10 Best Lip Masks for Softer Lips in Australia for 2025
The “game changing” lip treatment sells every 12 seconds and we can bet the price tag is sure to humble you.
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Dry, flaky and chapped lips don’t exclude anyone – it can happen to the best of us, no matter the season.
That’s where a lip mask comes in.
And the beauty of an intensely hydrating lip mask is that you don’t need to strictly use it overnight – they can be applied throughout the day as needed, just like a lip balm, to really protect those lips.
To help you narrow down the search, I asked the news.com.au checkout team for all their favourite lip masks, lip balms and treatments. These are the standouts, including one “game changing” lip balm that sells every 12 seconds – and it’s only $6. Score!
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICK: BEST LIP MASK FOR SOFTER LIPS
Dermal Therapy Lip Balm, $6 at Priceline
Why we love it: It’s affordable and provides lasting hydration.
What to consider: Nothing – it’s a total gem. No notes!
Size: 10g | Key ingredient: Camphor, clove oil, menthol and 2.5% urea
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Senior Shopping Writer
There’s a reason why this humble $6 lip balm sells every 12 seconds, can be found in over 1.2 million handbags and having collected countless awards – it is just that good.
The concentrated formula of the Dermal Therapy lip balm is super emollient rich, hydrating your lips while also providing you with an effective barrier to keep your lips protected long term.
While it may be labelled a lip balm, I still treat this as a lip mask – popping it on throughout the day but especially at night.
It works amazing for very dry lips. Sometimes I like to go in with a lip scrub at night for some exfoliation, and then I’ll slather this on and my lips look brand new in the morning.
I also love the easy-to-use applicator, because I hate dipping my fingers into a pot to hydrate my lips. And again, it is only $6 – this is a total gamechanger and the best lip balm I’ve ever used.
BEST VIRAL LIP MASK
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $31 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: This is one of, if not the, most popular lip mask on the market.
What to consider: Higher price tag compared to others you can buy.
Size: 20g | Key ingredient: Berry wax, coconut oil, shea butter, vitamin C and murumuru seed butter
Tried and Tested by Cindy Du, news.com.au checkout eCommerce Producer
If you struggle with dry lips like I do, the Laneige lip mask is a game-changer.
It has a rich, buttery texture which means a little goes a long way, and the container lasts ages — making the higher price more justified.
It’s an overnight lip treatment so I applied it before bed using the handy applicator, which I love for keeping things hygienic. By morning, I was genuinely impressed with how soft and smooth my lips felt. I was sceptical at first, given all the hype, but now I completely understand why it’s a must-have for dry lip days!
BEST HYDRATING LIP MASK
Lanolips 101 Ointment The Original Multipurpose Superbalm, $18.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: It’s multipurpose and comes in a variety of shades and scents.
What to consider: Some users feel it’s too thick.
Size: 15g | Key ingredient: Ultra-pure medical grade lanolin
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
My lips are perpetually dry so I always have a stash of at least three lip balms in my bag, at my work desk, and on my bedside table. But there is one that I keep coming back to time and time again – Lanolip’s 101 Ointment.
Using pure grade Aussie lanolin, this super thick balm intensely hydrates dry and chapped lips. I find that no other balm keeps my lips as hydrated and for as long as this one! While it’s thick, it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky at all. And you can actually use it anywhere on the body – dry skin patches, elbows etc. It’s also affordable and comes in many different flavours, although the OG one has to be my favourite.
BEST MULTIPURPOSE LIP MASK
Glossier Balm Dotcom, $30 at Glossier
Why we love it: Super versatile and can be used on any sort of dry skin. Also comes in great lip shades.
What to consider: Some users may not enjoy the minty cooling effect.
Size: 15ml | Key ingredient: Castor seed oil, beeswax and lanolin
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
This lip balm from Glossier has been (and still is) one of my favourites. Aside from the super cute packaging, this guy is incredibly moisturising and not sticky, and applies clear and has a refreshing minty cooling effect – which I personally love. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be used on your cuticles, knees, elbows and anywhere else that is dry.
