A new beauty enhancement product,'The Instalift'skin lift tape, has sparked significant debate after a viral TikTok video showcased its application to combat "saggy and loose" thighs. While beauty enhancements like hair dye, eyelash extensions, and acrylic nails are commonly used to address insecurities, this particular product has been accused by some of taking body modification to an alarming extreme.

The Instalift tape is marketed as a solution that "utilises specially designed skin lift tape to compress and lift loose skin, creating a slimming and sculpting effect instantly." Available in packs of 10 for £19.99, it is designed for use on various parts of the body, including arms, stomach, and legs. The controversial TikTok advertisement depicted a woman applying the tape to her thigh: securing one end, pulling it tightly, and then attaching the other end higher up to visibly tighten the skin. Once concealed beneath shorts, the tape was virtually invisible, creating a smooth and taut appearance.

Photo Credit: The Sun

The video, captioned "The viral leg lift you’ve seen all over the internet. Smooth, lift, and shape instantly — so you can feel confident in shorts, skirts, and dresses again," elicited strong, polarized reactions. Supporters expressed enthusiasm, with comments such as "OMG after losing 78kgs my legs need these!" and "I need it!" Some even suggested it was "better than a push up bra."

However, a vocal contingent of critics denounced the product, emphasizing the importance of body positivity and natural acceptance. Many called for the normalization of natural bodies, asserting that such products exacerbate insecurities driven by "ridiculous social standards." Comments like "We need to normalise being normal and natural," "God forbid we have normal bodies!" and "Girls, just ask yourself, do I really need it, for Gods sake?!" reflected a widespread sentiment against what was perceived as an unnecessary intervention to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals.