The influencer and businesswoman Kim Kardashian has just launched a Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap product under her shapewear Skims brand, priced at an eyewatering £52.
The extravagant-looking wrap appears to be inspired by the popularity of face wraps in the trending on TikTok Morning Shed routine. But does it actually do anything?
On its website, the brand claims that the face wrap ‘boasts our signature sculpting fabric and features collagen yarns for ultra-soft jaw support,” but can these kinds of products actually support skin function and create a ‘snatched’ jawline, as customers may hope?
Aesthetic doctor Dr Nikita Desai from Harley Street Skin Clinic in London shares more...
“In this instance, a face wrap is essentially a compression garment for the face. It’s marketed as a beauty tool that’s designed to lift and sculpt your face by applying pressure similar to that of a compression garment you’d wear on your body. It’s suggested that these wraps can reduce puffiness and improve facial definition,” explained Dr Desai.
Do face wraps make your face look better?
So is there any truth in this? Can it help with facial puffiness and give a more defined look?
“My first thought upon looking at this Skims design is that it’s taken inspiration from the ‘morning shed’ TikTok trend that was highly popular throughout 2024, which promoted the idea “the uglier you sleep, the prettier you wake up.” With the product being advertised as something that will be a part of your nightly routine, there’s no doubt that they’re really hoping that the beauty side of TikTok will adopt this product the same way they did the ‘Morning Shed’ trend.”
Dr Desai noted that the colour choice itself is also strikingly similar to surgical compressions, which she said could be “a purposeful choice” since the Kardashians have frequently discussed their cosmetic surgery.
So can these kinds of products actually help to keep the face firmer? Erm, maybe a little.
“Face wraps of this kind offer temporary changes at best and may help with de-puffing your face, similar to how a common surgical garment can help reduce swelling,” said Dr Desai.
“While wraps of this kind can be fun to engage with, wraps can’t offer any permanent changes such as facial contouring, remodel fat or even boost collagen production. Any changes you see will reverse in a matter of hours as the compression loses its effect.”
“Can restrict circulation and irritate the skin,” says doctor
In fact, Dr Desai suggests that beauty consumers may want to avoid these kinds of products if they do advertise permanent-sounding changes. Especially as there are some health risks involved.
“While they can be fun to try out for a quick beauty routine, it’s worth noting that wearing a facial wrap for an extended period of time is not something I would advise,” she said.
“It can restrict circulation, which in this case could cause facial swelling, the opposite of providing a ‘snatched jawline.’ It could also irritate the skin and cause discomfort around your ears and jaw.”
This can also cause further problems for people who suffer from TMJ or sensitive skin issues,
“At best, this is a beauty product to be used to de-puff your face before an event, but not something you should adopt long term or wear for long periods of time.”
