Keep Your Smile Soft With the 10 Best Lip Masks
You might not think of your lips as a beauty priority. Most people layer on a bit of lip balm and call it a day. But considering that the first thing people notice when they meet you is your smile, this may be worth reconsidering.
A beautiful smile isn’t the only reason to care for your lips. Dryness and chapping hurt and can lead to painful skin conditions. The tissue that forms the lips is thin and very delicate, making it susceptible to environmental factors that lead to dry, flaky, cracked skin. They need a layer of protection that the rest of your skin doesn’t to shield and protect them from drying elements.
That's where lip masks come in.
These products deliver an intense dose of hydration to parched, cracked lips, humectants to lock in moisture, and antioxidants to protect from harmful UV rays. Some brands even provide a little plumping action to keep your smile looking full and youthful.
Here’s everything you need to know to select the best lip mask for you, along with our favorite products.
How lip masks work
Lip masks use powerful, targeted ingredients to provide long-lasting, intensive treatment. Nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and other plant-based occlusives seal in moisture. Antioxidants prevent fine lines caused by UV damage, while collagen plumps and exfoliates to smooth away flakes and dead skin cells for a rejuvenated look.
Most lip masks are pretty straightforward — you apply, let them sit, and either do nothing, rinse or peel them off, or remove the patch. Always read the product’s instructions before use so it’s most effective. We also recommend doing a patch test for any new skincare product to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin.
Types of lip masks
Lip masks come in various styles, including creams, balms, and lip patches. There are also masks for different times of the day, like morning products meant to keep lips hydrated all day long and sleeping masks for lips applied at bedtime. Here are some of our favorite products.
Morning masks
These masks prep your lips for all-day moisture. Pop on the lip mask, peel it off 10 minutes later, and your lips are hydrated and ready for the day.
1. KOCOSTAR Rose Lip Mask
This hydrogel lip patch is infused with botanical essences that make lips look and feel irresistible. Add this mask to your daily morning routine and enjoy seriously soft lips.
2. Vitamasques Plump and Repair Lip Mask
This vegan-friendly lip mask uses a multi-molecular hyaluronic acid complex to boost moisture retention and repair day-to-day damage.
All-day masks
All-day lip masks are anytime-use products that deliver a quick jolt of hydration. Use an applicator or your finger to apply the product and drench your lips with moisture.
3. I DEW CARE Plush Party Buttery Vitamin C Lip Mask
This rich, leave-on lip mask uses a blend of cocoa butter, hibiscus flower extract, and vitamin C to nourish lips all day. You can also apply it at night for an extra moisture boost.
4. Jason Wu Beauty Everyday Lip Mask
This daily lip mask is formulated with all-natural vitamin E, squalane, sunflower seed, and jojoba oil to lock in moisture and deliver smooth, healthy-looking lips.
5. Kinship Supermelt Vegan Lip Jelly Mask
This vegan, cruelty-free daily lip treatment delivers melt-in hydration and gentle exfoliation thanks to the addition of papaya enzyme ferment. It also contains sea buckthorn berry extract, an antioxidant that protects and restores your moisture barrier.
Overnight masks
Apply these masks during your nightly skincare routine and hit snooze on dry, chapped lips.
6. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
This is the best overnight lip treatment because it’s comfortable and uses powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid and natural minerals to deeply moisturize lips and form a protective film that locks in hydration.
7. COSRX Lip Sleep Special Propolis Kit
This multi-tasking, non-sticky overnight lip mask melts on contact, leaving lips sweet and moisturized. The formula includes six types of honey extract for supremely moisturized lips.
8. Sweet Chef Sugarcane and Vitamin E Lip Sleeping Mask
This indulgent, intensive sugarcane treatment transforms rough, chapped lips overnight. Antioxidant-rich, naturally exfoliating sugarcane and healing, hydrating vitamin E work together to produce smooth, healthy, irritation-free lips.
Multi-purpose masks
These products work double-time to relieve overall dryness — enjoy moisturized skin, lips, and nails all in one go.
9. Sade Baron All Moi Multipurpose Balm
This multi-purpose body balm has a delicate, sweet smell and prevents roughness while replenishing moisture. The nourishing formula contains super fats derived from apricot kernel oil and cocoa butter, plus vitamins A, C, and E to soothe, comfort, and calm dry hands, nails, cuticles, and lips.
10. Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm
Doctor Rogers’ healing balm is a multi-tasking miracle worker. Made from castor oil, this versatile moisturizer offers relief from chapped lips, eczema, cuts, scrapes, burns, and more. You can even use it to add shine to lips, style unruly eyebrows, and tame flyaways.
FAQ
What should I look for in a lip mask?
Most masks will help with dryness, but to enjoy long-term benefits, look for masks that use natural ingredients like castor oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Moisturizers like these are less likely to irritate skin and are highly effective.
Your balm should also contain beeswax, lanolin, glycerine, or other occlusive ingredients to lock in moisture. Vitamin C and E offer anti-aging benefits, perfect for someone hoping to achieve smoother lips. These elements, combined with niacinamide, ceramides, and other nourishing ingredients, will deliver the desired results.
Is a lip mask good for dry lips?
Lip masks are excellent for combating dry lips because every product contains moisturizing ingredients. Not only do these masks help get rid of dryness, but using one regularly also prevents it. Plus, they repair the damage caused by accidental overexposure to the elements.
Which lip mask is best to get pink lips?
While using an exfoliating lip mask will energize the pink color in your lips, there are also tinted masks. Use one of these to enjoy hydrated, healthy lips and long-lasting, transfer-free color.
That perfect pout
If you suffer from dryness, irritation, and chapping regularly, a hydrating lip mask might be the answer. Check out product reviews on Flip to find out what beauty enthusiasts like you are raving out. Chances are a community member has found the best lip mask for your lip-care concerns.
