A good lip gloss manufacturer will tell you that a lip gloss isn’t exactly the same as lip oil. While they both hydrate and make your lips shine, they differ in various aspects. If you want to make the most out of both products, knowing more about them will prove advantageous. And, yes, you can use both at the same time.
Lip Gloss vs. Lip Oil
Lip gloss gives your lips that glassy, shiny look. Depending on the formulation, it can be pigmented, ultra sheer, or glittering. Lip oil, on the other hand, has a lighter texture and is manufactured using naturally-derived or plant-based cosmetic oils. While a gloss sits on top of your lips, the oil penetrates deep.
What are the similarities?
- Ingredients: Both products use natural oils and skin-softening and thickening agents.
- Purpose: Both add shine and come in various shades to cater to different needs. They’re offered in different forms to ensure ease of use and reapplication. How long a product lasts also depends on the formulation.
- Hydration: Both lip products offer some degree of hydration, again, depending on the formula and ingredients used. Some hydrate longer than others, requiring fewer touchups.
- Shine Factor: Since lip oil is absorbed while gloss stays on top, the latter tends to leave that shine and gloss for longer.
- Layerability: Yes, both can be worn on top of the other and layered over lipstick as well. How you layer these lip products can have different outcomes.
- Plumping Capabilities: Peppermint oil and peptides, for example, have the ability to give your lips a temporary full and plump appearance.
- Ease of Use: Both are easy to apply, and some products are even easier thanks to wand or rollerball applicators.
What are the differences?
- Texture: Between lip oil and gloss, the former is more lightweight, thinner, and less sticky. Not all lip glosses are thick and sticky in consistency, however. You just need to check that they don’t contain stronger polymers.
- Pigment: Because lip gloss has a higher concentration of pigments, it leaves more color while keeping your lips luscious and hydrated.
- Staying Power: You’ll need to reapply lip gloss more frequently since it sits on your lips rather than being absorbed.
What Goes First, Lip Oil or Lip Gloss?
As mentioned, you can layer both products, and how you do it can influence the finished result.
- The general rule of thumb is that you go from thinnest to thickest, which means lip gloss over lip oil.
- For a smooth base, apply lip oil first. This provides moisture and nourishment and extends your gloss’s longevity.
- When layering over lipstick, lip gloss provides better color payoff, while oil creates that shiny, glossy look.
- When layering both over lipstick, apply the oil first, lipstick next, and gloss last.
Considering that both are applied to the lips, it’s easy to assume they’re the same. However, lip gloss and lip oil serve different purposes in a beauty routine. While lip gloss adds shine and often a hint of color, lip oil is typically more nourishing and focused on lip care.
If you’re looking for high-quality lip products, choose a reputable manufacturer like MPlus Cosmetics, which offers a wide range of lip care and makeup solutions — from high-shine glosses to hydrating oils and everything in between.