I also keep the rose one on-hand for those days where I want to add a bit of colour to my lips.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, $35 at Myer
Why we love it: It’s been around for over 75 years and is a bestseller for a reason.
What to consider: May feel too thick for some.
Size: 50ml | Key ingredient: Lanolin
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, news.com.au checkout Senior Shopping Writer
The Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant has been one of my most repurchased items for years, alongside the Laneige Sleeping Mask and Dermal Therapy Lip Balm. One tube honestly lasts forever and it’s super moisturising. It’s on the thicker side but not too greasy and heavy, and a little goes a long way. Honestly, I’m still not a fan of the smell but it’s a small sacrifice for how much use I get from just one tube.
BEST TINTED LIP MASK
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, $29 at Sephora
Why we love it: It’s a thick yet comfortable formula.
What to consider: Some users may find the scent too strong.
Size: 12ml | Key ingredient: Peptides and kokum butter
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Senior Shopping Writer
I love a lip mask that also works as a lip colour and these ones from Ole Henriksen are absolutely cracker. Not only is the formulation intensely hydrating and moisturising, thanks to the peptides and kokum butter, but the colour shades are so gorgeous and versatile.
Out of the four shades to choose from, I’ve tried two – the brown and the nude – and they are both so fantastic, providing the perfect amount of tint. So you can forget the lipstick and lather this double-duty lip treatment on all day!
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY LIP MASK
Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, $6.29 at Priceline
Why we love it: Great multipurpose balm that will last you ages.
What to consider: It’s a simple formula so it doesn’t have added ingredients like other lip masks on this list.
Size: 100g | Key ingredient: 100% pure petroleum jelly
Tried and Tested by Rosalyn Fannin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I don’t go all out when it comes to my beauty routine. Some simple moisturiser and cleanser with the occasional exfoliation seems to do the trick. I don’t have too many preferred brands either, but the one I will always pick when it comes to lip care is the good old Vaseline. I’ve been using the same $6 100g tub for over a year, and it’s not even close to halfway done. For a bargain price and super soft lips, I don’t think anything else will be able to win me over.
BEST HEALING OINTMENT/LIP MASK
Marcalan Nipple Cream, $15 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Great price point for a multipurpose balm.
What to consider: Doesn’t have added ingredients like others on our list.
Size: 50g | Key ingredient: Lanolin
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I know this isn’t technically a lip balm but trust me when I say once you start using nipple balm, you’ll never go back. A couple of years ago my lips were at their absolute worst thanks to a combination of winter, strong winds and acne medication. My lips were cracked and bleeding and after trying almost every single lip balm under the sun, I was at a lost end. A friend suggested I try nipple balm and by this point, I was so desperate I’d try anything. My lips literally healed overnight. Never had I ever experienced such a soothing, restorative lip balm before. Made from 100 per cent lanolin, this buy might sound odd but if I could only have one beauty item for the rest of my life this would be it.
BEST LIP MASK WITH SUN PROTECTION
We Are Feel Good Inc. Coconut Lip Balm SPF50+, $19.95 at Oz Hair & Beauty
Why we love it: It’s formulated with shea butter, so it’s super nourishing.
What to consider: Our reviewer Jess thinks the packaging could be improved.
Size: 10ml | Key ingredient: Cocoa oil, vitamin E, shea butter and omegas
Tried and Tested by Jessica Smith, news.com.au checkout Health and Wellness eCommerce Writer
I have absolutely sworn by this Coconut Lip Balm by We Are Feel Good Inc. for years. I have a tube in my car and one in my beach bag at all times, for whenever I’m heading out for long periods of time and want to make sure my lips stay hydrated and protected, even when I’m exercising or swimming. Made with shea butter, this lip balm is different to most lip balms in that it’s not water based, so it won’t evaporate off your lips the second you take a sip of your drink or accidentally lick your lips. It has a really unique consistency, it’s thick and almost grainy, and basically feels like you’re rubbing a slab of butter onto your lips. And just like a slab of butter, this stuff in its occlusive nature will hold to your lips and provide really long-lasting hydration. My only gripe with this lip balm is that the lid often comes off quite easily, but because of its consistency, you don’t need to worry about it melting through your bag- I keep a tube in my car all year round and it’s still solid, if a bit soft on the hotter days.
