Face Taping: Does It Really Work? A Makeup Artist’s Honest Review
Beauty trends come and go, but every so often, an old Hollywood beauty secret finds its way back into the spotlight, and face taping is one of them.
Long before social media beauty influencers began sharing their "instant facelift" tricks, professional makeup artists were quietly using lifting tapes backstage on television, film, theater, fashion shows, and red-carpet events. Designed to provide a temporary lift to sagging skin and create a more sculpted appearance, face taping has become increasingly popular among women seeking a non-surgical way to achieve a more youthful look.
As a professional makeup artist with more than 35 years of experience, I'm always searching for practical beauty solutions that help mature women look and feel their best. So I decided to test several face taping products myself. At 66, I wanted to see whether they actually worked or were simply another viral beauty trend.
WHAT IS FACE TAPING?
Face taping is a temporary lifting technique that uses specially designed adhesive tapes to gently reposition the skin, creating the appearance of a firmer, smoother, more lifted facial appearance. Professional makeup artists have relied on this technique for decades to create subtle improvements that are undetectable on camera. Today, newer versions are available for everyday use, making the technique accessible to anyone looking for a quick confidence boost without surgery or injections.
Depending on the quality of the product and proper application, face taping may help:
Create the appearance of a firmer jawline
Lift mild jowls
Improve the appearance of hooded eyelids
Reduce the look of neck laxity
Enhance facial symmetry
Provide an instant temporary facelift for weddings, photography, or special occasions
It's important to have realistic expectations. Even when applied correctly, face taping provides a temporary, subtle lifting effect and should not be compared to the results of cosmetic procedures or surgery. However, when the right product is applied properly, the improvement can be surprisingly flattering.
THE ORIGINS OF FACE TAPING
Although face taping may seem like the latest beauty trend, it's actually been around for decades. Beauty industry innovator Mark Traynor introduced the Traynor Lift during the 1970s. His system combined medical-grade adhesive tapes with elastic bands to create a temporary lifting effect that remained hidden beneath the hair. Traynor’s method was originally developed for actors, performers, and models; the technique became one of Hollywood's best-kept beauty secrets. Today's face-taping products are based on many of the same principles, although they're designed to be simpler for non-makeup-artist consumers to apply at home.
NOT ALL FACE TAPES ARE CREATED EQUAL
Because I recommend only products I've personally tested, I purchased several face taping systems ranging from inexpensive online brands to professional-quality products, and here's what I discovered;
Budget brands were disappointing.
Several of the less expensive tapes began lifting away from my skin within minutes, even after thoroughly cleansing and preparing my face. Some also lacked the strength needed to lift the moderate skin laxity I have.
Application takes patience.
Face taping definitely has a learning curve. Placement, tension, and hiding the tape all require practice. Don't expect perfect results the first time you try it, which is unfortunate because the adhesive is strongest on the first try. Once you start adjusting the tape, it loses its staying power. So if you don’t get the placement right on the first try, it’s usually best to replace it with a fresh strip.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FACE TAPING APPLICATION
Always test the product before an important event to ensure your skin tolerates the adhesive.
Start with realistic expectations. Face taping works best on individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity. If you have significant loose skin or heavy jowls, the product will not work effectively.
Allow yourself plenty of time to practice. Like applying false eyelashes, it becomes much easier after a few attempts. The eyelid tape can be a miracle worker on hooded eyes if you find the right placement. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results and tips.
Never remove face or eyelid tape without first loosening the adhesive with a gentle oil-based makeup remover or cleanser. Pulling the tape off dry can cause redness and irritation. (Unfortunately, I learned that lesson the hard way after removing the neck tape...ouch!)
WHICH FACE TAPING DELIVERED THE BEST RESULTS?
After testing multiple products, the brand Contours RX impressed me the most. Their eyelid-lifting strips helped create more even-looking eyelids while making my eyes appear more open.
Contours RX - Lids by Design (Assortment Pack)
An excellent game-changer for those with hooded eyelids. Once you determine the correct size for your eyelids, they are comfortable to wear, last all day, and are gentle on sensitive skin due to the hypoallergenic medical-grade adhesive.
Contours RX Neck Rescue
Their neck-lifting tape also provided the most natural-looking lift of the products I tested. Note: The improvement isn't dramatic, but I could definitely see a smoother-looking neck and a more defined jawline in my before-and-after photos.
After personally testing several other options, these are the other products I would recommend.
Ladpemo Invisible Face Lift Tape with Adjustable Bands
Temporary Lifting Support for Jawline, Cheeks, and Neck. The lifting bands can be used with Contours RX Neck Rescue for a stronger hold.
Cosme Search, Inc.
Instant Neck Lift Tapes and Bands, Medical Grade, Hypoallergenic. Lifts and Tightens Sagging Skin. A good option for occasional wear and special events with a secure hold.
Play Queen Invisible Face Lifting Tape
Invisible Face Tape Lifting Support for Jawline & Face Slimming. An affordable option recommended if you are new to face taping.
IS FACE TAPING WORTH A TRY?
In my opinion, YES!, with realistic expectations. If you're looking for an affordable, non-surgical way to create the appearance of a subtle face lift for a wedding, photos, video calls, or a special event, face taping can make a noticeable difference. Will it replace a surgical facelift? Of course not. Can it temporarily improve facial contours and boost confidence? Absolutely.
As more women seek natural-looking anti-aging solutions that don't involve surgery or injections, face taping offers a simple, affordable option worth exploring. I've personally enjoyed experimenting with this technique and will continue sharing my favorite products, application tips, and honest reviews to help you decide what works best for your own beauty journey.
About the Author
Ann Marie Laurendeau is a professional makeup artist, licensed esthetician, and educator with 35 years of experience working in television, media production, weddings, and beauty education. Through hands-on product testing, makeup lessons, and honest reviews, she helps women look and feel their best at every age. Interested in personalized makeup advice or private lessons? Visit https://www.anemonemakeup.com/individual-makeup-classes to learn more.
Affiliate Disclosure — This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, have tested, or genuinely believe will benefit my readers. Thank you for supporting my work!