Leave it to the Japanese to perfect the art of lip care. Tatcha’s approach here is rooted in centuries-old beauty wisdom, using Japanese peach extract to repair while camellia oil seals in moisture. The Kissu Lip Mask formula feels luxurious without that heavy, waxy texture so many lip masks suffer from. I love the brand’s concept of “puru-puru lips” – that soft, bouncy, jelly-like texture that’s become the gold standard in Tokyo. Apply it generously at night, or use a thin layer under lipstick during the day for that coveted glossy finish.

This is proof that effective lip care doesn’t require a luxury price tag. The Good Intent Silky Lip Mask jelly texture is genuinely pillow-soft and melts into lips rather than sitting on top of them. What I appreciate most is the straightforward formula: hyaluronic acid derivative and shea butter doing exactly what they should without unnecessary bells and whistles. The mirror-glazed finish is gorgeous, and the fact that it comes with an applicator makes it perfect for keeping in your desk drawer for midday touch-ups.

The cult favourite that launched a thousand dupes – and for good reason. Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask Berry Fruit Complex, blending grape, pomegranate, and raspberry extracts, delivers eight hours of continuous hydration. But what sets this apart is the range of flavours and subtle tints. I’m partial to Vanilla for that clear, glossy finish, though the Gummy Bear’s delicate lavender tint is unexpectedly chic. The texture strikes that perfect balance between rich enough to last all night but never heavy or sticky. This is the one I recommend to everyone experiencing their first brutal winter.

Rich, buttery, with that subtle buttercream scent that makes you want to eat it – this new launch is comfort in a jar. Gisou has built its reputation on honey-infused formulas, and their Honey Glaze Collagen Therapy Lip Mask feels genuinely restorative rather than just moisturising. It’s the one I reach for when central heating has done its worst, creating that cocooned, luxurious feeling that makes winter evenings feel a bit more indulgent. Layer it on thick as your final skincare step and wake up to lips that feel genuinely transformed.

Charlotte doesn’t do anything by halves, and this six-in-one treatment is characteristically ambitious. The Lip Lift Technology in their Magic Life Changing Lip Mask works to optically fill in lines – I’ve genuinely noticed a difference in the appearance of vertical lip lines after consistent use. What surprised me most was how beautifully this primes lips for colour; lip liner just glides on over this cushiony base. You have two options: the clear Magic Sheer Glow for purists, or Pillow Talk Fresh Glow with its signature rosy tint and vanilla scent. Both deliver that clinical plumping effect (45% in 28 days, according to their studies) without any of the tingling or irritation you get from lip plumpers.