Always read the label and read the directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
BEST VEGAN AND CRUELTY-FREE LIP MASK
Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm, $16.30 at The Ordinary
Why we love it: Travel-friendly packaging.
What to consider: Doesn’t give a glossy look like other lip masks on this list.
Size: 15ml | Key ingredient: Squalane and amino acids
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
I am a huge fan of The Ordinary. I love their whole philosphy of skincare that works at an affordable price. So when they released their first ever lip balm last year, I was first in line to get my paws on it. And like everything they do, it does not disappoint. It’s a super hydrating balm that provides long-lasting nourishment to your lips. It’s quite a thick consistency but not heavy, and does not have any fragrance at all which is a big plus in my books. I also love the unique design of the bottle - it’s practical and easy to squeeze.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A LIP MASK
When choosing lip masks to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Purpose: For everyday use, a lip balm will be your best bet. But if you’re looking for something with intense hydration, go for a lip mask or treatment. This will also affect the texture of the product, and how thick you prefer your lip product.
Ingredients: Lip masks, balms and treatments can be formulated with lots of different hydrating ingredients – think hyaluronic acid, lanolin, shea butter and glycerin. Or you can go for something more fancy like Japanese peach extract or mango butter.
Price: No matter your budget, we’ve made sure to include lip masks at a variety of price points, starting from as little as $6.
Texture: Whether you like something glossy, more matte or with a hint of colour, we’ve got a lip mask for you on this list.
Fragrance and taste: If you have an aversion to scent or maybe have sensitive skin, look for something fragrance-free. Otherwise lots of lip masks and balms on the market come with an added scent for taste.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of lip masks available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. However, in order to help you find the best lip mask for softer and smoother lips, we tested a bunch of well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best lip mask for you.
We also spoke to dermatologist Dr Ryan De Cruz to understand how a lip mask work and why it’s essential to your beauty routine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LIP MASK AND A LIP BALM?
Dr Ryan explains “a lip mask is typically used as a more intensive treatment for the lips, designed to deeply hydrate and repair them, often overnight.”
“Lip masks tend to have a thicker texture, and many contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or nourishing oils to help restore moisture and softness.”
He continues, “a lip balm however, is a more everyday product that helps protect your lips from dryness and chapping. It creates a barrier on the lips to lock in moisture and prevent further dehydration.”
“Lip balms are usually lighter and may be used throughout the day as needed. Some lip balms also contain SPF to protect from UV radiation and sun damage.”
WHAT MAKES THE ICONIC DERMAL THERAPY LIP BALM DIFFERENT TO OTHERS ON THE MARKET?
Just like me, Dr Ryan is a big fan of the Dermal Therapy lip balm – it’s hydrating, healing and sits at an affordable price point. And if it’s dermatologist approved, surely that counts for something!
“Dermal Therapy lip balm is often marketed as a medicated lip treatment … it’s designed to promote healing while preventing further irritation”, says Dr Ryan.
“Unlike other lip balms on the market, Dermal Therapy lip balm contains 2.5% urea, which gently removes dead skin cells to allow moisture in. The lip balm also contains lanolin, petrolatum, and glycerin, which helps lock this moisture in, providing long-lasting hydration. These ingredients are known for their ability to create a protective barrier on the lips, which is especially helpful for people dealing with severely dry lips.”
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE A LIP BALM OR LIP MASK?
There’s no right or wrong answer here, it depends on how dry your lips feel. Due to the lightweight feel of a lip balm, you can apply them more often, whereas a lip mask should last you throughout the day or night.
Dr Ryan also suggests to “apply lip balms or masks right before going to bed to keep your lips hydrated overnight.”
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