'I went on a mission to find the best boob tape for "cute tops." These ones are D-cup approved.'

If there's one topic I've schooled myself on this year, it's been boob tape. As someone trying to fit double D's into an ever expanding array of 'cute tops', I'd been hit with 'bra conundrums' one too many times.

I thought, why not try and finally master the art of boob tape once and for all? You see, I have tried this before.

From using sticky tape as an 18-year-old, graduating to physiotape during uni and then finally realising that brands were making products for specifically this purpose, it's been a journey.

Watch: Fashion tricks you need to know. Post continues below.

At first, I had no idea how to use the tape. And the tapes I used were bad.

They'd peel away, I'd end up with lumpy looking boobs from poor application, or they'd be so stretchy as to offer little in the way of support. There was a lot of misadventure before I found boob tape gold, to say the least.

Here's how you, too, can become a boob tape connoisseur:

The best way to apply boob tape for better application.

There is an easy formula for applying boob tape. Good tape, plus good application, equals perky, supported boobs. It's simple!

We'll get to the good tape part in a moment. First, let's have a look at the best way to apply. Overall, I'd say don't be shy to cut a slightly longer strip than you need. You'll get through it more quickly, but it will provide more surface area to stick and support.

How to apply boob tape for strapless tops. 

Here is a little diagram of the 'scoop and tack' method. Image: Mamamia.

The best way to apply boob tape for strapless tops is what I call the 'scoop and tack' method.

I use a line of boob tape along the flesh underneath the nipple, following the curve of the boob. I use this to 'scoop' the boob up and outwards, then bring the tape horizontally along the ribcage where a bra strap would usually go to 'tack' it down.

I'll then use another piece across the nipple and meet up with this 'tack' line for extra support and to stop 'spillage'. If you need one more piece above the nipple and back to the 'tack' line, feel free.

How to apply boob tape for halterneck tops.

Here is an easy diagram to follow for halter-neck tops. Image: Mamamia.

For halterneck tops, I use the 'place, position and stick' method.

Place: I'll prepare myself a piece of boob tape and stick it to the ribcage under where the flesh of the boob is. The tape's trajectory will go over the nipple, but start the tape slightly to the inside of it (AKA, to the left of the nipple on the left boob).

Position: Position the boob where you want it to sit with one hand.

Stick: With the other hand, bring the tape up to stick it in place. It takes a bit of practice to get it right.

I like to create separation between the girls, so I will often angle the tape from near the heart towards the outside of my collarbone. Just be sure to angle the tape back inwards so it is out of sight when your halterneck is on.

I copy this placement as I cover more of the boob. If you need even more support, you can also do a 'scoop and tack' from the strapless tutorial above.

How to apply boob tape for 'Deep V' and low cut tops.

Here is an easy diagram to follow for 'Deep V' tops. Image: Mamamia.

If you've got a normal tank top strap, but it's low cut, boob tape can also help you. 

It's a much similar process to the 'place, position and stick' method, but this time you're looking to bring the tape where your strap would go, and not angle it back in towards the neck like a halter. 

If you want to also add a 'scoop and tack', you sure can. I'm always careful with 'Deep V' tops that you can't see the tape if someone was to look at your boobs from the side, and a handy hint is to also use some fashion tape to keep the fabric in place.

Boob tape hacks.

OK, so you know how to apply it, but what else should you know?

The number one boob tape hack is to measure the tape against your body before cutting it, and to take note of where any straps will go.

If the straps narrow in any spot, feel free to cut the tape or make it more narrow. I sometimes round out the end of my tape to make sure I don't have any unsightly corners sticking out and ruining my look. 

Finally, I prefer to apply boob tape to washed and dried skin about 20 minutes after I've hopped out of the shower. Residual creams and body lotions will prevent its ability to adhere to the skin.

Best boob tapes to buy in Australia.

Note: I have reviewed boob tapes that are easily accessible over the counter as you're often in a rush when you need boob tape.

Cotton On Body Body Tape, $17.99.

Cotton On Body boob tape is one of the best you can buy in Australia. Image: Cotton On Body

This is my ultimate, holy grail boob tape. It's so accessible, available at any Cotton On Body store, and comes in three different shades. I use the shade frappé core.

What I love about this tape is that it's so thin, it's nearly undetectable even with thin fabric tops.

