‘Botox in a bottle serum that has me delaying my in-clinic injectables now has 20% off'

Medik8 makes some of our beauty team's favourite, most tried-and-trusted skincare products, and one of the brand's newest launch has caused quite a stir. Medik8's Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum is a smart formula containing a multi-peptide complex and 'mini-proteins' that claims to delivery some seriously impressive results: an improvement in deep-set wrinkles in eight weeks, and a noticeable difference in visible wrinkles in just 10 minutes.

It has also accumulated almost exclusively five-star reviews since it first launched, with customers reporting that it "really works", and calling it "magic in a bottle". Usually priced at £79, it now has 20% off and is down to £63.20 for a limited time only, in a rare Medik8 sale.

Keen to see if it lives up to its claims – and with my twice-a-year Botox appointment overdue – I put it to the test...

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Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum

A smart formula containing a multi-peptide complex and 'mini-proteins' that claims to delivery some seriously impressive results.

Pros

Face looks instantly fresher overall; after repeated use, my skin feels stronger and healthier; fine lines on my forehead appear a little less noticeable over time; layers well with other skincare products, and sits well under make-up

Cons

It's not the cheapest; not very hydrating – you'll probably need to follow with a moisturiser or other serum; can't replicate effects of Botox (no skincare product can)

First up, a note on the term 'Botox in a bottle': there's no such thing – no topical skincare product can freeze muscles – but it's a phrase that's used a lot at the moment to refer to formulas that plump, smooth or strengthen the skin, thereby helping to minimise the look of fine lines. I've used it here in the headline as a reference to the trending term, but any product promising the exact effects of Botox should be treated with suspicion.

I usually go for top-ups of actual Botox around the top of my forehead every 4-6 months (I see Dr Sophie Shotter, who's a real favourite amongst beauty editors) but I'd been noticing the faint lines on my forehead looking more pronounced recently, so I was keen to see if this new Medik8 serum would make a difference until I could book in with Dr Shotter again.

On first impressions it is, like most Medik8 products I've ever tried, a really elegant formula. It sinks in quickly, feels luxurious but not greasy, layers up well with my other skincare products, and doesn't pill or slide under my foundation.

My face looked and felt immediately smoother after applying this, and when I checked back again in 10 minutes time, I did notice a difference; not a huge one, and lines definitely weren't immediately erased, but I felt that overall my skin looked a little fresher, healthier and stronger.

It won't replace Botox for me , but it might just keep me feeling a little better about my skin until I get my top-up.

One thing to be aware of is that it's not quite as hydrating as, say, a hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based serum; I can sometimes skip moisturiser and go straight from serum to SPF, but with this I do feel the need to use a face cream (my current favourite Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, also on sale at £38.40, works brilliantly with it).

I've only been using it for a few weeks and don't have any deep-set wrinkles yet so I can't comment on that particular claim, but overall if you're looking for an excellent all-round 'anti-ageing' serum that'll fit easily into your existing skincare routine, this is a brilliant option; I can't think of anyone it wouldn't suit (and the more-than-1,000 customers who have given it five-star reviews clearly agree).

If it's lightweight hydration rather than advanced anti-wrinkle action you're after from your serum, you might like Laneige's Bouncy & Firm Serum, £39, instead.

And Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum is always a classic – and currently reduced by 25%.