Sale season separates people into three camps. There are the ones who will spend hours scrolling, searching for the perfect piece to add to their wardrobe. Then there are those with wishlists at the ready, poised to check out in record time should the discount prove impressive enough. And then there's the crowd who haven't yet been won over by any serious sale, finding only dregs in strange shades and sizes. To you, I say no more—I'm determined to change your mind by revealing the gems hiding in the Reformation summer sale.
The key is not to be pulled in too far and buy things you won't actually wear. Instead, keep your current wardrobe in mind and start with the questions: what's missing? What have I been searching for the longest? And what do I truly love?
For the latter, I can lend a helping hand, having first-hand insight into what you, our Marie Claire readers, actually invest in from Reformation. The Hunter Stretch Mid Rise Wide Leg Jeans, the Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater and the Layla Knee Length Skirt are just three beloved pieces to have already been discounted—and I'll also be pointing out the sale pieces that more than deserve a place in your wardrobe. Scroll on for 11 key highlights from the Reformation summer sale.
Shop The Best Of Reformation's Summer Sale
Reformation
Beverly Cashmere Sweater
A cashmere jumper is a true wardrobe staple—I've started to wear mine with shorts in the chillier evenings already. Though the relaxed cut on this one makes it far more interesting than the body-hugging basics.
Reformation
Hunter Stretch Mid Rise Wide Leg Jeans
The Hunter Mid Rise Jeans are the favourite Reformation find among you, our loyal Marie Claire readers. Seeing them in the sale makes the event all the more exciting.
Reformation
Helen Low Waist Silk Midi Skirt
Chilli mango is the name of this shade and it really does look as delicious as it sounds. Crafted from 100% silk in a classic pencil skirt cut, consider it one easy way to liven up any office wardrobe.
Reformation
Seleena Bucket Bag
Investing in a chic yet practical black leather bag is always a good idea. If you have a gap in your wardrobe then look no further.
Reformation
Aurina Linen Top
If I were to buy just one item in the Reformation sale, it would be this one. The chocolate brown strapless tunic will make any bottom—skirts, silk trousers, longline short—feel instantly elevated. Plus, it's said to get softer over time.
Reformation
Birdie Linen Dress
Crafted from 100% linen with a cut that works just as well with flip flops as it does a more formal mule, it's little surprise that the Reformation Birdie Linen Dress is a Marie Claire reader favourite. What might be surprising is that four different variations of it are in the sale.
Veda
Veda Lincoln Suede Shirt Jacket
The Sales are a great time to make bigger investment purchases like a suede jacket. Don't be swayed by more detailed styles, this classic shape will guarantee cost per wear.
Reformation
Saige High Rise 4” Jean Shorts
Another Marie Claire reader fave: a longline short. Specifically, the Reformation Saige High Rise 4” Jean Shorts which, handily, are in the sale.
Reformation
Genine Heeled Sandal
Mule sandals are one of the comfiest styles to wear. This black patent pair are what I call a do-it-all shoe. They will easily take from the office, to dinner and on holiday. A no-brainer.
Reformation
Layla Knee Length Skirt
An impressive number of you snapped up this 90s-inspired midi skirt before it entered the sale. If you're getting great wear out of it, perhaps another colourway will tempt you?
Reformation
Delfina Dress
Reformation has nudged its way into the wedding guest dress market and become a firm favourite. This dainty floral slip dress is proof of why.
Reformation
Roberta Ankle Boot
Whilst it may not feel like it right now with the perennial heatwaves in the UK, Autumn is on the horizon, so what better time to add a great every day pair of boots to your wardrobe than in the sale.
Reformation
Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
All hail the cuffed jean! One of the easiest ways to add extra dimension to any outfit. Though, if it isn't quite your colour, there are eight others to choose from in the summer sale.
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What does it take for a beauty product to survive a marathon, a three-set tennis match or several hours competing beneath stadium lights?
