Lip Masks Vs Balms: Which One Should You Use

Dry, flaky, and chapped lips are no longer a seasonal problem. They are a year-round struggle that can hit you up anytime and ruin your makeup base. Consequently, both lip balms and lip masks have earned a golden spot in our beauty routines. While lip balms are a go-to for daily moisture and protection, masks offer deeper, more intense lip care treatment. So, if you are wondering which one you really need or whether you should be using both, you are not alone. 

Lip masks vs lip balms: Which one do you need; Photo Credit: Pexels

5 Key Differences Between Lip Masks And Lip Balms For Dry Lips

1. Deep Treatment Vs Daily Care

Let's begin with the basic difference between lip masks and balms, in terms of their purpose. Lip masks are designed to provide intense hydration and repair. They are used as overnight treatments to deeply nourish cracked and dehydrated lips.

On the contrary, lip balms are made for everyday use. Although they are less hydrating than masks, lip balms still provide good moisturisation throughout the day. Plus, they need frequent reapplication.

2. Texture And Consistency

Generally, lip masks have a thick, creamy, or jelly-like texture. They stay on your lips longer and take time to get absorbed, making them more suitable for overnight use. 

In contrast, lip balms have a lighter feel and texture. They are great for frequent reapplication throughout the day. Although they may have the same moisturising ingredients, their formula is very different. 

Lip masks have a thicker texture, whereas lip balms are lighter; Photo Credit: Unsplash

3. Ingredients And Packaging

Lip masks usually contain concentrated ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and vitamin E, to offer long-lasting hydration and repair. They are full of occlusives, antioxidants, and emollients like plant oils to provide triple benefits.

Lip balms focus more on sealing moisture and hydration. They contain ingredients like beeswax and cocoa butter, which give them a lighter texture and feel. While masks hydrate from within, balms create a protective barrier on top. 

Similarly, both products differ in their packaging. Lip balms come in small containers along with an application brush to maintain hygiene. Their jelly-like texture demands a durable packaging that can prevent the product from spilling. On the other hand, lip balms come in a tube or bullet lipstick-like packaging. 

Also Read: Let Your Lips Make A Statement: Must-Have Lip Products For Your Make-Up Vanity

4. Usage Frequency

Lip masks are for when your cracked, dry, or flaky lips need an intense boost of hydration. You can use them a few times a week, depending on your requirements. In contrast, lip balms can be used multiple times a day or as often as needed. They are convenient for on-the-go use. 

You can use lip balms for daily moisturisation and lip masks for an intense hydration boost a few times in week; Photo Credit: Pexels

5. When To Use

Lip masks are best used at night, as this allows the concentrated ingredients to penetrate deep and work from inside while you sleep. Their thick texture stays on your lip for a long time, and it is best to avoid eating, lip-smacking, or doing anything at all.

Lip balms, on the other hand, are ideal for the day. Their convenient packaging makes it easier to reapply as many times as required. Plus, lip balms with SPF also offer great sun protection during the day.  

Products Related To This Article

1. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Ex 8g - Gummybear

2. DOT & KEY Vitamin C+E Lip Berry Bomb Plumping Mask-Wild Berries For Flaky Lips - 15ml

3. FoxTale Lip Sleeping Mask With Ceramides & Maracuja Oil - 12 g

4. PLIX THE PLANT FIX Pomegranate Plump Lips Puddin Lip Mask for Dry Lips - 15 g

5. deconstruct Collagen & Peptide Shea Butter Lip Sleeping Mask - 8 gm

6. Nivea Pomegranate Shine Caring Lip Balm

7. Blue Heaven Jelly & Butter Hydrating Lip Balm with Shea Butter & Vitamin E - Dusty Rose

8. Mamaearth Beetroot Tinted 100% Natural Lip Balm With Beetroot & Beeswax - 2g

9. SUGAR Tipsy Lips Moisturizing Balm - 04 L.I.I.T

10. Lotus Herbals Sustainable Strawberry Lip Balm 4 g

These were some of the key differences between lip balms and lip masks. The final choice between these two lip care products depends on your requirements. If you are dealing with severely dehydrated or peeling lips, using a nourishing lip mask a few times a week can work wonders overnight. However, if you need daily protection and hydration on the go, go for a good quality nourishing lip balm. And you can easily buy the best lip balms and lip masks online to build a lip care routine on a budget. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is lip mask or lip balm better?

Both lip balms and lip masks are meant to protect and hydrate your lips, but on different levels. Lip balms are lighter and great for daily moisturisation. On the contrary, lip masks are richer and provide a more intensive treatment. 

2. Can a lip mask be used as lip balm?

Yes, you can use a lip mask as a lip balm. For best results, it is recommended to use overnight when you are not eating anything or licking your lips accidentally.

3. What is the difference between a balm and a mask?

The basic difference between a lip balm and a lip mask is their purpose. Lip balms create a protective barrier for everyday protection. However, lip masks are thicker, richer, and great for intensive treatments.

4. Can we use a lip mask daily?

Yes, you can use a lip mask daily, especially if you have dry or chapped lips. 

5. Are lip masks good for your lips?

Lip masks can be very beneficial for your lips. They take the normal hydration of lip balms to the next level.