What does a collagen lip mask do for your lips

Thanks to influencers such as the Kardashians and Emma Stone, there is now such a thing as lip masks. When you think about it, it is a part of our face that the usual face mask fails to cover during a rejuvenation session. 
 

Also, it is definitely a better, safer and painless option compared to lip injections.

When these were first introduced to the world back in 2017 by Kim K and Hannah Bronfman, people thought they merely went overboard with their lip gloss look. Who would have thought that it was so much more than very, VERY shiny lip gloss? Then when makeup artist Rachel Goodman Instagrammed a picture of Emma Stone with a lip mask, everyone got hooked.

Actually, lip masks aren’t new to the beauty industry. They’ve been highly popular in Asia (of course) before the trend reached the US. Thanks to social media platforms like Instagram, the rest of the world became acquainted with them and accepted lip masks with open arms…or lips. 
 

Collagen lip masks function the same way full facial masks do but focused on the lips. They are made of thick hydrogel and saturated with beautifying serums like collagen.

Lip masks usually come in individually packed sachets and look like slimy enlarged lips made of gel. Looking funny while donning a lip mask is all part of the appeal. A justifying effect that most people claim is the ability to make a Kylie Jenner perfect pout after using one.

The basic ingredients of a lip mask are water, glycerin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. From there, other elements are added such as bitter cherry extracts, rose flower oil and vitamins.

The goal of collagen lip masks is for instant moisturization and plumping of the lips. A perfect way to reverse the effects of lipstick that steal the limelight most times of the day. It can also be used as a primer before lipstick application as it deeply conditions the lips making it smooth and allowing the next product to stick better. It is basically the next level after lip balms in terms of lip care. 

Just make sure not to expect long-term effects or miracles when using lip masks because these are still topical products that don’t get easily absorbed by the skin type of our lips to have that kind of effect.

Examples of the lip masks available in the market today are:

KNC Beauty lip masks are probably the OGs of this skincare product. Famous artists have been seen using this brand. This lip mask is designed to be used as a primer before applying lipstick.

Starskin’s lip mask is designed to hydrate and plump the lips. It is said to be one of the most effective masks that transfer nutrients from the mask to the lips. With only a 15-minute waiting time, this option is very efficient indeed. 

This hydrogel lip treatment is a cream type that is meant to fill in the deep wrinkles in the lips. Among other ingredients, there is caviar extract in the product that helps moisturize the skin. Women with smaller lips have shared that this mask is able to increase the fullness of their lips. 

Patchology lip gels work wonders on dry lips. With green tea extract and collagen peptides, your lips are left smooth and moisturized. 

Haley Goldberg is one of the dedicated ones who made a thorough review of lip masks. Her experience involves accidentally letting the mask fall a second after application, being excited for the plumping effect, feeling moisturized after usage and being able to apply lipstick smoothly. Below is a portion from her review. 

Chloe tried out a lip mask because of Emma Stone. She was one of the many who experienced the liquid from the packet spilling and getting wasted. Nonetheless, she was quite pleased with the end results.

Many women constantly face an issue with dry or chapped lips, especially during cold weather. Aside from the usual lip balms and scrubs for lip care, the option of lip masks is actually quite rewarding.

One benefit of using a lip mask is plumper lips. It may not be so visible in the before and after pictures, but many who have tried it for the first time actually saw a difference. This is because the mask is more concentrated compared to lip balms making it more effective. 

Moisturization and hydration are other benefits of collagen lip masks. In just 20-30 minutes, the lips are so smooth and plump that you can skip the lip tint and go for an all-natural look. 

Lastly, because of lip masks, our lips are primed making lipstick and other products go on smoothly with no hassle, plus it stays on longer.

While a lip mask does not guarantee you achieving the perfect pout after one or even frequent usage, the majority still agree that it is a great way to prime the lips and add necessary hydration. After all, the lips are one part of our bodies that show signs of dehydration easily; hence it needs extra care and attention.

Lip masks are generally simple to use. There are just some pointers to remember when prepping the lips.

Step 1: Cleanse and exfoliate the lips. Ensure that there is no leftover lipstick or lip balm on them.

Important note: If your lips are chapped or cracked, it is best to wait until they heal before using a lip mask to avoid a stinging sensation when you use the product.
 

Step 2: Completely dry your lips. The masks will only stick on dry lips.
 

Step 3: Tear open the packaging and make sure none of the liquid spills (this is a common peeve for lip mask users).
 

Step 4: Apply the lip mask, and wait according to the recommended time.
 

Step 5: Remove the lip mask. Overnight and daily cream lip masks do not need to be washed off, while jelly masks need to be removed.
 

Step 6: For jelly lip masks, rub or pat the remaining treatment into your lips. For cream type lip masks, spread evenly on the lips and a bit more around sides of the lips.

Honey and coconut oil. No, it is not a dessert recipe, but a great DIY lip mask you can try to hydrate your lips. All you need is 1 tsp. of honey and 1 tsp. of coconut oil. Microwave the coconut oil for 15 seconds so it will soften and then mix with the honey. Apply on the lips like a regular mask and leave on for 15 minutes then rinse. 

This lip mask is similar to the previous one except you will be substituting the coconut oil with mashed avocado and doubling the quantity. Avocado is filled with vitamins and minerals that will deeply moisturize the lips. Plus when you’re done, you can go ahead and clean it up with your tongue! 

To add an exfoliating effect on the lip mask, just add sugar. This homemade recipe calls for 1 tsp. of Greek yogurt, ¼ tsp. cane sugar and 1 slice of kiwi. Mash the kiwi and combine with the sugar and yogurt. Apply a thick layer on the lips and for extra absorption, cover the lips with plastic wrap. Wait 5 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Did you know that kiwis have 5 times as much vitamins C as an orange? Imagine all that nutrients getting absorbed by your lips after it gets scrubbed by the sugar. After that, it’s the Greek yogurt’s turn to soothe the skin.

With 1 tsp of sunflower or safflower oil, 1 tsp of brown sugar and 1 tbsp of raw honey mixed together and applied on the lips the same way as the last recipe, you will get a natural plumping lip mask. The oils have an omega 6-fatty acid called linoleic acid that naturally plumps and moisturizes the lips. Honey will draw in moisture and sugar will exfoliate.

It can be agreed that collagen lip masks are not miracle workers. They will not leave permanent effects on the lips either. But they are fun quick-fixes that can give your lips a much-needed boost of hydration.

Our lips are perhaps the least taken care of when it comes to skincare even though they are the ones usually covered with makeup products. Because of this, it would be a good idea to try out these lip masks and check for ourselves what the fuss is all about. Whether its store-bought or homemade, fortunately, they don’t cost a fortune.

Here’s to working our way to that perfect pout.