Lip Gloss Vs Lipstick: How Do They Compare?
It’s the eternal question: lipstick or lipgloss? Both products have their own unique benefits, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. For tips, check out our guide on lip gloss vs lipstick!
It’s the holy grail of all cosmetic products – heaven forbid you step out into the city without a little pop of color on your lips! Whether it’s lipstick or a tiny bit of nude lip gloss, it makes such a huge difference to your overall look.
So, lipstick vs lip gloss – which one should you be wearing? Well, that depends on the effect that you’re looking for.
In this article, we will break down the differences between lipstick and lipgloss so that you can make an informed decision about which product is best for you. Stay tuned!
What Is A Lip Gloss?
A lip gloss is a cosmetic product in a tubular container that is used to give the lips a shiny and glossy finish. It’s usually made of oils, waxes, and pigments, and can be applied on top of lipstick or worn alone.
Lip glosses come in many different colors, but they are typically transparent or very sheer.
Lip glosses are much denser and heavier than lipsticks, since they can gooey and sticky. However, some lip glosses are light and easier to wear.
Thanks to the rising popularity of the y2k aesthetic, glitter lip gloss has recently became popular again. These types of lip gloss are usually infused with holo glitter and have a lighter consistency, although not always.
Some lip glosses contain a subtle shine if you’re not into glitter. For a natural look, we definitely recommend light lip glosses that are subtle enough for everyday wear.
While lip gloss doesn’t have subcategories like lipstick does, it can be defined by its finish and texture – for a supple, perfect pout, we recommend thicker lip glosses with lots of shimmer. For a more natural, kissable look, just a little swipe of lip gloss will do wonders and will make your lips look healthy and hydrated.
Glossy lip color usually comes in transparent, nude shades, but there are also darker ones if you prefer having that!
What Is A Lipstick?
Lipstick is a classic cosmetic product that is used to color the lips, and it has been around for centuries. It is made of pigments, oils, waxes, and emollients, and comes in many different shades and colors.
Lipsticks can be matte, semi-matte, or glossy – unlike lip glosses, it has a wide range of finishes. A lipstick is a cosmetic product that is used to give the lips color and definition. While lipsticks come in many different colors and finishes, classic lipsticks are typically opaque and offer an intense color payoff.
Traditional lipsticks are typically creamy, however modern versions have since evolved to include matte, satin, liquid, velvet, and other finishes. Their staying power has improved too, and now we can wear lipsticks for hours on end without it smudging.
Lip Gloss VS Lipstick: How Do They Compare?
So, what’s the difference between lipstick and lipgloss? Well, it all comes down to what you’re looking for. If you want a lot of color, then lipstick is the way to go. If you’re looking for a shiny finish, then lip gloss is your best bet. Ultimately, it’s up to you!
The main difference between these two are their texture and longetivity. For example, lipsticks can be liquid, creamy, matte, velvet, or glossy. They are more long-lasting with a higher pigmentation level. Lipsticks are better suited for heavy and dramatic looks – if you’re going to an event like a birthday party, consider wearing a bold shade of lipstick.
Lip gloss, on the other hand, has only one texture which is glossy. It also doesn’t stay on as long as you’d normally want it to, so you’ll have to reapply it every few hours or so. It’s highly glossy, and highly transferrable.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can only wear one product at a time – you can totally wear lipstick first and then layer with a lip gloss to give your lips some shine! Wearing them together will give your lips healthy hydration, especially if you’re wearing matte lipsticks.
Plus, layering a coat of lipstick before applying lipgloss will ensure that your gloss will stay on much longer.
Our Top Lipstick Picks
1. Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick (LiQuid)

The Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick is a fan favorite and for a good reason – it glides on like gloss, but dries to a matte finish.
It’s a highly pigmented, lightweight liquid lipstick that’s infused with a no-sting plumping ingredients and features avocado oil, vitamin E, and Hyaluronic acid spheres to smooth your lips.
All this is complemented by it an angled lip brush for precision. This can be yours for just $22!
2. YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick (Satin)

If you’re looking for more luxurious shine, definitely go for the Yves Saint Laurent Rogue Volupté Shine Lipstick.
The balm-like lipstick comes in 25 impressive shades and the formula is infused with six natural oils for ultra smoothness. Plus, it’s paraben-free and phthalate-free!
This lipstick is medium coverage, which is the perfect look for everyday wear. For $39, it’s a little bit pricier than your average lipstick, but the hydrating benefits are simply too good to pass up.
3. NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil (Matte)

The NARS Velvet Matte Lipstick might be simple, but it’s well-loved by makeup enthusiasts. The lipstick pencil comes in standard and mini sizes for your convenience, and the matte formula itself has a non-drying, velvety matte finish.
This is a versatile lip pencil that you can pair with other lip products for added dimension too. The lipstick can be yours for only $27.
Our Top Lipgloss Picks
1. Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer

First up on our list is the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer, which is an absolutely favorite of many ladies. This lip gloss is vegan, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and it contains shea butter which conditions the skin.
It has a non-sticky formula that is super shiny with a delicious peach-vanilla scent. This lip gloss can be added to your makeup bag for just $20!
2. Dior Lip Glow Oil

If you’re active on Twitter and Tiktok, then you’re probably already familiar with the sudden rise of Dior’s Lip Glow Oil ($35). In fact, it’s so popular that it’s currently sold out across different beauty websites – but who knows, you might get lucky with the next restock!
The lip oil contains cherry oil which protects against stress factors, and it comes in a minty-vanilla scent. It’s also non-greasy, with a rich and balmy texture.
3. Buxom Full-on Plumping Lip Gloss

This bestselling lip gloss is everything but ordinary – the gloss comes with a lip plumping action, which gives your lips more volume with in just a few short minutes. It’s a fan favorite among the beauty community, and you should definitely get your hands on this one!
The lip gloss delivers a metallic shine with a refreshing, tingly sensation that will make your lips look full and plump. Plus, it comes in a vast range of shades that you can wear for any occasion!
The Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Gloss can be yours for only $21.
So, have you found your next lip product from our analysis of lip gloss vs lipstick? We hope you did! If you’re still looking for more beauty finds, check the posts down below.
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