TL;DR can’t hold a candle to the beloved LANEIGE

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A Deeper Look

My fruitless endeavor to find a mask that has the potential to match the potency and addiction-forming nature of the LANEIGE Lip Mask continues with this entry from much-hyped K-Beauty favorite brand, COSRX.

First of all – what’s a “cosrx?” Quite literally, the brand name is a portmanteau of the word “cosmetics” and the abbreviation “RX” (For “prescription.” Duh.). Why is it so named? Are the products passable as medication? Are they peddled by licensed dermatologists? Are they packaged in light gray lined paper covered in illegible scrawls? (No to all.)

Anyway, it doesn’t matter.

The first thing skinthusiasts often notice about this product (and all lip care products sold by COSRX) is the cute tub that it comes in. It’s petite and simple (with a stellar font choice), though elevated by an aluminum lid and a thick plastic base that give it the illusion of a luxury product.

Here’s the thing, though – it’s still plastic. And claims of “recyclable packaging” really get me fired up, especially when the brand doesn’t even notate from which number plastic the tub is manufactured. Is it understandable, given the brand is Korean? A little. But given their prevalence in the US, the potential damage of their untruthful claims is problematic.

Another black mark on the packaging is the “applicator” it comes with. A glorified mini plastic spatula, it’s not really designed to contour to your lips or to effectively apply the mask in the quantities you need. (Again, the LANEIGE has this down.)

Now, the important stuff. How’s the actual…STUFF? It’s okay. It’s fragrance-free and generally tasteless. Unfortunately, the texture is so grainy (and the applicator so ill-designed) that you can’t help but be forced to spit out small bits of it every time you use it. I’ve ingested so much of it that I think it does have a slight taste — and not a good one. In fact, for a product that claims to be “grease-free,” it feels rather greasy.

But does it work? Yes. While my lips don’t emerge from their slumber feeling recharged to take on a new day, they are much softer than if I hadn’t applied anything. They are still hydrated after six hours (yes, I don’t sleep much) and I don’t feel myself panicking to find the nearest lip balm (never that far away).

Unfortunately, the COSRX Lip Sleep also doesn’t last as long as the LANEIGE, detracting from its value score. The COSRX is reaching the end of its life at eight months in with me, whereas my time with a single LANEIGE surpassed the year mark.

Bottom line: The search continues.

Important: Paraben-Free, Silicone-Free, Claims to be Recyclable But is Not™, Fragrance-Free, Contains Shea Butter