I Thought All Lip Masks Were Just Fancy Lip Balms—Until I Tried This One

As a beauty editor, I have what can only be described as a borderline-absurd number of lip products. Lip balms, lip oils, serums, scrubs—you name it, it’s probably rolling around at the bottom of one of my handbags. And yet, despite being surrounded by them, I’m spectacularly bad at remembering to apply any of them throughout the day. I’ll dutifully slick something on mid-morning and then promptly forget until my lips are back to feeling like sandpaper by four o'clock. So, over time, I’ve accepted that my best defence against dryness isn’t frequent daytime touch-ups, it’s a single, effective product I can rely on to rehydrate my lips overnight.

That’s how I became a committed user of lip masks. In theory, they promise an intense hit of moisture that works while you sleep, so you wake up with soft, plump lips—a dream scenario for someone as low-maintenance as me. The problem, however, is that most “lip masks” are just ordinary lip balms dressed up in fancier packaging. They come in jars, feel heavier than a regular balm, and... that’s about it. The results rarely live up to the marketing. I’ve tried more of them than I care to admit, from cult-favourite K-beauty formulas to glossy high-end offerings, and while they all claim to be transformative, most simply coat the lips rather than actually nourishing them.

So when I first tried Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Mask (£27), I wasn’t expecting much. It had the same hallmarks as all the others—a little glass pot, a delicate pink tint and promises of hydration and plumping. I assumed it would be another pretty addition to my bedside table that didn’t actually do much beyond looking nice in photos. But to my surprise, this one was different. From the very first use, it felt like something entirely new. The texture alone is unlike anything I've ever used before: a thick, silky jelly that somehow melts into the lips without feeling greasy or sticky. It forms a cushiony layer that clings comfortably throughout the night, and, crucially, it’s still there when I wake up, not vanished onto my pillowcase.

More than just a glossy coating, it actually seems to treat my lips. By morning, they feel smooth, hydrated and subtly plump, as though they’ve had a proper overnight repair session rather than just a superficial slick of moisture. And for someone who’s perpetually dehydrated and inconsistent with daytime lip balm application, that’s a small miracle.

Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask

Before

After

The Verdict

After weeks of use, Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Mask (£27) has earned a permanent spot on my bedside table, and that’s saying something. What sets it apart isn’t just the luxurious packaging or the brand name, but the way it genuinely performs like a true mask, not just a balm. The texture is the standout feature—a thick, glossy jelly that feels plush yet weightless, sealing in moisture without that tacky, suffocating finish so many overnight treatments have. It’s the kind of formula that makes you instinctively want to press your lips together because it feels so smooth.

By morning, my lips always feel deeply hydrated, soft, and noticeably smoother, even now in the colder months when nothing else seems to work. It doesn’t just coat the surface; it seems to actually condition the skin, and there’s a lasting suppleness that means I don’t feel the need to reapply balm the second I wake up.

Of course, it’s undeniably a splurge, and the small pot won’t last forever. But for the results, and the simple satisfaction of waking up with lips that look and feel restored, it’s one of the few luxury lip masks I can confidently say is worth every penny.

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How We Tested

I tested Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Mask over the course of six weeks, applying it nightly as the final step in my evening skincare routine. I used a clean spatula to scoop out a small amount and smoothed it over my lips before bed, as the final step in my evening skincare routine. Throughout the testing period, I paid attention to how my lips felt each morning—checking for hydration, smoothness, how much product remained overnight, and how my lips felt throughout the day. I also tested it during colder, drier days and after wearing matte lipstick to see how well it repaired and maintained moisture levels.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts, including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.