Laneige Review: Does It Live Up To The Hype?

Very few beauty products reach the level of recognition that Laneige has achieved. From bathroom shelves to gift wishlists, the brand’s sleeping masks have become fixtures in skincare routines across the globe. Scroll through any “what’s in my bag” or evening routine and there’s a good chance one of Laneige’s pastel pots will make an appearance. With that level of visibility, expectations are naturally high, so it felt like the right time to take a closer look and see how these products actually perform.

Below in our Laneige review, we break down three of their most talked-about formulas: the Lip Sleeping Mask, the Water Sleeping Mask and the Lip Glowy Balm.

All About Laneige

Founded in South Korea, Laneige has built its reputation around one core principle: hydration. The brand takes its name from the French word for snow, a nod to its long-standing focus on water science and moisture balance. Over the years, Laneige has become a key player in the K-beauty space, known for formulas that prioritise skin comfort, lightweight textures and consistent results.

Rather than chasing trends, Laneige has carved out a clear niche with products designed to support the skin’s natural hydration cycle, particularly overnight, when skin is most receptive to repair. That philosophy has helped turn several of its products into global bestsellers, with sleeping masks leading the charge.

Laneige Lip Mask Review

The Lip Sleeping Mask is easily Laneige’s most iconic product. Designed to be used overnight, it promises smoother, softer lips by morning, using a blend of nourishing ingredients and gentle exfoliation. At its core, it’s a deeply conditioning treatment rather than a traditional lip balm, aimed at repairing dryness while you sleep.

In terms of texture, it sits exactly where you’d want it to. Thicker than a standard lip balm, but not so heavy that it feels uncomfortable or sticky on the lips. There was some initial concern that the scent might be overpowering, particularly for an overnight product, but I found it surprisingly light; pleasant enough to enjoy, subtle enough not to interfere with sleep.

Although it’s marketed as a night-time treatment, it didn’t stay there for long. After a few uses, it found its way into daytime routines too. The only drawback is the packaging; tubs can be slightly awkward, especially with long nails, though the inclusion of a small applicator spoon helps keep things clean and adds a slightly more luxurious feel to the experience, which is always a bonus in my eyes.

Most importantly, it delivers on hydration, as by morning, my lips looked and felt genuinely nourished, rather than coated. The formula absorbs well, leaving lips soft and comfortable, not slick or slippery.

Rating: 10/10

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Review

Expanding on the sleeping mask concept, the Water Sleeping Mask is one of three overnight face treatments in the range. This version is focused on hydration and skin recovery, designed to support the skin barrier while you rest. It’s applied as the final step in an evening routine and rinsed off in the morning.

What stood out immediately was the texture. For a sleeping mask, it’s remarkably lightweight. The gel-cream formula feels refreshing on application, making it particularly appealing for congested or oil-prone skin types. Of the three face sleeping masks Laneige offers, I’d say this is easily the lightest.

On the skin, it absorbs quickly and feels cooling, which makes it a pleasure to use at night. By morning, my skin looked fresh and lightly plumped, with a subtle bounce and glow that we all cross our fingers that our skincare routine delivers each morning. During warmer months or for those who prefer lighter layers, it works beautifully.

That said, in colder weather or for very dry skin, it may not provide quite enough moisture on its own. During winter, it’s likely worth switching to one of Laneige’s richer sleeping masks or layering it over a more nourishing evening routine.

Rating: 7.5/10

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm Review

The Lip Glowy Balm takes the core idea of the Lip Sleeping Mask and adapts it for daytime use. It’s lighter in texture, packaged in a tube and designed for easy, on-the-go application.

Its ingredients focus on hydration and comfort, offering a similar nourishing effect to the overnight mask but with a glossier finish and a pop of berry sheen to your pout. The tube packaging made it far more travel-friendly, eliminating the need for an applicator and making top-ups easy breezy throughout the day.

In terms of how it wore on my lips, I found the shine a big plus as it almost felt like a balm/gloss hybrid. It’s best thought of as the sleeping mask’s more casual cousin, less intensive, more versatile and ideal for everyday wear.

Rating: 7/10

Laneige’s popularity isn’t without reason. Their lineup feels thoughtfully formulated, with textures that align well with their intended use and results that go beyond surface-level hydration. The Lip Sleeping Mask remained a standout, offering overnight care that genuinely improves lip condition, while the Water Sleeping Mask shone for lighter, refreshing hydration. The Lip Glowy Balm rounded out the range nicely, providing a practical, everyday option that still delivers comfort and shine.

Rather than relying on trend-led buzz alone, we found in our Laneige review that these products earn their place through consistent performance - making the hype feel justified rather than inflated.

Overall rating: 9/10