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As I hit my forties, I noticed my eyelids were quite literally disappearing before my eyes, pun absolutely intended. 

While sitting in the makeup chair for work recently, makeup artist Amy Chan asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: "Would you like a surgery-free 'eyelift'?"

My answer was an immediate, resounding yes. I've always lusted after a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), but in no world can I afford the hefty price tag, plus, I am not exactly thrilled by the idea of getting my eyes sliced open.

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Her solution was a total game-changer: invisible mesh eyelid tapes. These genius, water-activated strips blend seamlessly into the skin, working by physically lifting and supporting the excess skin of the hooded fold to instantly recreate a defined crease. 

L-R: Before, one eye on, one off, and ta da! Visible eyelids again! Image: Supplied.

They are lightweight, completely breathable, and comfortably hold the skin back all day. The result? For the first time since my thirties, I could actually see my eyelids again.

If you're ready to try this budget-friendly miracle for yourself, don't worry, you don't need a professional makeup artist to pull it off.

Mesh eyelid tape for hooded eyes: Amy Chan's foolproof step-by-step guide.

The magical (temporary) solution. Image: Supplied.

Step 1: Complete your eye makeup.

Amy says you want to "complete your desired eye makeup first", then apply the mesh lid tape at the very end.

Pro tip: Never apply heavy oils or cream eyeshadows underneath them, as that will cause the adhesive to slip. Stick to classic powder eyeshadows, and these mesh tapes will look incredibly seamless!

Step 2: Map out your new crease.

Most eyelid tape kits come with a little plastic prong tool (often called a Y-stick). "Take this tool and gently press it into your eyelid while looking into a mirror to find where your natural crease used to be, or where you want your new fold to sit," Amy explained.

"This gives you a literal blueprint of where to place the tape."

Step 3: Activate the tape.

Unlike old-school sticker tapes, modern mesh tapes are water-activated, which is why they look so invisible.

"Peel a mesh strip off the sheet using a pair of tweezers."

"Then lightly spritz the tape with a water spray bottle, make sure it is fully wet, and shake off the extra water," Amy instructed.

Step 4: Place and press.

Looking down into your mirror (keeping your eyelid as smooth and taut as possible), place the wet mesh strip over the crease line you mapped out in Step 2.

"The curve of the tape should mimic the natural curve of your eye."

"Use the flat end of your tool or a clean finger to gently press the tape down, ensuring the edges are completely flat against your skin."

Step 5: Let it set (and go invisible!)

Keep your eye closed or look downward for about 30 to 60 seconds. As the water dries, the mesh pattern magically blends into your skin texture, becoming totally invisible.

"Once it's dry, blink a few times to let the new crease settle into place," added Amy.

The Golden Rule: Amy cautioned to "avoid applying too much makeup after taping. The glue will easily break down by the oil or powder-based makeup — a little bit of a final finish is okay, but not the full eye makeup."

"And only apply it once you confirm the correct placement, as it will take off makeup when it is removed."

Just so happy to have an eyelid crease again… Image: Supplied.

Best eyelid tape to shop:

Eyelid Tape 1000 Pcs Invisible Eyes Lifter Strips, $11.99.

Image: Amazon.

Double Eyelid Tape, Invisible Lace Eyelid Lifter Strips, $25.99.

Image: Amazon.

Eyelid Tape 1248 Pcs Eyelid Strips Invisible Eyelid Lifter Strips, $12.99.

Image: Amazon.

For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

You can find Amy Chen on Instagram here.

Feature Image: Supplied.