Lip gloss:
* Purpose: Primarily for shine and color.
* Ingredients: Contains oils, pigments, and sometimes glitter.
* Benefits: Adds a shiny, glossy finish to the lips. Provides a subtle tint or bolder color depending on the product.
* Drawbacks: Can be sticky or drying. Not as moisturizing as lip balm.
Lip balm:
* Purpose: To moisturize and protect lips.
* Ingredients: Usually contains waxes, oils, and emollients (moisturizing agents). Some may also include SPF.
* Benefits: Hydrates and softens lips. Can help heal chapped lips. Provides a protective barrier against the elements.
* Drawbacks: May not provide shine or color.
In a nutshell:
* Lip gloss is about shine and color.
* Lip balm is about hydration and protection.
You can also find lip glosses with balm properties, which combine the shine and color of gloss with the moisturizing benefits of a balm.