What Is Really Going On With These Funny Gooey Lip Masks?

Whatever you refer to them as the "kisser" the "smacker", or the "duck face" lips are having a moment in the spotlight. There is a fixation with them and the bigger the better. Whether its fillers, implants, overdrawing, artificially plumping, or lip plumping lipstick it seems everyone is trying to make theirs better. One thing is for sure though having them in tip-top shape—soft, moisturized, and flake-free—is a must. And while good old [amazon_textlink asin='B015ZRXVX0' text='ChapStick' template='ProductLink' store='dailyfash-20' marketplace='US' link_id='078856ae-9a56-11e7-bcf9-ff650f1c61e5'] will always be a go-to, lip masks, which deep condition, are now all the rage.   As someone who is continually on the hunt for something to cure my peeling lips, I decided it was worth giving these lip masks a try. Opens Amazon website and makes purchase. Two days later, I have [amazon_textlink asin='B01HRIZ5ZM' text='them' template='ProductLink' store='dailyfash-20' marketplace='US' link_id='afded30f-9a56-11e7-a231-3ddfa9f6e278'] in my hot little hands. Similar to the membrane masks used on the face or under the eyes, the lip mask is a membrane in the shape of lips covered in collagen that you place over your mouth. Lip masks are nothing new. They’ve been popular in Asia for years, and have trickled here, thanks to the surge of Korean beauty tactics. They are also incredibly Instagram worthy which truth be told was one of the reasons I purchased them. Guilty! Just like the popular face sheet masks, the lip masks are designed to refresh the skin. Except the lip mask targets the lips only. They’re made out of thick hydrogel and saturated with a serum. They generally look like you have had your lips caught on the end of a vacuum too long — so yes, they’re fun.

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Lip mask ingredient claims

But let's get down to the nitty-gritty- ingredient claims. According to brand statements: the masks are soaked in collagen. After applying, you will feel a slight tingle that is supposed to be the collagen kicking in. Hmmm, not gonna lie, I'm a little concerned it is something other than collagen. The end result is supposed to be hydrated plump deeply conditioned lips.

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The truth about the ingredients

Now let's get to the truth of the matter. Collagen, which is part of what the skin is made up of does not naturally absorb into the skin topically because the molecules are too large, according to Randy Schueller, a cosmetic chemist. It also will not make your skin tingle. So what is really going on? Most likely the masks are covered in a combination of Glycerin which is a humectant that attracts moisture, and Hyaluronic Acid which is a temporary skin plumper. More than likely the masks also contain oils and vitamin E which will soften the lips. Hard to say for sure since I can't read the Asian characters on the packaging.

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What my results were

If I could describe my results in one word it would be "meh." I did feel the tingling sensation which does give me concern that some might have an allergic reaction to it. My lips felt moisturized and a little bit numb. I suspect that is the effect of the "skin plumper." It was a fun experiment but I am not rushing out to buy more. Honestly, I feel like a good lip balm would be just as good. I will say though that for the $5.00 I spent I got 10 masks which just means I need to have a ladies spa night with my friends. That would make for some fun pictures.

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