The 9 Best Lip Masks, Tested and Reviewed

Regardless of the state of your lips (dry! chapped! devoid of human contact!), a lip mask can take a tired pout and transform it into a hydrated pair of lips. Celebrities like Chrissy Teigen use this self-care hack frequently as a way to rejuvenate the place on your face that is over-talked and underappreciated. In addition to hydration, dermatologic surgeon Mary L. Stevenson, MD, tells PEOPLE that lip masks can "repair and prevent skin damage from UV [rays]" which can be "essential" especially during the summer.

Working with 25 different lip masks, our team had an in-office spa day, and applied a wealth of creamy, glossy, and nourishing masks to our lips. Testing for how the masks felt on the skin and the overall hydration and look after use, we crafted a list of our favorite lip masks, keeping in mind different needs like sensitive skin and duration of use. Then we continued testing these lip masks at home for six months and thus, created our best list.

Read on for the lip masks PEOPLE considers the best for hydration, look, and overall feel.

Best Overall

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

• Locks in moisture, keeping your lips soft and supple overnight and throughout the day

• Has vitamin C and antioxidants which boosts hydration and collagen production and prevents environmental damage to your skin

As seen on Sydney Sweeney, this popular lip mask is a rescue for those with dry lips. For those on our team who struggle with dry and parched lips, we could tell an immediate difference after applying this mask. The mask left our lips feeling extra glossy and made them look super soft and supple. With ingredients like vitamin C and antioxidants, this formula works to moisturize your lips and protect your skin from environmental damage (such as UV exposure).

Earning perfect 5 out of 5's in every test, this mask feels and looks great on the skin, and hydrates beautifully keeping your lips soft and moisturized for hours. It's a good balance between a lip jelly and a cream without the product feeling too heavy or light. It spreads easily with the included applicator and absorbs in about 30 minutes. Once absorbed you can still feel the hydrating effects of the lip mask, but the coating isn't sticky or tacky.

While it's marketed as an overnight mask, it has a slight glossy appearance and a subtle pink tint. It almost looks like lip gloss so you could definitely wear this during the day if you wanted. We noticed a berry fragrance which smelled lovely, but could be too strong for some folks. Whether you use it overnight or during the day before you apply makeup, this lip mask will make your lips look and feel radiant.

How it held up: After six months of use, we're still loving the glossy look and hydrating feel of this lip mask, and it has officially become part of our daily routine. We wear it everyday and apply it throughout the day for a refresh of moisture.

Size: 0.7 oz. | Consistency: Creamy | Fragrance: Yes, berry-scented| Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, antioxidants | Overnight Mask: Yes | Duration: Absorbs in about 30 minutes

Best Budget

She Loves 2PCS Lip Mask Overnight

If you're looking for a cost-effective lip mask that nourishes your lips at all hours of the day, consider this set of day and night masks. We think the day mask feels like a balm, while the night mask is stickier. Both masks have a gel-like feel. The box doesn't indicate it, but the honey-based mask is for day wear, and the cherry mask is for night. We rated the day mask a perfect score in feel, hydration, and look, with the night mask following closely with a near-perfect score.

Both masks gave our lips instant hydration, and could be used under another lip product like a matte lipstick. While we appreciated the honey-themed applicator, it wasn't the most practical for applying the lip mask due to its shape. Considering the hydrating effects, nourishing ingredients, and bargain price, this lip mask is ideal for those on a budget.

How it held up: Six months into home-testing, our team still uses this mask and loves the extra moisture, as well as the smooth consistency.

Size: 0.35 oz. (x2) | Consistency: Gel | Fragrance: Yes| Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, honey extract, cherry extract, and beeswax | Overnight Mask: Yes, and No | Duration: Overnight, or throughout the day, no need to blot after use

Best Investment

Kaplan MD Perfect Pout Lip Mask

• This lightweight creamy mask thoroughly moisturizes your lips

• Can be used in the morning or overnight for 24-hour hydration

• You don't have to remove it if you want long-lasting moisture

If you're willing to treat yourself, this lip mask is the perfect splurge. Receiving a perfect score in all of the tests, this lip mask dominated look, feel, and performance, according to our team. After applying it, we thought it felt creamy, light, and moist. It's designed to use around the lip contour and hydrate any areas with fine lines.

