I'm somewhat of a connoisseur (sometimes snob) when it comes to lip balms. I've tried hundreds over the years. At this point, it should be written into my job description. And it's a KPI I take seriously.

With years of wear tests under my belt, I know what I like and what that I don't. I'm not a hater - by any means - there's just SO many great formulas out there, that it takes a lot to stand out in this saturated category.

So when I heard office whispers suggesting this newbie from AB LAB is as good as (if not better) than some of the best-in-market, I knew I had to lend my hyper-critical, discerning eye to the case.

Read on for my thorough review and thoughts on this lip-loving Mask formula.

Let's start with the basics.

You read the headline - yes, this Lip Mask comes in at a cool $20. For 15 grams of creamy goodness, the price point feels beyond reasonable. It's cost-effective (cossie living approved!) and great value when you consider the lengthy ingredient list that mirrors that of high-end formulas -more on that below.

The sleek jar packaging has a little bit of weight to it, for the luxe feeling. It's compact and easy to scoop out product (no remnants getting stuck to the side). It also comes with a handy spatula for no-mess application. I personally always lose those (and don't necessarily care) but good to note for those of you that are a little more conscious then me. It's also worth flagging that the jar is sustainably packaged and recyclable. Should be the new norm, right?

Like all AB LAB formulas, it's made in Australia and harnesses native ingredients for that high-quality finish. This particular formula is dosed with Australian Davidson Plum extract, which is a superfood antioxidant that works to protect against environmental stressors, hydrate and brighten.

Speaking of lip-loving ingredients, the list here is stacked. The formula is humectant-rich to hydrate in spades and brimming with rich, buttery emollients like Cocoa and Shea Butters, to lock in that said moisture.

Here's the full ingredient list below (and why they deserve a spot in your routine):

Squalane - Beloved for its weightless hydration, squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, making it a dream for dry, chapped lips.

Glycerin - A humectant hero, glycerin pulls moisture from the air (think of it as a magnet for hydration) to plump and smooth over texture.

Cocoa Butter - Rich and decadent, cocoa butter melts on contact to form a protective barrier that shields lips from harsh elements.

Shea Butter - A lip balm staple for a reason. It's packed with fatty acids and vitamins that deeply nourish and repair. Ideal for soothing cracked or irritated texture.

Mango Butter - Lighter than its buttery cousins, it delivers intense moisture with a featherlight feel. It’s perfect for smoothing fine lines on the lips while adding a juicy finish.

Kokum Butter - This lesser-known botanical butter is a powerhouse for healing and regeneration. Kokum butter is non-comedogenic making it ideal for reviving severe dryness or peeling without clogging pores.

Evening Primrose Oil - Loaded with essential fatty acids, evening primrose oil helps calm inflammation and restore the delicate skin barrier. It’s a secret weapon for lips that need a little extra TLC during seasonal shifts.

One thing about me: I LOVE a glossy lip. Not a sheen, I want full blown, glass-like lacquer. The juicier = the better. And I'm pleased to confirm this finish is particularly glossy.

It's lightly pigmented to give lips that just-bitten flush. The colour payoff is a true cool pink tone that's universally flattering. Think: your shade, but better. We conducted a small sample test (aka roped in our whole content team) and the shade did prove to look great on our various complexions. A winner in my book.

However, it's the texture where this Lip Mask truly shines. It’s plush and cushiony - the kind of thick richness that cocoons your lips without veering into sticky territory. On application, it glides with ease and melts into lips for a lightweight feel.

Designed to be worn overnight, it seals in moisture and by the morning lips feel softer, smoother, and visibly more plump. I like to also swipe her on during the day as the perfect gloss-meets-treatment hybrid. It wears comfortably and looks the high shine part.

Add her to cart. Seriously! You won't regret it.

Still in the mood to treat yourself? Here are some other beauty products we're currently coveting: