ANTI-AGEING products are marketed more than anything else in the beauty world, and my social media is flooded with quick-fix ways to age backwards.
I’ve been resisting the urge to get Botox for some time, and in this Frownies Facial Patches review, I’ll be weighing in on whether the original anti-ageing method really works.
Frownies Facial Patches, £28.50
Before overnight masks and silicone stickers came the OG, Frownies Anti-Wrinkle Patches.
Founded back in 1889, the adhesive paper patches have been a favourite over the decades for eliminating lines and wrinkles.
The skincare buy has gained a celebrity following (Rashida Jones and Kris Jenner have raved about them), and they’re currently having a resurgence on TikTok.
After seeing countless videos showing impressive results, I had to try them for myself.
Pros
- Effectively smooths out lines
- Easy to apply
- Good value for money
- Comfortable to sleep with
- Can be torn easily to fit the surface area
- Stick on easily when slightly damp
Cons
- Results stop when you stop using
- Weird smell
- May not be gentle enough for sensitive skin types
Rating: 7.5/10
Frownies Wrinkle Patches: quickfire Q&A
How much is it? A box of 144 wrinkle patches costs £28.50 on Amazon (but several are needed for each use).
Who’s it best for? Those looking for a cheaper and non-invasive alternative to Botox.
What we loved: The patches smooth out lines and train the muscles to be less active, so they’re effective for those with expression lines.
What we didn’t love: Commitment to consistent uses is needed for lasting results, the weird smell.
The Nitty Gritty
First impressions
While I don’t have deep-set wrinkles, I do have visible fine lines that look more prominent during winter (due to the skin losing more moisture).
I also catch myself frowning and being expressive throughout the day, only adding to the lines I’m trying to get rid of.
I swear by my LED mask (read my Shark CryoGlow review) and retinol, but they haven’t been able to compare to the results achieved by Botox.
Frownies Facial Patches essentially create a cast on the skin to hold the facial muscles in place.
Unlike skincare products, Frownies are retraining the muscles to stay still, rather than treating the skin (which is great for those who catch themselves frowning throughout the day).
They come in strips, with tear lines to choose between squares or triangles for full, comfortable coverage in the desired area.
One thing that surprised me is the weird smell they have, which I can’t quite place (but I do know it’s unappealing).
Inside the Frownies box there are instructions, with a scannable QR code that walks you through how to apply.
I was expecting the process to be more complicated, but I had my Frownies secured in place in less than five minutes.
The stickers don’t need to be positioned in a particular way, but they need to cover the entire surface area to restrict movement.
The adhesive side does however need to be slightly stamp for the patches to stick on the skin, and I used the Frownies Rose Water Spray to lightly spritz each pad.
How to apply Frownies
After getting the Frownies slightly damp, it’s best to wait 30 seconds before applying to allow the texture to become sticky.
Each patch should overlap one another to create a firm cast, which will help to prevent muscle movement (and the patches from coming off overnight).
Frownies Facial Patches, £28.50
I found the whole application process easy, and I use three squares and one triangle to cover my forehead.
For my first use, I avoided moisturiser all together as I was worried about it interfering with the grip.
After getting a bit braver with them, I realised they work just as well following my full skincare routine, but I just wait for about half an hour for my products to absorb.
Does it deliver?
The patches firm up shortly after being applied, so while they don’t feel uncomfortable, there’s no danger of forgetting you have them on.
My sleep wasn’t disrupted from wearing them and they didn’t dry my skin out, but they do have a papier-mâché-feel that could cause irritation on sensitive skin.
While the patches can be peeled off dry, using warm water to loosen them is recommended for a gentle removal.
Immediately after, my forehead looked smooth and line-free.
I haven’t had Botox, but I can imagine that the feeling I had was similar to post-injections, as I couldn’t frown or lift my eyebrows.
For this reason, those with expression lines and deep-set wrinkles are likely to get the best results from the patches.
Frownies Rose Water Hydrator Spray, £28.50
These aren’t a magic fix, so consistent use is needed to see results beyond the day of removing them.
I like using the Rose Water Hydrator for getting a firm stick, but the purchase isn’t crucial (as other sprays or just water will work, too).
How much are Frownies?
A pack of 144 Frownies patches costs £28.50 on Amazon.
It’s worth considering that several patches are needed for every use, but the pack still works out as value for money (especially compared to Botox!)
The Frownies for Corners of Eyes and Mouth cost £29.95 on Amazon, and they also include 144 patches.
The Rosewater Hydrator Spray costs £19.95 on Amazon, although it’s not crucial for prepping the skin, as any facial mist should make the patches sticky enough.
The verdict: are Frownies Facial Patches worth it?
If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to minimise wrinkles and expression lines, Frownies are absolutely worth trying.
The patches effectively smoothed out my fine lines overnight, and my forehead muscles move noticeably less the day after using.
Some lines start appearing throughout the day, but they’ve definitely minimised, so I’m excited to see the long-term effects.
They’re not going to give the same effect as Botox, but they’re an affordable alternative that really do help, as long as they’re used consistently.
Frownies Facial Patches, £28.50 at Amazon – buy here
How I tested
As Sun Shopping’s beauty expert, it’s my job to test whether trending products are really worth their price tag.
Frownies have been around since the 1800s, and have gone through spikes of popularity over the years.
They’ve been trending again recently thank to TikTok, and I’ve been using them daily to determine the short and long-term results.
I mostly wore the patches overnight, but I also tried them a couple of times while working from home (as they should ideally be on for six to eight hours).
While testing, I considered the below factors
- Performance
- Value for money
- Comfort
- Quality
- Whether they impacted sleep
- Packaging
I’ve tested my fair share of beauty trends in the past and you can read my roundups on the best LED masks and the best Korean skincare.
Where to buy
Frownies can be bought directly from the brand’s website, or through stockists including Amazon and Ebay.
All three retailers are currently offering items for identical prices, but it’s likely that will change throughout the year due to sale prices.
Do Frownies actually work?
Yes, Frownies do work.
The patches smooth out wrinkles, while training the muscles to stay still.
When the patches are removed (after being on for three to eight hours) fine lines are less visible, but they need to be used consistently for the results to remain.
Frownies don’t have the same lasting effect as cosmetic procedures, but they work as a non-invasive alternative.
Frownies Facial Patches, £28.50
Are Frownies bad for your skin?
Frownies are made with natural, hypoallergenic kraft paper and water-activated adhesive that’s designed to be gentle on the skin.
While they aren’t “bad” for the skin, they could cause irritation for some if they’re used incorrectly.
The wrinkle patches build a cast using adhesive, so ripping them off (instead of using the advised method of loosening with warm water) could lead to redness and irritation.
Do you have to wear Frownies every night?
As Frownies work by training the facial muscles to relax, the brand recommends wearing the patches daily for at least 30 days for the best effect.
The Frownies website states that users can cut down to around three to four uses per week after that time, or to use as and when the lines appear.
