Beauty products have many uses. Sure, they can help do particular jobs that you need fulfilling, or take you from A to B in a routine—but there’s so much more to loving beauty. Any true beauty lover knows that there’s a bizarre emotional aspect to certain items in their arsenal. These are the products that can turn a bad day into a good one and make users feel like everything’s going to be okay. Not convinced? Read on.

There’s nothing that can calm ragged spirits quite like a bath. Honestly, it’s like the cheapest form of therapy. And to take your bath to the next level, there’s nothing like a fancy oil. Aromatherapy Associates is a fantastic brand overall, and their Support Breathe Bath & Shower Oil is absolutely perfect. It’s herbal, minty, and truly calming in times of need. Taking a few minutes to stew in a bath that smells like a spa is literally never a bad idea.

I truly believe scent is one of the biggest emotional indicators, and finding one that reminds you of happy times can be a constant mood-booster. In that line of thinking, I’m always partial to the Herbal Essences original scents. They never fail to offer me childhood nostalgia. Plus, they’re surprisingly effective at producing clean, soft, and shiny hair—especially considering their affordable price tags.

Another scent-based wonder is the Lush Sleepy Body Lotion. This smells so good that I actually want to eat it with a spoon. I never do, though, as it would probably be a waste of how amazingly soft and hydrated it leaves my skin. If you want to smell like a freshly-baked lavender cupcake, look no further.

Skin care often gets a reputation for being a serious pursuit. But in many ways, fun and skin care go hand in hand. Nowhere is this more apparent than in a face mask. They’re pretty weird when you think about it, but they also act as a virtual “do not disturb” sign for your face, giving you a few minutes respite from the stresses of the world. 

Two of my favorites for this purpose are the Rodial Glamoxy Snake Peeling Mask and the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Tencel Sheet Mask. The former dries into a springy, peel-off formula which feels as cathartic as it sounds; the latter effectively plumps, soothes, and hydrates skin, while simultaneously making you look like an ax-murderer. Cute!

After masking, it’s important to add in some hydratio—and another undeniable mood booster is the Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum. This is seriously the facial oil—and sure, it has the price tag to match. But if you really want to treat yourself, look no further. What’s particularly excellent about this product is that there’s nothing it can’t do. Whatever your skin concern, a few drops of this will always leave you looking better.

In terms of mood-boosting makeup, it’s really all about color and shine. Making makeup fun is the aim. To that end, there’s nothing that sparks quite so much joy as the Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow Palette. It’s eight pans of highly glittery, brightly colored shine. When smudged over the eyelids, it gives an instant happy feel to any makeup look. 

In a similar vein are the Glossier Play Glitter Gelées. They’re the very best in terms of totally impractical, completely unnatural-looking, undeniably beautiful makeup products. These large glitter particles, suspended in a clear, weightless jelly, are the most fun to play with. I favor the shade “Phantasm,” which is essentially a blend of all the colors of the rainbow.

Another product which is just great fun is the Lipstick Queen Lipstick in “Frog Prince.” Why? Because it looks green, but applies pink. Now, try and tell me that doesn’t appeal to your inner child. It’s also a great conversation starter—speaking from experience.

There’s another type of lip product which can instantly give you a mood boost, though. I’m talking the super-luxe. The kind of lipstick which makes you feel like an It Girl as you apply. For me, this is the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in “Walk of Shame.” Everything about it just feels rich—from the heavy rose-gold packaging, to the perfectly cut bullet, to the stunning, suits-everyone shade.

If you want something undeniably fun, there’s nothing better than super sheeny highlight. Sure, a natural glow is nice, but nothing says pure joy quite like spotting a cheekbone gleaming from across a room. If this appeals to you, just buy the Colourpop Super Shock Cheek in “Flexitarian.” It’s the best intense highlighter on the market—I promise. And speaking of catching someone’s eye from across a room, did someone say hair glitter? The IGK Pre Party Glitter Spray is one of the happiest beauty buys out there. All it does is infuse your hair with shimmering particles!

Another beauty-based way to infuse your life with joy is a cheery nail color. The OPI Nail Lacquer in “Did It On ‘Em” fits this bill perfectly. It’s a bright yet muted chartreuse. Honestly? When wearing this, it’s hard to look at your nails without breaking out in a smile.

For me, perfume is one of the best mood boosters around, and I have a few standbys which can reliably lift my spirits no matter what. The Lavanila Healthy Fragrance in “Pure Vanilla” smells like delicious cake, and makes you feel like a teenager who’s just been to Bath & Body Works—but, like, classier. Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace has a similar effect, but with more of a smoky, wood-burning note. If you want to feel cozy, safe, and warm, this is your guy. 

For a perfume that’s just undeniably fun, Frederic Malle’s Lipstick Rose is just pure joy. It smells like old-fashioned lipstick, making it the perfect beauty-lover’s scent. It’s such a fun and silly idea, but somehow it works as a serious perfume. Finally, a potentially classier affair is the Serge Lutens Clair de Musc. There’s something about musk scents that just fills my heart right up, and this is, after years of testing, confirmed to be the very best one.

Mood-boosting beauty isn’t just about makeup and skincare, though. There’s one product in particular which is a feast for both the eyes and the nose. The Overose Holographic Candles are absolutely ingenious. The different pigments suspended in the candle’s glass are enhanced by the candle’s flame, turning any room into a chilled-out disco. All their scents are rose-based (and therefore nice), but “Nudesse” (which has notes of just-fallen rain) is my fave.