The Best Lip Masks to Try When Lip Balm Isn’t Quite Cutting It

We can probably all agree that lip balm is one of the best beauty-related inventions of all time. But we can probably also agree that finding the perfect one isn’t easy (and even when you have, you may have to reapply every hour on the hour). Lip masks are there for your dry, cracked lips when balm isn’t. And while some people swear by them, they tend to fly under the radar compared to their balm cousins.

Exactly what they sound like, lip masks are targeted formulas that make your chapped lips feel soft, moisturized, and flake-free—especially when slathered on after an exfoliating lip scrub. They can be anything from super-rich balms to liquid treatments to sheet masks and are often applied before bed, although most can be used any time of the day. Ready to get masking? Continue reading below for our favorite lip mask formulas, and why they’re worth trying.

The Best Lip Masks To Try

The cult favorite: LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask

Lip masks and LANEIGE go together like peanut butter and jelly. Their buttery formula contains hyaluronic acid for dryness, plus vitamin C and antioxidants to heal and protect lips. Best of all, it comes in six yummy flavors.

Best tinted: BITE BEAUTY Agave+ Intensive Lip Mask

The lip-centric brand’s mask comes in clear as well, but the coral version makes it extra-convenient for daytime wear when you want an extra tint.

Best luxe: TATCHA The Kissu Lip Mask

Moisturizing squalane, Japanese peach extract, and camellia oil come together in an addictive jelly texture that’s so satisfying on dry lips. Bonus: It comes with a fancy gold applicator.

Best multitasker: ILIA BEAUTY Lip Wrap Hydrating Mask

Even the best mask can only do so much if the lips are overly dry and flaky, which is why this formula has built-in papaya extract to gently exfoliate dead skin cells so the other ingredients can do their thing.

Best liquid lip treatment: THRIVE CAUSEMETICS Liquid Balm Lip Treatment™

Sometimes, sticking your finger in a pot of a lip product isn’t exactly convenient. This balm/gloss/mask hybrid is easy to swipe on anywhere, and has a nice (not over-the-top) plumping effect.

Best set: ACEOLOGY Overnight Lip Mask 3 Pack

Coconut oil, olive oil, and vitamin E are just a few of the moisturizing ingredients in this addictive formula. And if you’re anything like us, when you find a lip product you love, you’ll want one in every room, car, and bag.

Best hydrogel: LOOPS Lip Mask

We love a good sheet mask, and these fun, mouth-shaped gels are formulated just for your pout. (And if you don’t take a selfie while you mask, did it even happen?)

Best overnight: MILK MAKEUP Melatonin Overnight Lip Mask 

Several of the products on this list are labeled “overnight” and all can be used while you sleep, but this is the only one with added melatonin, chamomile, and lavender to actually help lull you to sleep as it moisturizes your lips.

Best bargain: BURT’S BEES Overnight Intensive Lip Treatment

Packed with ceramides, jojoba oil, and other lip-loving natural ingredients, it might just replace your go-to lip balm from the brand—might.

Best quick fix: KIEHL’S Buttermask For Lips

You only need 15 minutes for this nourishing formula, made with coconut oil and wild mango butter, to sink in. Then, wipe it off and apply your lip color, or leave it on for even more hydration benefits.

Best Korean beauty: THE CREME SHOP Overnight Lip Therapy Masque

With lip-loving shea butter and a craveable honey-vanilla scent, this formula can be slathered on anytime you want soft lips with a side of sweetness.

Best anti-aging: PATCHOLOGY FlashPatch® Hydrating Lip Gels

These lip patches have as much (or more) skincare benefits as your favorite face mask. With niacinamide, green tea, and peptides, they help plump fine lines on the lips as they hydrate.

Best plumping: KNC BEAUTY All-Natural Collagen-Infused Lip Masks

These lip-shaped gels are infused with collagen and tingle as you wear them. When you take off the mask, your pout will look both smoother and fuller.

Best lip balm with benefits: SUMMER FRIDAYS Lip Butter Balm

Okay fine, it’s technically not a “mask,” but it’s just about the richest, most emollient balm you’ll ever try, so we’re giving it an honorable mention. And that cupcake-y scent is the icing on the, well, cake.

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