If I Were to Provide WWW Editors with a $500 Stipend, These Are the Beauty Products They Would Truly Purchase.

      Certain beauty products are staples in our routines (like a reliable SPF, hyaluronic acid serum, or foundation), while others serve a more occasional purpose. You might readily spend $75 on a nightly retinol, but a clay mask at the same price feels more like a "treat yourself" purchase—something delightful, but not necessary. This holds true for beauty editors, even those with ample access to product samples. When we do choose to spend our hard-earned money on a refill, it's probably on something with enduring value, unless we happen to have a gift card to use. When opting for a "treat yourself" gift (whether to mark a significant occasion or simply because you can), I’d expect you'd want to avoid everyday items and instead focus on something luxurious, like that exquisite perfume you’ve been eyeing but couldn’t justify before. I’m interested in what my fellow Who What Wear editors view as worthwhile splurges, so I gave each of them a metaphorical $500 budget and encouraged them to treat themselves to beauty products. Here’s how they would indulge…

      “My best friend visited recently (long-distance friendships can relate), and she asked to borrow my hair straightener. I handed her my GHD Chronos (which I had come to appreciate for its excellence), and she was immediately amazed by how much smoother, shinier, and easier it was to handle compared to her own. After sending her home with mine (she straightens her hair far more often than I do), it struck me how significant a good hair tool can be in your daily routine. If you're in a position to splurge, you won’t regret it.” Alyssa Brascia, Associate Beauty Editor

      Dr. Diamond’s Metacine Instafacial Emulsion

      “If I had a generous gift card to spend, I’d indulge in this $350 night cream from Dr. Diamond. I firmly believe this is one of the best, if not the top moisturizer I’ve ever used, providing plush, otherworldly smoothness from the very first application. I’ve even gotten my 53-year-old mom hooked; she claims her makeup has never looked better than when she applies the Instafacial Emulsion the night prior.”

      Kérastase Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil

      “With what’s left over, I wouldn’t hesitate to add Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime Refillable Hydrating Hair Oil to my cart—a $62 product that makes my hair feel, look, and smell incredibly soft.”

      Westman Atelier Face Trace Cream Contour Stick

      “I’d also get Westman Atelier's $48 Face Trace Cream Contour Stick. I’ve heard wonderful things but haven’t had the chance to try it.” Natalie Gray Herder, Branded Commerce Editor

      Omorovicza Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream

      “I don't typically spend $240 on a night cream, but this one has been a game-changer for me this year. With my extremely dry, dehydrated skin that becomes nearly unbearable from November to March, this night cream, paired with the Queen Essence, marked the first winter where I didn’t constantly battle fine lines or dry flakes. I’m sure there are great moisturizers under $100 that could help, but the luxurious experience and undeniable results made this a worthy investment.” Maya Thomas, Associate Beauty Editor

      Chantecaille Chantecaille Jasmine and Lily Calming Mask

      “I’ve always cherished taking a moment for myself at the end of a hectic week to enjoy a face mask. I can always count on Chantecaille's cooling Jasmine and Lily Calming Mask to soothe my skin and revitalize my complexion in just minutes. With its luxurious formula featuring a botanical blend of jasmine and lily, it helps improve the skin barrier, locks in moisture, and calms any inflammation from the day. The unmatched benefits make it easy to justify the price!”

      Augustinus Bader The Face Mist

      “I’ll admit it—I would gladly start saving to buy Augustinus Bader’s The Face Mist (hoping to snag it at a discount someday). It's a fine hydrating mist that delivers moisture while promoting smooth and plump skin. Since it also helps achieve a clear, radiant complexion and protects against environmental stressors, I’d carry this with me everywhere for a quick skin refresh.”

      La Mer Crème De La Mer Face Cream

      “I love a deeply hydrating face cream that keeps my skin looking and feeling its best throughout the day, and La Mer's Crème de La Mer is among the best products for this. It revives dry, dull complexions with the brand's exclusive Miracle Broth to strengthen and soothe, while lime tea combats free radicals. I’m already making room for it in my medicine cabinet.” Kaitlyn McLintock, Beauty Editor

      Tronque Vitamin C Body Oil

      “This vitamin C–infused body oil feels like liquid gold for my dry, sun-damaged skin