The least interesting thing about the world’s most talented female athletes is what sits inside their make-up bags. Their strength, skill and extraordinary careers are, quite obviously, the story. Still, in the name of rigorous beauty journalism, we do need to know which setting spray they are using.
Because while most of us judge a long-wear product by whether it survives a crowded commute or an overheated office, elite athletes subject theirs to an altogether more convincing stress test. Their skincare, make-up and hair products need to withstand sweat, rain, humidity, sun exposure, international travel and long days of training and competition - without stinging their eyes, clogging their skin or requiring constant touch-ups.
So, I asked world-renowned athletes across a range of sports to share the formulas they genuinely rely on. From mascaras that stay put through perspiration and SPF that will not run into the eyes, to recovery skincare, slicked-back hair essentials and the beauty hacks picked up over years of competing, these are the products that have earned their place in some of sport’s hardest-working kit bags.
Keep reading to find out which athlete-approved beauty tricks are worth borrowing, whether you are heading towards a finish line or simply trying to make your make-up last through a hot day.
Ahead, the world's elite female athletes' tried-and-tested beauty products...
Morgan Lake - Team GB high jumper
(Image credit: Marie Claire)
Three-time Olympian Morgan Lake has spent more than a decade competing at the highest level of international athletics. The British high-jump record-holder became the first British woman since 1992 to reach an Olympic high-jump final at Rio 2016, before representing Team GB again at Tokyo and Paris. With outdoor competitions often involving hours of sun exposure, repeated warm-ups and the pressure of staying focused between jumps, Lake relies on lightweight products that protect her skin without feeling heavy or restrictive.
Skincare: “When I’m training or competing outside in the sun for hours, a good SPF is a must,” she says.. After training, she uses Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, followed by Dr.Jart+ toner and moisturiser.
Hair: Lake’s training staple is Umberto Giannini Slick Back Styling Gel, which she uses for her signature bun or ponytail. Enriched with rosemary and castor oil, it is “the first slick-back gel I’ve found that protects my hair” without leaving it overly stiff. After wearing braids, she removes product build-up with Cécred Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub, followed by an Aveda conditioner.
Best beauty hack: "Spraying makeup fixing spray on my slick back hair helps it stay in for longer."
Holly Aitchinson - England Rugby Union Player
(Image credit: Marie Claire)
England fly-half Holly Aitchison is a key playmaker for the Red Roses, known for her composure, precision and versatility across the backline. With long training days, high-intensity matches and unpredictable weather conditions, Aitchison relies on a beauty routine that works as hard as she does.
Skincare: Hydration is essential for Aitchison, who always prepares her skin with Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturiser. After a match, she reaches for The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser to remove “dirt, mud, sweat” and every trace of make-up, before reapplying Hydro Boost. “It is instant,” she says. “I adore it.”
Hair: On match mornings, Aitchison creates a slicked-back bubble ponytail using got2b hairspray and a slick stick. She even coordinates the hair ties with her kit, or, when she is less fond of the colour, with her boots instead.
Best beauty hack: Take it from Aitchison, Fenty Beauty Soft'Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation "does not move”. As for makeup, she says: :If you want it to stay, the base is as important, so for me as a super dry girlie, I’m layering the moisturiser and the vitamin C in my setting spray is key for me. If I want it to last, I top with a powder, but with a light hand."
Eilish McColgan, Team GB long-distance runner
(Image credit: Marie Claire)
Four-time Olympian Eilish McColgan is accustomed to training and competing in conditions that place both her body and beauty routine under considerable pressure. From altitude camps in France to long runs in Dubai’s heat, the Commonwealth 10,000m champion needs products that remain effective through hours outdoors without adding unnecessary fuss to an already demanding schedule.
