I Tested *That* Cult Laneige Lip Mask – Here Are My Honest Thoughts
Main Image – Courtesy of writer
When you think of sleep masks, a lip mask might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but hey, this is 2024. Anything’s possible.
And Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask (£21 from Cult Beauty UK /$24 from Sephora US) has become quite the talking point online – mostly positive, sometimes negative.
So, I decided to try it for myself to see whether I agreed with the general consensus.
Did it change my lips for the better? Does it feel odd wearing a lip product to bed? And what about those rumours about the brand not being completely cruelty-free?
Keep scrolling to read my honest review.
Image – Courtesy of writer
The product details
Made by hugely popular K Beauty company Laneiege (best known for their lip products, as well as for their innovative creamy toner and sleeping masks), this mask is packed with antioxidants to remove dead skin cells overnight.
This lip mask promises to soften and nourish lips as you sleep with help from coconut oil. It protects from external aggressions thanks to vitamin C and promises to keep the hydration going for the whole of the next day.
The mask comes in 12 flavours – mine is Sweet Candy. The brand also offers a minis set, giving you the chance to try 5 flavours before going full size.
@laneige_us An oldie but a goodie ? Your fave set, Midnight Minis, is back and better than ever! ? This set includes 5 mini lip sleeping masks (including peach iced tea + watermelon pop! ?) & skincare samples to keep your skin + lips glowing ? Grab it FIRST on the @sephora app tomorrow! #laneige #lipsleepingmask #lipmask #lipcare #lipbalm #set #koreanskincare #kbeauty
First Impressions
My initial thought when unboxing the mask was how big the pot was. Well, for a lip product anyway. It’s a chunky 20g, slightly bigger than your average lip balm but as this isn’t marketed as a balm, I guess it’s not so surprising.
My Sweet Candy flavour came in a pretty pink pot and upon unscrewing the lid, I noticed the mask itself was pink too. It smelt of sweet candyfloss (funny that) but not overbearingly so and I instantly wanted to dig my finger in and have a go.
Then I noticed it actually comes with a tiny spatula which looks like an eyeshadow sponge. So I dug that in instead and ended up taking out far too much.
I knew this because when I applied it to my lips, I was greeted by a thick layer of glossy lacquer. The first piece of advice – use much less than you think.
After wiping a little bit back into the pot, I applied what seemed to be the correct amount (I’d say half a pea-sized) and realised that even with less product, it is still incredibly glossy and thick on your lips.
Image – Courtesy of writer
It felt beautiful – there was no way any moisture was going to creep out of my lips that night – but it did feel very odd to be applying a thick gloss onto my lips at bedtime.
I know it’s not meant to be a gloss, but that’s what it felt like. A bit like when you’re watching The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City and one of the women miraculously wakes up in bed with a full face of makeup on, glossy, plumped lips ‘n all.
But rest assured. Whilst this might look and feel like a lip gloss, it doesn’t go that one step further. That’s right, I’m talking about a tint. Contrary to popular confusion, the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is colourless, and rightfully so. The last thing I want are lipstick marks all over my pillowcase thank you very much. People will talk.
So anyway, I went to bed with glossy lips. Strange. But when I woke up, the gloss had sunk in, leaving only just a tiny bit of noticeable product left on my lips.
The instructions say to gently rub your lips with your finger to remove the excess. There wasn’t much for me (my lips must have been thirsty) but I did as I was told and was left with a pleasantly smooth pout.
Image – Courtesy of writer
My verdict
I wouldn’t say my lips were exactly chapped when I first started using this but they’re definitely smoother than they were – their surface is more even and it’s obvious I’ve been treating my lips with more care than usual. And with winter on the horizon, this can only be a good thing.
The hydration does indeed last all day after you’ve slept in it. My lips feel almost tingly the morning after I’ve applied it too but I don’t experience peeling as I know some have.
For extra hydration and plumping effect, I’ve heard some like to apply a layer of hyaluronic acid serum underneath. It’s an interesting thought but I can’t honestly see how this would make the product any better – it performs so well on its own.
Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with doing a lip care routine but in my opinion, this product is all your lips really need if you’re looking for smoothness and locking in moisture.
So we’ve established it’s a good hydrator. But have my lips completely changed, in an epiphany sort of way? No. They’re just a bit smoother and smell extra sweet while the product is sinking in.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Some people apparently use it as a lip balm during the day too, rather than just as a sleep mask. I’m just not sure I could stomach it. This stuff is thick, and it’s hard to only take a small swipe without getting a gloop of product, so using it as a lip balm would just be too heavy for me. Plus the taste of candy floss mixed with my lunchtime salad might not *quite* gel.
Anyway, since Laneige actually do a dedicated daytime lip/gloss too (I’ve reviewed it separately here), I definitely have options.
On a serious note, there have been rumours that this brand isn’t completely cruelty-free.
The parent company of Laneige, Amorepacific Corporation, says they do not test on animals unless required by law. However, since selling cosmetics in China, which Laneige does, requires animal testing, some users are unhappy about this. Something to keep in mind if you prefer to only keep to 100% cruelty-free brands.
The brand is also not vegan, with some products containing animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, honey and lanolin. As far as I know, the Lip Sleeping Mask is free of all three.
Overall, I’m happy with how it performs and will continue to use it around twice a week since it is doing a great job of keeping my lips hydrated and soft. And lipstick seems to be going on easier too – bonus.
What other users are saying
The one result I really wanted to see, but didn’t, was a more plumped pout! I don’t expect to wake up like Angelina Jolie but a bit of extra fullness wouldn’t have gone amiss.
But according to the reviews, others have experienced it. “Leaves my lips plumped, love to use it during the day instead of a gloss too,” writes Eve. “This is the best lip mask I have ever used, it stays on all night and my lips look plumper in the morning,” adds Nicola.
Image – Courtesy of writer
Other users haven’t had been impressed with the mask’s overall results though. Donna said, “When I wake up there is no product left to wash off and my lips feel more dry (and actually sore) than when I started using it. I’ve actually stopped this week and they feel better already.” I noticed there wasn’t much to wash off too but didn’t experience any soreness – it was more a greater awareness of my lips as a whole as I could feel the aftereffects for most of the day after.
And for those who have an opinion on fragrance, Laura says, “I had hoped for more of a strong candy smell. However, the mask is lovely and is so moisturising.” Each to their own!
Overall value for money
At £21/$24 it’s quite a lot to spend on one pot of what is essentially a lip balm, with extra benefits. But remember, you only need to use a tiny amount so this pot lasts and lasts. You wouldn’t be needing to top up in a hurry, believe me.
Affordable alternatives
The most affordable alternative? A pot of Vaseline (it has the same thickness, almost the same glossiness, not quite the same smell!), and some people even swear by nipple cream as an alternative.
The takeaway
If you can get past the fact that you’re basically applying a thick gloss before bed, and you have a similar experience to me, you and your lips will undoubtedly enjoy the brilliant benefits of this lip mask.
It isn’t tinted but it is quite thick so apply it sparingly. Remember to rub your finger over the excess in the morning and apply it consistently (around two to three times a week) to get the best results. I saw a noticeable difference to the overall hydration of my lips straight away but after a week or so, the difference was even greater.
Get Glowing!
