If you own more lip products than you could ever reasonably finish, you’ve probably learned something important: packaging matters.
A lip product can have the most incredible formula in the world, but if the packaging is messy, inconvenient, or annoying to use, I’m simply not going to reach for it. On the other hand, sometimes packaging is so satisfying that it elevates the entire experience—even if the formula itself isn’t perfect.
After trying more lip balms, masks, and treatments than I can count, I’ve found a few products that perfectly illustrate both ends of the spectrum: beautiful packaging with disappointing formulas, and incredible formulas trapped in frustrating packaging.
Let’s get into it.
The Best Lip Product Packaging Ever
Even though the formula broke my heart
Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm
In my opinion, nothing beats the packaging of the Dior Addict Lip Glow Balm.
The tube has a satisfying weight, the closure feels smooth and secure, and the pink-and-silver design is elegant without being over-the-top. It’s one of those lip products that just feels luxurious to pull out of your bag.
The packaging experience is (and I value precision with words, so I don’t throw this assessment around lightly) genuinely perfect.
Unfortunately, the product was reformulated, and the newer version simply isn’t the same. The original formula felt more hydrating and comfortable, while the updated one dries out my lips within an hour of application.
It’s honestly heartbreaking, because if Dior ever brought back the original formula, this would quickly reclaim its place as one of the best lip balms on the market.
For now, the packaging remains flawless … even if the formula no longer is.
The Lip Butter Boom (And Why I’m Tired)
Before we get into more products, we need to talk about something happening in the beauty industry right now.
We do not need any more lip butters.
At some point, brands collectively decided that the only lip product worth launching anymore is a glossy, buttery balm in a squeeze tube.
Some of the most popular examples include:
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
- Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
- Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
- Glossier Balm Dotcom
- Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter
- CoverGirl Clean Fresh Squishy Glaze Lip Butter Balm
- e.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm
And that’s just scratching the surface.
The reality is that many of these products are variations of the same basic formula: a blend of oils, butters, occlusives, and sometimes peptides.
And while that type of formula can absolutely be great, the category has become incredibly crowded, and quite honestly, oversaturated.
The bigger issue, though, is that the packaging hasn’t evolved at all.
We’re still seeing the same formats over and over: squeeze tubes and small jars that require finger application.
If brands want to keep launching new lip products, the real opportunity isn’t another lip butter.
It’s packaging innovation.
Incredible Formulas, Questionable Packaging
Sometimes a lip product works so well that you keep using it, even though the packaging is a bit annoying.
These are a few that fall into that category for me.
Half Magic Crystal Lip Butter
The Half Magic Crystal Lip Butter has one of the most interesting lip formulas I’ve tried.
My favorite shade is the intense pink/fuschia, which has a gorgeous shimmer that somehow manages to sparkle without feeling gritty on the lips. That’s surprisingly hard to achieve in glitter lip products.
The packaging, however, doesn’t feel nearly as special as the formula.
To be fair, I do appreciate that Half Magic has put thought into sustainability with its packaging choices. That’s something I always respect, especially in an industry that produces a large amount of plastic waste.
But even with that in mind, the experience of using the product still feels a little underwhelming compared to how fun and unique the formula actually is. When a product has this much personality, I want the packaging to match that energy.
Still, I keep reaching for it because the shimmer payoff is genuinely great and has strong longevity.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Lip Sleeping Mask
This lip mask has one of my favorite lip formulas of all time.
The texture is extremely hydrating, with a slippery, gel-like feel that coats the lips and keeps them soft for hours.
But because the formula is so drippy and slick, the squeeze tube packaging can be difficult to control. It’s very easy to accidentally squeeze out too much product.
Despite that, I keep using it because the formula works that well.
Sometimes performance wins.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
The Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a cult favorite for a reason. The formula is rich, cushiony, and extremely moisturizing.
But the jar packaging is starting to feel a little impractical.
Using it means either dipping your fingers into the product, carrying around the tiny spatula applicator, or accepting that you’ll end up with sticky lip mask residue on your hands.
Realistically, I’m not getting up to wash my hands after applying lip balm—and I’m definitely not carrying around a separate applicator everywhere I go.
Laneige does sell a lip balm in a tube format, but unfortunately it isn’t the same formula as the mask.
Fenty Skin Plush Puddin’ Intensive Recovery Lip Mask
The Fenty Plush Puddin’ Lip Mask tries to improve the hygiene issue with a twist-style dispenser that releases product.
But it still creates a similar problem: you usually need your fingers or another tool to spread it properly.
And once again, you’re left with sticky lip mask residue afterward.
At this point, I’m begging lip care brands for a better system.
My Lip Mask Packaging Plea
Lip masks clearly aren’t going anywhere—and honestly, some of the formulas are fantastic.
But if brands insist on keeping them in tubs, we need better ways to apply them.
A few simple solutions could fix this immediately:
- A silicone applicator built into the lid
- A spatula that securely attaches to the jar
- A pump or squeeze system that applies product directly to the lips
Lip care shouldn’t require a messy, goopy routine just to keep your lips hydrated.
A Final Thought on Innovation
One thing I wish the U.S. beauty market would focus on more is creating its own packaging innovation instead of consistently copying trends.
For years, some of the most interesting developments in beauty packaging have come from K-beauty brands, which often experiment with unique applicators, cushion formats, and more hygienic dispensing systems.
Meanwhile, American brands tend to jump on trends after they’ve already proven successful elsewhere.
There’s nothing wrong with learning from global beauty markets, but it would be exciting to see U.S. brands push more original ideas of their own.
Because at this point, we don’t really need another lip butter.
What we actually need are lip products that are easier, cleaner, and more satisfying to use, with high-quality packaging.
P.S. — Please, Dior …. bring back the old lip balm formula.