Lip-Balm, Gloss, or Lipstick? How to Choose

A good lip colour can transform your whole look, brightening up your face even when worn simply on its own. With so many options available – lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm – understanding their unique benefits and choosing the right one for your needs is key to achieving your desired look and feel. From the bold statements of lipstick to the lustrous shine of gloss and the essential hydration of lip balm, each type of lip product has its benefits. Here’s how to select the right lip cover for every occasion and need.

Lipstick

For those who crave saturated colour and long-lasting wear, lipstick is the classic choice. A staple in many makeup routines, lipsticks are versatile thanks to their wide range of finishes and almost limitless colour options. Whether you prefer matte, satin, or creamy textures, there’s a shade for every preference, from bold reds to subtle nudes.

Matte lipsticks offer intense pigmentation and long-lasting wear, making them perfect for those who want their colour to make a bold statement without added shine. They provide excellent coverage but can be slightly drying due to their low moisture content. To ensure a smooth application and prevent dryness, it's essential to prep your lips beforehand by exfoliating and applying lip balm.

Satin lipsticks offer a luminous finish, striking a balance between matte and glossy. Perfect for everyday wear, they provide a light sheen and often include hydrating ingredients, making them a great choice for dry lips. However, this formulation also means you may have to apply it more often.

Cream lipsticks have the hydration of a satin lipstick and the look of a matte lipstick and are ideal for those who want intense colour without sacrificing comfort. While satin lipstick is higher in oil, cream lipstick is higher in wax, giving it a greater degree of staying power. 

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•    Sorbet Get Lippy Moisturising Lip Colour Kind
•    Revolution Satin Kiss Lipstick Heart Race
•    Smudge Matte Lipstick Rich
•    Wet n Wild Megalast Matte Lipstick Wine Room
•    The Body Shop Pep Talk Lipstick Think Big
•    L'Oreal Paris Glow Paradise Balm In Lipstick 112 Pastel Exhaltation
•    Catrice Scandalous Matte Lipstick 050 Sucker For Love

Lip gloss

Seeking an ultra-glamorous look? A glossy lipstick is the product to pick. High in shine and luminosity, gloss can make lips appear fuller and more youthful. And if tacky, sticky formulas come to mind, think again. Gorgeous glossy formulas have evolved and are often packed with skincare-inspired ingredients like plant oils, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, guaranteed to keep your pout plump, hydrated and slick. Whether you’re opting to go nude or bright, juxtapose your pout’s mirror-like, high-shine with matte makeup elsewhere on your face as this will keep the overall look feeling modern.

Lip tip: For a DIY version, layer your favourite lipstick underneath a clear lip gloss.

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•    Sorbet Get Glossy Lip Gloss Hunny Bunny
•    Sorbet Lip Gloss Clear
•    Smudge Lip Gloss Cranberry
•    Revolution Shimmer Bomb Lip Gloss Starlight
•    Wet n Wild Megalast Lip Gloss Love Blind Glare
•    Wet n Wild Mega Last Lock 'N' Shine Lip Colour + Gloss Hybiscus

Lip balm

If you are prone to dry and chapped lips, using a lip balm is essential. Often infused with ingredients like shea butter or beeswax, it soothes dry or chapped lips and keeps them hydrated. While most lip balms don’t provide much colour, there are tinted options available that add a subtle flush of colour while still offering moisture, protection and a little shine.

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•    Dr. Paw Paw Lip Balm Peach Pink 
•    Smudge Fruity Lip Balm Hawaiian Lava
•    Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint SPF15 In Blush
•    Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm Woppin Watermelon
•    Clicks Tissue Oil Lip Balm Cherry

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