Melody Acevedo didn’t set out to become a beauty influencer when she started making videos on YouTube about transitioning from straight to curly hair. However, her natural hair journey resonated with thousands of viewers and when she launched her Instagram page her fans followed. “I was sharing my beauty tips and also my struggles, and it just blew up,” she says. “After that paid opportunities came my way and I was like wait, I can get paid for this?” Since then she’s worked with brands like Primark, Marc Jacobs, Pantene, Garnier, and BaubleBar.

Recently the Bronx-based creative who hails from the Dominican Republic, relaunched her site Melody’s Life where she shares her favorite outfits and products, making it easy for her readers to follow her moves around NYC and shop everything she posts. Always fresh-faced with perfectly bouncy curls, I wanted to get the lowdown on her absolute favorite beauty products — here are her top eight picks.

1. Clinique Take The Day Off
I always struggled with removing my makeup — makeup wipes never did the job, and they would always itch or hurt my eyes. This product is a balm, you blend it in your fingers and it takes everything off. A little goes a long way and if you get the big one it lasts forever.

2. La Mer Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream
I went to a La Mer panel recently and they were showing us how to use their skin gels. I took one of them home and it made my skin smooth like a canvas. There’s a whole science behind it and I’ve never experienced a product like this! The ingredients are amazing — it’s very expensive but worth it.

3. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
In the mornings I often wake up with dry lips so I put this on the night before. I wake up with super soft lips. I can’t go to sleep without this, it’s my favorite lip product.

4. Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation
I’m always asked what foundation I use, and even though I switch it up sometimes this one is my go-to. If you’re on camera this foundation is truly wow and lasts all day. It makes your skin flawless and it’s been my favorite for years.

5. Ofra Cosmetics NIKKIETUTORIALS Glow Goals Highlighter
This highlighter really complements my skin — it’s perfect for my skin tone because not all highlighters work with my complexion.

6. NYX Professional Makeup Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray
I use this year-round but especially during summer because it gives me glowy skin. I spray it three times and my skin looks so glowy without any additional creams. It’s also super small so you can travel with it.

7. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner
For my curly hair, I’ve tried so many products but this one is cheap and really does the job. I also use it as a leave-in which I know you’re not supposed to do but it works with my hair. This conditioner also smells really great.

8. Pink Fresh & Clean Body Mist
This is my signature scent. I always get compliments because it smells so fresh and clean. I’ve been wearing this for years. It’s airy but also flowery and sweet — perfect for every day, and it doesn’t bother anyone because it’s really soft.