The Best Boob Tapes For When Wearing a Bra Is Too Much
Even if you're a bra-lover, sometimes those don't cut it when you have to wear strapless tops, backless dresses, or anything with a deep v-neck. That's where boob tape comes in. For the uninitiated, boob tape is pretty much what it sounds like: tape used to shape breasts into whatever form you need.
The adhesive on this tape is strong — as it should be, since boob tape does have the task of defying gravity to hold up busts — so there are some precautions you should take to ensure the adhesive won't damage your skin.
- Erum Ilyas, a board-certified dermatologist based in King of Prussia, PA, and founder of AmberNoon, a clothing line that helps protect skin from UV rays
How to (Safely!) Apply Boob Tape
To start, board-certified dermatologist Erum Ilyas recommends using the tape on clean skin. Ilyas also suggests not using alcohol, toner, or an exfoliator on the chest 24 hours prior to application, because those ingredients can strip the skin and make it more sensitive. She also says that you shouldn't moisturize the area with lotion, because it can make the tape less effective.
It's important to keep the areola and nipple protected with non-adhesive padding, because the skin is "thinner and far more sensitive than the rest of the breast," she says. There is a variety of products you can use, and you probably have at least one of these lying around your house: Ilyas says cotton rounds, hydrogel pads, or even nursing pads do the trick.
Though boob tape isn't necessarily that difficult to adhere, the removal process is a whole other story. First things first do not — and we repeat, do not — try to rip it off like a bandage, because it can cause unnecessary damage to the skin. (Also, it really hurts.) Instead, Ilyas recommends soaking a cotton ball or swab in body oil, olive oil, or Vaseline and then rubbing it on the end and under the free edge of the tape to loosen the adhesive. You can also soak the tape with warm, soapy water in the shower, which is especially helpful if the tape is difficult to remove.
Still won't budge? "If the tape does not loosen, soak the tape with body oils or petroleum," Ilyas says. "Apply a piece of plastic wrap to the surface to protect your clothes and surroundings from the oils." Do this for 30 minutes, and then try to gently peel the tape. As a last resort, dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover and wipe that under the tape, but be careful — Ilyas says this can cause irritation to the skin. (And if the tape still refuses to come off, head to a dermatologist for assistance in this worst-case scenario.)
Once the tape has been removed, it is critical to rehydrate your skin. "Hydrating the skin with the oil-based or petrolatum-based product as the tape is removed will help soothe and heal the skin," she says. "Being sure to generously apply body oils or petrolatum after the tape is removed will help heal and restore the skin as well."
In addition to Vaseline, Ilyas recommends Aquaphor, vitamin E oil, or any barrier cream. While boob tapes are great, she says you should avoid wearing them every day, as this can damage your skin. But for those nights or special events when you want to wear a super intricate dress, you can try one of these boob tapes instead.
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1/7Nueboo
Nueboo Boob Tape
Reshape your chest using Nueboo Boob Tape. The two-inch wide tape is available in three colors (Vanilla, Chocolate, and Black) to fit your needs. Each roll is 16.4 feet long and works for a variety of bust sizes — the brand's website specifically says A through G cups. The waterproof tape is meant to last for at least eight hours, so you can live your best life without worrying about a bra.
2/7Brassybra
Brassybra
Unlike other boob tapes, Brassybra's adhesive bra is an ovalish-shaped piece rather than a strip of tape. Despite the unique form, the tape is available in three different sizes based on bra cups — A-B, C-D, DD-DDDD — providing coverage for a range of bust sizes. Each kit comes with three sets of tape, three pairs of nipple covers, and a test strip. The water-resistant tape is available in five shades (Vanilla, Caramel, Chocolate, Cocoa, and Licorice) for different skin tones.
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3/7HighOh
HighOh Boob Tape
Though HighOh Boob Tape is only available in a tawny hue, each kit has two rolls of tape and five nipple covers. Each roll is about 16.5 feet in length and can be purchased in a three-inch or four-inch width for whatever aid you (and your boobs) desire. This tape is designed to keep sizes up to G cups secured.
4/7Kmboobies
Kmboobies Boob Tape
With Kmboobies Boop Tape, you don't have to fuss with your bra to make sure it fits right. Each roll can support a wide range of bra sizes from A to K cups. The tape is available in three colors: Creme Brûlée (light tan), Praline (tawny), and Chocolate City (dark brown). The brand also sells nipple covers separately in three shades in either a circle or floral shape to protect the sensitive area.
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5/7Booby Tape
Booby Tape
White, black, chocolate, and light tan are the four hues of Booby Tape that exist. The roll provides about 16.4 feet of tape that can be cut to fit whatever outfit you're wearing. You can even take this tape to the beach or pool because it's waterproof, so your boobs can even be lifted while wearing a swimsuit.
6/7Good Lines
Good Lines Boob Tape
You can choose the adhesive level, width, and shade of Good Lines Boob Tape. Though the Strong adhesive level works for most, there is also Extreme, which the brand warns should only be used if you've tried the Strong and need more support. Each roll is about 16.4-feet long and available in a three-inch or four-inch width. With five different shades — Champagne (beige), Honey (dusty rose), Mocha (tawny), Espresso (chocolate), and Midnight (black) — there is practically a tape that works for every skin tone.
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7/7Nue
Nue A Boob Job in a Box
A Boob Job in a Box is an apt name for the Nue's boob tape that lifts, shapes, and covers breasts with just a few strips. The waterproof tape is made to last, so don't worry about any profuse sweating. Each 16.5-foot roll is available in four shades: Light (peach), Light-Medium (beige), Medium (chocolate), and Dark (hickory).
