As WWD Shop editors, we devote several hours each week to test the latest product launches from established and emerging beauty brands. Step into our offices, and you’ll see a smattering of products that range from tiny vials of skin care lab samples to large boxes that hold next month’s hot new hair tool. These press samples allow us to pen honest testing reviews of products, as we did recently for Sunday Riley’s new niacinamide serum and Charlotte Tilbury’s latest blush wand. Even with complete access to the latest beauty goods, we personally purchase the products we can’t get enough of — and we’re peeling back the curtain on the finds that should be on the top of your beauty shopping list.

When shopping for beauty products, you have a few things to consider: Unlike clothing, the best serums, cream blushes, women’s fragrances, and body lotions aren’t items you can exchange for a different size. (That said, some retailers, like Sephora and Nordstrom, do accept returns on beauty goods you try and don’t love.) Another consideration? Shipping time. If you’re depending on a red lipstick to round out your weekend look or you need a new acne spot treatment stat, you’ll want to order from a retailer or brand with reliably fast shipping. Packaging comes into play, too. A pricey product should arrive to you in mint condition, and we expect eco-friendly retailers to incorporate recyclable packaging. As commerce editors, we’re taking notes on all of the above when we purchase products from a mass retailer, beauty boutique, or independent brand.

To authentically recommend retailers, products, and brands, WWD Shop editors placed orders online so we can take notes for you. Expect details on everything from shipping speed to the unboxing experience. Ahead, the tested beauty products we’ll gladly factor into our budgets.

The Beauty Shopping List – February 2023

Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle
Kismet Olfactive Nostalgia (A Sonnet for Grasse)
Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash
Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant
Dries Van Noten Lip Balm Refill
Lawless Beauty Hold Up Soft Set Creamy Brow Wax
Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray
Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener
Aveda Chakra 1 Balancing Pure Fume Mist Grounded
Nécessaire The Body Lotion
Makeup by Mario Master Hold Brow Gel
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

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Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle

Recommended for: The hostess who loves home fragrances
Where we purchased: Diptyqueparis.com
Shipping options: Free ground shipping for all orders

“Feu de Bois is by far my favorite candle scent from Diptyque — I have a Feu de Bois candle in every size available in different parts of my apartment. For the dinner table, I especially love to light one in my chic coasted candle holder. As a major candle lover, I go through these quite often, and what’s great about ordering from diptyqueparis.com is that they have in-store pick up options. If you opt for shipping, the brand provides an estimated delivery date before you even add it to your cart. Plus, if you’re not in the mood to splurge but can’t say no to a luxury candle, you can use Klarna for four interest-free payments.” — Director of Commerce Adam Mansuroglu

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle $40 Buy Now AT DIPTYQUE

Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle $40 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Kismet Olfactive Nostalgia (A Sonnet for Grasse)

Recommended for: Making people stop you on the street
Where we purchased: Kismetolfactive.com
Shipping options: In-store pickup in New York City, $10 for two- to five-day shipping, and free shipping for orders over $200

“After a recent visit to Kismet Olfactive’s fragrance studio in New York, I’ve become obsessed with the brand’s scented concoctions and candles. Perfumer Shabnam Tavakol formulates her fragrances and bottles them by hand, which creates an intimate experience that true fragrance lovers will really appreciate. After quickly going through a testing sample of Kismet Olfactive’s Nostalgia fragrance, I knew I had to order a full-sized bottle of the intoxicating and complex scent (it has notes of anise, leather, and suede). I was able to order online and pick up directly from the studio two days later, but if you don’t live in The Big Apple, Kismet Olfactive can ship to your home via USPS with a $10 fee. The fragrance came in a cute cloth bag with branded matchsticks and a thank you note, which is just another brand signature that makes each purchase feel extra special.” — Mansuroglu

Courtesy of Fragrantica

Kismet Olfactive Nostalgia (A Sonnet for Grasse) $175 Buy Now AT KISMET OLFACTIVE

Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash

Recommended for: Wellness gifts
Where we purchased: Nordstrom.com
Shipping options: Free three- to six- day shipping, $12 two-day shipping, and $20 next-day shipping

“I love to scatter little luxuries into my everyday routine, and this Aesop hand wash has become one of my favorite ways to turn the mundane into a treat-myself moment. Although it’s much pricier than drugstore hand wash, this soap does so much more than give me clean hands. The main selling point for me is the warming aroma you get with each pump — the fragrance has woody Petitgrain and Vetiver notes balanced out with a touch of bergamot. The formula also has a gentle grittiness to it, thanks to finely milled pumice, that softens my skin in the doldrums of winter. I’ll order the Reverence hand balm next.” — Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash $40 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash $40 Buy Now AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash $40 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Related: The Best Luxury Hand Soaps

Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant

Recommended for: Those who have just about given up on finding an aluminum-free deodorant they truly like
Where we purchased: Sephora.com
Shipping options: Free one- to three-day shipping for Sephora Beauty Insiders and orders over $50, $10.95 for two-day shipping, and $16.95 next-day shipping. Those in major cities can order same-day delivery via DoorDash or the Sephora app.