Skincare:Pelotan SPF30 is her outdoor-training non-negotiable. “It has never let me down, even during long runs in extreme heat,” she says, while the brand’s aftersun helps soothe her skin afterwards. For post-race recovery, she uses Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask before bed and Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep Mist to unwind. McColgan, who is a Revive Active ambassador, also incorporates its Joint Complex supplement into her broader recovery routine to support her joints and muscles after the repetitive impact of running.
Hair: Because she trains daily—and sometimes twice a day—Batiste Dry Shampoo helps McColgan avoid washing her hair after every session.
Best beauty hack: "I love wearing Mylee Gel Nail Wraps on race day. I collaborated with them to create my own tartan design - I love having a bit of home with me wherever I am in the world."
Chantelle Cameron - Professional Boxer
(Image credit: Maire Claire)
Professional boxer Chantelle Cameron is one of Britain’s most accomplished fighters, having made history as the undisputed super-lightweight world champion and successfully defending her titles on the global stage. A demanding training schedule means her beauty routine has to work just as hard as she does. So, what's in her kit?
Makeup: Cameron uses Maybelline Grippy Serum primer beneath Max Factor Facefinity foundation. “It keeps my make-up in place even through long days and plenty of movement,” she says, adding that she prefers a natural finish that “lasts all day without feeling heavy” or clogging her pores.
Skincare: Her biggest non-negotiable is Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Over Makeup Mist SPF50+. “Whether I’m training outdoors or travelling for fights, SPF is non-negotiable,” she says. She particularly rates the lightweight texture and the fact it “doesn’t sting my eyes when I sweat”.
Hair: Cameron uses Batiste dry shampoo to refresh her roots between training sessions.
Best beauty hack: "One of the biggest lessons I've learnt is that great skin starts with preparation, not covering things up. If your skin is well hydrated and you've applied your skincare in thin, well-absorbed layers, before using primer, your make-up will hold up much better under heat and sweat than if you pile on extra products."
Lucy Procter, Elite HYROX competitor
(Image credit: Anushka Bovill / Marie Claire)
Red Bull athlete Lucy Procter recently secured silver alongside Sinéad Bent at the HYROX Elite Doubles World Championships in Stockholm, less than 24 hours after competing in the Elite 15 Singles final. Her competition-day beauty routine is deliberately light, but still leaves room for plenty of sparkle.
Make-up: Procter begins with bareMinerals tinted moisturiser and Clinique powder, avoiding anything heavy that might feel uncomfortable while racing. Her “absolute holy grail” is Benefit BADgal BANG! Waterproof Mascara. “I’ve been using it for years and it does not budge,” she says. Benefit High Beam adds a bright, luminous finish, while a touch of hair glitter helps her “smile and sparkle” on the competition floor.
Hair: got2b Glued Hairspray keeps Procter’s favourite race-day hairstyle firmly in place. She says the hold can last for two or even three consecutive competition days when needed.
Best beauty tip: "Invest in a genuinely waterproof mascara," she says. Procter is frequently asked how hers stays intact throughout competition, and her answer is always Benefit BADgal BANG!: “It absolutely doesn’t move.”
Molly Caudery, Team GB pole vaulter
(Image credit: Marie Claire)
Team GB pole vaulter and Red Bull athlete Molly Caudery is used to competitions lasting more than four hours. The two-time world indoor champion and British record-holder treats her full competition-day make-up as part of her preparation, subscribing firmly to the idea that when she looks good, she feels good.
Make-up: Caudery’s trusted trio is Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. “I can be wearing my make-up for 12-plus hours, sweating all day, and still feel like it looks just as good at the end of the night,” she says. She applies the setting spray both before and after her make-up, and subtly coordinates her eyeshadow and hairbands with her competition kit.
Skincare: SPF50 is her everyday non-negotiable and always sits beneath her make-up. Afterwards, Caudery double-cleanses with CeraVe Foaming Cleanser to remove every trace of make-up, sweat and sunscreen, before applying a Dermalogica moisturiser morning and night.
