Table of Contents
- Why You Need to Understand The Differences Between Lipstick, Lip Gloss & Lip Balm
- What Is Lipstick?
- What Is Lip Gloss?
- What Is Lip Balm?
- When to Use Lipstick, Lip Gloss & Lip Balm?
- Choosing Lip Products Based On Your Lip Needs
- Final Thought
- FAQs
We've all experienced the confusion of what to apply on our lips. A trusted lip balm, a pretty lipstick or a low-key lip gloss what lip product you use depends on your mood and comfort. With so many lip makeup options, you may find yourself confused about which one does what.
This blog is going to decode the differences between the three trending lip products lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm and help you choose the ideal one for your occasion.
Why You Need to Understand The Differences Between Lipstick, Lip Gloss & Lip Balm
When it comes to your lips, they also deserve love just like your facial skin. Lipstick, lip gloss and lip balm are popular choices in lip makeup, but knowing the differences between them means you'll always have a perfect pout. While all three are applied to your lips, they serve different purposes and have different characteristics. Understanding this will help you choose the right product at the right time and according to your needs.
What Is Lipstick?
Lipstick is a product that every woman owns. Available in countless shades, finishes and coverages, lipstick transforms your look instantly.
Lipstick has more staying power than lip gloss and lip balm. It is generally made of wax, oil, pigments and dyes. Lipstick forms have evolved from being simple bullet styles to brush applicators and lipstick pencils.
Lipstick adds color to lips and enhances your appearance. Wearing lipstick to work, dates or evening events makes a bold statement and makes you feel confident.
What Is Lip Gloss?
Lip gloss is the cool comeback of the 2000s. It adds shine to your lips and makes them look fuller and eye-catching. It doesn't have the heavy pigment of a lipstick; rather, it gives effortless juicy lips.
Lip gloss is for the days when you want to keep things low-key yet stylish. It is suitable for casual occasions, when you want comfort, hydration and a little color on your lips.
Lip gloss is available in transparent as well as tinted form. It can be applied on its own for a subtle look or layered on a lipstick for a plump and pigmented lip combo.
Some lip glosses have a sticky formula that transfers easily. Thus, lip gloss requires frequent application as and when needed.
What Is Lip Balm?
Lip balm is the nourishment your lips need. Lip balm hydrates, heals and makes your lips soft and smooth. It is the skincare that shields your lips against dryness, sun damage and other harm.
Lip balm contains moisturizing ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter and oils. It can be applied daily and is often used to moisturize your lips before applying lipstick.
Some lip balms come with a tint that provides both hydration and sheer color. It provides a naturally enhanced appearance rather than full glam.
When to Use Lipstick, Lip Gloss & Lip Balm?
We're down with the basics of what lip balm, lip gloss and lipstick are. So let's understand when to use each one.
Lipstick is your go-to for moments when you want to make a statement. A date night? Go with a bold red. Have a house party with friends? Apply a deep plum. And for more subtle glam, go for a nude shade lipstick. Lipstick makes you look polished and powerful. It enhances your confidence and makes your makeup stand out.
Lip gloss adds literal shine to any moment. Using lip gloss for a coffee run, grocery shopping or a daytime festival gives you a fresh and effortless look. Lip gloss plumps up your lips and gives you a youthful effect.
Lip balm is for daily use. It is the reason for healthy and hydrated lips. You can use lip balm multiple times a day and as a part of your skincare routines. Transparent lip balm can be applied before lipstick to keep your lips from drying. Tinted lip balm gives a natural swipe of color along with hydration.
Choosing Lip Products Based On Your Lip Needs
Dry lips
If your lips feel flaky and cracked, applying lipstick is the wrong move. Your lips need hydration and a nourishing lip balm will do the job. Once your lips have been moisturized, you can apply a lip gloss or lipstick.
Long-wear product
If you want your lip makeup to last all day, a matte lipstick is your best choice. It has a transfer-proof formula that stays put for hours. Matte lipstick provides a bold and long-lasting color throughout the day.
Natural makeup
If you're going for that effortless no-makeup vibe, then a tinted lip gloss will work. It will give you enough color to enhance your appearance while keeping your lips soft and hydrated. It is perfect for everyday casual makeup and on-the-go touch-ups.
Final Thought
All three, lipstick, lip gloss and lip balm, each bring their own magic to your beauty kit. Lipstick gives you bold confidence, lip gloss brings effortless glam and lip balm quietly takes care of your lips. The real secret is to know when to use which one. Lip makeup is all about balance between comfort and glam. So choose what feels right and let your lips reflect your vibe.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm?
Lipstick adds a strong color and has many finishes. Lip gloss gives a glossy shine perfect for subtle glam. Lip balm provides hydration to your lips and keeps them from drying.
Can I use lip balm under lipstick or gloss?
Yes, you can use lip balm before applying lipstick or lip gloss. Lip balm hydrates your lips making them smooth and soft and enhances the application of other lip makeup.
Which one is better for dry and chapped lips?
For dry and chapped lips, you need a lip balm to nourish, heal and protect your lips. Once your lips are moisturized and soft, you can go in with a lip balm or creamy lipstick.
Is tinted lip balm a good alternative to lipstick or gloss?
Yes, a tinted lip balm provides both hydration and a natural flush of color to your lips, making it a better alternative to lipstick and lip gloss.
Does lip gloss make lips look bigger?
Yes, the shiny finish of a lip gloss reflects light and creates the illusion of fuller lips. Some lip gloss may also contain lip-plumping ingredients to add volume to your lips.
Can we apply lip gloss without lipstick?
Yes, you can apply lip gloss without lipstick. Lip gloss gives a sheer, shiny and natural effect to your lips. It is perfect for an everyday makeup routine.
Is lip gloss or lipstick better for dry lips?
Applying lip gloss is better than lipstick if you have dry lips. Lip gloss has hydrating ingredients and sits on your lips without causing discomfort.