We loved the key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and organic extracts and the included applicator made applying the product easier. Though the directions suggest a duration between three and eight minutes as needed, our lips felt softer and moisturized, and we didn't feel the need to remove it, as it melted into our lips. This would work great as an overnight mask as well.

How it held up: After testing this product at home for six months, we stand with our review. It works great and is long-lasting. Actually, we're still using the same jar from our lab test even though we use the product daily, so we think it's worth every penny.

Size: 1 oz. | Consistency: Creamy | Fragrance: None| Key Ingredients: 22 certified organic extracts, and hyaluronic acid | Overnight Mask: Can be | Duration: Five to eight minutes

Best Overnight

Aceology Overnight Lip Mask

• Felt nourishing and creamy on our skin without a sensation of stickiness

• Lips immediately looked more nourished, hydrated, and plump

• A little goes a long way so it should last for a while

• Can work overnight or as a daytime lip balm

Sometimes your lips need a level of hydration that only an overnight treatment can supply. This overnight lip mask from Aceology provides a surge of moisture to help soothe dry, cracked lips. We loved how nourishing the formula felt on our skin — made with ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, and squalane — and that there was no stickiness or tacky residue.

We saw an immediate improvement in the texture and moisture levels of our lips. They felt softer, looked smoother, and were downright glossy after application. Though not advertised as a plumping product, this overnight lip mask actually created somewhat of a plumping effect. We only had to use a small amount, so this product should last for some time — and there's a travel size if you want to take it on the go. You can also use this product during the day as a lip balm for a quick boost of hydration when needed.

Size: 30 ml/ 1 fl oz. | Consistency: Creamy | Fragrance: Yes | Key Ingredients: Squalane | Overnight Mask: Yes | Duration: Overnight, or throughout the day as needed

Best Hydrating

Belif Aqua Bomb Overnight Lip Mask

• Provides a surge of hydration that lasts for hours (even after eating and drinking)

• Easy to apply, and a little goes a long way

• Compact packaging, which could be good for travel

If you experience dry lips, this lip mask will be your new favorite product. Our team loved the smooth, creamy texture of this mask — enhanced by ingredients like shea butter. Though it doesn't have an applicator, the mask was easy to apply and a little went a long way. Our lips felt conditioned and the mask was super lightweight. In terms of moisturizing abilities, we thought this mask's hydration was a perfect 5 out of 5. Even several hours after eating and drinking, the mask was still apparent on our lips.

If we have to choose a complaint, it would be the lack of an applicator. This might be a con for some folks who don't like to contaminate the jar by using their fingers or who don't want to get the product on their hands. That said, we like the size and appearance of the packaging, and we would definitely recommend this product for those who need intense hydration.

Size: 0.7 oz. | Consistency: Gel | Fragrance: Minimal| Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, ​​madecassoside, shea butter | Overnight Mask: Yes | Duration: Overnight

Best for Sensitive Lips

Dermelect Smooth & Supple Lip Mask Melt

• Formula is made without fragrance, parabens and other irritants, making it ideal for sensitive skin

• Soothing ingredients like jojoba oils and abyssinian relieve dryness and irritation

• Doesn't leave a sticky or tacky residue

• Packaging is a bit bulky

This luxurious lip mask is ideal for sensitive skin because it has soothing and hydrating ingredients like abyssinian and jojoba oils that work to repair dryness. The formula's texture is a nice balance of oils and balm and is as weightless as advertising claims. We found this mask super easy to apply, as it comes with an applicator that has a metal tip which adds a cooling sensation during application.

In terms of performance, this mask immediately melts into the lips without feeling tacky or sticky. While we might have applied a generous helping of this mask, it felt extremely luxurious and our lips appeared smooth and hydrated after use. It scored a perfect 5 out of 5 in feel, hydration, and overall look.

