women in need.
L Organic Cotton Regular Compact Tampons, $6.99. target.com
22/43
Best Value Tampons
The OG period manager, U. by Kotex is the top of the line when it comes to tampons. With its sleek plastic applicator and easily rippable wrapping (i.e., super quiet), it's no wonder this brand stays at the top of the tampon game.
Kotex U by Kotex, $9.79. walgreens.com

23/43
Best Heating Pad For Cramps
A heating pad is an indispensable part of college life; you'll use it for cramps or just when it's too dang cold out. This version from Sunbeam is all you need for straight up heat relief.
Sunbeam 756-500 Heating Pad with UltraHeatTechnology, $14.99. amazon.com
24/43
Best Period Subscription Box
The last thing you want to do between classes is run to your campus store and buy whatever generic tampons they stock these days. Sign up for Bonjour Jolie, and you'll get not only a monthly supply of name-brand period management products, but also snacks, Advil, bath products, and a unique gift.
Bonjour Jolie Full Box, prices vary by subscription plan. bonjourjolie.com

25/43
Best Feminine Hygiene Wipes
Sex is fun, but it sure is messy. These wipes will be there for you when you're finished, but can't hightail it to a shower. They're also formulated not to mess with your vaginal pH, keeping things happy until your next sex-pedition.
Sustain PostPlay Wipes, $10.99. sustainnatural.com
26/43
Best Probiotic Supplement
By now we're all aware of how important it is to take care of our gut-biome, but our vaginas have their own bacterial ecosystem that needs love, too. RepHresh's probiotic balances out the amounts of yeast and bacteria present to make or keep your vagina happy.
RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Feminine Supplement, $17.47. amazon.com

27/43
Best Value Personal Massager
Personal massagers are one of the best ways to let off steam with zero risk of STIs. This one is waterproof with easily adjustable vibration frequency, and it's available on Amazon.
Loveryoyo Mini Bullet Shape Waterproof Multispeed Pocketable Vibration, $8.69. amazon.com
28/43
Best Splurge Personal Massager
This clitoral vibrator is so good there's a wait list for it. The harder you squeeze it, the stronger the vibrations get, so it's a great workout for both your hand and pelvic muscles.
Minna Life Limon, $119. minalife.com

29/43
Best Value Water-Based Lubricant
There's a reason this product is the No. 1 best-selling lube on Amazon. It stays wet for a very long time without getting sticky, cleans up easily, and is great for use with or without condoms. (Remember, only use water-based lubricants with latex condoms, or else they may break!)
Shibari Personal Lubricant, $9.54. amazon.com
30/43
Best Value Silicone-Based Lubricant
This silicone-based lubricant is the best for a long-lasting, silky-smooth sensation for solo time or with a partner. This lube does not need to be reapplied as often as the other silicone-based products we tested. (This product should not be used with silicone toys.)
Pjur Basic Silicone Personal Lubricant, $10.99. walgreens.com

31/43
Best Value Latex Condom
The newest condom from Trojan stands out from any other condom we tested for one reason: the smell. To be more specific, there is no rubber smell. While any condom is better than no condom, if we wanted to improve the condom experience across the board, XOXO does it.
Trojan XOXO Thin Softouch Lubricated Latex Condoms, $7.57. amazon.com
32/43
Best Value Non-Latex Condom
Condoms are the gold standard when it comes to protecting yourself against both pregnancy and STIs, but some people have sensitivities to latex (and not the good kind). Enter Skyn: Made with an ultra-thin proprietary material that's as strong as latex, this is one great alternative to latex condoms that will have you and your partner feeling great.
LifeStyles Skyn Premium Polyisoprene Non-Latex Lubricated Condoms, $24.99. walgreens.com

33/43
Best Natural Sleep Aid
Is there anything dreamier than a supplement that will actually help you sleep? Moon Juice's Dream Dust is great for calming an uneasy mind, no matter what you're stressed about. With chamomile, schisandra, and zizyphus, this sleep aid goes great in tea, milk, smoothies, or even just water.
Moon Juice Dream Dust, $30. moonjuice.com
34/43
Best Feminine Hygiene Wash
Water is usually enough to clean your vagina after a normal day, but some people, whether they have their period or just worked out a bunch (or both!), prefer something a little more high key. Good Clean Love's personal wash will cleanse and refresh your parts without messing with your vaginal pH, which can cause itchiness or full-blown yeast infections.
Good Clean Love Bio-Match Balance Moisturizing Personal Wash, $15.59. target.com

35/43
Best Weighted Blanket
You know when you're getting an X-ray at the dentist, and they put the lead blanket on you, and a wave of calm washes over you and everything's right in the world? This blanket does that but in soft chenille, so it fits right in in your dorm room. No cavities involved.
The Magic Blanket in Pink Chenille, $109. magicweightedblanket.com
Courtesy of KnixTeen
36/43
Best Period Underwear

37/43
Best Healthy Drink
There's a reason LaCroix is social media's favorite drink. With flavors as varied as grapefruit and cola essence, and no calories, carbs, or sugar, this sparkling water is a fun and refreshing way to stay hydrated. (And it's pronounced la-CROY, btw.)
LaCroix Sparkling Water, $6.99. amazon.com
38/43
Best Energy Drink
Cold brew concentrate is an amazing dorm staple because you can dress it up every which way. Mix it with hot water for an at-home Americano, or serve it over ice with milk for a strong iced coffee. We like Chameleon because it's the first fair trade and organic cold brew coffee company in the United States.
Chameleon Cold Brew Black Coffee Concentrate, $36 for a 3-pack. chameleoncoldbrew.com

39/43
Best Sex Ed Book
You might be thinking you don't need a sex ed book, but this graphic novel covers way more than just the birds and the bees. You'll find illustrated guides to talking about consent, relationships, beginnings, and endings, in a way that challenges heteronormative standards about getting down.
Not Your Mother's Meatloaf: A Sex Education Comic Book, by Saiya Miller and Liza Bley, $15.32. amazon.com
40/43
Best Coloring Book For Anxiety
Adult coloring books are THE thing if you're looking to get your mind off pretty much anything. This one just happens to be a New York Times bestseller and features hidden objects and puzzles. Enchanting, isn't it?
Enchanted Forest, by Johanna Basford, $11.66. Amazon.com

41/43
Best First Aid Kit
With limited space in a dorm room, it's important to make sure your first aid necessities are displayable. The Best Made First Aid Kit contains everything you might need to patch up minor scrapes — in packaging that looks great wherever you may need it.
Best Made Company Small Metal First Aid Kit, $58. bestmadeco.com
Courtesy of RepHresh
42/43
Best Probiotic Supplement
By now we're all aware of how important it is to take care of our gut-biome, but our vaginas have their own bacterial ecosystem that needs love, too. RepHresh's probiotic balances out the amounts of yeast and bacteria present to make or keep your vagina happy.
RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Feminine Supplement, $17.47. amazon.com