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High-shine, glossy lips are back, and all the beauty enthusiasts are split into two groups. On one end is the classic, the nostalgic favourite lip gloss, loved for its glassy shine; and on the other end is the new-age lip oil with its skincare-infused formula that delivers shine and a weightless finish.
Simply speaking, lip oil is the minimal girlie and lip gloss is the maximalist cousin. While lip gloss is loved for its high-pigment, high-shine formula, lip oils deliver deep nourishment and glossy lips minus the stickiness.
And as formulations evolve and the differences between the two blur, it becomes difficult to choose between lip gloss v/s lip oil.
Both these lip products have gained a fan base of their own over the years, but it can’t be said that either product is better than the other.
So to put an end to the dilemma, let’s take a look at everything that makes these two most-loved lip products different from each other, and which one to choose.
What is Lip Gloss?
The classic shine essential for glossy lips, lip gloss has held a spot in every woman’s bag for years. The mirror-like shine makes lips look fuller and offers a polished look.
The thicker formula creates a smooth barrier that helps it stick on the lips for longer, but it can also make it feel tacky and heavy on the lips.
What is Lip Oil?
A new favourite for glossy lips, lip oil combines the nourishment of a lip treatment with the shine of a gloss.
Safe to say, it offers you the best of both worlds! Lip oils are lighter and are made to go beyond the surface of the lips to deliver moisture that makes them feel softer & plumper with every use.
Lip Gloss v/s Lip Oil - What are the differences?
There’s more to the differences between these two hydrating lip products than just their packaging and feel.
While a lip gloss is the one that makes you stand out, a lip oil is like a skincare BFF for your lips.
Here’s looking at the 4 key differences between lip gloss v/s lip oil:
1. Formulation
Lip oils are made with plant-based oils that deliver skincare benefits like jojoba oil and are backed by scientific ingredients like squalene and Vitamin E.
These combined create a formula that penetrates the lip barrier to deliver a healthy, hydrated feel to your lips.
Lip gloss, on the other hand, uses ingredients like silicones and waxes to create a thick coat of product on your lips, delivering that high-shine, reflective finish.
It offers no real skincare benefits. Simply put, lip oils help improve your lip health over time by delivering deep hydration & nourishment to your lips.
Lip gloss is used simply as a cosmetic enhancer to deliver a bold, attention-grabbing look.
2. Texture
Lightweight and non-sticky, the texture of a lip oil feels more like a serum than a lip product.
Lip gloss, on the other hand, tends to have a thicker, tackier texture that sits on the lips.
A noticeable difference that usually acts as the biggest decision-maker in trying to choose the best product to achieve glossy lips.
3. Longevity & Feel
Lip gloss tends to last longer than lip oil owing to its thicker texture that feels very noticeable.
It can stay on the lips for 2-4 hours or more with minimal need for reapplication. While lip oils are lighter and offer a barely-there feel, lasting only an hour or two, needing constant reapplication to maintain the glossy look.
4. Pigment & Shine
A lip gloss offers sheer to full coverage pigment and impactful, glossy lips with a glass-like shiny finish, while a lip oil delivers sheer pigment with a subtle shine that looks more like a wet look.
Lip Gloss v/s Lip Oil - When to choose what?
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If you’re looking for fuller lips and ultra-glossy lips, then a lip gloss is your best bet, because it bends light to give an illusion of lips that look bigger.
Lip glosses with mild plumping agents are your easiest way to achieve fuller-looking lips. -
If you have chronically dry, chapped or sensitive lips, then a lip oil is the saviour you’re looking for because it does more than just sit on your lips.
The lightweight formula consisting of plant-based oils sinks deep into the lips, delivering a healthy dose of hydration on the inside, while depositing a subtle hint of colour on the lips for a more natural look. -
If you’re a minimal girlie, then lip oils blend in perfectly into your routine. Thanks to its sheer colour and natural shine.
It’s 100% no-makeup makeup look-approved! Lip gloss in soft colours can work for minimal makeup routines, but its high-shine finish will draw more attention than you’re willing to. -
If you’re heading out for a photoshoot, a special occasion, or it's just a day when you want your lip makeup to stay intact without too many reapplication runs, then a lip gloss should be your go-to pick.
They also pair perfectly with matte lipsticks. If you want a simpler lip look, use a lip liner, smudge it inward around the edges and use a lip oil to enhance the overall lip look.
Both these hydrating lip products are equally loved and needed in a woman’s vanity today. So the question arises - why can’t you have both?
Here’s how you can incorporate both these glossy lips essentials into your lip routine:
Step 1: Prep your lips
Exfoliate the lips to create a smooth base, then moisturise them using a hydrating lip oil.
Step 2: Create your base
Pick a lip liner shade of your choice, line your lips to prevent feathering and define the shape of your lips.
Step 3: Add colour
Fill them in with a suitable lipstick or the Simply Nam Soft Bloom Lip Tint for more colour coverage.
Step 4: Add shine
End the routine with a swipe of lip gloss for a high shine finish. And if you want to skip the shine, and stick to a subtle glow, seal the deal with a hydrating lip oil.
