To Botox or not to Botox that is the question!

Botox or Not? The Big Beauty Debate

Hitting 50 this year has really got me thinking about aesthetic treatments — not to look younger, but to feel fresher, more confident, and more like me again.

On my hit list right now: CO₂ laser therapy, LED light therapy, microneedling, polynucleotides (skin boosters), and blepharoplasty.

My main focus is the eye area. And let’s be honest — I look pretty damn good for 50 — but I have crinkly under-eye lines, laughter lines, hooded eyes and that loose, flappy skin that can make me look and feel older than I actually am. And that really bothers me.

Which brings me to the question that always creeps back in…

Botox — yes or no?

Let’s Be Real

Who hasn’t stood in front of the mirror and thought, Should I get something done?

Whether it’s smoothing fine lines, lifting sagging skin, or subtly enhancing features, tweakments are more accessible than ever.

The pressure to look youthful is undeniable. Some people fully embrace ageing naturally, others choose to slow things down with a little aesthetic help — and both are absolutely valid.

My Botox Journey

I first tried Botox in my 30s, just before my wedding in 2011. Like so many brides, I wanted to look my absolute best. That one appointment turned into years of regular treatments — it became part of my beauty maintenance, just like colouring my hair or investing in good skincare.

Then COVID happened. I stopped having Botox — and something unexpected occurred.

I started to feel like me again.

I realised my face had lost some of its character. I’m a smiley person — I smile when I talk, constantly — and those little expressions are part of who I am. Over time, they’d softened so much that I didn’t recognise myself. I’d lost my laughter lines… and with them, a bit of my personality.

After COVID, I did return to Botox a few times, but that’s when I noticed another issue. You can freeze crow’s feet, but the lower part of your face still moves. When I smiled, the top half of my eyes stayed smooth while the skin underneath crinkled and bunched up — and it just looked… off.

That was my turning point.

I realised there’s only so much tweaking you can do before it starts to feel unnatural — and for me, that was the line.

The Part I Didn’t Expect

One of the biggest surprises for me was the long-term effect Botox had on my eyelids. Years of treatment contributed to eyelid collapse, leaving me with hooded eyes — and if there’s one thing I regret, it’s that.

I don’t want to make it worse, so for now, I’m staying Botox-free.

What’s Next?

If I do decide to have anything done, it won’t be Botox.

It will be blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) — ideally before I turn 50 — to correct the hooding. That feels like a solution that would genuinely make a difference without taking away my natural expressions.

Of course, I still look in the mirror and think, Should I just get it done again? The temptation never fully disappears. But for now, I’m focusing on alternatives.

So far, I’ve tried CACI, Profhilo, Seventy Hyal, and a Vampire Facial — and honestly, I’m open to anything that improves skin tone, texture and overall health.

For me, it’s not about chasing youth. It’s about having skin that feels healthy, glowing, and the best version of itself.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, Botox — like any tweakment — is a deeply personal choice. No one should feel judged for having it, or for choosing not to.

Ageing is inevitable. How we navigate it is entirely up to us.

Look at Sarah Jessica Parker and Demi Moore — both absolutely stunning, both ageing differently, both owning it in their own way. That’s the real takeaway.

There is beauty in every approach.

So… Botox or Not?

The choice is yours.Just make sure it’s for you — and no one else.

And if you do go for it, always choose a fully trained, reputable aesthetic nurse.

Until then, let’s give our skin the love it deserves:

✨ Cleanse, tone and moisturise — every single day

✨ Double cleanse at night (your skin will thank you)

✨ Use nourishing, hydrating serums

✨ Exfoliate once a week with a gentle scrub

✨ Treat yourself to a face mask for extra glow

✨ Drink at least 2 litres of water a day

✨ Book that facial — you deserve it

✨ Bin face wipes and foaming washes — invest in good skincare and it will love you back

Big love,

Zoe 💋

www.zoefidgeonmakeupartist.com

@zoefidgeonmakeupartist