Ladies, you know the feeling: age and wisdom brings spots and wrinkles, too. While I don’t mind acting my age, I don’t want to look my age!
I’ve dabbled in Botox before, but I’ve been on the hunt for an alternative that isn’t so expensive or invasive. 💉 When I heard about a topical skincare solution that could be a worthy contender, I was all ears (or should I say crows feet and laugh lines?). Enter Agency by Curology: a custom prescription formulated by an actual dermatology provider to address my unique anti-aging concerns.
The real test is whether it can hold a candle to Botox, so I gave Agency a whirl. Here’s what I discovered:
If you're looking for personalized skin care delivered directly to your door… Agency
Botox is many things, but “convenient” isn’t one of them. The appointments aren’t long, but it’s the transportation time and setting my calendar to “OOO” that make it a time-consuming process. 🗓️🚗
On the other hand, my experience with Agency was a breeze. The entire process took under 10 minutes! I clicked a few boxes and uploaded some pictures. In return, I received an easy-to-follow, personalized routine, along with an introduction to a licensed dermatology provider who explained the reasons behind their selections.
I communicated to my provider that I was concerned about texture, fine lines, and brightness, so my Future Formula came packed with tretinoin. It’s only been a few weeks, but the change I’ve seen in my skin is impressive—my wrinkles appear smoother and my skin is radiant! ✨
If you're looking for an affordable solution… Agency
Botox isn’t at all cheap—think anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars or more. It’s a big investment! 💰
I did a double-take when I saw Agency’s prices. You get a free trial that just comes with a $4.95 shipping fee, and after that, your Future Formula gets delivered to your door for $40 per month (including shipping)!
Agency also has a custom dark spot treatment for $35/month, and the Cloud Care Duo (a cream oil cleanser plus a whipped moisturizer), is an affordable add-on at $14/month. There’s also no commitment and you can cancel anytime.
If you’re unsure about taking the plunge, or prefer a less invasive procedure… Agency
I’ve seen a fair share of horror stories about Botox, and I’m a little bit needle-averse, too. 😬 Agency isn’t as much of a commitment as it’s all topical skincare, so I don’t have to worry about doctor’s offices, high price tags, and pokes. Personally, I’m scared that my Botox won’t end up looking natural.
Even though Agency isn’t a significant investment, I’ve seen improvements in my skin texture, brightness, and fine lines. Results without the commitment? I’m officially obsessed. 🤩
If you’re looking for instant gratification… Botox
Agency claims that you’ll see results from their Future Formula in 2-6 months, so there is some patience required to use this product, but what skincare doesn’t take time? Good things come to those who wait, and this timeline seems about on par with other products I’ve used.
In general, though, the effects of Botox are noticeable within two to four days, and it may take up to 2 weeks to see “full” results. Plus, there is some long-term commitment associated with Botox as you normally have to re-up every 3-6 months to maintain results.
If you're looking for a program that adapts and changes with your skin… Agency
Something cool about Agency is that your provider will let you know when you can increase the strength of your formula, and they’ll proactively check in to ensure you’re happy with your formula and if you need to make any other adjustments.
I love how personal this experience feels in comparison to my standard Botox appointments!
My winner is… Agency
Whether you’re deciding between the two or are planning to use both, I love the idea of ramping down my use of expensive Botox in favor of Agency. Agency is both easy to use and tailored to my personal anti-aging needs, and it’s been a game changer in my routine so far!
