TikTok Is Obsessed With Face Taping—But Does It Actually Give You an At-Home Facelift? (2025)

beauty

It’s a temp fix

TikTok Is Obsessed With Face Taping—But Does It Actually Give You an At-Home Facelift? (1)

By Marissa Wu

Published May 29, 2025

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TikTok Is Obsessed With Face Taping—But Does It Actually Give You an At-Home Facelift? (2)

Kevin Mazur/Contributor/Getty Images/Original photos by Jillian Quint/Skin Gym/PureWow

When Doechii showed up at the Grammys with clearly visible face tape, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one whose interest was piqued. From serums and moisturizers to home gadgets and procedures that cost more than a car payment, we all want that lifted, sculpted, wrinkle-free face…but maybe a little less in-your-face than Doechii’s. Turns out, TikTok is nuts for a different type of face tape, which is applied over night (and promises magical results). Curious if the overnight strips actually work, I reached out to a plastic surgeon for the details—and PureWow’s very own editor-in-chief also tried the tape herself. Below is everything you need to know about this buzzy beauty product—plus before and after photos.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Gary Linkov is a New York City-based double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. He is the pioneer behind the Elelyft lip lift and holds degrees from Cornell University and Columbia University. Dr. Linkov is also the face of his popular YouTube channel, where he analyzes beauty trends, procedures and shares educational content.

TikTok Is Obsessed With Face Taping—But Does It Actually Give You an At-Home Facelift? (3)

Kevin Mazur/Contributor/Getty Images

What Is Face Taping?

Face taping is the use of specialty tape to lift or smooth the skin. There are two general types of face tape: overnight tape and tape like Doechii’s, which is anchored to the face by a string that’s attached to your hair.

The former, Dr. Linkov notes, purports to prevent wrinkles, while the latter will lift. While “relatively harmless,” he further explains, “The bad news is that they absolutely do not work like a facelift or offer any long-term benefit. The results are utterly temporary and vanish as soon as the tape is removed or, in the case of a piece of tape applied overnight, you wake up and move your face.” At best, it’s a fun (though involved) makeup tool more akin to a special effect for a special event (like the Grammys).

The practice, he explains, most likely began with geishas in ancient Japan, who would use some variation of tape to create smooth complexions. In fact, a popular brand of face tape today, Frownies, was actually founded in the late 1800s. So, face tape has some history. Face tape is prevalent on TikTok, with plenty of promising before and after content. But according to Dr. Linkov, the hard truth is that “despite their resurging popularity, the idea that you can ‘train’ the muscles of your face to move a certain way, thereby eliminating wrinkles, is false.”

TikTok Is Obsessed With Face Taping—But Does It Actually Give You an At-Home Facelift? (4)

Original photo by Jillian Quint

PureWow Editor-In-Chief Jillian Quint tried the overnight face tape, telling me, “While I didn't see any change in my under-eye area, my smile/marionette lines were dramatically improved. Where the night before I had deep lines, I now had only the vaguest indentations.” However, she also reported, “Alas, the smile lines fall back into place pretty quickly—within a few hours,” corroborating Dr. Linkov’s assessment.

“If you’re OK with [the ephemeral results] and want to see if you can use it for a fun night out or big event, consider booking a make-up artist who has experience using these,” Dr. Linkov advises. “You can try it yourself with instructional videos, but be aware that people often over-promise (and over filter) their results. It’s a special effect and takes practice. If you are concerned about wrinkles and expression lines, a neuromodulator [like Botox] will deliver much better, more consistent, and long lasting results.”

TikTok Is Obsessed With Face Taping—But Does It Actually Give You an At-Home Facelift? (5)

Original photos by Jillian Quint

What Are the Side Effects?

Face taping isn’t without some risk or side effects. Dr. Linkov lists acne, damaged skin and stressed hair follicles as possible consequences. Quint reported irritation when removing the tape, saying, “The best way to describe it is like wearing scotch tape on your face. It pulls a little at your skin, but isn't uncomfortable. (More, just, weird.) When I pulled the tape off in the morning, it stung for a few minutes, and I had noticeable red marks on my face for about a day.”

Additionally, if you’re using tape similar to Doechii’s, the glue can be pore-clogging. While rare, it’s also possible that sensitive skin can develop an infection. And, constant pulling at the hair follicle can lead to traction alopecia.

The Best Things You Can Do for Your Skin, According to a Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Linkov’s advice echoes what I’ve learned in the years I’ve been on the beauty desk: Less is more. And let’s be real for a sec: Plastic surgery—and anything promising similar results—is something that merits serious reflection and consideration. While this may be his line of work, Dr. Linkov offers some refreshing advice:

“Truly the best thing you can do is take a moment and really appreciate who you are and how wonderful your body really is. You are unique and your face tells a story. Take a moment to appreciate your uniqueness and what your face tells people about you.”

Then, care for that uniqueness—here, he says, you want to be “strategic and gentle.” Daily sunscreen can make a huge difference, and you’ll reap the benefits once you hit your 40s. Cleanser, moisturizer with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid serum and maybe retinoic acid prescribed by a dermatologist for sun damage or acne. That’s it.

And if you are considering cosmetic treatment, Dr. Linkov stresses the importance of speaking to a qualified surgeon or aesthetics provider about reasonable results and best options.

“No one needs plastic surgery, but it’s worthwhile to remember that many non-invasive aesthetic procedures can over promise. The only way to deliver surgical results is with plastic surgery.”

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TikTok Is Obsessed With Face Taping—But Does It Actually Give You an At-Home Facelift? (8)

Marissa Wu

SEO Editor

  • Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
  • Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
  • Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University

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TikTok Is Obsessed With Face Taping—But Does It Actually Give You an At-Home Facelift? (2025)
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