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Posted: 2/20/24
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Looking for an honest Frownies review? Here’s everything you need to know about Frownies facial patches, including before and after photos, common mistakes, and tips and tricks for getting the best results!
At age 35, I started noticing more deep wrinkles in my forehead, so much so that my makeup would crease in my wrinkles and stay that way all day. While incorporating a solid anti-aging skin care routine helped, my forehead wrinkles only seemed to get worse as the years went on.
Jump to:
What are Frownies?
Frownies are adhesive wrinkle patches that hold back deep wrinkles in the skin, which smooths fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions. They act as a splint for the facial muscles while you sleep, which helps to retrain the muscle to release tension, relax, and lay flat.
Frownies was founded in 1889 by Margaret Krosen as a way to eradicate wrinkles. She originally created them for her daughter Alice who was a concert pianist and model. After spending many hours of sitting at the piano furrowing her brow in concentration, Alice had started to develop eleven lines between her brows. Frownies quickly became one of the best-kept secrets in Hollywood.
Five generations later, Frownies is a family-run business currently being operated Kat Wright and Helen Morrison. Frownies mission is to empower women to honor, embrace, and celebrate who they are.
How Do Frownies Work?
Deep set wrinkles (especially forehead wrinkles) are caused by repeated facial movements. The more we use facial muscles, the more they will contract and lines will form around those contractions. Some research suggests close to 90% of people frown in their sleep, which means your facial muscles are likely contracting for 7-8 hours every night.
Frownies work by splinting facial muscles in order to retrain the muscle to release tension, relax, and lay flat. When the muscles are relaxed, the wrinkle doesn’t form. So, you’re not only preventing the muscle from contracting and causing wrinkles, you’re also retraining it to lay flat when relaxed. This is why preliminary research suggests topical patches can reduce crow’s feet, even in the short term.
Frownies currently come in two different types of facial patches: Forehead and Between Eyes patches (the most popular) and Corners of Eyes and Mouth patches. To use Frownies, you simply wet the sticky side of the patch, wait about 30 seconds for the adhesive to activate, and then apply it to a specific area of your face. As the water dries, the patch becomes stiff, which prevents the muscle from contracting.
Frownies Ingredients
Frownies patches are made of a natural weighted unbleached kraft paper. They also contain a water activated starch-based adhesive made from dextrin, which can be activated with water or organic rose water spray (my preferred method). There is no latex or silicone in Frownies.
Dextrin is made by drying vegetable starch with certain enzymes such as amylase to produce a thick, sticky paste. When used in skincare products, it’s rated a 1 out of 10 by the Environmental Working Groupโs Skin Deep Database.
Because everyone’s skin is different, it’s best to test a patch on your wrist first to see how your skin responds. Frownies facial patches are clinically and dermatologist tested to be hypoallergenic and non-irritating.
How to Apply Frownies in 3 Minutes or Less
I’ve been using these patches consistently for over a year, and now it takes me less than three minutes every single night to get them on. I have a process, so here it is:
Step 1: Wash your face and apply your skin care products as usual, including a toner, serum, and moisturizer. You do NOT need to avoid using a moisturizer. Just give it about 5-10 minutes to absorb before apply the patches. A moisturizer is KEY for all skin types, especially at night, as skin becomes more dry as we age.
Step 2: Separate the patches as needed. Using a rosewater spray, spray two sprays on each patch on the sticky side, and place it face up on the counter. Wait 30 seconds for the adhesive to activate.
Step 3: With one hand, gently lift your skin until smooth. Apply the patch with the opposite hand. Once it’s on your skin, hold the patch in place on all four corners and press down until it adheres to your skin. Hold for six seconds.
Step 4: Repeat with the remaining patches. Here’s my secret tip! Once all patches are on your forehead, use a dry washcloth and press down over all of the patches to secure them in place. This adheres them together, and soaks up any water which can cause them to slide.
Step 5: Go to sleep.
Step 6: Moisten the patches with water to remove. You can do this in the shower or over the sink. I cup water in my hands and apply it repeatedly to all of the patches, then use one finger to go underneath the patches to release them from my skin.
Forehead Configuration
The Forehead and Between Eye patches are the most popular and typically require some stacking in order to be effective. They come in squares which can be split in half. Two of the four corners also have the option to remove the pointed edge.
Below is exactly how I apply my patches one by one so they are comfortable and there are no pointed corners around my forehead. This is for my deep set forehead lines and crows feet around my eyes. Save this and come back to it until you get comfortable with configuration!
My Review: Frownies Before and After
Below are my before and after photos when using Frownies consistently for exactly five month. The good? I’m now at the point where my results are consistent, and my forehead wrinkles remain completely softened throughout the day. I typically apply them 5-6x a week for maintenance.