Hair: Her signature pigtails are quick, secure and have become part of her recognisable competition look. Once home, she immediately washes out the hairspray and styling product with either Olaplex or Kérastase haircare.
Best beauty hack: Caudery layers setting spray between stages of her make-up rather than reserving it for the end. She also recommends blending foundation for far longer than feels necessary: “Even when you think it’s fully blended, keep blending.”
Jazmin Sawyers - Team GB long jumper
(Image credit: Marie Claire)
Two-time Olympian Jazmin Sawyers is one of Britain’s most accomplished long jumpers. She won European Championship silver in 2016 before claiming her first major senior title at the 2023 European Indoor Championships, where she produced a British-record seven-metre jump to take gold. For an athlete whose competition days involve speed, sweat, and sunshine, getting ready is more than cosmetic. Sawyers calls it “the warm-up for the warm-up”, a carefully timed ritual involving music, make-up and a pre-competition double espresso.
Skincare:Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is her active-day SPF of choice because of its weightless texture, while Olay Regenerist Whip and Pat McGrath Divine Skin: Rose 001 The Essence prep her complexion. After training, she double-cleanses with CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser and Hydrating Cleanser, before applying La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume when her skin needs extra support.
Hair: Sawyers uses KeraCare Styling Wax Stick to smooth ponytails, buns and edges. After years of colouring and restyling her curls, she now relies on Fenty Hair The Comeback Kid Bond Builder, which she credits with helping her retain length and achieve healthier curls.
Best beauty hack: "The Pat McGrath Divine Skin Rose 001 Essense is my unexpected champion. With or without makeup, you only need a few drops, so it lasts for an eternity, but it somehow always keeps me on the right side of the glowy vs sweaty line, and even at full exertion my skin looks great when I’m wearing this!"
Sadia Kabeya MBE - England Rugby Union Player
(Image credit: Marie Claire)
England flanker Sadia Kabeya MBE has established herself as one of the leading players in women’s rugby. Still only in her early twenties, she has already won four Six Nations titles, represented England at two World Cups and played an important role in the Red Roses’ victorious 2025 campaign. On match day, her beauty routine is similarly performance-focused.
Best beauty hack: "The best beauty hack I’ve learnt as a girl with curly hair is to wear my satin lined scrum cap by Gilbert, to keep my hair protected, neat and moisturised during a rugby game. Saves me and hassle later!"
The Athlete-Approved Rules of Long-Wear Beauty Products We're Taking Note Of
1. SPF is the most important
It is no surprise that SPF emerged as a non-negotiable for so many of the athletes. When training outdoors for hours, sun protection matters, but so does finding a formula that remains comfortable once heat and sweat enter the equation.
“Daily SPF is non-negotiable, but texture matters,” says MUA Chaliya. “Lightweight mineral or hybrid formulas often sit beautifully under make-up because they absorb excess shine and are less likely to feel heavy in hot weather.”
Dr Memee Ahmad of SkinCouture Clinic also emphasises the importance of choosing the right products. She recommends layering lightweight hydration underneath SPF, explaining that “heat and sweat increase water loss through the day”, and that keeping skin balanced can help sunscreen sit more comfortably and perform better during exercise. Noted.
Amazon
Garnier Ambre Solaire Sun Cream Spray
This SPF came out on top with the athletes. Why? It’s lightweight, non-greasy and won’t disturb make-up, making it easy to mist on before heading outside or reapply during a long day. The invisible SPF50+ formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help skin stay hydrated.
Dr Memee approves the formula too. "Heat and sweat increase water loss through the day. Pairing SPF and antioxidants with a lightweight hyaluronic acid layer is what actually keeps skin protected and comfortable," she says.
2. A setting spray is non-negotiable
Setting spray emerged as another competition-day essential, with several athletes relying on it to keep makeup intact through heat, sweat and long hours. “A good setting spray isn’t just for weddings or special occasions,” says Chaliya. “If you’re commuting, travelling or spending time outdoors, it can significantly extend the wear of your makeup.” Rather than simply sealing everything beneath a rigid layer, she explains, it helps “all the layers work together”.
