I fully stumbled onto Laneige’s cult-favorite lip mask. Picture me five or so years ago, backstage at some now forgotten fashion show on the West Side Highway, taking in the frenetic energy of it all, listening to how models’ faces were being prepped before being handed a gift bag and hustled along to the exit. Little did I know that in my hands I held a small pink pot that I’d come to appreciate more each time I—literally—dug into it. I soon started seeing my secret find touted by influencers and content creators all over the internet and spotting it in chic makeup bags aplenty IRL.
I’m talking about Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask. It’s an antioxidant-packed soothing and nourishing treatment intended to be applied pre-bed so it can work its magic on lips while you snooze. The original pink Berry flavor is included in Amazon’s Premium Beauty edit alongside the other four options (Mango, Vanilla, Sweet Candy, and Gummy Bear), making it easy to stock up whatever your taste profile. Of course, you may already know all about Laneige (and if you don’t, you’re welcome): A jar is sold every three seconds around the globe, which is nothing to sneeze at. So, why are people so obsessed?
It’s heavy, but not too heavy (or sticky).
The treatment is packed with the OGs of moisture—think shea butter and coconut oil—but doesn’t feel, for lack of a better term, gloppy. I’ve used other balms touted as super moisturizing before bed that seem to just sit on my lips, refusing to actually be absorbed (and threatening to slime my pillowcase).
This one starts penetrating quickly without totally disappearing right away. My lips feel moisturized immediately after application and hours later if I’m up to use the bathroom or grab a sip of water. Win, win.
The texture and sheen are so good, it’s totally worth wearing during the day, too.
A natural rule-follower, I’ve always kept mine tucked into my bedside table for swiping on right before turning off the light. (Hello, the name of the product actually says it’s for sleeping.) Imagine my surprise when I was on a shoot with an influencer who pulled hers out of her bag in the backseat of a taxi, ready to use it as her normal, everyday lip product IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. There’s no reason not to apply during waking hours, but I had never considered it until seeing how pretty it looked in daylight.
It lives up to the hype.
Let’s be real: There’s no better research pool than Amazon—and this must-have has racked up the glowing five-star reviews.
“My lips felt instantly better—like a dehydrated body taking a sip of cold water after working all day in the hot sun,” wrote Rebecca R. in her onsite review. “Best decision ever” said Amalama. And, further proving the idea that it’s perfect for AM and PM, shopper Angela A. sang the praises of using it as a primer for long-wear lipstick.
While so far I’ve been sticking with it as part of my bedtime routine, the appeal of all those flavors on Amazon and so easily tossed into my cart has me seriously considering stashing one in my bag too…
Leah Melby Clinton is a writer, editor, and serious shopper who loves discovering new labels, detailing the best ways to build a wardrobe, and interviewing interesting people.