Face taping by zone: forehead, 11s, smile lines and crow’s feet
Every area of the face requires a slightly different approach when it comes to face taping. The forehead, the 11s between the eyebrows, smile lines and crow’s feet around the eyes are the four most commonly targeted zones — each with its own muscle movement, skin thickness and taping technique. This article explains how to apply Face & Tape correctly for each zone and what results to expect.
Why does the technique differ per zone?
Facial muscles move in different directions and with varying intensity. The muscles on the forehead work differently from those around the eyes or mouth. Skin thickness also varies — the skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than on the forehead. Using the right technique for each zone significantly increases the effectiveness of face taping.
Zone 1 – The forehead
What lines form here?
Horizontal forehead lines are caused by repeatedly raising the eyebrows. This is one of the most common and early-appearing zones for face taping.
How do you tape the forehead?
Apply three vertical strips across the forehead, evenly spaced. The strips run vertically from the hairline down toward the eyebrows. Keep your face relaxed and do not stretch the tape. By placing the strips vertically, they resist the horizontal folding movement of the frontalis muscles — exactly the motion that causes forehead lines.
How quickly do results show?
The forehead generally responds well to face taping with consistent use. After a few weeks, many users notice that horizontal lines appear less deep in the mornings.
Zone 2 – The 11s (frown lines)
What lines form here?
The 11s are the vertical lines that form between the eyebrows from repeated frowning. Also called glabellar lines or frown lines, they are one of the most visible signs of facial muscle tension.
How do you tape the 11s?
Apply a short vertical or diagonal strip between the eyebrows to support the skin in a neutral position. Use gentle tension — the tape should not pull, but should help reduce the frowning impulse. Keep your face completely neutral during application.
Does face taping work for deep 11s?
Face taping is most effective as a preventive method and for fine, superficial lines. For deeper 11s, it helps slow further formation, but should not be expected to fully correct existing lines.
Zone 3 – Smile lines (nasolabial folds)
What lines form here?
Smile lines are the folds that run from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth. They are caused by repeated facial expressions like smiling and talking, and tend to deepen and become more permanent over time.
How do you tape smile lines?
Apply one strip per side, vertically over the smile line — from the side of the nose toward the corner of the mouth. The strip runs directly over the fold, holding the skin in a neutral position. Keep your face fully relaxed during application and do not stretch the tape.
A side sleeper? Side sleeping puts extra pressure on smile lines from the weight of the pillow. In that case, apply two strips horizontally over the smile lines to help reduce compression wrinkles.
How quickly do smile lines respond?
Smile lines tend to respond more slowly than forehead lines, as they sit deeper and are activated more frequently. Consistency is especially important here. With regular use, many users find that the folds appear less pronounced in the mornings.
Zone 4 – Crow’s feet
What lines form here?
Crow’s feet are the fine lines that form around the corners of the eyes. They are caused by smiling, blinking and other small muscle movements around the eye. The skin in this area is thinner and more sensitive than elsewhere on the face, which is why lines often appear here early.
How do you tape crow’s feet?
Apply one strip diagonally from the outer corner of the eye toward the temple, following the natural direction of the crow’s feet lines. The strip follows the lines and supports the skin around the eye. Make sure the strip does not sit directly under the eye. Press gently and rub lightly to activate the adhesive.
Is the skin around the eyes more sensitive?
Yes. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than other zones. If in doubt, always do a patch test first, and remove the tape extra carefully in the direction of the hairline.
Can you tape multiple zones at once?
Yes. Start with the zone most relevant to you and gradually expand to multiple areas. Face & Tape is available in three skin-matching shades, so the strips remain virtually invisible across multiple zones — even during the day.
Which zones respond fastest to face taping?
Generally, the forehead responds fastest, as the skin is relatively smooth and the frontalis muscles respond well to support. The 11s and smile lines require more consistency due to their deeper muscle tension. Crow’s feet respond well with early and regular use.