It sticks all night, is comfortable, and removes like a dream with no residue. I like that it has a bit of stretch to it but not too much — so your girls can be lifted and snatched, but once they're there, you'll be sag-free.

I have found it works for all the methods above, and is really great for the 'halterneck' when I narrow or round the end that will be up by my neck (no corners sticking out, and it still sticks so well).

There is a downside, for being a more expensive option, but if I had boob tape on tap, it would be this one.

Residue: No.

Skin flare up: Not for me.

Stickiness: 10/10

Removal: 10/10

Booby Tape, $22.00.

Booby Tape is accessible and reliable. Image: Booby Tape

Booby Tape is a brilliant option for many as it's available in Woolworths and is a little more affordable than the Cotton On Body version.

It's slightly more stretchy, which means that a little goes a longer way, and this stuff sticks like it could hold your titties in place for a century.

It comes in multiple shades and even an extra-wide version for those looking to cover more ground. I use the 'nude' shade.

One thing I will say is to call the Woolies you're going to in advance, as I had to go to a few to pick up my roll.

It's slightly thicker and more heavy duty than the Cotton On tape, and I can imagine this would be a good option, no matter how large your bust is. However, with that stickiness, I did notice a bit of residue and irritation upon removal.

Residue: A little.

Skin flare up: Slightly irritated after removal, went away in 10 minutes.

Stickiness: 10/10

Removal: 8/10

Kmart Body Tape, $10.

The Kmart Body boob tape is cheap and useful for strapless tops. Image: Kmart

OK, I must not lie to you. I would not recommend this boob tape for 'Deep V', low cut or even halterneck top taping.

I tried to apply it twice in this manner and found that it would peel off or unstick when I moved quite easily.

However, if you're a strapless top lover, this tape actually did a good job with the 'scoop and tack' method, and it's so cheap. If you're tight on funds, it's not a bad idea to have this in your back drawer.

I just pick some up whenever I'm in Kmart, so extra points for accessibility, but minus points for only coming in one shade — where's the inclusivity?

Residue: No.

Skin flare up: Not for me.

Stickiness: 5/10

Removal: 9/10

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Transparent Boob Tape, $20.99.

Hollywood Fashion Secrets Transparent Boob Tape is transparent and great for tricky to wear tops. Image: Hollywood Fashion Secrets.

I picked this boob tape up in a panic from Priceline, so points for accessibility.

However, at first I didn't realise that the tape lies between two removable pieces. So, you remove the first plastic film to stick it to your body, and then you remove a second plastic film from the top to simply leave the transparent tape.

This is brilliant if you're wearing a particularly daring top, because if the tape peeps out at any point, it's nearly invisible.

It stuck like a dream and held the girls in place, but isn't stretchy, if it's something that you like to mould your boob tape to your girls.

It's slightly more on the expensive side, and I'll admit that my skin didn't love it, but it serves a very specific and important purpose and is a great addition to any boob tape collection.

It's also very inclusive as it's transparent, so it will match everyone.

Residue: No.

Skin flare up: A little redness the next two days.

Stickiness: 10/10

Removal: 10/10

Best boob tape to buy online.

NOOD Game Changer Lift & Shape Bra, $76.77 (approx. AUD).

The NOOD Game Changer Lift & Shape Bra is a good option for large busts. Image: NOOD.

While I tried boob tapes that were available over the counter, I wanted to ask someone with slightly larger boobs what their go-to is.

My friend, who rocks a 12 E cup, said she swears by NOOD.

"I had a really great experience trying this brand," she tells Mamamia. "I wore a black-less dress with a high neckline and the Game Changer Lift & Shape Bra was really good.

"It's all in one, so not multiple straps of tape, but is user-friendly and easy to make the girls look even and on the same level.

"I added another strap of tape around the side to give more shape, but it stayed all night long."

My friend wore NOOD to a wedding in the Hunter Valley where the weather was hot and sticky, and it lasted brilliantly.

"I didn't feel like I was unsupported or like the tape was pulling at any point," she said. "It was also incredibly easy to get the tape off (I also used a nipple pasty for protection).

"I literally just pulled it off at the end of the night, and it didn't hurt my skin."

Residue: No.

Skin flare up: No.

Stickiness: 10/10

Removal: 10/10

What is your favourite method? Tell us in the comments section below.

Feature image: Cassandra Green.