Lip Gloss or Lip Balm?

Lip gloss comes in a variety of forms and may be applied in different ways. It can be contained in a small cylinder and applied with a rounded or sloped applicator wand (known as a doe foot applicator) or with a built in brush. It can come in a small, squeezable plastic tube designed to be passed over the lips or applied with a fingertip or lip brush. Solid or semisolid glosses often come packaged in jars.

Lip gloss is often used when a person wants to have some color on their lips, but does not want an intense, solid lip color.

Lip balm is a wax-like substance applied topically to the lips to moisturize and create a barrier. The primary purpose of lip balm is to provide an occlusive layer on the lip surface to seal moisture in lips and protect them from external exposure. Lip balm is typically made of oils, butters and waxes to create a stiff or solid product. Balm can be applied by a finger to the lips, but is typically found in lipstick-style tubes from which it can be applied directly to the lips.