How I’d Spend $500 at the Med Spa
Treatments that deliver results in the $500 or less price range.
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One of the perks of being a beauty editor for nearly 25 years is getting to test countless in-office treatments—from facials and lasers to injectables and collagen-boosting procedures. Over the years, I've learned to separate the hype from the treatments that actually deliver. If I had $500 to invest in my skin today, these are the treatments I've personally tried, seen real results from, and would happily spend my own money on again.
Best for softening lines: Botox
You won’t get a full face of Botox or other neuromodulators for $500, but you can treat the areas that bother you most. Depending on your provider, $500 is enough for one or two areas—or several smaller areas. One of my favorite high-value treatments is the DAO muscles, which pull down the corners of the mouth, contributing to marionette lines (or chin shadows) and the appearance of jowling. They typically require only 2 to 4 units per side, making them one of the least expensive neuromodulator treatment areas while creating a subtle lift that makes you look less tired or stern.
Where I’ve had it on LI:Mariwalla Dermatology (Dr. Mariwalla) in West Islip, North Shore Cosmetic Surgery (Dr. Low) in Melville, SkinSpirit (Roxette Romanes, RN) in Rosyln Heights
Best pre-event treatment: DiamondGlow Facial
If I had a wedding, vacation, or big event coming up, this is the facial I’d get. DiamondGlow exfoliates with a diamond-crusted tip, extracts with a vacuum-suction-like device, and infuses professional-grade serums in one treatment, leaving skin noticeably smoother and more radiant immediately afterward. Depending on pricing where you live, $500 may even cover two treatments, making it one of the best values if your goal is glowing skin.
Where I’ve had it on LI: Marotta MedSpa in Smithtown, Hello Gorgeous in Babylon
Best collagen investment: Microneedling or Microchanneling
Microneedling creates teeny-tiny punctures in skin that then stimulates the healing process, revving up collagen production. Over time, that means firmer, smoother, and more even skin. Yes, providers recommend a series for maximum collagen production, but I still think a single session is worth it. Every time I've had microneedling, my skin looks smoother, brighter, and more refined once it's healed. If you're looking for a treatment that improves skin quality—not just gives you a temporary glow—this would make my list.
Where I’ve had it on LI: Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay (Rachel Lozina)
Best instant glow: PRX
If you've never heard of PRX, think of it as a peel without the obvious peeling. The topical solution is also a biostimulator, which means it stimulates collagen production. The treatment delivers a glass-skin finish the same day with minimal downtime, making it one of my favorite treatments before an event. Your skin looks brighter, tighter, and more luminous almost immediately, without having to spend a week hiding peeling off skin.
Where I’ve had it on LI: Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay (Rachel Lozina)
Best for discoloration: BBL
BroadBand Light (BBL) is one of the treatments I'd save up for because it addresses multiple concerns at once: sun spots, redness, broken capillaries, and even acne. Depending on your provider, $500 may not cover a full-face treatment, but it can often treat smaller areas, like chronically red cheeks, the backs of your hands, or isolated sun damage. Sometimes targeting the area that bothers you most is a smarter investment than trying to treat everything at once. Also, treatments often get cheaper when you buy a package.
Where I’ve had it on LI: Permanent Touch Cosmetics, Woodbury
For a firsthand look at more in-office treatments worth trying on Long Island, follow Pretty Local on Instagram.
