Just when you thought your bedtime routine couldn’t get any more elaborate, face taping has arrived to add yet another step.
You may have spotted it on TikTok —women with brightly colored tape plastered across their foreheads. Without context, it might look like a quirky fashion statement or rave accessory. But dig deeper, and you’ll discover a beauty trend gaining traction for its potential to smooth wrinkles and contour the face.
British facialist Guendalina Gennari swears by it, calling it “the best thing I could have done for my skin.” Intrigued? So were we. “I use face taping every night or four times a week,” says Gennari, who has worked with celebrities such as Anne Hathaway and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. “I sleep on my side and used to wake up with lots of pillow lines.”
@ariellelorre how I apply face tape before bed for smooth skin ✨
♬ original sound - Arielle Lorre
So, how does it work? “On our face, muscles are directly attached to the skin,” Gennari explains. “A lot of times, muscles don’t get enough oxygenation. Face tape helps create a channel between the skin and muscles, bringing oxygen and nutrients to our tissues.” In simple terms, the tape relaxes your facial muscles. When used overnight, it encourages the lymphatic system to work harder, potentially reducing puffiness and leaving you with more contoured skin by morning.
“[Face taping] helps with the detoxification of our face and can help with fine lines and wrinkles,” she adds. “If used regularly, it can prevent or soften fine lines. As we age, our muscles shorten, creating creases in the skin, but tape helps maintain the muscle structure.” Gennari also shares her personal results: “I wake up in the morning with a smooth forehead and no tension. My face doesn’t get puffy anymore because the tape keeps my lymphatic system active.”
@selinadasilvaa I love face taping 😍✨ #skincare #skintok #fyp #facetaping #wrinkletreatment #wrinkles #beautyhacks #kbeauty ♬ origineel geluid - .⋆୨୧⋆.
Although deep wrinkles won’t vanish overnight, face taping is an effective preventative technique. The key is proper placement. “It depends on the concern, but I always suggest the forehead and nasolabial folds,” says Gennari. “I have some videos on my Instagram @guendalinatheskinsculpter on how to apply it.” If you’re looking for an alternative to Botox or just curious about the latest skincare trend, face taping might be worth a try. After all, the best way to find out if it works is to tape up and see for yourself.
Words: Sarah Murray
Photography: TikTok