“Finding a clean, good-smelling aluminum-free deodorant can be hard to come by. However, when I discovered Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant in the checkout line at Sephora, I knew I had scored big. For those unfamiliar with Sol de Janeiro, the brand is known for its bestselling Bum Bum Oil and cream with an irresistible pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla scent. The Rio Deo Deodorant is no different, as it has the same smell that’s long-lasting and effective for eliminating body odor. Plus, the cherry on top is that I can replace it with a refill once it runs out.” — Style Commerce Editor Nikki Chwatt

Courtesy of Sephora

Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant $16 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant $16 Buy Now AT AMAZON

Related: The Best Natural Deodorants

Dries Van Noten Lip Balm Refill

Recommended for: Giving your lips the royal treatment
Where we purchased: Saksfifthavenue.com
Shipping options: Free for three- to five-day shipping, $20 for two- to three-day shipping, and $25 for one- to two-day shipping. Same-day in-store pickup available in select locations.

“Ever since Dries Van Noten Beauty launched at Saks (the brand’s exclusive retail partner), I have become obsessed with the label’s chic lipstick cases and refillable lip balm. Every time I pull out the eye-catching pufferfish print and neon green case, it simply sparks joy. The lightweight-yet-hydrating lip balm formula is a must-have for dry skin folks, like myself, who want to nourish their lips without a greasy finish. Maybe I just enjoy reapplying it way too often, but I purchased two refills on saks.com so I’m stocked up for the season. Plus, I love the brand’s commitment to sustainability, and it’s super easy to insert the refill in the lipstick case.” — Mansuroglu

Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Dries Van Noten Lip Balm Refill $40 Buy Now AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

Related: The Best Lip Balms

Lawless Beauty Hold Up Soft Set Creamy Brow Wax

Recommended for: Flawless brows in seconds
Where we purchased: Lawlessbeauty.com
Shipping options: Free two-day shipping for orders over $40, $4.95 for ground shipping, $9.95 for one- to four-day shipping, $14.95 for two-day shipping, and $29.95 for overnight shipping.

“Most of my beauty investments are luxury skin care goodies, but I take brow care seriously (brows are my thing). Lawless Beauty Hold Up Soft Set Creamy Brow Wax has become one of my favorites since I received a press sample, so when I ran out of product last week, I didn’t waste a moment to order another tube. Sephora was out of medium/dark color shade, so I took this as an opportunity to test out ordering from lawlessbeauty.com. Since I already use Shop Pay, check out took less than a minute. With free two-day shipping, the all-star brow product arrived quickly and safely to my home in a cute metallic pink padded envelope. Next time, I’m going to sign up for the auto-replenish option to save 10%.” — Mansuroglu

Courtesy of Lawless Beauty

Lawless Beauty Hold Up Soft Set Creamy Brow Wax $21 Buy Now AT LAWLESS BEAUTY

Lawless Beauty Hold Up Soft Set Creamy Brow Wax $21 Buy Now at sephora

Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray

Recommended for: Those after a gender-fluid fragrance on a budget
Where we purchased: Kiehls.com
Shipping options: $8 ground shipping, $15 two-day shipping, and $20 next-day shipping. Complimentary ground shipping for orders above $50. Store pickup available in select locations.

“I fell in love with Kiehl’s Original Musk when a friend gave me the musk oil in a glass rollerball — I was so enamored with the warming, clean scent that I got in the habit of applying it in the morning and before bed. Unfortunately the roll-on version is discontinued, so I stockpile this eau de toilette instead. Because it’s an eau de toilette (versus an eau de parfum, which are more highly concentrated) I spritz it on liberally. The fragrance makes me feel like I’m freshly showered, covered in powdery smelling body lotion, and wrapped in my coziest robe. My order arrived in minimal packaging with two complimentary samples of new products to try.” — Sullivan

Courtesy of Nordstrom

Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray $48 $36 Buy Now AT KIEHL’S

Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray $48 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray $48 Buy Now AT NEIMAN MARCUS

Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray $48 Buy Now AT BLUEMERCURY

Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener

Recommended for: Hailey Bieber-level hair waves
Where we purchased: Sephora.com
Shipping options: Free one to three day shipping for Sephora Beauty Insiders and orders over $50, $10.95 for two-day shipping, and $16.95 next-day shipping. Those in major cities can order same-day delivery via DoorDash or the Sephora app.

“After learning that Hailey Bieber achieved her signature mermaid waves from the Dyson Corrale, I knew I needed to get my hands on it. Once I did, I was surprised by how different it was from any other iron I had used. Despite being heavy and expensive, it has incredible freedom that comes from being cordless. It also has a flight-safe mode, a safety latch that keeps the Corrale’s plates closed and out of harm’s way, a magnetic charger, and a heat mat that can be used as a carry case. While I don’t use it — or any hot tool — on my hair every day, it is my go-to when I’m getting ready for an evening of fun.” — Chwatt

Courtesy of Sephora

Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener $499 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener $499 Buy Now AT ULTA

Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener $499 Buy Now AT NORDSTROM

Aveda Chakra 1 Balancing Pure Fume Mist Grounded

Recommended for: Dipping your toes into scent-scaping
Where we purchased: Aveda.com
Shipping options: $7 for standard ground shipping, $15 for 2-day shipping, and $25 for overnight shipping. The B-Corp certified brand ships with recyclable or post-consumer recycled materials. Auto-replenish orders have an option for a fabric returnable shipping pouch.

