Skincare Ingredients That Make Eyelid Tape Fail
Why Your Eyelid Skin Surface Matters
We all want our eyes to look bright and awake. If you are over 45, you might notice your upper eyelids feeling a bit heavier or looking "hooded." Eye Magic strips are a wonderful, non-surgical way to lift that skin instantly. But here is a secret: the success of your lift depends heavily on what you put on your skin before you apply the strips.
Think of your eyelid like a canvas. If the canvas is oily or covered in heavy creams, nothing will stick to it. To get that discreet, all-day hold, you need to understand which skincare ingredients are your friends and which ones are "lift-killers."
The Eyelid "Slip" Factor: Ingredients to Avoid
Many high-end eye creams are packed with wonderful nutrients. However, these same nutrients can create a barrier that prevents the adhesive from bonding with your skin. If your strips are sliding off by lunchtime, check your labels for these common culprits.
1. Face Oils and Serums
Oils are fantastic for deep hydration, but they are the natural enemy of any adhesive. Ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, or rosehip oil create a slick surface. Even if the oil feels absorbed, a tiny residue can remain. This residue prevents the Eye Magic strip from gripping the skin firmly.
2. Heavy Silicones
Silicones (often listed as dimethicone or cyclomethicone) are used to make skin feel silky and smooth. They are common in primers and anti-aging creams. While they make your skin look soft, they act like a lubricant. If you apply a strip over a silicone-heavy product, it won't be able to "grab" the eyelid fold to create that lift.
3. Petroleum and Mineral Oil
These are heavy emollients. They sit on top of the skin to lock in moisture. Because they don't fully sink in, they leave a film. If you use a heavy night cream containing these ingredients, make sure you wash your eyes thoroughly in the morning before attempting your lift.
How to Properly Prep Your Lids for a Firm Hold
To ensure your Eye Magic strips stay put from morning until night, you need a clean, dry surface. Follow these simple steps for the best results.
- Step 1: Cleanse. Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser to wash your face. Pay special attention to the crease of your eyelid where natural oils tend to hide.
- Step 2: Dry completely. Pat your eyelids dry with a clean towel. Wait a minute or two to ensure there is no lingering dampness.
- Step 3: Skip the cream (for now). Do not apply eye cream to the upper lid where the strip will go. You can still apply your favorite creams to the under-eye area and the outer "crow's feet" sections.
If you have naturally oily skin, you might even consider a quick swipe with a cotton swab dipped in a tiny bit of alcohol-free toner. This ensures every bit of surface oil is gone.
The Correct Way to Apply Your Strips
Once your skin is prepped, it is time to apply. At Eye Magic, we have spent 25 years perfecting this process. Using the right tools makes a huge difference. We always recommend using a pair of tweezers to lift the strips off the paper backing. This prevents the natural oils from your fingertips from getting onto the adhesive side.
Once you have positioned the strip using the tweezers, you can use your fingertip to gently press down on the non-adhesive side ( the top side) to set it in place. This "set" ensures the strip stays discreet and holds the fold all day. For a step-by-step visual, visit our how-to-apply page.
Hydrating Aging Lids Without The Grease
We know that skin over 50 needs moisture. The skin on our eyelids is the thinnest on our entire body. It can become dry and crepey if we skip moisturizer entirely. So, how do you balance the need for hydration with the need for a lift?
Use Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Look for water-based serums that contain hyaluronic acid. This ingredient pulls moisture into the skin without leaving an oily residue. Because it absorbs fully and quickly, it is much less likely to interfere with your Eye Magic strips compared to a thick cream.
Night-time Recovery: Save your richest, most luxurious eye oils and heavy creams for your bedtime routine. When you aren't wearing your strips, let your skin drink in all that moisture. By the time you wake up and wash your face, your skin will be hydrated, and you will be ready for a fresh application of Eye Magic.
Why Hypoallergenic Adhesive Matters
When you are choosing a product to wear on your eyes every day, quality is everything. Eye Magic was a pioneer in this industry, based on a design from US Patent #6,193,741. We use a high-quality, hypoallergenic adhesive. This is important because the skin on your eyelids is very sensitive.
Cheaper tapes may use harsh glues that can cause redness or itching, especially if your skin is already thin from aging. Our strips are designed to be gentle while still providing a firm, reliable lift. By keeping your skin clean and avoiding oil-based products during the day, you help the hypoallergenic adhesive do its job safely and effectively.
Makeup and Skincare: The Perfect Order
If you use makeup, the order of operations is vital. Always apply your Eye Magic strips before you apply any eyeshadow or primer. If you put the strip over eyeshadow, it is essentially trying to stick to dust. It won't work! Apply to clean, bare skin, and then gently apply your makeup over the top. The result is a discreet, lifted look that stays put.
You can find our full range of sizes to suit your specific eye shape at our online shop. Whether you have a small amount of sagging or a heavy hood, there is a fit that will work for you.