Beauty

This Viral Tatcha Lip Mask Transformed My Dry Winter Lips

Published: 

Bianca holding up the lip mask next to her face
(Bianca Guzzo)

As a lip product connoisseur, I’ve tried many stains, glosses, balms, and masks. Recently, overnight lip masks have become an important part of my nighttime skincare routine, and I’ve gone through a couple of bestsellers. The viral Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask has a great consistency, but I’m constantly losing the applicator, and I don’t like to use my fingers to put it on. The Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask solved the applicator problem with its nifty twist-up dispenser, but it was way too thick and gloopy for me.

The Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask has been on my skincare wish list for a while, but the nearly $40 price tag for a lip balm had kept me from adding it to my cart. The dryness of winter finally caught up to my lips, and none of my balms or masks were working. I finally had an opportunity to try the Kissu Lip Mask, and I couldn’t believe how well it worked for me after just one application.

Let’s get into the details.

My Experience Using Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask

My lips were really starting to feel the effects of winter, so the Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask arrived at the perfect time. I was immediately impressed by the light, fresh scent and texture. Unlike the thick, sticky treatments I’ve tried in the past, it’s lightweight and jelly-like. It also applies with an included spoon, so you don’t have to get your fingers all goopy. After the first use, I almost regretted wearing it to bed instead of somewhere more exciting.

Bianca holding the lip mask in her hand, and Bianca applying it to her lips using the applicator.
tatchakissu2 Bianca holding the lip mask in her hand, and Bianca applying it to her lips using the applicator. (Bianca Guzzo)

When I woke up in the morning, there weren’t any globs of the lip mask in the corners of my mouth. It had mostly sunk into my lips overnight, so I was only left with a very thin layer that washed away when I did my morning cleanse. The slightly cracked, dry lips I went to bed with the night before were history, and my pout felt moisturized and smooth. I love how nourishing it is and have been using it every night without fail.

a person holding the lip mask and a scoop with some of the lip mask on it
tatchakissu1 The open container of the Tatcha lip mask and some of the product on the scoop, showing its jelly-like consistency. (Bianca Guzzo)

The greatest thing about this lip treatment, which sets it apart from other masks or mask-adjacent treatments, is that you can use it in place of a balm. Most products that fall into this category are very thick and just don’t play well with other lip products. This does. I’ve even put it on for 15 minutes to prepare for lipstick on a night out. While the result isn’t as impressive as leaving it on all night, it still moisturizes my lips enough that my lipstick doesn’t pill and peel.

The Drawbacks Of Tatcha’s The Kissu Lip Mask

In my opinion, the Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask is pretty close to perfect. There are really only two potential drawbacks, and luckily, they have nothing to do with the formula.

The first is the price tag. It costs $39, which is more expensive than most masks I have tried. However, in this case, I do feel like you get what you pay for with the performance and ingredient quality, so the splurge is worthwhile.

Bianca demonstrating how hard the scoop can be to get out of the packaging.
tatchakissuscoop Bianca demonstrating how hard the scoop can be to get out of the packaging. (Bianca Guzzo)

The second drawback is the packaging. As beautiful as it is, it can be finicky. The applicator spoon nests right into the lid, and I find it a little tricky to get out, especially when I’m wearing moisturizer or hand cream. I’d much prefer this lip mask in a tube, which would also make it easier to apply on the go when using it as a balm.

My Final Thoughts On Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask

I love the Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask. Unlike some ultra-nourishing treatments, a thin layer during the day performs like a balm, so it doesn’t live exclusively on my nightstand — I get plenty of use out of it, and I find myself reaching for it more than my other daytime balms. Yes, at $39, it is a splurge for a lip product, but I really do believe that if you can work it into your budget, it is worth the money.

a before and after image of dry lips and moisturized plump lips
tatchakissubeforeafter Bianca's dry and cracked lips, and her moisturized lips after using the mask overnight. (Bianca Guzzo)

Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Serves double-duty as a balm and a mask
  • Light, pleasant scent
  • Delivers deep hydration

Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask Cons:

  • High price point
  • The applicator is hard to get out of its nesting place

What Reviewers Are Saying About Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask

The Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask has an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars. Many reviewers call out the soft, jelly-like consistency, longevity, and fragrance as major pros. Some feel the price is a little high for what you get, but most agree you get what you pay for and have already repurchased — or plan to.

Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.