Everyone’s Talking About *That* Laneige Lip Balm – Here’s My Honest Review
Main image – Courtesy of writer
What do you want to achieve from your lip balm? Hydrated lips, no doubt. But do you like yours to be a feature of your finished makeup look? Or would you prefer it to just hydrate without taking a role in the spotlight?
Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm (£16 from Sephora UK /$19 from Sephora US) looks like any other lip balm tube, with the added benefit of each flavour being packaged in a different cute colour. But I mean, a lip balm is a lip balm, right?
So why the hype over this standard-looking tube of fruity balm? Is it really as good as people claim? And how does it compare to Laneige’s oh-so-popular Lip Sleeping Mask? I find out.
Image – Courtesy of writer
The details
Described by Sephora as ‘the ideal partner of the Lip Sleeping Mask’ (more on that later), this balm promises to nourish, soften and slightly tint your lips.
It contains murumuru and shea butter to hydrate and repair and comes in six main flavours – Mango, Berry, Blueberry, Vanilla, Sweet Candy and Gummy Bear. There are occasional limited edition flavours too.
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My first impressions
As you’ve probably guessed, my first impression of the tube was pretty nonchalant. Not in a grumpy way, just in a ‘it’s just a tube of lip balm’ way.
My flavour, Berry, comes in a vibrant pink tube and its scent is exactly what I expected it to be – sweet and berry-ish! Slightly synthetic but not completely like the smell of a child’s lip balm either.
As with most tubes of lip balm, screw off the lid and find a slanted applicator, complete with small hole that the balm squeezes out of. I placed it onto my lips and did just that.
Instantly I was surprised by just how glossy this balm was. To the point of thinking it should really be called a lip gloss instead. My lips were shiny. To the max. And they had a berry-pink tint. Not too dark, not too pale. Just enough to accentuate my natural lip colour, which I liked.
After wearing it for a few hours, I realised this wasn’t going to be a lip balm that blended into the background, working behind the scenes to just get the hydration job done. It would need to take a star role in my makeup look and I didn’t really have a choice in the matter. And by the way, at this point it is still most definitely a lip gloss.
Image – Courtesy of writer
My results after a few days of wear
OK, I stand corrected. After two days of using it consistently throughout the day, I’ve got to say that my lips have never felt so smooth and moisturised. It is most definitely a lip balm (only with very glossy benefits). But that’s why it’s called ‘glowy’ lip balm I suppose. Makes sense.
It’s not one I would necessarily wear during the evening, wearing my pyjamas and no makeup – it feels a bit too ‘glam’ for that. But it’s a really good one for throwing in your handbag for on-the-go hydration, whilst looking pretty and well put together at the same time.
It’s actually weirdly addictive to keep applying because your lips feel so damn smooth when you’re wearing it. Just try not to apply it too much though – there was a day I consistently topped it up and, whilst my lips were smooth and definitely rich in moisture, my lips felt a tiny bit sore in the evening.
On the plus side, the scent doesn’t cling like some lip balms can. It’s definitely more subtle than some other fruity lip balms I can think of, although it is slightly stickier than some. Swings and roundabouts.
Image – Courtesy of writer
How does it compare to Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask?
I’ve been lucky enough to test out Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask recently so this is a great time to accurately compare and contrast it for your reading pleasure – you’re welcome.
The mask is for applying at bedtime – sleep in it all night long and you’ll wake up with smoother, hydrated lips that should feel that way all day and beyond. The balm is just that – a balm for daytime that needs topping up.
The other big difference between them is their application mechanism. The mask is a pot with a spatula, the balm is a tube that you can apply directly onto your lips. Personally, I prefer the latter – it’s mess-free and less gloopy, and looking at the reviews it seems that most people prefer the tube applicator here.
There are 12 flavours/scents of the mask, 6 of the balm but I guess if you’re going to be sleeping in something, it’s better to have more options so you can be more picky.
In my experience, the scent of the mask is more potent than the balm, but I actually prefer the smell of the balm overall. My ‘Sweet Candy’ lip mask is a little more ‘sugary’ (as you can imagine) though not sickly sweet either.
As for their formulas, the mask is thicker and gloopier but just as intensely glossy as the lighter in weight balm. There is no tint with the mask like there is with the balm, which is probably why most people stick to wearing the balm during the day and the mask at night, though some use the mask throughout the day too (which I couldn’t quite stomach because of its thickness).
When used in conjunction with each other though, your lips will be a force to be reckoned with – my newfound smoothness and hydration has made me realise I’d been neglecting my lips for some time. Another thing to feel guilty about in life but hey.
Image – Courtesy of writer
My overall verdict
I think this is a balm I can get on board with. As long as I’m not lounging or else I wouldn’t be able to completely relax.
There’s something about wearing a gloss that makes you feel you need to sit up straighter and look alluring. And when watching Love Is Blind in my PJs, with pimple patches on my face and an oily hair mask on my scalp, alluring isn’t a word I’d choose to describe myself.
When I’m out and about though, I like the glossy tint it gives my lips, the feeling of wearing it and how easy it is to apply on the go.
Alternative suggestions
If you prefer a vegan brand though or want a bigger shade range, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (£23 from Cult Beauty UK /$24 from Sephora US) is similar – super moisturising, slightly tinted and smells gorgeous.
What other users are saying
The comfort factor seems to be up for discussion for this balm, with some loving it and others hating it. Mkendrick78 says. “There are far better out there, comparable in price, that work much better. This has a slick feel, almost Vaselineish, not creamy.”
It’s a love/hate sort of thing – if it had been marketed as a gloss then I feel users might accept the ‘slick’ finish a little better. Also, a creamy finish is seen more in liquid lipsticks, not balms, so I don’t think this comment is quite fair.
AmeliaGZaycheck says, “such a bad product. I left it in my car for an hour in 80-degree weather and when I came back to the car to put it on it had melted. I have tried everything to get it back but nothing works.” Perhaps a warning to always store your makeup in a cool, dry place as it can be ruined in extreme heat.
Grossini adds, “I wanted to love this but the texture was terrible. It was super oily and did not feel hydrating.” I didn’t experience this oily feeling at all but if you’re not a fan of glosses, you might prefer to opt for drier balm sticks rather than a tube that squeezes the product out.
On the other hand, EmmaArnspiger calls it the “holy grail”. “The formula is incredible! Once applied it makes my lips feel nourished, hydrated and have a beautiful shine like a gloss but better. My favourite is the berry flavour because of the gorgeous pink tint. A great product and looks cute in my makeup bag.”
Whilst Weemworm writes, “gorgeous colour, fantastic texture, makes my lips super soft, glossy but not sticky, this is my second scent of Laneige lip balm and certainly won’t be my last!”
Overall value for money
Let’s address what we’ve all been thinking. £16/$19 is expensive for a lip balm. You’ve got to really love it to commit to that cost.
If you prefer a drier balm texture than a gloss, save your money. But if you want to double up on a tinted lip gloss and hydrating balm benefits, it’s definitely worth considering.
The takeaway
This glossy balm is one for your handbag or makeup bag, but not so much your girls’ night in pamper package. It finishes off any makeup look nicely, whilst still providing lips with juicy, hydrating goodness. Chef’s kiss!
Get Glowing!
