Olay Professional Anti-Wrinkle Kit

Why do some mirrors seem to distort reality? The one in our bathroom is quite flattering (more a case of luck than some sort of beauty-related Feng Shui), I'm usually content with what I see - though I have to admit that my expectations are fairly low. But sometimes I catch a glimpse of myself in an airplane toilet, a lift, or worse, a shop, and am shocked by my ancient reflection. This happened the other day. On the lookout for a new pair of sunglasses, I was trying on a pretty neat cat's eye frame, took a quick look at my appearance in the mirror and one of those kooky New Yorkers from Advanced Style was staring back at me. Now, there's nothing wrong with that. It's just that when I met the lovely Ari Seth Cohen last year, he told me he likes to photograph people in their 70s, 80s and 90s - and That's Not My Age isn't anywhere near the septuagenarian years just yet. Though I do aspire to rock the bohemian grandma-look in approximately 25-years time.

Until then, I'm more than happy to use wrinkle cream. This Professional Anti-Wrinkle Kit from Olay contains an Age Defying Day Moisturiser SPF 30, a Wrinkle Smoothing Cream and a Deep Wrinkle Complex - and has been a massive hit in America (where it's called Pro X), almost as popular as Kate Middleton in a Reiss dress and fascinator. Now, Olay aren't just making random claims here, oh no... the efficacy of the product has been scientifically proven by clinical testing. So, it actually does work. The boffins at Olay together with 'an international group of renowned dermatologists' have confirmed that the products reduce fine lines and wrinkles in only 28 days. Hoorah! The Olay wonder-kit goes on sale in August, but on Wednesday 22 June a batch of 300 are available from Boots. Sign up here for yours, and let me know how you get on. If you live in the USA and have tried Pro X, please share the experience.


And I have to tell you that this is a sponsored post.

An age old problem

After seeing a photograph of myself standing next to a smooth-skinned Mary Portas, That's Not My Age has decided something has got to be done about my wrinkles. I may be kidding myself about growing old gracefully sans Botox or surgery but I just can't face (make that afford) either. And anyway, I've had lines on my forehead forever. When I met Mr TNMA he thought I was frowning at him, obviously he didn't recognise the look of true love.

So I am testing this 'revolutionary product' by Dr Kadir who according to Elle is well known in the Middle East, a dermatologist with a celebrity following - Madonna and Jennifer Anniston are fans. The blurb says the moisturizing cream contains an award-winning, anti-ageing ingredient which helps decrease wrinkle depth. Apple Lift results in plumper, toned, youthful looking skin and has a high UVA protection factor as well a Vitamin E making it a potent natural weapon in fighting fine lines and wrinkles. Phew! Sounds like just what I need.

And time to 'fess up. Before Christmas I promised I would try out this introductory set from Aromatherapy Associates and report back with before and after shots, wrinkles and all.



But then Mr TNMA took some snaps and I was horrified by the results. So horrified, I had a Hugh Grant moment - no nothing to do with a hooker and a parked car, or worse Liz Hurley - I just empathized with Grant who on approaching his 50th birthday said, "I don’t really feel all that old in myself, I actually feel rather young and sprightly but then I see a picture of myself and think, ‘Christ, who is that old man?’” So, sorry but you won't be seeing any close up mug-shots after all. I'm just not brave enough, even Demi Moore got called old and ugly after spending two hundred thousand dollars on surgery, and posting photos on Twitter.

Anyhow, here's my belated verdict on the Aromatherapy Associates gift box, bearing in mind that I was just slapping products on randomly and not following instructions:

1. All the products smelled gorgeous and left my skin feeling super soft.
2. I will probably buy the Fine Line Face Oil even though my lines are not fine, they are of the Gordon Ramsay variety.
3. The Intensive Skin Treatment Oil helped soothe my painful, cracked heels.



And apparently Hugh Grant has started doing pilates to keep himself looking young - do you have any anti-ageing tips?