I Used to Believe That All Lip Masks Were Simply Luxurious Lip Balms—That Was Before I Tested This One.

      As a beauty editor, I possess what can only be termed an almost absurd quantity of lip products. Lip balms, lip oils, serums, scrubs—you name it, and it’s likely lost at the bottom of one of my bags. Yet, despite being surrounded by them, I’m remarkably forgetful about reapplying throughout the day. I’ll reliably apply something mid-morning, only to completely forget until my lips start feeling like sandpaper by four o’clock. Consequently, I’ve come to realize that my best defense against dryness isn’t frequent daytime applications, but rather a single, effective product I can depend on for overnight lip rehydration. This realization led me to become a devoted user of lip masks. In theory, they promise a concentrated burst of moisture that works while you sleep, so you wake up with soft, plump lips—a perfect solution for someone as low-maintenance as myself. However, the issue is that most “lip masks” are merely regular lip balms repackaged with fancier designs. They come in jars, feel heavier than typical balms, and... that’s about it. The results usually fall short of the claims. I’ve tried countless options, from beloved K-beauty brands to high-end products, and despite their promises of transformation, most tend to just coat the lips without providing real nourishment.

      So, when I first tried Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Mask (£27), my expectations were low. It exhibited the same characteristics as others—a small glass jar, a soft pink hue, and claims of hydration and plumping. I presumed it would be another aesthetically pleasing item for my bedside table that wouldn’t deliver beyond looking great in photos. To my surprise, this one was unique. From the first application, it felt completely different. The texture is unlike anything I had previously experienced: a thick, silky jelly that effortlessly melts into the lips without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. It forms a comfortable, cushiony layer that stays throughout the night and importantly, it’s still there when I wake up, not absorbed into my pillowcase. More than just a shiny layer, it truly seems to treat my lips. By morning, they feel smooth, hydrated, and subtly plump, as if they’ve undergone a genuine overnight repair rather than simply receiving a superficial layer of moisture. This is a small miracle for someone who often struggles with dryness and is inconsistent with daytime lip balm use.

      Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask

      TATCHA

      The Kissu Lip Mask

      Key ingredients: Squalane, Japanese camellia seed oil, Japanese peach extract, allantoin, tocopherol (vitamin E), palmitoyl tripeptide-1, citrus unshiu peel extract

      Pros:

      - Delivers results after just one use

      - Light and non-sticky despite its richness

      - Long-lasting on the lips

      - Scent is not overwhelming or irritating

      Cons:

      - High price point

      - Non-hygienic application method

      Before

      Before applying Tatcha's The Kissu Lip Mask.

      After

      After applying Tatcha's The Kissu Lip Mask.

      The Verdict

      After weeks of use, Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Mask (£27) has secured a permanent place on my bedside table, which speaks volumes. What distinguishes it isn’t solely the luxurious packaging or the brand name, but the fact that it genuinely functions like a real mask, not just a balm. The standout feature is the texture—a thick, glossy jelly that feels plush yet weightless, effectively sealing in moisture without the sticky, suffocating finish that many overnight treatments possess. It’s the kind of formula that instinctively makes you want to press your lips together due to its smoothness. By morning, my lips consistently feel deeply hydrated, soft, and noticeably smoother, even during the colder months when other products often fail. It doesn’t just coat the surface; it actually seems to condition the skin, providing a lasting softness that means I don’t feel compelled to reapply balm immediately upon waking. Admittedly, it is a splurge, and the small jar won’t last indefinitely. However, for the results and the pure pleasure of waking up with lips that look and feel revitalized, it’s one of the few luxury lip masks that I can confidently say is worth every penny.

      Shop Now:

      TATCHA

      The Kissu Lip Mask

      How We Tested

      I evaluated Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Mask over six weeks, applying it nightly as the last step in my evening skincare routine. I used a clean spatula to scoop out a small amount and applied it to my lips before bedtime. Throughout the testing period, I monitored how my lips felt each morning—assessing hydration, smoothness, how much product remained overnight, and how my lips felt during the day. I also used it during colder, drier days and