Table of Contents
- What is Lip Balm?
- What is Lip Gloss?
- The Real Differences Between Lip Gloss and Lip Balm
- When to Choose Lip Balm?
- When to Choose Lip Gloss?
- Can You Use Lip Balm and Lip Gloss Together?
- Lip Gloss vs. Lip Balm: Which One is Right for You?
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
We’ve all been in that indecisive moment of whether “I should just apply a lip balm and leave or apply a lip gloss for the shiny lustrous lips that garner attention” Some of us are even confused on if these two are different things (they are!).
In this blog, we’ll get to the bottom of the lip balm vs lip gloss battle by understanding their different vibes and how they’ll match your mood.
What is Lip Balm?
Lip balm is the friend that shows up when things get rough (particularly when your lips get rough). Lip balm is a wax-like substance that creates a protective cover over the delicate skin of your lips and locks in moisture. Lip balms are very low maintenance and your best bet for when “I haven't had enough water and now my lips are dry and chapped”.
Lip balms are great for late mornings rushing through everything to catch the train, friday night netflix binge🍿 and literally any minute of the day.🕙
Lip balms are also formulated with SPF for an added protection against UV villains that cause discoloration and dryness. You can also get no makeup-makeup look with tinted lip balms that are regular lip balms with a subtle flush of colour.🩷
What is Lip Gloss?
Lip gloss–the drama queen we all adore! Lip gloss is shiny, full of color and will save the day making you look like an effortless hot girl.💅 The secret of lip gloss lies in its formulation which includes the use of emollients and oils that keep the lips hydrated and provide the shiny appearance.
With just a swipe youre ready for a quick coffee date☕, a ‘i’m feeling pretty’ picture for instagram and a house party with your girlfriends!😊
Lip gloss is a multi-tasking baddie that provides options from ultra-glossy to subtle shine and even matte magic for your lips. Some lip glosses are also infused with vitamin E or natural oils to keep your lips hydrated.💕
The Real Differences Between Lip Gloss and Lip Balm
|
Comparison |
Lip Balm |
Lip Gloss |
|
Purpose |
It is a protective and moisturizing product for the lips. |
It is a cosmetic product that gives the lips a pop of color and shine. |
|
Texture |
It has a thick and creamy texture with a subtle sheen. |
It has a liquidy and sticky texture with a shine. |
|
Longevity |
It stays on longer due to its dense formulation. |
It needs frequent touch-ups especially after eating and drinking. |
|
Ingredients |
It contains beeswax, shea butter and SPF. |
It contains natural oils, gloss polymers and shimmer particles. |
|
Usage |
It is used for self-care and as a prep for other cosmetic products. |
It is used to add and enhance your lip makeup by adding a finishing touch. |
When to Choose Lip Balm?
The star power of lip balm is to keep your lips protected and moisturized an looking like as soft as a 🌸. Ideally you would use lip balm in the following situations:
Chill temp❄️
When it gets cold out there, it becomes essential to moisten your lips and preserve it from getting dry. Lip balms provide a barrier against the harsh weather and keep your lips looking juicy.
Recover flaky lips❤️🩹
If you have been avoiding any amount of self-care and your lips have become chapped, they need instant revival. A lip balm with nourishing ingredients like shea butter or vitamin E will remove any peeling and cracks on your lips quickly.
Before you crash your bed😴
You obviously need hydration while you're in dreamland. So before you log off apply a rich lip balm that will keep your lips hydrated all night long and also you'll wake up to soft and smooth lips.
Daily dose of moisture💧
You'll have to put in the work to keep your hydrated lips streak going on for days! Even if you feel like your lips are doing fine, use a lip balm with SPF to keep them protected and moisturized.
When to Choose Lip Gloss?
Lip gloss is more of a beauty fix that you can use for impromptu events and parties. You should be using lip gloss in the following situations:
Party till 4🍹
You're at work and your group chat goes off with “Friday night-out is on! Let’s goooo”. No worries because you have a lip gloss that'll add a touch of glam to your appearance and have the spotlights on you.
Up your lip game💄
Lipstick is basic but Lipstick+Lip gloss=💯
When you apply lip gloss over your lipstick it will add an extra coat of shine and make your lips look beautifully shiny.
Everyday slay😘
If you're not a lipstick girlie like me but neither do you want to look like a lifeless zombie, you can opt for a lip gloss for your everyday look. Lip gloss will add a pop of color, shine and an effortless diva vibe.
Can You Use Lip Balm and Lip Gloss Together?
A BIG Yes!👍
You can use lip balm and lip gloss together for the perfect combo of moisturized and dewy lips. Apply a layer of lip balm to clean and dry lips. This will create a nice and smooth base for either lipstick or lip gloss. Then wait for a minute to let the lip balm absorb and apply lip gloss over it. There you have it–plump and pouty lips!
Lip Gloss vs. Lip Balm: Which One is Right for You?
Because lip balm and lip gloss serve different purposes, which one will be right for you depends on your mood and goals. If you want something nourishing for everyday use consider lip balm while lip gloss is great for adding color to your lips in “I need to look good” emergencies.
Good news you don't actually have to choose between the two, just carry both!👛
Conclusion,
Lip balm is your everyday essential that will keep your lips soft and hydrated. Meanwhile Lip gloss is your ticket to easy & quick glam that will make you feel pretty and confident. 😉 With both in your beauty bag, you can keep your lips moisturized as well as shiny! So go get one of each and add that extra something to your appearance. 💄💋
FAQ’s
What’s the main difference between lip gloss and lip balm?
The main difference between lip balm and lip gloss is their purpose. Lip balms are formulated to moisturize and protect your lips while lip gloss is designed to add a fun color and shine to your lips.
Should I apply lip balm before lip gloss?
Yes, you should apply lip balm before lip gloss to hydrate your lips and create a clean base for the gloss to adhere to.
Can I use lip balm as a lip gloss substitute?
Yes! You can use tinted lip balms as a substitute for lip gloss. It will add subtle shine and color but not as much as a lip gloss can.
Which is better for chapped lips: lip balm or lip gloss?
For chapped lips, lip balm is best to bring your lips back to life. Lip balm has healing and moisturizing properties that will repair dry and cracked lips.
Can we apply lip gloss without lipstick?
Definitely! You can use lip gloss without applying lipstick. Lip gloss will enhance your natural lip color and give a good shine to it.
Should I lick my lips before applying lip balm?
No! You shouldn’t lick your lips before applying lip balm because saliva can evaporate quicker and make your lips drier. Apply lip balm to clean and dry lips for maximum benefits.
Written by Madiha Patel
