So yes… I did a thing. A small thing. A “baby Botox” thing.
Not out of panic, crisis, or the sudden arrival of a ring light in my bathroom, just simple curiosity.
But there was definitely conflict in my mind.
Even writing this was something that I grappled with, as a personal stylist, I spend all my time working with women telling them how amazing they are as they are – they don’t need to change themselves to fit in… so was I being a hypocrite by dabbling in injectables?
Was I going against everything that I work for?
Women and aging is such a fraught topic – should we age gracefully? Or is it ok to dye your greys, but not inject your face? Is it conforming to the patriarchal beauty standards, or do I just want to look a little less tired?
Don’t worry, these are the questions and thoughts that have gone around in my mind for weeks…
But I decided that I wanted to know what the fuss was about and whether I’d actually notice a difference. Think of it as scientific research… but for my face… read on to hear how it all went down…
The Consultation: Me, My Questions, and a Very Patient Nurse
I saw a cosmetic nurse named Aimee, who deserves a medal for her calm energy alone. She owns The Studio in Birkenhead in Auckland. I’ve known Aimee for quite a few years; she’s always done my professional spray tans (a super-successful tan business that she still runs) and I trust her implicitly. I think she was a HUGE part of me making the decision to try anti-wrinkle injections (nothing to do with my 45th birthday having just past…ha!). I wanted to be in the hands of someone I know, and trust, and Aimee was the perfect fit.
Before we even got to the appointment, we had a phone consult, and I filled out a very thorough pre-consult form (the kind that makes you feel like you should have studied beforehand). Super-professional through the whole process (and the fact she is the sweetest person I’ve ever met helps too!)
Once I arrived, she spent a solid 30 minutes assessing my face from every angle, gently asking what I hoped for, explaining what was realistic, and making sure I never felt rushed. I was nervous, but she 100% held my hand metaphorically… and I appreciated every second.
The Actual Injections
Five minutes.
Barely any discomfort.
Me, shocked: “Wait… is that it?”
Honestly, I have had papercuts that felt more dramatic
Almost Three Months Later…
I catch myself in the mirror sometimes and think,
“Oh hello, well-rested friend.”
It’s subtle, nothing wild, nothing anyone else would probably notice, but I feel a tiny bit more refreshed. Like I finally got eight hours of sleep… in a row… which, as a grown adult, feels borderline mythical. I’ve also felt my makeup just sliding onto my face a little smoother, and I’m feeling less need to apply it every day to wake myself up
I don’t know if I’ll do it again (never say never, never say always), but I am glad I tried it. Aimee made the whole experience so seamless and comfortable, and I know I was in good hands with her wealth of knowledge and experience!
A Quick but Important Note
This isn’t advice, persuasion, or a nudge in any direction.
Injectables like Botox are prescription medicines in New Zealand and require a proper consultation with a qualified health professional. My experience = just my experience. Not a recommendation.
If you’re ever curious about how I felt through the process (emotionally, not medically!), I’m happy to chat, or feel free to drop Aimee a line on socials and tell her I sent you 😉 she’ll look after you x
In love & style always,
