As a beauty devotee, I often get asked what products changed the game for me. And while many makeup and skincare goodies have wowed me, there are a select few that truly made a difference in my routine.

For me, it was finding items that not only made me excited to use but that also significantly changed my skin. These products are essential to my beauty routine and feel more like needs and not wants. If anything, the items I consider game-changers have improved my redness, acne and overall skin appearance.

From a serum to a skincare device to a body scrub, these are the goodies that were total game-changers.

skincare device: CLARISONIC MIA 2 FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH

My mom has been using this since the dawn of time, and I never believed her when she said it was worth it. Well, momma was right! Not only does this make washing my face fuss-free, but it truly deep cleans my skin. And this is weird to say, but I love seeing all of the makeup, gunk and dirt come off from Clarisonic brush. It’s satisfying to see and feel my face squeaky clean.

Body Scrub: GIRL UNDISCOVERED STINT IN THE WILDERNESS BODY SCRUB & MASK

I didn’t think this would be a necessary part of my beauty routine, but I was so wrong. When I was testing a bunch of beauty products for my last job, I randomly took home a body scrub—and it was the best item I ever brought home. I love scrubbing off the dead skin and smoothing out my body, especially my driest areas—the elbows, knees and heels of my feet. However, and most importantly, it’s a much-needed self-care step and it allows me to treat my skin to some extra T.L.C.

Serum: OSEA HYALURONIC SEA SERUM

I didn’t realize how important serum was until I started using it religiously. It’s honestly helped improve my skin, especially when it comes to deep hydration. Not only does this have hyaluronic acid (a holy grail ingredient for people with dry  or dehydrated skin like moi) but it’s an all-natural, vegan and cruelty-free product. Serum is an ingredient that absorbs into your skin, so for me, finding something that’s safe (and effective) for my sensitive skin is essential.

exfoliant: DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L. C. SUKARI BABYFACIAL MASK

Before you shudder at the price tag (trust me, I do too), know that this is like a facial in a bottle—hence its spot-on name. If your pores get clogged like mine do, then you’ll want to add this to cart. I find that this removes dirt, gunk, blackheads and whiteheads from my nose and chin area—my two biggest problem areas. My skin always feels fresh, renewed and rejuvenated after I use it. While it does tingle and leave a bit of redness after application, my skin feels baby smooth and it’s free of the nasties around my nose and chin.

*I recently learned The Ordinary’s Peeling Solution is a good dupe for the BabyFacial, which I plan to try. So I’ll def report back.

face mist: CAUDALIE BEAUTY ELIXIR

Y’all know me and my face mists. In fact, many of my recent articles include a face mist. And while I have a few faves (from Tatcha, Mazz Hannah and Mario Badescu), the Beauty Elixir makes me feel some type of way. Aside from its glamorous packaging, the product itself is soothing, refreshing and hydrating. Plus, I find that it’s not messy and it sprays softly, unlike others that feel aggressive or get all over the place.

eye cream: OLE HENRIKSEN BANANA BRIGHT EYE CREAM

I used to not believe in eye cream. I thought it was a waste of time and money. However, after using the Ole Henriksen product, I have since zipped my lips. This instantly brightens my eye area, smooths out my fine lines and improves discoloration. I put it on every morning, right before makeup and I can tell a difference in my under-eye area. I look more awake and refreshed.