Let’s be real for a second. You don't usually walk into a Bath and Body Works specifically for the lip gloss. You’re there because there is a "Buy 3, Get 3" sale on 3-wick candles, or you need to stock up on the Eucalyptus Spearmint hand soap because it's the only thing that makes your bathroom smell like a literal spa. But then, you’re standing in the checkout line. Your eyes wander. There’s a bin of sparkly tubes and minty tins right at eye level. Suddenly, you’ve grabbed three.
Bath and Body Works lip products have this weird, nostalgic grip on us. For some, it’s the memory of the early 2000s Art Stuff glitter gels. For others, it’s the reliable, tingly burn of the C.O. Bigelow Mentha lip shines. They aren't luxury beauty products—you aren't going to find these in a professional makeup artist's kit at New York Fashion Week—but they are a massive part of the brand's cult appeal. Honestly, some of them are absolute sleepers that perform better than $24 boutique balms, while others are basically just flavored Vaseline in a pretty tube.
The C.O. Bigelow Era and Why It Matters
If we're talking about the backbone of the lip section, we have to talk about C.O. Bigelow. This is a partnership that has survived countless rebrands and seasonal overhauls. C.O. Bigelow is actually America’s oldest apothecary, based out of Greenwich Village since 1838. When Bath and Body Works brought them into the fold, it gave the store a dash of "medical" credibility.
The Mentha Lip Shine is the undisputed king here. It contains 2% peppermint oil. That might not sound like a lot, but on your lips, it feels like a cold breeze on a July day. It's refreshing. It’s also incredibly glossy without being that kind of "hair-stuck-to-your-face" sticky that ruined high school for most of us. People love it because it’s a multi-tasker; the peppermint actually helps freshen your breath a bit while you wear it.
Then there’s the Vanillamentha. It’s the softer, sweeter cousin. It still has that cooling sensation, but it smells like a peppermint patty. You’ve probably noticed that these tubes haven't changed their design in years. That’s intentional. It’s that "apothecary" aesthetic that makes you feel like you’re buying something functional rather than just a sparkly toy.
The Gloss vs. Balm Dilemma
Bath and Body Works lip products generally fall into two camps: the "treat" and the "treatment."
👉 See also: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
The "treats" are the seasonal glosses. These are the ones that smell like Strawberry Pound Cake, Vanilla Bean Noel, or whatever fruity concoction they’ve dreamed up for the summer. These are high-shine, high-fragrance, and usually have a bit of a sweet taste. They are fun. They are great for a quick hit of moisture, but they aren't going to save your lips if they are actually cracking in the middle of a Chicago winter.
If you need actual repair, you have to look at the "treatment" side of the display. This is where you find the Overnight Lip Mask and the Lip Scrubs.
Does the Overnight Lip Mask Actually Work?
The Overnight Lip Mask is often compared to the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. Let’s be clear: it’s not a 1:1 dupe. The Laneige one has a more buttery, wax-heavy feel, while the Bath and Body Works version tends to be a bit more petrolatum-based. However, for a fraction of the price (especially during a sale), it’s surprisingly effective. It creates a thick barrier. You wake up, and your lips don't feel like sandpaper.
The ingredients usually feature things like shea butter and vitamin E. Simple? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
The Ingredients: What Are You Actually Putting on Your Face?
We should talk about what’s inside these tubes. Bath and Body Works isn't "clean beauty" in the way some modern brands claim to be. They use synthetic fragrances. They use petrolatum. They use mineral oil.
✨ Don't miss: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
For some people, that’s a dealbreaker. If you have extremely sensitive skin or a perioral dermatitis flare-up, the heavy fragrance in a "Champagne Toast" lip gloss might irritate the skin around your mouth. Peppermint oil, while refreshing, is also a known sensitizer for some.
However, for the average person, these ingredients are standard emollients. They do exactly what they are supposed to do: trap moisture in. The brand has been leaning more into "nourishing" ingredients lately, adding things like coconut oil and beeswax to their more "natural" leaning lines, like the Coco Shea collection.
Why Some Products Get Discontinued (The FOMO Cycle)
One of the most frustrating things about shopping for Bath and Body Works lip products is the "here today, gone tomorrow" strategy. It’s a business model built on scarcity.
You find a lip tint you love. It’s the perfect shade of "Black Cherry." You use it every day. You go back three months later to buy a backup, and it’s gone, replaced by "Watermelon Lemonade." This creates a "stock up" mentality. You see people on TikTok with literal drawers full of these things because they are afraid their favorite scent won't come back.
- Tip: If a product is part of a seasonal collection (like the Christmas or Halloween lines), it is almost guaranteed to disappear.
- The Exception: The C.O. Bigelow line and the basic "Lip Care" line (the blue and white tubes) are usually core products. They stay put.
How to Get the Best Value
Never pay full price. Seriously.
🔗 Read more: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
The lip products usually retail between $8 and $14. That’s a lot for a basic gloss. But Bath and Body Works is the king of the "stackable" discount. They frequently run "Buy 2, Get 1" or "Buy 3, Get 3" promotions. If you wait for the Semi-Annual Sale (SAS), which happens in June and after Christmas, you can often find lip products for 50% to 75% off.
At $3 or $4, a Mentha Lip Shine is a steal. At $12, it's an investment you should probably think twice about.
Practical Steps for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading to the store, don't just grab the first tube that smells like a cupcake.
First, test the texture on the back of your hand. Some of the glitter glosses can be "gritty." If you can feel the sparkles when you rub your fingers together, you’re definitely going to feel them on your lips.
Second, check the expiration vibe. If a tube looks like it's been sitting in the sun or the oil has separated, skip it.
Third, look for the "Lip Care" display specifically if you want results, or the "Beauty" bins if you just want the scent. The Lip Scrubs are particularly good for prep before wearing a matte lipstick—they use real sugar and aren't too oily.
Honestly, the best way to use these is as a supplement to your "serious" skincare. Keep a C.O. Bigelow tube in your car for that minty wake-up call, and keep the heavy-duty overnight mask on your nightstand. You don't need forty of them, even if the "Buy 3, Get 3" sign is screaming your name. Focus on the formulas that actually feel good on your skin rather than just the ones that smell like a dessert buffet.
Actionable Takeaways
- Check the base: If you want long-lasting moisture, look for shea butter or lanolin in the ingredient list. If you just want shine, petrolatum-based glosses are fine.
- Timing is everything: Only buy during sales or the Semi-Annual Sale to get the price down to a reasonable $3-$5 range.
- Sensitive Skin Warning: Avoid the heavily scented seasonal glosses if you’re prone to irritation; stick to the "Beeswax" or "Coconut Oil" options.
- Layering: Use the lip scrub once a week followed immediately by the overnight mask to keep your lips from peeling during seasonal changes.