A Guide to Lip Masks
What types of masks are there, how are they different, and which of them is the best? Masks can be used for daily care, and for the cosmetic transformation of your lips. Some masks are great for anyone, others are perfect for certain problems, like, dry lips.
We at 5-Minute Crafts are going to tell you what types of lip masks there are, when to use them, and how to do it best.
What a lip mask is
There are many types of lip masks now. We’re talking about a cosmetic product, like a cream, balm, or mask that is applied on the lips. But it may also be a gel mask, worn on your lips for some time (from 15 minutes to overnight).
The purpose of a lip mask is to hydrate your lips, which also makes them look fuller and plumper.
A mask’s effectiveness depends on the ingredients that are in it. For example, antioxidants prevent aging and help the skin stay hydrated. This is why it’s really important to pay attention to the ingredients of lip masks, no matter if you use a mask from a store or if you make it yourself.
Which is better: a DIY-mask or a purchased one
The quality of a mask you can buy at a store depends on a lot of factors, like, for example, the standards of the manufacturer, the materials, and the ingredients.
The quality of a good DIY mask depends on the same factors, but in this case, you are responsible for the production process and the ingredients. Of course, you don’t always have access to the ingredients that the manufacturers of professional cosmetics have at their disposal. Besides, they can produce hypoallergenic products for sensitive skin.
How to make a lip mask: recipes
- Aloe vera, sugar, and Vaseline
The main component of this mask has a great hydrating effect and stimulates cell regeneration. Mix aloe vera (you can get it from the plant) with a pinch of sugar and a bit of Vaseline. Put it on the lips for 15 minutes, and wash it off with warm water afterward. - Pomegranate juice and honey
This mask will highlight the color of your lips, and hydrate and soothe your skin. Mix 1 tsp of honey and 1/2 tsp of pomegranate juice, put it on your lips for 15 minutes, and wash it off with warm water afterward. - Coconut oil, strawberry, and honey
Mix 1 strawberry with 1 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of coconut oil. Put it on your lips for several minutes, then wash it off with warm water and dry it with a clean towel. This mask is good for dry lips that need to be hydrated.
- Avocado and Vaseline
Next time you use avocado when cooking, keep a piece, mash it, and mix it with a bit of Vaseline. Apply the mix to the clean skin of your lips and leave for a few minutes. After that, wash the mask off with warm water. Avocado contains vitamin E that protects the skin and vitamin C that stimulates the production of collagen and slows down aging. - Strawberry or kiwi, vitamin E, and coffee grounds
Both strawberries and kiwi contain vitamin C which makes the skin look younger. Strawberry is famous for its anti-inflammatory features — it protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. Vitamin E makes the skin soft, and coffee grounds will act as an exfoliant. Mix all the ingredients, apply them to the lips, and wash them off after a few minutes. - Beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil
Shea butter and coconut oil hydrate skin well, so this mask is good if you have dry lips. Take a pot, pour some water into it, and heat it up. When the water starts boiling, put a small bowl inside to melt the ingredients. Put 1 tsp of shea butter into the pot and once it melts, add 1 tsp of beeswax. After that, add the same amount of coconut oil and stir. Once you have a homogenous mix, pour it into a small container and put it into the fridge for 1 hour. Apply the mask before you go to sleep and leave it overnight.
- Honey and sugar
This scrub mask will make lips soft and smooth, and the honey will provide nutrients. Mix a bit of sugar with honey, apply the mix to the lips, leave the mask for 10 minutes, and wash it off with warm water.
Tip: To achieve the best results, make sure the environment is warm and moist to let the ingredients get deeper into the skin. To do this, put a piece of plastic wrap on the skin on top of the mask.
How to apply a lip mask at home
- It’s better to apply a lip mask on clean skin. If it’s a mask that’s supposed to be rinsed off, it’s better to apply it right after cleansing.
- Masks should be applied on the lips with a clean dry brush or a special silicone stick to prevent contamination.
- If you feel itching, pain, or other unpleasant sensations after applying a mask, wash it off. Then, apply a cool wet washcloth to your lips for 15 to 30 minutes to make the irritation go away.