Unlike masks that need to be washed off, this one is designed to be left on for continuous moisture throughout the day. We thought the packaging looked glamorous, but felt it was a bit bulky and might not travel well. That said, anyone with extremely dry lips will benefit from this mask — it's a must for sunburned and sensitive lips.

Size: 0.5 fl oz. | Consistency: Gel | Fragrance: None| Key Ingredients: Castor, Evening Primrose, Abyssinian & Jojoba Oils and Radish Seed Extract | Overnight Mask: Varies | Duration: Leave-on mask

Best for Cracked Lips

Sara Happ The Dream Slip

• Created a smooth, soft texture across our lips

• It's almost a Vaseline-like consistency which could be great for "slugging" your lips for the ultimate hydration

• Soothes severely chapped lips, especially during the dry, colder months

When your lips get so dry they crack, you need a super gentle and thick formula that will coat your lips and create a barrier to lock in moisture. This dreamy lip mask works wonders on chapped lips — it's thick and tacky, almost like Vaseline, and coats your lips to completely soothe any irritation. If you're looking for a lighter mask, this one might be too heavy, but it works well, and when applied overnight as intended, its thick appearance isn't an issue.

When we removed the mask, our lips felt extremely smooth, soft, and hydrated. The packaging didn't come with an applicator, which was disappointing because this formula is a little messy given its thick and sticky consistency. That said, we appreciated the soothing scent of chamomile and the effects of hyaluronic acid, both ingredients in this moisturizing lip mask.

How it held up: We continued testing this lip mask for six months at home, and it has kept our lips from drying out (and getting chapped, which is common for us during the winter). We used it overnight as instructed, but also occasionally as a daytime lip balm. We actually love the thick formula — it's almost like a blanket of hydration for your lips. The moisture lasts throughout the day. We do wish it had an applicator still, but as long as we wash our hands before and after application, it's not an issue.

Size: 0.5 oz. | Consistency: Creamy | Fragrance: Yes, chamomile-scented | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, chamomile, honey, vanilla | Overnight Mask: Yes | Duration: Overnight, or throughout the day as needed

Best Scented

Jouer Cosmetics Overnight Conditioning Lip Mask

This reparative conditioning lip mask is the perfect overnight companion for your lips — especially if you love a soothing fragrance to help you fall asleep. With notes of vanilla, as well as ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter, this is an extremely soothing and hydrating lip mask. It felt a little sticky when we first applied it, but after rubbing it in, that feeling went away.

Our lips looked so glossy and soft after applying this mask, and the hydrating effects were apparent. Though it doesn't come with an applicator (just make sure to wash your hands before and after use), we still think this lip mask is a great value, and a good solution to dry, flaky lips.

Size: 0.70 oz. | Consistency: Creamy | Fragrance: Yes, vanilla | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, jojoba oil | Overnight Mask: Yes | Duration: Overnight or throughout the day

Best Reparative

Averr Aglow Goodnight Kiss Lip Mask

• Helps hydrate and repair dry, chapped skin

• Created a softer skin texture and smoother lips

• Before we used this mask, we would wake up with dry lips, and we haven't since using this lip mask

• Comes with an applicator for ease of use, and a little product goes a long way

We loved the reparative effects of this jelly overnight lip mask. With a similar consistency to vaseline, this jelly-like formula is super hydrating and reparative for dry, irritated skin. The formula wasn't super sticky and it comes with an applicator to make it easier (and cleaner) to apply to your lips. A little went a long way with this product, so the package should last for a long time.

We loved the results of this lip mask. The skin on and around our lips felt extremely hydrated and had a softer appearance after we wore this mask. Though it is an overnight mask, you can also put some on throughout the day almost like a lip balm should you need some extra moisture (let's say after a day in the sun).

How it held up: For six months after we tested this lip mask in our lab, we continued testing it at home. We loved how much hydration it provided on a daily basis. We used it primarily at night and found it to be so reparative to dry, chapped lips. We used to wake up with dry lips and now we don't, so the lip mask definitely works. It exfoliates and hydrates, and the thick consistency stays in place for longer than most lip masks.

