Face lift tape is a product designed to help pull back sagging skin of the face and neck. It is usually attached to the area just behind a person's ears. It is then normally held in place with a string that goes around the head and is covered by the hair. It has often been used by people in the entertainment industry as an alternative to cosmetic surgery. It can also be used by anyone who would like to give their face a more youthful appearance.
This product typically consists of two clear pieces of tape with a peel-off backing, one for each side of a user's head. It also contains a piece of string that may be somewhat elastic. In order to use face lift tape, a person must first peel the backing off one of the pieces of tape. She could then stick this piece to the side of her face near the ear or temple. Next, she might use the string to pull the facial skin tight, before connecting it to the tape on the opposite side of her head.
After applying this product, an individual normally styles her hair in such a manner as to hide the tape. For this reason, this product is often pressed slightly into the hairline. The string also comes in a variety of colors to help blend in with a person's hair color.
When first using face lift tape, a person might feel some tightness in the back of the head, as well as in the temple area. This usually becomes more bearable after a few uses. There are normally no unusual side effects noted from the application of the adhesive tape to facial skin.
Face lift tape can often help a user look younger without expensive or invasive surgical procedures. This is because it can lift sagging skin, especially around the temples and eyes. It can also help smooth fine lines and wrinkles in the cheek and jaw area.
This product can usually be purchased from a beauty supply store or online. It is generally easy to apply and remove for most people. When properly attached to the face and covered with a person's hair, it is usually not noticeable. This can mean face lift tape could be a good choice for a person who would like to look younger without undergoing a potentially dangerous face lift procedure.
How To Make Your Own Face Lift Tape
The results of at-home facelift kits are mainly achieved through special tape and make-up magic, so anyone can create the look with a bit of practice. You can also manage your desired amount of lift by making your own facelift tape and being your own make-up artist.
Tape Pieces
All you need is surgical tape with a reinforced end tab. Surgical tape is typically no problem to procure. Online stores, pharmacies, and even convenience stores often have surgical tape in the first aid sections. It is, instead, the end tabs that connect the surgical tape to the string or cord that can be challenging to recreate.
For best results, triple a ½” of surgical tape back on itself three times and then fold it in half with the piece of tape that you will attach to your face in the middle. The doubled-over section will act as the tab. Because DIY is not quite as easy or sturdy as the kit version, you will likely have the best results if you hand-sew the doubled-over tab together with the face strip in the middle.
Tape Attachments
Once you complete the tabs for both sides of the face, you can attach them to the tabs for the string or cord. Some people prefer to use mini spring clips, while others prefer grommets to loop the bungee. Others prefer to enlist the help of a friend to pull the string tight and then sew the line down to the tabs, so there is no chance of a fastener showing.
The string, cord, or bungee will loop behind the head and help pull the tape tighter than just the lift effect from the tape alone. Further, because the tape stretches up behind the ear, the attachment helps keep the tape hidden from sight, deep in the hairline. Blending concealers, foundations, and setting powders over the top helps mask the additions.
How To Use Face Lift Tape
There are plenty of online and in-store options for at-home facelift kits that don’t require any surgical cutting or cleaving. The secret is in the preparation and the type of tape you choose.
Preparation
Before attempting an at-home facelift with tape rather than an invasive procedure costing thousands, follow a short preparation sequence to ready the skin for best results. Be sure to shower and cleanse the skin thoroughly. Wash and exfoliate the areas around the temples, sides, and nape of the neck.
After washing, moisturize your whole face and then spot clean before applying the tape. Slather your entire face with an SPF-based product. Once the moisturizer has been absorbed, lightly apply isopropyl alcohol to a few cotton balls. Using the treated cotton balls, swab the temples, sides, and nape of the neck to remove any moisturizer and excess oils. Your skin is now prepped for tape application.
Application
Pull all hair up loosely before placement. For maximum results, people apply the tape in more than one place. If you wish, add tape at the top of the cheekbones, the back of the lower jawbones, and the sides of the neck near the nape of the hairline. As you apply the tape, move pieces upwards and back, pressing the tape into the hairline as you go. Once the tape is secured in all the places you see fit, go back and attach the tabs to pull the tape tighter.
Does Face Lift Tape Really Work?
The effect of the tape when the pulled end tabs are secured in the hair should be smoothed lines and wrinkles with decreased excess skin in the jaw and neck areas. While the results are not long-term, facelift tape does create a more youthful appearance for the time it is applied.
Considerations
Some people have concerns about the hazards of facelift tape for long-term use. The adhesive in tape can occasionally irritate the skin, though surgical tape has been tested to decrease reactions in all skin types.
The continuous stretching of the skin can also cause wrinkles and fine lines while preventing the appearance of aging. To combat the effects of sagging skin both before and after using facelift tape, be sure also to use a hydrating moisturizer.