“If you think Aveda’s only for hair care, think again. I received a sample of Aveda’s Chakra 1 fragrance mist ages ago when working on a story about natural fragrance, and I haven’t been without it since. Though it’s technically a body mist, I use it off-label as a pillow spray every night for an aromatherapy moment. The mist contains organic Vetiver and patchouli essential oils; there’s something about this combination that tamps down any built-up tension or racing thoughts with a few deep breaths. I can’t crawl under the covers without smelling it.” — Sullivan

Courtesy of Aveda

Aveda Chakra 1 Balancing Pure Fume Mist Grounded $37 Buy Now AT AVEDA

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Recommended for: Quenching dehydrated skin with high-quality ingredients
Where we purchased: Sephora.com
Shipping options: Free one- to three-day shipping for Sephora Beauty Insiders and orders over $50, $10.95 for two-day shipping, and $16.95 next-day shipping. Those in major cities can order same-day delivery via DoorDash or the Sephora app.

“Nécessaire’s The Body Lotion is the best body lotion I’ve ever used. It’s quick-absorbing and has a non-greasy formula that’s clean, fragrance-free, and packed with vitamins and omega fatty acids. As someone with very sensitive skin, I know I can rely on this body lotion whenever I get out of the shower.” — Chwatt

Courtesy of Sephora

Nécessaire The Body Lotion $28 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

Nécessaire The Body Lotion $28 Buy Now AT SPACE NK

Makeup by Mario Master Hold Brow Gel

Recommended for: Brows that won’t budge, no matter the weather
Where we purchased: Sephora.com
Shipping options: Free one- to three-day shipping for Sephora Beauty Insiders and orders over $50, $10.95 for two-day shipping, and $16.95 next-day shipping. Those in major cities can order same-day delivery via DoorDash or the Sephora app.

“I’ve tried dozens of brow products during my time as a beauty editor, from waxes to gels to pencils and stencils (yes, stencils). Ever since a sample of Makeup by Mario’s Master Hold Brow Gel landed on my desk in August 2021, it’s become the only brow product I re-order as soon as I’m running low. After penciling in sparse areas of my brows, I’ll apply one coat of the gel using the short-bristled side of the spoolie, then comb through with the longer bristles. Although the gel has an intensely strong hold, the effect is feathery. If your brows go whack when you pull on a turtleneck, this is your solution. My delivery from Sephora came safely packed in a small, durable cardboard box.” — Sullivan

Courtesy of Sephora

Makeup by Mario Master Hold Brow Gel $22 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

Recommended for: Those who can’t get their hands on the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream
Where we purchased: Sephora.com
Shipping options: Free one- to three-day shipping for Sephora Beauty Insiders and orders over $50, $10.95 for two-day shipping, and $16.95 next-day shipping. Those in major cities can order same-day delivery via DoorDash or the Sephora app.

“The Ordinary’s Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA cream solves all dry winter skin woes. It’s one facial cream I consistently use every day with no issues. It’s not sticky or heavy, so it goes on smoothly and keeps my skin oil free throughout the day. Best of all? It’s affordable.” — Chwatt

Courtesy of Sephora

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA $13.50 Buy Now AT SEPHORA

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA $13.50 Buy Now AT ULTA

Meet Our WWD Shop Editors

Adam Mansuroglu is the Director of Commerce for Fairchild Media Group, both writing and top editing stories in WWD’s Shop vertical. Prior to his current role, the Brooklyn native has covered men’s and women’s fashion, footwear, beauty, and lifestyle trends for over 12 years. His writing and reporting has been featured in a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan Magazine, Men’s Health Magazine, and Out Magazine.

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News. She’s spent over five years researching, reporting on, and writing about the beauty industry for publications like Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as a beauty editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair.

Nikki Chwatt is the Style Commerce Editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she both writes and edits stories on the latest clothing, accessory, and shoe must-haves. As a New York City resident, she’s garnered a love for handbags, shoes, and garments as well as beauty and skincare products that will keep her skin protected during the changing seasons. As a result, she has tested many products to see which ones work agree for her skin and hair type and which may work better for others with different needs.

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Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle

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Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminum-Free Refillable Deodorant

Dries Van Noten Lip Balm Refill

Lawless Beauty Hold Up Soft Set Creamy Brow Wax

Kiehl’s Original Musk Eau de Toilette Spray

Dyson Corrale Hair Straightener

Aveda Chakra 1 Balancing Pure Fume Mist Grounded

Nécessaire The Body Lotion

Makeup by Mario Master Hold Brow Gel

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

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