Looking back on photos, I’m amazed at how they’ve completely diminished my forehead wrinkles, specifically when I’m wearing makeup. These results only take an additional 2-3 minutes a night. I’m more than thrilled!
Cons:
- Takes a few weeks to get the hang of it.
- You won’t see instant results. Consistency is key!
- As with anything with skin care, it’s a monthly investment. But, discounts help! Use code COCONUTS for 10% off.
Frownies Video Tutorial
Expert Tips
After a lot of research and troubleshooting, I have definitely figured out how to put them on fast and get them to STAY PUT. I’m including my tips that will hopefully save you a lot of time and money. Hint: my secret weapon is a washcloth!
- Make sure to splint the entire wrinkle from start to finish. If you have wrinkles that go across your forehead, you’ll want to apply patches side by side to splint the entire wrinkle.
- Take off the pointed corners. On each patch, Frownies gives you the option to remove two of the pointed corners so you don’t get poked. Remove those, then arrange the patch so the rounded corner goes around your forehead (see photo above).
- Separate your patches with dry hands. If your hands are the least bit wet, they’ll stick to you. Lay them out sticky side up on a washcloth before you wash your face or brush your teeth. Then, spray just before applying.
- Lightly spray the patches, then let them sit for 30 seconds. Wait until the patches curl before applying. Lift your forehead skin up to remove the wrinkle, then apply the patch and hold it on all four corners for 5-6 seconds.
Common Mistakes
I’ve seen so many incorrect Frownies reviews and applications, and made many mistakes myself initially. Here are the big ones to avoid:
1. Not letting the adhesive activate. If the corners are lifted up and not attached to the skin, that’s because the adhesive didn’t activate properly. When you activate the adhesive, make sure to spray the entire patch, then wait 30 seconds until the patches begin to curl. Apply the patch and hold down the corners for at least six seconds.
2. Giving up too soon. Two to four weeks just isn’t enough. Commit to doing this for at least 90 days. The juice is worth the squeeze when you apply them nightly and do your research on how to configure them. By watching a tutorial and giving yourself a few weeks of practice, you can tear them apart in under 30 seconds, and get them on your forehead in under 60 seconds.
3. Being inconsistent. I actually tried Frownies for about 6 months with little results. I would use them for about 3-4 weeks, then get disinterested and not wear them for weeks at a time. When you get the hang of it, applying them takes a minute or two and works right into your routine!
4. Not applying enough patches. For the muscle to relax, you need to splint it from start to finish. I now have a very specific way I arrange the patches so my forehead wrinkles and crows feet are splinted. Since I started doing it, my wrinkles completely softened and have almost disappeared!
FAQs
What are Frownies made of?
Frownies patches are made of a natural weighted unbleached kraft paper. They also contain a water activated starch-based adhesive made from dextrin.
Are Frownies reusable?
Frownies facial wrinkle patches are not reusable. However, other products, including Frownies serum patches and masks can be reused anywhere from 3-5 times depending on the product.
How long does it take to see results?
Frownies recommends using the patches for at least four weeks before seeing results. However, this can vary depending on the person. I recommend giving them a full 90 days before seeing major results, especially if you’ve had deep set wrinkles for years. My wrinkles went from visible throughout the day to almost invisible after using them 6-7x a night for 3 months.
Does Frownies do sales?
Sometimes! I typically stock up during holiday sales. You can get 10% off at anytime with code COCONUTS.
Where to Buy
I highly recommend purchasing Frownies direct from their website. They have robust support and a 30-day money back guarantee. I used to purchase from Amazon, but then realized I could save money by buying direct from their website! Just use code COCONUTS for 10% off and you’ll get free shipping on orders of $70 or more.
Conclusion: Do Frownies work?
After a year of testing, I can confidently say that Frownies do work! I used them for months on and off and didn’t see results. But, once I started apply them correctly and consistently, it made a big difference. Now, after a year, my forehead wrinkles have completely softened and my makeup doesn’t settle into my forehead lines through the day.
Got any questions about how to apply Frownies? Ask below!
Carissa Janeway says
Was it difficult to sleep in them? If so, how long did it take to get used to wearing them at night?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
No, I actually wear a sleep mask, so I didn’t notice it at all. Make sure to cut the sharp corners so there’s no poking!
Micaela says
Hey noelle ! Did you notice a big difference in crows feet ? Thatโs the area Iโm most concerned about !
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I haven’t been as proactive about putting it in that area, but I do think things have softened where I put the Frownies patches around the upper corners of my eyes.
Jennifer says
Once you’ve used them for 1 yr and get results do you still have to keep using them nightly?
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
I use them about 5 nights a week now! Skipping a day isn’t a big deal!