I’ve been on a shopping pause — but that officially ended a few weeks ago. During the winter time, I don’t always feel the need to completely refresh my assortment of clothes, beauty, and home goods, but as spring gets closer, I’m simply not immune to that spring cleaning bug. I was bitten by it a few weeks ago, which meant I re-organized my entire apartment, cleaned out my closet (out with the old, in with the new!), and invested in some new staples ahead of the new season that have majorly leveled-up my life. 

With my wedding coming up in July, I have been trying to live healthier and make sure I feel my best, which means investing in skin and hair care that’ll have me looking glowy on my big day. I’ve been testing out a few new shampoos, but none have been left utterly speechless by one particular buy, for the simple fact that it makes me look like I have twice the amount of hair. (More on that later.) I’ve also placed more focus on scalp health, finally testing out one viral beauty buy that’s sprouting new hair growth with consistent use. 

Comfy shoes and butt-flattering pants have also been added into the mix, so read on below to see the five new things I tried this season that have been total game changers. I’m certain they’ll majorly level-up your life, too.  Bonus: Some things are marked down during Amazon's Big Spring sale.

5 Things That Leveled-Up My Life

Biolage Volume Bloom Shampoo

When I say I found my perfect shampoo, I mean it. I’ve been on the hunt for a lightweight but volume-boosting rinse that doesn’t leave my fine, thin hair in a tangle, and this Biolage Volume Bloom does all that and more. I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and every time, I’m impressed with the scent, the gentleness of the lather, and the way it allows my hair to air dry with boost at the roots and shine along the strands.

Hudson Rosie High-Rise Wide-Leg Ankle

I am a die-hard jean fan, which means I’ve tried a slew of trusty denim brands. So, you can trust me (an expert) when I say that very few beat Hudson’s blues. I own wide-legs from the brand! I own cargos! And most recently, I’ve added these leather-like ankle pants to my rotation. They look so cool thanks to the coated design, but are incredibly comfy, which you probably wouldn’t think at first sight. I’ve worn them with sneakers and boots, but come warmer weather, I’ll be styling these babies with Mary Janes and ballet flats. 

True Botanicals Chebula Active Serum

True Botanicals can simply do no wrong, and after testing most of the brand’s offerings for many months, I can confidently say the Chebula Active Serum, packed with game changing chebula,  is a standout.  It makes my skin look smoother and younger overnight; in fact, whenever I lather it on, my skin drinks it up, which also means it’s probably super dehydrated, but this skincare buy fixes that. And, with my wedding just a few months away, I will regularly be using this to ensure my skin looks plump, hydrated, firm, and radiant.

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Walking Shoe

Comfy sneakers are my M.O. If you catch me walking around NYC, more often than not, I’ll be wearing sneakers. That said, I like to wear “elevated” kicks that I can pair with my pleated skirts just as easily as with my cropped jeans, which means I’m picky about the silhouette of said footwear. Reebok’s iconic Club C 85 style fit the bill; it’s comfy, which is obviously a must-have when it comes to sneakers, but they also have a sleek silhouette that’s versatile, and a bit of a retro flair, which adds some character to the simple white kicks. I wear them nonstop, and I’m buying my family the style while it’s majorly on sale. 

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil

I’m currently oiling as a type this; lathering my hair in this buzzy growth-enhancing rosemary oil has become a bi-weekly tradition, and since using it, I’ve noticed my hair has looked healthier, not to mention all my baby hairs along my hairline have actually gotten longer. These hairs sometimes need a bit of extra support to grow past a certain stage, and this viral Mielle oil has been the missing ingredient, literally, in getting my baby hairs to grow long and strong. I’m buying a new bottle while it’s on sale.