Lipstick vs. Lip Gloss — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 12, 2023
Lipstick is a colored cosmetic for lips in solid form; Lip Gloss is a shiny, often translucent liquid or gel for a glossy finish.
Difference Between Lipstick and Lip Gloss
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Lipstick is a cosmetic product designed to impart color to the lips, often coming in a solid stick form. Lip Gloss, in contrast, is primarily designed to give the lips a shiny or glossy appearance and can be clear or tinted.
Lipstick usually provides a more opaque, matte, or creamy finish, offering a longer-lasting color. Lip Gloss, on the other hand, typically gives a sheer and luminous look, but may need frequent reapplication due to its consistency.
While Lipstick can be moisturizing, many formulations focus on long-wear and pigmentation. Lip Gloss, in its essence, often has hydrating ingredients that provide the lips with a moist appearance and feel.
Lipstick comes in a wide range of shades and finishes, from nudes to deep plums, and matte to shimmer. Lip Gloss, while also available in various shades, is more limited in its finishes, primarily offering shine or sparkle.
Many users opt for Lipstick when desiring a bold, defined lip look, especially for formal events or daily wear. Lip Gloss is often chosen for a casual, fresh-faced appearance or layered over lipstick for added shine.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Form
Solid
Liquid or gel
Primary Purpose
Impart color
Give shine or gloss
Finish
Matte, creamy, shimmer, etc.
Sheer, luminous
Longevity
Generally long-lasting
May need frequent reapplication
Appearance
Opaque
Often translucent
Compare with Definitions
Lipstick
Often encased in a bullet-like container for application.
Her Lipstick case was adorned with intricate designs.
Lip Gloss
Known for its hydrating and glossy properties.
Her lips looked plump and hydrated with the Lip Gloss.
Lipstick
Can be moisturizing or designed for long-wear.
She preferred moisturizing Lipstick to prevent dry lips.
Lip Gloss
Can be clear or tinted and offers a translucent appearance.
The tinted Lip Gloss added a hint of color to her lips.
Lipstick
A cosmetic product in solid form for coloring the lips.
She applied a red Lipstick to match her dress.
Lip Gloss
A cosmetic product that imparts a shiny finish to the lips.
She wore a clear Lip Gloss for a natural look.
Lipstick
Comes in various finishes like matte, shimmer, and satin.
The matte Lipstick gave her a sophisticated look.
Lip Gloss
Often comes in a tube with an applicator.
She pulled out her Lip Gloss tube and quickly touched up.
Lipstick
Provides long-lasting color and definition to the lips.
Her Lipstick stayed put throughout the evening.
Lip Gloss
Can be worn alone or layered over lipstick.
She added Lip Gloss over her lipstick for extra shine.
Lipstick
A small stick of waxy lip coloring enclosed in a cylindrical case.
Lip Gloss
Makeup that makes the lips shiny
Lipstick
The waxy lip coloring within a tube of lipstick
Left some lipstick on the rim of the glass.
Lipstick
(uncountable) Makeup for the lips.
Are you wearing any lipstick today?
Lipstick
(countable) A stick of this makeup.
I'd like three lipsticks in this shade.
Lipstick
A dog's penis.
Lipstick
(transitive) To apply lipstick to; to paint with lipstick.
Lipstick
Makeup that is used to color the lips
Lipstick
Form by tracing with lipstick;
The clown had lipsticked circles on his cheeks
Lipstick
Apply lipstick to;
She lipsticked her mouth
Common Curiosities
Can Lip Gloss be tinted or is it always clear?
Lip Gloss can be both tinted and clear, depending on the product.
Are there hydrating versions of Lipstick?
Yes, many Lipsticks have moisturizing ingredients to nourish the lips.
Which lasts longer on the lips, Lipstick or Lip Gloss?
Generally, Lipstick lasts longer than Lip Gloss due to its solid formulation.
What's the primary function of Lipstick?
Lipstick primarily functions to impart color to the lips.
How do you choose between Lipstick and Lip Gloss?
The choice between Lipstick and Lip Gloss depends on the desired look; Lipstick for bold color and Lip Gloss for shine.
Can Lip Gloss be worn over Lipstick?
Yes, Lip Gloss can be layered over Lipstick for added shine.
Do Lipstick and Lip Gloss come in different finishes?
Yes, Lipstick comes in finishes like matte, creamy, or shimmer, while Lip Gloss primarily offers a shiny finish.
Are there matte versions of Lip Gloss?
Generally, Lip Gloss provides a shiny finish, but there are some gloss products with less shine for a more muted look.
How often should one reapply Lip Gloss compared to Lipstick?
Lip Gloss may need more frequent reapplication than Lipstick due to its sheer and liquid consistency.
Can Lipstick provide a glossy finish like Lip Gloss?
While Lipstick primarily provides color, some formulations have a creamy or shimmer finish that can mimic glossiness.
Can both Lipstick and Lip Gloss be hydrating?
Yes, both Lipstick and Lip Gloss can have hydrating properties, depending on their formulation.
Can you get a natural look with Lipstick?
Yes, using nude or neutral shades of Lipstick can achieve a natural look.
Is Lip Gloss always translucent?
Most Lip Glosses are translucent, but some offer more opaque color coverage.
Which is better for a formal event, Lipstick or Lip Gloss?
While both can be worn, Lipstick is often preferred for formal events due to its defined and lasting color.
Are there plumping versions of both Lipstick and Lip Gloss?
While plumping properties are more commonly found in Lip Gloss, there are also some Lipsticks with plumping ingredients.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Bionic vs. Prosthetic
Next Comparison
Aun vs. TodavíaAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
