SkinVive and why it has been the best injectable for me.
Skinvive is the injectable that has seemingly naturally changed my skin for the better. Nine weeks ago, I sat in the waiting room of Infinity Skin Clinic, in Sydney’s Surry Hills a mix of nervous anticipation and hopeful curiosity swirling within me. I wasn’t chasing dramatic transformations or a completely new look.
My goal was subtler, a desire for that elusive ‘lit-from-within’ glow and a boost in hydration that my Sydney skin often craved, especially as the seasons began their slow shift. The hydration was a particular focus for me given how much I travel and how much dehydration my skin experiences as a result.
This led me to Skinvive by Allergan, a hyaluronic acid injectable that promised to enhance skin quality rather than alter facial structure. Traditional fillers are losing popularity and subtler, injectibles with more integrity for the skin are now leading the way. Now, after nearly two and a half months, I can confidently say it’s not just good; it’s the best injectable treatment I’ve ever experienced, and for reasons I hadn’t fully anticipated.
My previous encounters with injectables had always focused on adding volume or smoothing lines, and I have not always had positive outcomes. While effective in their own right, they sometimes felt noticeable. There was a slight change in my features, a subtle shift that, while positive, wasn’t entirely undetectable to a keen eye.
Skinvive, however, is completely different. It’s the epitome of ‘less is more,’ working its magic in a way that still feels intrinsically you, just a more radiant and refreshed version.
The treatment itself was surprisingly quick and comfortable; although I was bruised for a few days afterwards which is typical for me. Dr Jake Sloane placed tiny injections across my cheeks, chin, and forehead felt like sharp bee stings, quickly subsiding. There was minimal downtime – just a few hours of slight redness that vanished by the next morning.



Unlike typical fillers, there was no immediate plumping or swelling that screamed “I’ve had something done.” This was the first hint that Skinvive was playing a different game.
The real magic unfolded gradually over the following weeks. It wasn’t a sudden, dramatic change, but rather a subtle yet persistent improvement in my skin’s overall quality. The first thing I noticed was the hydration. My skin, which often felt tight and a little dull, began to feel consistently moisturised from within. Even on days when I skimped on my usual skincare routine , my complexion retained a suppleness and a healthy bounce. It was as if my skin had finally found its internal reservoir.
This newfound hydration naturally led to the much-desired ‘inner glow.’ It wasn’t a superficial shimmer, but a genuine radiance that seemed to emanate from the deeper layers of my skin. Friends and colleagues started commenting on how “well” I looked, attributing it to a good night’s sleep or a new skincare product.
Without makeup my skin glowed, and looked as if I might have been wearing a tinted moisturiser or something.
The beauty of Skinvive is precisely this – it enhances your natural beauty so seamlessly that people notice the improvement without necessarily pinpointing the cause.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Skinvive, and the reason it has become my gold standard for injectables, is its ability to enhance my existing features without altering them.
My cheekbones still look like my cheekbones, my jawline remains my jawline, but everything looks healthier and fresher. My skin acts as a more luminous canvas, allowing my natural contours and structure to shine through. It’s like putting on the perfect lighting in a room – it doesn’t change the furniture, but it makes everything look more vibrant and appealing.

This subtle enhancement has even impacted my makeup routine. Previously, I often relied on heavier, more pigmented foundations to achieve a certain level of coverage and luminosity. Now, with my skin consistently hydrated and glowing, I’ve found myself reaching for lighter formulas.
My beloved By Terry Sheer-Expert foundation, with its focus on moisturisation and a natural finish, has become my everyday go-to. It glides on effortlessly and enhances the inherent dewiness of my skin.
Interestingly, I’ve also noticed a shift in my evening makeup choices.
While I still love the polished look of Estée Lauder Double Wear for occasions that call for more staying power, I now find that I need to be more mindful of maintaining a natural finish. The inherent hydration from Skinvive means that a completely matte foundation can sometimes look a little flat. I’ve adjusted my application techniques and often mix in a drop of facial oil or a hydrating primer to retain some of that underlying luminosity. This isn’t a negative; it’s simply a testament to how Skinvive has fundamentally improved my skin’s baseline.
After nine weeks, the results of Skinvive are still going strong. The hydration remains, the subtle glow persists, and my skin feels healthier and more resilient.
It hasn’t erased any deep-set wrinkles (nor did it promise to), but it has undeniably improved the overall texture and appearance of my complexion. It’s the kind of treatment that works in harmony with your natural features, enhancing what you already have rather than trying to create something new.
For a natural-looking boost in skin hydration and radiance, without the dramatic changes associated with some fillers, I do recommend Skinvive. It’s a testament to the power of subtle enhancement, a true skin investment that leaves you looking like the best version of yourself. It’s not about changing your face; it’s about making your skin sing. And mine, after nine weeks, is definitely hitting all the right notes.