E! Illustration/RevolveTikTok is full of viral beauty hacks promising a flawless, sculpted look overnight — from mouth tape that claims to create a sharper jawline to wrinkle tape that says it can erase fine lines while you sleep.
But are these trends actually effective, or just clever marketing?
We asked Dr. Gina Maccarone, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon and founder of The Surgeonista, to weigh in on the science.
And while there’s nothing wrong with sticking with a routine that genuinely works for you — or being curious enough to try something new — it’s worth pausing to see what the science actually says.
Here’s what you should know before adding the next viral fix to your nightly routine.
Skin Gym Face Tape
Skin Gym's Face Tape features 128 pre-cut strips. This gentle tape targets key areas of the face to lift, firm, and smooth the skin.
Does Mouth Tape Actually Sculpt Your Jaw?
Many TikTok users are turning to mouth tape in the hopes of achieving a chiseled jawline. The idea is that taping your mouth shut overnight encourages nasal breathing, which supposedly tones jaw muscles.
However, Dr. Maccarone says, "Comfort matters most, whether you’re breathing through your mouth or your nose. Going to this level of multitasking for such little (in this case, zero) benefit isn’t necessary. There’s no scientific evidence to suggest this is true. Skip it."
Wrinkle Tape vs. Wrinkle Patches: Not the Same Thing
"There are hyaluronic acid–based pads and adhesive patches that can help hydrate the skin and temporarily minimize the appearance of wrinkles. However, simple face tape is not going to stop the facial muscles from moving, which is what actually causes wrinkles. The only thing proven to smooth wrinkles is a neurotoxin like Botox," she said.
So what does work? "I like Hero brand adhesive skincare products, and RoC also makes nice patches that combine hyaluronic acid with retinol," she explained.
HERO COSMETICS Mighty Patch for Fine Lines
These expert-approved patches are designed to help target crow’s feet and frown lines. These thin, flexible strips feature 1,390 dissolving micropoints with retinol.
HERO COSMETICS Mighty Patch for Tired Eyes
Revive tired eyes with these patches that include tri-hyaluronic acid to hydrated, niacinamide to energize, and panthenol and allantoin to moisturize and calm.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Non-Invasive Targeted Patches with Hyaluronic Acid + Firming Peptides
These RoC patches are designed to be apploed to crow’s feet, 11 lines, forehead wrinkles, and laugh lines. They're made with Pure RoC retinol and hyaluronic acid.
What’s a Safer, Affordable Way to Sculpt or Smooth?
We asked Dr. Maccarone how we can achieve a more sculpted look without methods like face and mouth tape. "Temporary options include manual upward massage along the jawline and cheeks to support lymphatic drainage," she said.
"Microcurrent devices can also offer subtle sculpting effects," she said, also noting that its effects won't last forever.
We found three bestselling microcurrent devices below that have tons of positive customer reviews.
ZIIP HALO
This app-connected Microcurrent facial device transforms your skin through personalized electrical currents. With just one tap in the ZIIP App, each treatment is designed to lift, tighten, brighten, and more.
FOREO Firm & Fabulous BEAR mini + Serum
According to the brand, this at-home facial toning device uses three intensities of microcurrent technology and T-Sonic pulsations to help lift, tone, and re-contour age-sensitive areas.
NuFACE MINI+ Microcurrent Facial Device Kit
This O.G. at-home microcurrent facial device is a bestseller for a reason. It has thousands of rave reviews on every website where it's sold. This mini device will lift, tone, and sculpt all the areas of your face.