Application still matters, however: Chaliya recommends a hydrated base and thin layers, as “lighter layers almost always outperform heavy coverage” when temperatures rise.
LookFantastic
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Glow
This was Holly Aitchison’s match-day favourite - and it’s easy to see why. The lightweight mist is sweatproof, waterproof and transfer-resistant, helping make-up stay put without leaving skin feeling stiff. It also delivers a fresh, glowy finish, ideal for dry skin or anyone who finds traditional setting sprays too matte.
3. Waterproof and tubing formulas last longer
It makes sense that waterproof mascara, eyeliner and strong-hold brow products appeared repeatedly in the athletes’ competition kits. These formulas are designed to cope with the moisture that causes traditional make-up to smudge, flake or run. “Waterproof mascara and eyeliner are always worth choosing, as they’ll withstand heat, humidity and perspiration far better than regular formulas,” adds MUA and Waldor Clinic manager Hedi Rad.
Tubing mascara works slightly differently, but still worth adding to your makeup kit if you're particularly active. “Tubing mascaras wrap each lash in tiny water-resistant polymers rather than relying on waxes alone,” explains MUA artist Chaliya, helping them resist sweat and watery eyes while still removing easily with warm water.
Amazon
UKLASH Tubing Mascara
Tubing mascara was another athlete-approved win. UKLASH’s formula wraps each lash in tiny water-resistant tubes, helping it resist sweat, humidity and smudging without the heaviness of traditional waterproof mascara. The best part? It removes easily with warm water, so there’s no need for aggressive rubbing.
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Hands up, who can spell Havaianas without looking? If you’d asked me two years ago, there would have been far fewer a’s and a couple of extra i’s in my answer. But now? When I can’t walk down the high street, through the supermarket or into my nan’s house without seeing the rubber flip flop in every iteration of shade, I could probably spell it backwards.
The brand’s relentless staying power, despite now being 64 years old, is truly something to marvel at. If you can tell me another non-luxury label, aside from Levi’s, that has done the same with just one product, my inbox is open. So, we have to ask: what keeps them on top?
Just last week, at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the brand debuted a brand-new design, and a rather daring one at that: the Havaianas kitten heel. Picture an enclosed big toe but open other toes, and a kitten heel in a swathe of shades—white, lime green and black—spotted on key influencers across the event and on the Studio Constance runway. And with thousands of likes and comments across Instagram, they’ve clearly hit the mark.
Though not everyone's a fan. With such a divisive shape, the debate about whether they're actually wearable (or beautiful) is raging. And there’s one key catch: they aren’t actually available to buy yet. Sorry.
If you’re now thinking, but Havaianas only just collabed with Isabel Marant on a capsule summer collection? You’d be quite right. The coveted collection launched towards the end of May, spanning four flip flop designs that swiftly sold out and commanded many a fashion fan’s conversation in the process. And just before that, a Zara collab, with three slightly platform flip flops taking centre stage.
Havaianas x Isabel Marant SS26 collab (Image credit: Isabel Marant)
Then there was the House of Havaianas Hackney takeover on the 11th of July, bringing their Rio de Janeiro flair to East London with DJs, cocktails and, of course, flip flops. And, on top of that, there’s been no shortage of celebrity sightings in the favourite flip flops: Dua Lipa, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Rodrigo and many more. Whether they’re paid placements or paying customers of the brand, we’ll probably never know, although I imagine it to be a mix of the two.
And, take a breath, that was in just one summer—and the season’s not yet over. The Havaianas marketing team are clearly working double time. Though this multifaceted marketing approach is far from new for the brand.
