Jill Zarin Opens Up About Self-Care, Wellness Routine, and Her Return To Reality TV

Jill Zarin stole the hearts of many when she first appeared on Bravo TV as one of the original cast members on The Real Housewives of New York City. Her wit, charm, and charisma captured audiences, but her perseverance, hard work, and tenacious spirit have kept her ahead of the game.

Photography By: Fadil Berisha

More than a decade after departing from the reality TV franchise, she is still making strides in building her brand and launching several ventures. Perhaps her biggest project to date is doing the inner-self work to live a fulfilled and purposeful life outside the spotlight. Understanding that true success is happiness, peace, and staying mentally and physically fit.

NEW YOU virtually chatted with the RHONY alum to discuss daily self-care practices, skincare regimen, building the Jill & Ally brand with her daughter, and the growing partnership between the dynamic duo.

NEW YOU: What would you consider your secret to happiness?

Jill Zarin: Well, that’s a deep question. My secret to happiness is not being in pain physically or emotionally, and I work hard at that emotionally, making sure that my life is in order. Happiness is also that my family is healthy, and I’m very blessed that my parents are still alive and well. Those are the things that make me happy as well as laughing.

NY: In launching “Jill & Ally” with your daughter, what is your greatest hope for the future of the brand and the growing mother-daughter partnership?

JZ: That’s a really good question. It’s something that we talk about almost every day. I think it’s really important that you set expectations and goals. It’s an evolution. There’s no one answer. But like any brand, I’d love to be a household name in the global picture. We started as a mask company; then we came up with our candles. Not just any candles but crystal manifestation candles because that’s what’s needed in the universe right now.

NY: Do you have any self-care practices?

JZ: Absolutely! I believe you should upkeep your eyebrows, nails, and hair because all of those things are important. That’s self-care, keeping yourself looking good, not just for your husband, but for yourself. I never used to take baths, but it has become a part of my routine to take time out for a bath, turn off the phone, and turn off the lights. While doing so, I will light my manifestation candle. I also make sure I take my OmegaXL every day because if I don’t take care of my body, I don’t feel good.

NY: As an original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York, during Seasons 1-4, how does it feel to know you helped lay the framework and contributed to ushering in the Real Housewives franchise?

JZ: It feels good to help start something. Although, I wish I would have made the money I would make now because we were the pioneers back then. Like in any industry, the people who come after you often benefit, but they can never be an OG. I feel I’m in a very special club. I self-named myself number six because, according to my records, I’m the sixth housewife to have been hired by Bravo.

Even though I haven’t been on the show in many years, I’ve kept myself in the public eye deliberately to help me build my brand and stay relevant when it comes to Housewives and giving my opinion. I’m still a big fan of the franchise. I’m also appearing on Season 2 of The Real Housewives Mashup, which will air late spring-early summer.

NY: NEW YOU is about health and wellness, so what does your skincare and health routines consist of?

JZ:  Funny, you should ask because before Mother’s Day, I’m coming out with my first skincare product, and hopefully, it is my first and not my last. It will be a sunscreen, and we’re still working on all the ingredients. As far as my routine goes, I have to say; I was born with great skin. I don’t know if my routine gave it to me, but I definitely have my mom’s skin.

I usually use a makeup remover again in the morning because sometimes it doesn’t come off at night, and I put on a moisturizer not just on my face but also on my hands. In my family, genetically, our hands get older than our faces. My grandmother had very aged hands and had many birthmarks on them, most likely from the sun damage because most people don’t put sunscreen on their hands. Your hands and your face are out in the world all the time, and the rest of your body is pretty much covered. If there’s one thing you learned today, put sunscreen on your hands because they do age, and you can’t get it back. Once it gets to that point, you can’t unroll it.

NY: What motivates you daily?

JZ:  I would say, 20 years ago, money motivated me, earning that commission check. However, everyone is motivated differently. Some people are motivated with a pat on the back, and I think that’s personally what I like. I like to get that recognition from my family or my partner. I always like to be right, so I love it when someone says, I’m right. Although money used to motivate me, I don’t think that motivates me as much as personal satisfaction and helping others.

NY: Are there any last takeaways you would like to share with us?

JZ: If people can take one thing away after this interview, I would say go to the department store and get your makeup done. There is nothing better than having your makeup done and going home and looking in the mirror at yourself for a good pick me up. Confidence is key. If you don’t look good, you don’t feel good. 

This will close in 0 seconds