Eliza Approved spotlights those hero products worth the spend. Whether it’s classic favourites or what’s landed on our beauty editor’s desk this week, you can put your trust in our recommendations.
If there’s one thing I’ve had to battle for ages, it’s dry lips. And I’m clearly not the only one. The girl’s bathroom is a powerful place for sharing beauty woes, and ‘why are my lips so dry all the time’ seems to be a common question. Even our beauty editor suffers. But there isn’t just one simple answer.
It’s one of those things that’ll naturally fluctuate for lots of reasons, including hormones, the change in seasons and personal skin conditions. My top tip is to find a product that works best for you and stick to it.
But trying lots of different products and still not seeing results can feel as if you’re going round in circles. I, for one, can relate. I’ve tried lip balms, oils, nourishing lip sticks and glosses to no avail.
It wasn’t until I came across Korean beauty brand Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask that my lips bounced back to life. Now I can’t imagine a life without it.
If you’re in the same situation and need to revive your lips as we head into spring, then read on to see why this is the product you need to know about.
Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask: my verdict
- Price: £19
- When to apply: Every night before you go to sleep
- Benefits: nourishes, hydrates and gently exfoliates dead skin overnight
- Flavours: numerous options including berry, lemon sorbet, gummy bear, grapefruit, chocolate, mango, vanilla and sweet candy
Why is Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask so beloved?
When looking for a lip mask, I always go for an overnight or leave-on option. And as the name implies, Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is exactly that.
A lip mask that’s given the time to really be able to work while you aren’t eating, drinking or touching them during the day, will allow for a much more in-depth regeneration of chapped and dry lips.
This lip mask in particular contains all the goodness your lips will need, including vitamin c, powerful antioxidants, minerals and hyaluronic acid. Even better, it gently exfoliates the dead skin cells so that in the morning you wake up with baby-soft lips.
The consistency of lip masks also differs from usual balms (more on this later), but don’t be put off by how the thick texture. It glides on like butter and a little goes a long way, so a single tub will last you months.
And not to mention the ‘flavours’ are some of the best out there. My go-to is the original ‘Berry’ option, which will have you wishing it was edible. I also recommend trying out ‘Gummy Bear’ and ‘Sweet Candy’.
I’m not surprised that Laneige’s mask has gone viral on TikTok, becoming a ‘holy grail’ product for Gen Zers and millennials alike.
How to use an overnight lip mask
At first thought, you might be put off by an overnight lip mask – sticky pillowcase fears, right? – but there are steps you can follow when applying to make sure you are getting the most out of the product and not wasting it all over your bedding.
Don’t be afraid to use as much product as you want. I love to indulge when it comes to applying skincare and body products, so I tend to really go for it when applying my lip mask. As long as you really rub it in, you’ll be just fine. My lips usually absorb it all in about 10 to 15 minutes, so I make sure to apply it just before I get into bed.
When you wake up, it’s very unlikely that you’ll find any left on your lips but if you do, just wipe it away with a flannel and warm water. I usually do this anyway just in case there are any dead skin cells that I need to get rid of. It also comes with a little applicator, but it’s a lot easier to just use your fingers.
What’s the difference between a lip mask and a lip balm?
Before choosing which to invest in, it’s a good idea to understand the difference between using lip balms and lip masks.
Both hydrate and soften the lips. But there’s one main difference, and that’s the area they target.
If you’re in need of a product that can penetrate deeply into the skin and so is able to feed it from within, then a lip mask is your best bet. On the other hand, if your lips just need a light top up of moisture and nutrients, a lip balm will do the trick as it sits on the surface of your lips.
The feel of them both on the lips is also very different, too. A lip balm is much more lightweight, while a lip mask can feel heavier as it soaks into the lips. However, the right mask will never be overpowering or uncomfortable.
Laneige has different options available, including a Lip Treatment Balm, £22, Cult Beauty and a Lip Glowy Balm, £16, Beauty Bay, depending on what you are after.
Where can you shop Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask?
You can buy Laneige’s popular lip masks at a range of online retailers, including LookFantastic and Cult Beauty. The brand is also being stocked in the new Sephora store at Westfield White City, meaning you can try it out IRL first if you live nearby.
And at £19, given the amazing results, it’s definitely worth it IMO!