The main difference between lipstick and lip balm is that lipsticks are mainly used for cosmetic purposes as they add color to the lips, while lip balms are used for lip care, i.e., hydrate, moisturize, and protect lips.
There are lipsticks and lip balms with various shades and flavors available on the market. However, there is a distinct difference between these two cosmetic products. Lipsticks are a cosmetic product. Lip balms are worn even before applying lipstick since they provide hydration and nourishment to lips. They provide a shiny, greasy look and are mostly colorless. They are ideal for a no-makeup look, while lipsticks are ideal for a glam look.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Lipstick
– Definition, Features
2. What is Lip Balm
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Lipstick and Lip Balm
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Lipstick, Lip Balm
What is Lipstick
Lipstick is an oil-based cosmetic product with crayon-like properties. Women use them to add color, texture, and protection to the lips. It is believed that lipsticks were discovered by Mesopotamian women. In fact, lipsticks are one of the oldest forms of cosmetics in history.
The ingredients in lipsticks include oil, antioxidants, bee wax, pigments, camphor, paraffin, petrolatum, acetyl, and alcohol. Lipstick manufacture involves mixing, grinding, and heating these ingredients together and then pouring the hot mixture into metal molds. Lipstick containers are normally cylindrical and made of plastic or metals. Lipsticks are available in various shapes and eye-catching colors. Generally, lipsticks are mostly in red and pink shades. Red is the most famous and dominant lipstick shade of all time. However, at present, there are various colors of lipsticks and even different shades of red and pink lipsticks under various brand names. There are many types of lipsticks like glossy, sheer/satin, creamy, matte, frosted/metallic, liquid, and waterproof. They also have various flavors like mint, chocolate, caramel, and strawberry.
Although many women wear lipstick, they can have some downfalls like dark lips and dryness. Some cheap lipstick products may contain harmful ingredients, which may cause allergic reactions.
What is Lip Balm
Lip balm is a soft, emollient product that is used to moisturize, soften, and protect lips. It helps to keep lips safe from sun and wind. It also keeps the lips hydrated, irritation-free, and crack-free. Therefore, lip balms are essential to protect lips from damage.
Lip balms were invented in the 1880s by Charles Browne Fleet. These contain ingredients like menthol, phenol, sunscreen, fragrances, and flavors like chocolate, fruity, or mint. There are lip balms in various shades. They provide a glow, greasy or shiny look. They are worn for protection, nourishment, UV protection, hydration, medication, and cosmetic purposes as well.
However, there are disadvantages of using lip balms, like dryness, addiction, allergic reactions, and damaging the natural color and shine of the lips.
Difference Between Lipstick and Lip Balm
Definition
Lipstick is an oil-based cosmetic product with crayon-like properties, while lip balm is a soft, emollient product that is used to moisturize, soften and protect lips.
Purpose
Lipsticks are mainly used for cosmetic purposes, to add color to the lips, while lip balms are used for lip care, i.e., to hydrate, protect and moisturize lips.
Colors
Moreover, lipsticks are available in a variety of shades, and they can create a glam look, whereas lip balms are usually colorless or only available in specific shades, and they can create a no-makeup look.
Application
It takes some time to apply lipstick, but lip balm is comparatively easy to apply.
Pigmentation
Lipstick has more pigmentation than lip balm.
Nature
Lipstick can make your lips dry, while lip balms are hydrating.
Price
Generally, lipsticks tend to be more expensive than lip balms.
Look
Lipsticks can create a shiny, matte, or glossy look, whereas lip balms c.
Conclusion
Lipstick is a coloured cosmetic applied to the lips from a small solid stick. They add color, texture, as well as, protection to the lips. Women mainly used them as cosmetic products. Lip balm, on the other hand, is a soft, emollient product that is used to moisturize, soften, and protect lips. Thus, this is the main difference between lipstick and lip balm.
Reference:
1. “Lipstick.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Lip Balm.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Lipstick” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Lip Balm” (CC0) via Pixino
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