Size: 0.5 fl. oz. | Consistency: Gel, jelly | Fragrance: Yes | Key Ingredients: Antioxidants | Overnight Mask: Yes | Duration: Overnight or throughout the day

Things to Consider Before Buying Lip Masks

Ingredients

The ingredients in the lip mask will determine what effects (and results) you see after use, so you have to pay close attention to what you're spreading on your lips. To start, you should look for ingredients that moisturize. "These include humectants — which bring water in, like a sponge — and occlusive ingredients like petrolatum, [which] seals in the moisture the humectant brought in," says Dr. Stevenson.

She adds that other ingredients like "antioxidants and peptides" can repair damage from and protect against environmental factors like UV rays. "[You] also might want to look for gentle exfoliants, but [may not] want to do this if your lips are sensitive," she says.

When to Apply

Many lip masks are designed to be worn overnight so they can work their magic for a longer period of time, but some are intended for single use and can be wiped off after a few minutes. You should consider both types of masks depending on the intensity of hydration and long-term results you're looking for. For perpetually dry lips, perhaps consider wearing overnight masks — like the SHE LOVES 2PCS Lip Mask Overnight — regularly to maintain moisture.

Lip Masks vs. Lip Balms

One thing that might get confusing when looking for a lip mask is its similarity to a lip balm. Though similar in function (to hydrate), lip masks are for long-term use — generally overnight or applied well before you put on makeup — whereas lip balms are lighter and can be applied on top of lipstick for extra hydration throughout the day. Just be sure to check the labels and instructions when buying both to make sure you're getting the product you need.

How We Tested Lip Masks

We rejuvenated our lips with 25 top-rated lip masks to see which ones created long-lasting hydration and the best skin results. Measuring feel, hydration, and the overall look of our lips after use, our team found several lip masks that earned the title "best". Starting with clean product-free skin, our team applied the lip masks following the unique instructions for each. We rated the masks on how they felt on the skin (hydrating! creamy! sticky! tacky!) when applied. Our team set timers for each mask and observed how well they sat on the skin during the process. Were they dripping? Locked in place? After the set time, we washed the mask off and puckered up to admire the results — such as signs of hydration and softness. We continued testing these lip masks at home for six months and considered these insights as well — and actually removed several of our original picks that scored well in our lab tests but didn't produce the same results over time.

FAQs

Do lip masks really work?

Yes, lip masks are loaded with nourishing ingredients that hydrate and moisturize lips. They are great for counteracting the drying effect of wearing lipstick and sun exposure. And if you have varying needs, there are lip masks for that too — such as for those with sensitive skin: Dermelect Smooth & Supple Lip Mask Melt. Or perhaps you'd like a little plumping effect as well — you can try the Averr Aglow Goodnight Kiss Lip Mask.

Can you leave a lip mask on overnight?

Many lip masks are intended to be worn overnight. Look at your particular product for guidance as some lip masks are made to be used for just a few minutes, while others are labeled for overnight use. You can also check the product instructions to see how often you should wear the lip masks at all — but most lip masks can be used several times a week, or even daily if your lips are especially dry.

What is the difference between a lip mask and a lip balm?

Usually worn for longer stretches of time, lip masks provide a more long-lasting effect than lip balms, which absorb into your skin quickly. Lip masks are more hydrating — often due to ingredients like hyaluronic acid — and sometimes contain exfoliants that are not found in lip balm.

Do lip masks work on chapped lips?

They sure do! Lip masks contain a bevy of oils and butters that hydrate and moisturize the driest and most chapped lips. If you're really needing a surge of moisture and want to lock in that hydration, try a thicker lip mask like the Sara Happ The Dream Slip, which works well on cracked and chapped lips.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who's tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke to dermatologic surgeon Mary L. Stevenson, M.D. and used tested insights to determine the best lip masks 2024.

What Is People Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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