It’s been a head-down, chained-to-the-desk kind of week over here, but only because some exciting features and content are coming. First up, testing and trialling a new skincare serum that’s making some very big claims - could this topical skincare serum be better than Botox?
It’s more of an ‘age’ than a ‘need’ thing. On a day-to-day basis, I am not analysing my forehead thinking, ‘I should get those kinks ironed out with some well-appointed toxin.’ I am, however, aware that at the age of 46, I am comfortably nestled in the age bracket that represents ideal candidates for the kind of injectables that smooth and lift.
I’ve written about my reasons for hesitation here, but this week marks the start of a new skincare protocol that may very well offer me a hint of the results I could get from injectable treatments. I gave you a taster in last week’s column after I went to the launch but I’m now using Skinceuticals P-TIOX Wrinkle Modulating Peptide Serum, £130, and I shall continue to use it for 12 weeks to see what results I get. The serum works on nine different types of lines including contraction lines on the forehead, crow’s feet and inter-ocular wrinkles. Containing ingredients to improve skin texture, strengthen the skin barrier and promote radiance but I’m also given to understand it can minimise the amount of muscle movement, which causes contraction lines - hence the comparison to Botox.
I posted a video on my Instagram here, explaining why and how I’d be using the serum if you’re curious to see the application process but I’m a combination of sceptical and hopeful for there to be a visible result. On the one hand, I’ve been a beauty editor for over 20 years and I’ve seen a lot of claims and promises but they don’t always go hand-in-hand with the promised results and I want this to be one of the ones that actually delivers. You’ll have to stay tuned and let me know if you can see any changes when I post my progress pictures here.
I did spend a couple of days in London dodging slow-walking tourists (I’m sorry, I know it’s good for the economy but please look where you’re walking!) including dropping into my pal Zoe Blaskey’s book launch at The Allbright where I caught up with my friends Sam and Gemma from This is Mothership. Gemma and Sam are two of the most stylish people you’ll come across and every time I see them, I immediately covet whatever they are wearing so if you’re keen for some fashion inspo, give them a follow.
Speaking of fashion inspiration, I can never just walk through Carnaby St and, as I had some time on my hands between appointments, I had a mooch and I may have stumbled upon a new favourite clothing brand - Scotch & Soda. I’m usually late to the fashion party but a black satin slip called to me from the window display before a pair of high-waisted, wide-legged trousers begged to be tried on. Sadly, they were so wide and were giving Pigeon Street but I’ll be back because their tees, sweats and bombers looked amazing. Plus, as I shared in my wardrobe clearout feature, impulse buying while killing time is a habit I’ve trained myself out of so the accumulation of stuff doesn’t rage out of control.
I mentioned at the top of this column that this week has been fairly desk-bound, so I’ll share a little excitement from last week that I didn’t have room for in my previous column. I visited Reading for lunch at The Rising Sun, a Grade II listed coaching inn that’s had various incarnations but, guided by Raymond Blanc via Heartwood Inns, has been resurrected into a gastro pub with a, trust me on this, absolutely incredible menu.
For atmosphere, service and quality of the food, it’s a 10/10. The starter of Boquerones, (anchovies, pickled shallots, olives and balsamic vinegar with toasted sourdough) was unexpectedly delicious and I’ve attempted to recreate it at home twice.
I had crab and sweetcorn bites to start and grilled king prawns for the main and both were absolutely incredible. Light, packed with flavour, cooked beautifully and perfect portion sizes, I genuinely don’t think I’ve enjoyed a meal ‘out’ this much in a good while. If you’re in the area and want delicious food in a pretty setting where the service is excellent, then you should book in.
As ever, let me know if you have any questions about this column or any of my features here on Substack, and I’ll get back to you.
See you next week!
EG xx