Out of all the makeup categories available, I have the most lip products in my collection. Every single type of formula, color, texture – I just can’t resist trying them all. Ha! At one point there was just lipsticks then lip liners then lip gloss and now there is a ton of different formulas out there to choose from. It can definitely be overwhelming but as someone who loves makeup, I get so excited for all the new options available. However, knowing the difference between the types of lip products available can help make your buying decisions easier and more tailored to your specific needs. I decided to dedicate today’s blog post to talking about the differences between lip oil vs. lip gloss which can be seen as very similar in concept but can be quite different in performance and formula.
Lip Oil Vs. Lip Gloss
Lip gloss and lip oil have a ton of similarities and are often used interchangeably. They look the same on the lips and are marketed in a similar manner. But it is helpful to understand the key differences between the two. Especially if you are looking for your lip product to perform a certain way or address specific concerns.
What is the Difference Between Lip Oil and Lip Gloss?
The main difference between lip oils and lip glosses are their purpose or use, formulation/texture and ingredients. This isn’t the case all the time but for the most part that is where the differences lie. Lip glosses are designed to be less treatment-based and more cosmetic in the high shine finish they give the lips. Lip Oils are slightly newer to the marketplace and helped to bridge the gap between the color/performance of a lip gloss with a more skincare based formulation. I’ll share a more in depth explanation of each in the next few of paragraphs.
What is Lip Oil?
Lip Oil is a liquid lip color that provides a more nourishing, sheer and smooth formula designed to treat the lips in addition to providing a minimal amount of color and coverage. Lip oils are often formulated with various oils and skincare ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid) that help to nourish and moisturize the lips more deeply than a regular lip gloss. They are more treatment focused first. And then depending on the product can deliver pigment to the lips as well. They are more sheer so they can be worn alone but often don’t last that long on the lips.
Lip oils are less sticky than lip gloss and have a smooth comforting feel to them. More brands have come out with lip oils that provide more coverage and pigment if you are looking for something to wear alone rather than having to layer. But on the whole, lip oils will always be a more sheer option than a lip gloss.
What Does Lip Oil Do To Your Lips?
Lip Oils provide nourishment and incredible skincare ingredients to help treat and keep your lips soft. Lip oil penetrates deeper and helps to hydrate, add a bit of sheen and enhance your natural lip color or add a slight bit of tint when worn alone. When layered over lipstick or lip liner, they can add shine and moisture to keep your lips hydrated and comfortable.
Is Lip Oil Good For Your Lips?
It’s definitely a great option for those looking for more moisture and hydration in their lip formulas. I personally LOVE lip oils and have quite a few that have become staples in makeup routine. Dior Lip Glow Oil is my current favorite luxury lip oil but here are my top 5 favorite lip oil formulas at the moment at all price points:
How to Use Lip Oil?
Layer Lip Oil
The best way to use lip oil is to layer it over a more opaque or pigmented lip color.
Prep Your Lips
Though lip oils are meant to hydrate, they will last longer if your lips are well exfoliated and prepped with a lip balm or lip treatment.
Apply a Liberal Amount
Since lip oils tend to be less pigmented and give a sheer wash of color, you can be more liberal with applying it to fully coat the lips.
What is Lip Gloss?
Lip Gloss is ultimately a liquid lipstick with tons of shine. Lip gloss is designed to be more pigmented, longer wearing and with a slightly tackier feel. Less treatment focused and more makeup focused.
What Does Lip Gloss Do?
Lip gloss is designed to give the lips a shiny and glossy finish. It enhances your lips making them look more dramatic with more pigment and sometimes plumping properties.
Is Lip Gloss Good For Your Lips?
While lip gloss does not necessarily have the same nourishing benefits as lip oil, many formulas have ingredients that still help to keep the lips hydrated. Here are my top 5 favorite lip gloss formulas at the moment (Patrick Ta lip gloss is my most used right now):
How to Use Lip Gloss?
Prep Your Lips
It is always good to ensure your lips are exfoliated and treated before applying your lip products but this is especially important for lip gloss. Lip gloss can enhance texture and dry chapped lips so it looks better on well moisturized lips.
Use a Lip Liner
Since lip glosses are more pigmented they will deliver more color to the lips. But due to their liquid formulation, there is a higher chance they will move around and ultimately bleed. To prevent this it’s best to wear a lip liner.
Apply Lip Gloss in the Center Only
If you struggle with your lip color bleeding or moving around too much, only apply your lip gloss in the center of your top and bottom lips.
Is Lip Oil or Lip Gloss Better?
Personally I think they both offer different things and one is not necessarily better than the other. If you struggle with dry lips and want something more intensely nourishing and sheer, a lip oil is your better option. But if you want a shiny finish and rich pigment, lip gloss is best for you.
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