I tried a £4 buy that’s meant to banish wrinkles AND improve sleep – but instead it was a nightmare

LIP patches are all the rage on TikTok right now, with claims they can help you sleep better and even banish wrinkles.

Just like ‘lip slugging’ was trending back in 2021, brands have decided to take things to the next level.

Lip slugging was all about slathering on a thick layer of lip balm – like Vaseline – over your lips to create a mask-like effect. It was hailed as the ultimate fix for dry, chapped lips.

But now, lip patches are here to steal the spotlight. These gel patches stick to your lips, providing intense hydration and locking in moisture.

TikTok users are also raving about how lip patches can improve sleep quality.

“Sleeping in lip patches is the one,” a TikToker raved.

“I had a deep restful sleep from all the benefits of mouth taping and the lip patch kept my lips smooth, taut and hydrated too which is a big bonus!” said another.

Not only do they help keep your lips looking youthful, but apparently, wearing them before bed encourages nasal breathing, which improves airflow and leads to a better night’s rest.

Curious about the hype, I decided to give them a go and test out the Patchology Serve Chilled Rosé Lip Gels, that cost £4 per pack, or £14 for a pack of five.

This product promises to care for your lips while boosting their natural glow, thanks to a blend of vitamins and antioxidants.

The gel patches are said to “provide essential hydration, locking in moisture to leave lips feeling soft and supple.”;

These particular lip gels contain strawberry extract and an ultra-hydrating dose of Hyaluronic Acid – an anti-ageing ingredient that draws moisture into the skin, plumps it up, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

They also include Resveratrol, which protects against signs of ageing, and Strawberry Oil, which nourishes and strengthens the skin’s barrier.

As someone who’s just weeks away from turning 30 and has recently developed a strong fear of ageing, this sounded like the perfect solution for me.

Anything that can help slow down the ageing process? Sign me up!

First impressions were great – the packaging is lovely, and the sweet smell of the product was a bonus.

I’m usually wary of anything overly artificial or plasticky-smelling, but luckily, this didn’t have that issue.

The instructions were simple: cleanse your lips first to make sure they’re clean and dry, then apply the lip patch.

‘Cool on the lips'

For an extra-smooth canvas, they suggest exfoliating your lips with a scrub beforehand, which I did.

Next, I removed the lip gel patch from the packaging and placed it directly onto my lips, adjusting it for comfort.

Patchology recommends leaving it on for five minutes (or longer if you want extra hydration), so I followed their advice.

It’s certainly a feeling that I needed to get used to. They were nice and cool on the lips, but having my lips forced together felt quite unnatural to me. But alas, a few moments passed by and I got used to it.

It gave a protective covering on my lips, and I had a numbing sensation which felt like they must be doing something good.

Taking it one step further, I decided to wear the patch before bed, inspired by TikTok beauty fans who claim it’s great for anti-ageing and a better night’s sleep.

I felt a bit strange doing so, and when my fiancé looked at me, I could tell he definitely thought I'd lost the plot…he gave me a confused look, laughed before turning over to go to sleep,

With the patch on, I gently drifted off to sleep, curious to see if it lived up to the hype.

Yes they felt soft after, but my lips looked no different and for all the hassle I'm not sure it's worth it for the price

Yasmin Harisha

I nodded off, but not as comfortably as expected – it felt like my lips were trapped, and all I really wanted to do was take it off.

I woke up in a daze in morning wondering what was on my forehead, before slowly peeling it off and realising it was the lip patch.

I gave my lips a quick touch, and they didn't feel ‘plump' but I guess you could say they were ‘soft.'

When I looked in the mirror, I didn't notice much difference either…

I tried the lip patches again during the day, just for five minutes and it just felt like something I couldn't get to grips with if I'm honest.

Time wasting

Having to put these on your lips for five minutes, when I could just use some Vaseline which cost around £1.30 for a tub seemed a bit like I was time wasting.

Yes they felt soft after, but my lips looked no different and for all the hassle I'm not sure it's worth it for the price.

It's great for a bit of self-indulgence, but for me this is one TikTok trend I won't be joining onto.