Nicky Hilton and Paris Hilton, 2004 (Image credit: Getty Images/Marie Claire)
In 1999, the Brazilian sandal brand featured in Jean Paul Gaultier’s runway show, launching it into the fashion space. Then came collaborations with streetwear label A Bathing Ape, Farm Rio, Manolo Blahnik via Naomi Campbell, Gigi Hadid Saint Laurent and even computer game Minecraft and many more, aligning the label with often even bigger brands.
You see, Havaianas have a knack for always staying relevant, tapping into culturally relevant names and labels to reach new customer segments without ever straying too far from the original design. The core collection shifts only slightly to adapt to modern trends—just take a look at the square-toe design—all the while keeping the price of a pair of flip flops competitive enough to rival any high street store. Though my mum regularly likes to let me know she used to snap them up for less than £3.
David Beckham wears Havaianas in 2004 (Image credit: Getty Images/Marie Claire)
So, there you have it: a great product and a forward-thinking marketing machine have gone a long way towards keeping Havaianas at the head of the flip flop game. Here’s to seeing whether the new kitten heel design, possibly the most daring yet, stands them in even better stead.
And if you already knew “Havaianas” means “Hawaiians” in Portuguese, chosen by the brand to evoke the feeling of an endless summer on the islands, hats off—you’re a true Havaianas mega-fan.
Shop Havaianas
Havaianas
Havaianas Unisex Brazil Logo Flip Flops in Yellow
Havaianas
Slim Split
HAVAIANAS
Logo-Embellished Rubber Flip-Flops
Havaianas
Havaianas Slim Brasil Logo Women Flipflop
Havaianas
Slim Square Toe Flip Flops in Brown
Havaianas
Havaianas Brasil Logo Unisex Adults Flipflop
Free People
Havaianas Puffed Up Flip Flops
HAVAIANAS
Slim Rubber Flip-Flops
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Botox has been a regular part of my beauty routine for the best part of a decade now. A few units for my genetically prominent frown muscles, a couple to freeze my forehead (I like the poker-faced look) and, not forgetting, a generous helping in my masseters to help with teeth grinding. But over the years, it feels as though the effects have started wearing off faster. Whereas I once waited the best part of a year to notice significant movement returning, I’m now scrabbling to book my next appointment after just a few months. Could I be becoming increasingly tolerant to Botox? And, if so, could it eventually stop working altogether?
I’m not the only one noticing this. Reddit is awash with users claiming the effects of Botox—or, more accurately, botulinum toxin—now last just two months, while others report that it has stopped working altogether after years of successful treatment. So, what’s going on? Has the formula itself changed? Are practitioners injecting less liberally than they did a decade ago? Have our expectations simply surpassed Botox’s performance parameters? Or could some of us actually be developing resistance to it? I called upon the experts to explain.
Is Botox resistance actually a thing?
First things first: yes, technically, it is possible to become resistant to botulinum toxin—but actual resistance is far less common than the conversations online might have you believe.
“True resistance to botulinum toxin is a recognised phenomenon, but it is much rarer than social media might suggest,” says Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS GP, aesthetic doctor and founder of The Aesthetics Doctor. In some cases, he explains, the immune system can develop neutralising antibodies against botulinum toxin, which can reduce—or even prevent—its effects.
Dr Vishnu Nathan, aesthetics doctor at the Taktouk Clinic, agrees, describing true toxin resistance as “relatively uncommon in aesthetic medicine”. Instead, he says, what is sometimes labelled resistance may actually be “pseudo-resistance”, caused by factors such as underdosing, suboptimal placement, compensatory muscle recruitment or unrealistic expectations.
That means if your usual Botox suddenly doesn’t seem to be doing quite as much as it once did, antibody resistance probably shouldn’t be your first assumption. As Dr Ahmed explains, differences in dose, injection technique and placement, particularly strong muscles and even the toxin formulation being used can all influence the result.
There is also an important distinction between Botox genuinely no longer working and simply not lasting as long as you remember it lasting. “In my experience, complete loss of response is uncommon,” says Dr Ahmed. “What I see much more frequently is patients feeling that their treatment isn’t lasting as long as it used to.”
