Droopy eyelids can be quite inconvenient in ways other than ruining your look; thankfully, quick fixes like eyelid tapes help save the day. Now, we know that finding the best eyelid tape can be taxing, so we’ve singled out three of the best eye lift strips to help you decide which suits you better:

How Eyelid Tapes Work

The most common use of eyelid tapes is to fix droopy eyelids. Droopy eyelids or ptosis is when the upper eyelid sags downward, creating an uneven look in one (or both) eyes. While it isn’t usually harmful in itself, depending on the sagginess, the drooping of the eyelids can partially or block one’s line of sight, leaving those with severe ptosis to tilt their heads back to see at all times, especially when speaking or talking to someone.

Using eyelid tapes is an easy, non-surgical option for lifting the sagging eyelid skin from blocking the eyes. One can also adjust them to the type crease of their liking.

Other times, people use eyelid tapes for purely cosmetic reasons. The eyes are usually the first thing people notice, and they are considered the most striking part of someone’s face, so first impressions do matter. The tape and glue can create a double eyelid fold or crease in young patients with monolids because they lack excess skin. Once applied, it then creates a natural-looking, double eyelid effect that creates a whole new look. 

Best Eyelid Tape for Droopy or Hooded Eyes

1. Contours Rx – Lids By Design Cosmetic Strips

Contours RX’s Cosmetic Strips help instantly lift, reshape, and rejuvenate tired, aged eyes for a more youthful appearance in just seconds. With up to 24-hour wear, you can sleep with the strips on, so you wake up with your eyes looking & feeling more rested than ever. 

Compared to most brands, Contours Rx’s eyelid strips are dermatologically-tested and are made from the highest quality of organic & medical grade materials available in the U.S. Each strip is hypoallergenic and latex-free and will transform the shape of your eyelid for a better, more youthful look. Great for every day or on that special occasion.

Each Contours Rx box contains over a month’s supply of eyelid tapes (over 80 strips) with varying sizes from 3mm to 8mm, depending on the effect you want to achieve. The strips also work best for those with monolids, ptosis, hooded eyelids, dermatochalasis, and blepharitis. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made from high-quality materials
• Third-party lab-tested for quality
• Hypoallergenic
• Latex-free
• Adhesion lasts for 24 hours

Cons

• A bit pricey compared to most brands
• Some people might find it difficult to apply
• The adhesion can be too strong for some users

2. Magicstripes Eyelifting Strips

Just like its name, the Magicstripes Eyelifting Medium’s skin-friendly, silicone eyelid correction strips give you a fresh, radiant look and an overall younger appearance within seconds, like magic. 

Founded in 2013 by celebrity makeup artist Natalie Franz, the strips are innovative, effective, and highly comfortable to wear and provide a fresh and radiant look within seconds and without any surgery or expensive creams, which ultimately don’t always bring out the desired effect. The secret lies in the techniques inspired by Asian beauty rituals, which Franz had incorporated into the strips.

The eyelid strips are transparent and can be worn even with make-up. Application is easy, the effect is immediately visible, and it lasts long enough to wear throughout the day comfortably. The adhesive strips also work well for large eyes with heavy eyelids and severe eyelid tightening. Each box contains a month’s worth of tapes (64 strips).

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy and fast application
• Transparent and comfortable to wear
• Immediate and long-lasting effect
• Cruelty-free
• Dermatologically tested
• Affordably-priced

Cons

• Some might find it difficult to apply or adjust, and it could go to waste at the slightest mistake.
• Despite the transparency, certain makeup products fail to hide the strips completely.

3. Beauty Logic Fiber Lace Eyelid Lift Kit

The Beauty Logic Fiber Lace Eyelid Lift Kit revitalizes and rejuvenates eyelid folds and eye lines for an immediate beauty effect.  Its new and improved adhesive is formulated with antifreeze technology to prevent drying up quickly in cold weather and is manufactured completely free of latex and other harmful chemicals.

The eyelid tapes help fix the most common problems regarding the eyelids- single eyelids (monolids), droopy, hooded, and uneven eyelids. It easily lifts drooping eyelid skin and enlarges the eyes to create a more youthful, vibrant appearance in the eyes. The tape itself is long-lasting and transparent enough to be easily retained and concealed by regular makeup.

