Pushing age back

Botox injection is popular among young people in the United States. Katy Young, 28, receives an injection from cosmetic surgeon Steven Davis at Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. [Photo/Agencies]

"That's because we aren't going after established creases or deep wrinkles yet," says Davis. "We are just trying to control the muscle activity so the creases and wrinkles don't get as extensive as they could."

In other words, get more Botox now so you need less later.

Registered nurse Candice Reid says the bulk of her young clients at Chestnut Hill's Forever Young Skin Care get hooked on the makeupfree look Botox provides. And those who get Botox and then apply makeup come to the conclusion that less is definitely more.

Skin is smoother so foundation is more shimmery for a highlighted effect. Eyes are lifted so eyeliner and mascara become accentuated. Filled-in lips are more pronounced so less lipstick is needed for definition and pout.

"For me, it was a beauty thing," says Norah Shah, 27, of Philadelphia.

Botox "really opened up my eye area so my mascara popped. It made my forehead so smooth. I'm almost addicted to it".

But does anybody really notice?

"No, not really," Shah says. She pauses. "Not even my boyfriend. He thinks he loves women who have a natural look. He just doesn't know what it takes to get it."

Tribune News Service