The key is what you mean by not working. If you see little or no reduction in movement after treatment, that is very different from getting a good initial result and noticing movement creeping back in a few months later. Botox isn’t designed to permanently switch off a muscle; its effects gradually wear off as communication between the nerve and muscle recovers. Movement returning after a few months is therefore normal and doesn’t, in itself, mean you’ve developed resistance.
Does the way Botox is injected affect how long it lasts?
Yes, according to both doctors, this can matter enormously. Botox is the product going into the syringe, but dose, placement and treatment frequency all contribute to the final result.
“The dose, the muscles selected, the exact placement and the patient’s individual anatomy can all influence both the quality and longevity of the result,” says Dr Ahmed. Someone with particularly strong facial muscles, for example, may require a different dose from someone with relatively little movement.
Dr Nathan agrees that technique plays a major role, pointing to injection depth, muscle selection, product handling and treatment intervals alongside dose and placement.
More toxin isn’t necessarily better, either. Both doctors caution against repeatedly topping up at very short intervals. Dr Nathan says frequent top-ups and unnecessarily aggressive dosing may increase immunogenic risk, while Dr Ahmed says unnecessary exposure to higher cumulative doses and very frequent treatments is generally something practitioners try to avoid.
Dr Nathan also raises a potential issue within unregulated practice: inappropriate treatment intervals and, in some cases, the use of unlicensed or potentially more immunogenic toxins, which he says may theoretically increase the risk of treatment failure over time.
All of which is why your Botox prescription arguably shouldn't remain exactly the same forever. “I don’t believe Botox should be approached as a fixed prescription where exactly the same number of units are injected into exactly the same places indefinitely,” says Dr Ahmed.
Could your face be changing instead?
Resistance isn’t the only reason Botox can seem less effective over time. Our faces aren’t static, and after a decade of treatment, changes in muscle movement, skin quality and facial structure can all alter both how Botox works and, importantly, how we perceive the results.
“Generally, repeatedly treating the same muscle tends to reduce its activity rather than make it stronger,” explains Dr Ahmed. In some people, results can actually last well because that muscle becomes less dominant over time.
What can change, however, is the way the rest of your face moves. Both doctors point out that when movement is reduced in one area, we can begin recruiting surrounding or untreated muscles differently to compensate. “The face is incredibly dynamic,” says Dr Ahmed. What looks like Botox becoming less effective may therefore actually be a change in the balance of movement across your face.
What should you do if your Botox starts wearing off faster?
It's tempting to book an emergency top-up at the first signs of movement (at least, it is for me), but both doctors give essentially the same advice: reassess before injecting more.
“The first thing I would do is re-examine rather than automatically inject more,” says Dr Ahmed. That means looking at how quickly the treatment started working, how good the initial response was, which areas are moving again, the previous dose and how frequently you've been treated.
If you had an excellent initial response that simply wore off earlier than expected, adjusting the dose or placement next time may be enough to make it last sufficiently. If there has been very little response despite appropriate treatment, however, then it may be reasonable to consider other explanations, including reduced responsiveness.
Sometimes changing the treatment strategy or considering a different botulinum toxin formulation may be appropriate. For people who have been having particularly frequent treatments, Dr Ahmed says allowing a longer interval before treating again may also be worth considering.
Dr Nathan similarly advocates for a more flexible approach rather than simply escalating the amount of toxin, assessing everything from muscle activity and facial balance to skin quality and structural ageing to work out what has actually changed.
Ultimately, though, the takeaway isn't that anyone who has been having Botox for years is destined to become immune to it. “Genuine resistance exists, but it is relatively uncommon,” says Dr Ahmed. “If something has changed, the most important thing is to work out why rather than simply chasing the result with more and more toxin.”
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice - always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before treatment decisions.