The tapes are available in four different sizes (small, medium, large, and extra-large), making it easy to pick the perfect size for many customers. They also feature a waterproof, ultra-invisible, and lightweight design which allows you to wear them all day in comfort.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Made in Korea
• Manufactured with antifreeze technology
• Fits all sizes
• 100% non-latex 
• 100% vegan and cruelty-free
• Ultra invisible
• Waterproof
• Thin and lightweight
• Easy to apply and remove
• Works for sensitive skin

Cons

• Lasts for only up to 12 hours
• The adhesive may also cause a burning sensation on the skin.
• Leaves residue upon removal.
• No instructions provided
• The adhesive tends to solidify when mishandled.

How To Properly Apply Eyelid Tape Strips

Applying can be a tricky, meticulous process if you’re new to using eyelid tapes, and you may waste a few strips on your first tries, so practice makes perfect. Follow these instructions to help you do it correctly. 

• Prepare the eyelids –  Make sure to clean your eyelids before applying the strips. Any trace of oils, dirt, makeup, or moisturizers can affect and decrease the adhesion. 
• Mark the area where the eyelids fold –  Identify the area where the eyelids are folded over.: This can be marked by a line or fold on the eyelid. 
• Peel off the strip sheet – Using tweezers, gently peel off the strip off the sheet using tweezers. Be careful; the strip won’t bond properly to the skin if the corners get damaged. 
• Placing the strip – Raise the brow to lift any excess skin out of the way so the strip can be placed on a smooth surface. Once you find your desired position, carefully place the strip across the eyelid fold. Gently twist the tweezer to release the strip. : 
• Press and hold –  Press and hold the strip down for at least a minute using your fingers to ensure the strip is completely bonded to the skin. You can use a Y-tool or an eye caliper to help press and hold the eyelid and the strip properly.

To remove the eyelid tape, simply use your fingers to peel off and discard it. You can also use a pair of tweezers or fingernails to peel an eyelid tape strip away from the backing. You will also need to peel away the piece of plastic covering the eyelid strip.

Downsides Of Using Eyelid Tapes

Applying eyelid tapes is an effective, non-surgical, painless, and inexpensive way of preventing drooping, sagging, hooded eyelids, and correcting mono eyelids. However, the tapes are in no way a long-term solution for drooping eyelids. As the eyelid skin and its attachment to the deep eyelid tissues are highly sensitive, excessive use of eyelid tape & glue is not good for your eyelid skin and may result in further thickening and loosening.

Apart from further eyelid skin sagging, one study found that frequent usage of eyelid tapes affected the anterior ocular health of some women. It showed that four weeks of continuous use resulted in incomplete blinking, conjunctival staining, corneal staining, and meibomian gland dysfunction, significantly reducing tear break-up time and intraocular pressure.

Improper handling of the strips and adhesive may result in allergic reactions, occasional redness and irritation, and the risk of the glue getting in your eye, which can damage your vision. Removing the tapes aggressively can also damage the eyelid skin.

Ultimately, surgery for eyelids (blepharoplasty) remains more effective in preventing drooping and sagging and lasts several years.

Other Alternatives

Suppose you have second thoughts about eyelid tapes or feel they don’t work for you. In that case, there are other solutions to help fix droopy and saggy eyelids.

​Non-surgical blepharoplasty, for example, is performed by injecting hyaluronic acid fillers to refresh, rejuvenate, and tighten the skin around the eye area. It can also correct asymmetrical eyes to make them look even and uniform. The procedure only takes a short time to perform and does not leave marks or scars.

According to the National Stroke Association, doing eyelid exercises could help improve eyelid droop. This is done by working the eyelid muscles by raising the eyebrows, placing a finger below, and holding them up for several seconds while trying to close them.

A more natural approach is applying cucumber slices over the eyelids. Thanks to its high vitamin C content, cucumbers help soothe puffiness, reduce dark circles on the skin, and hydrate the skin. Similarly, putting soaked chamomile tea bags over the eyelids produces a similar, effective result. 

Takeaway

Eyelid tapes are a quick and easy solution to monolids, droopy eyelids, and deep-set eyes. Its adhesive material helps lift the eyelid and any sagging skin around it or creates a double eyelid effect, which greatly enhances one’s looks, giving them a more youthful, bright-eyed appearance. 

When using the strips, it pays to be careful in applying and removing them since they can be tricky to use. Using them too frequently can further damage sagging eyelids as well, so be sure to wear them only in select instances and events.

When in doubt, ask an ophthalmologist or dermatologist which method or treatment will suit your condition best. That way, you get to avoid hazards that can worsen your situation in the long run and help you achieve your desired look more effectively.