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Welcome to What Lily Loves, a personal edit of the pieces, places, and ideas currently inspiring me. Think of it as your insider guide to what’s shaping my wardrobe and daily rituals. From standout finds and under-the-radar designers to shopping destinations, cultural hotspots—from restaurants and theatres to podcasts—here are the latest discoveries I’m loving.
Heading back to work after the summer holidays can be a struggle, but I always find that making a few select additions to my work wardrobe puts a spring in my step. It’s rare to be scrolling and stumble upon a handbag that is both beautiful and practical, but just this week, while scrolling through Mytheresa's new in page, I came across the Prada Boogie bag. Its roomy shape is perfect for in-the-office days that require carrying my laptop around central London, along with all my other handbag essentials, while the wider shoulder strap makes it comfortable to carry. Throw in the signature Prada distressed leather finish, and I’m sold.
Spotlight On
Every Day Earrings That Aren't Boring
Over the years, not just through my love of accessorising but also after nearly a decade of styling fashion shoots, I have accumulated quite a collection of jewellery. From earrings to statement necklaces, rings… you name it. If there’s a style or colour you need, I have it. A few weeks ago, I was tidying up my jewellery and I was excited to show my daughter, now seven, my collection and tell her that one day she could share it all with me. But her reaction wasn’t quite what I expected. Instead of jumping with excitement, her words were: “Mamma, why do you need so much jewellery?!” All of this to communicate how vast my jewellery collection is.
I’m quite a magpie and love to pick up unique pieces of jewellery on my travels. Whilst they are usually bold and vibrant, there is another side to my jewellery box: I always have a concise selection of everyday statement earrings. Substantial enough to be seen and to complement an outfit, they are equally styles that are timeless enough to go with a multitude of outfits and can be picked up as I get ready for work without much thought. If you’ve ever felt your everyday outfits were missing something, just add a pair of these.
Shop the edit:
COS
Asymmetric Abstract Floral Earrings
TREASURES
Round Roma Earrings With Pearl
Missoma
Square Pearl Statement Earrings
GUCCI
Horsebit Gold-Tone Earrings
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Silver and Gold-Tone Earrings
CELINE
Triomphe Medal Earrings in Brass With Gold Finish
New In This Week
Massimo Dutti
(Image credit: Massimo Dutti )
Massimo Dutti has long been my go-to for designer-inspired pieces on the High Street without compromising on quality. My particular favourite is the brand's selection of leather bags and shoes. I've found quite a shift in the quality of leather accessories on the High Street over the last couple of years, but Massimo Dutti continues to deliver. If you have The Row or Celine taste but are on a slightly more limited budget, then bookmark the Massimo Dutti New In page, because, in case you missed the latest Lyst Index results, Massimo Dutti came out on top alongside designer brands such as Chanel and Miu Miu.
Shop my edit:
Massimo Dutti
Pleated Midi Skirt With Contrasting Sash
Massimo Dutti
Black Strappy Dress
Massimo Dutti
Double Strap Detail Top
Massimo Dutti
Draped-neck Belted Shirt
Massimo Dutti
Strappy Midi Dress
Massimo Dutti
Nappa Leather Bucket Bag
On My Radar
The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon
(Image credit: Burberry)
From September 21 September 2026 – 3 January 2027 the V&A and Burberry have announced The Burberry Trench: Crafting an Icon, a free exhibition celebrating Burberry’s 170th anniversary and the enduring legacy of its iconic trench coat. Drawing from the Burberry Archive and V&A collection, the exhibition follows the evolution of the trench coat from practical military outerwear to being a globally recognised fashion symbol. Divided into ‘Invention’, ‘Craft’ and ‘Creativity’, it explores Thomas Burberry’s 1879 invention of cotton gabardine, the coat’s distinctive functional details and its continued reinvention through 19 catwalk iterations. The display also celebrates the longstanding relationship between Burberry and the V&A, ahead of the 2028 Burberry Gallery launch.
