Everyone’s first instinct is to grab a lip balm when they have chapped lips, right? Well, what if we told you that’s not always what you need?
Of course, there’s a time and place for both a lip oil and a lip balm, but unfortunately for many, the benefits of the former are not as well known. If you’re unfamiliar with the different treatment options to care for parched, dry lips, consider the following before picking between an oil and a balm for your pout.
The Benefit Breakdown
Why Lip Oil?
- Best for: Plump, supple lips
- Texture: Non-sticky liquid
- Finish: Shiny or glossy
For starters, lip oils are shiny liquids (as the term “oil” implies) that nourish, soften and protect while delivering a glossy, youthful-looking finish to level up your appearance — whether to enhance your natural beauty or your makeup look. Because of their lighter consistency, lip oils are also more easily absorbed, allowing for maximum results.
No Makeup Lip Oil provides these skin-improving benefits while simultaneously delivering a hint of tint and enviable shine. It’s lightweight, non-sticky and infused with science-backed skincare ingredients proven to instantly replenish and condition skin. Peptides help improve the look and feel of lip thickness and firmness while hyaluronic acid delivers essential hydration for a visibly plumper pout. Perhaps the real MVP in this formula, though, is the cold-pressed pomegranate seed oil, which fights free radical damage to soften and smooth. Bonus: it comes in six different shades to match any outfit or makeup look.
![](https://static.thcdn.com/images/v2/app/uploads/sites/1036/2024/07/Lip-Oil-_1722004500-300x300.png?width=700)
Why Lip Balm?
- Best for: Hydrated, protected lips
- Texture: Soft solid
- Finish: Subtle shine or matte
Lip balms are typically solid with a thick wax or butter base. This is because these formulas serve the primary purpose of acting as an occlusive, meaning it sits atop the lips as a protective barrier. Though some of the ingredients may be absorbed, its most important job is to protect the lips from drying or damaging external factors, therefore, preventing any further moisture from escaping.When it comes to balms, naturally, we’re loyal to our Cold Plasma Plus+ Lip Therapybecause it’s the best of both worlds: preventing moisture from leaving while also providing extra nourishment. Designed with a proprietary liquid crystal delivery system for effective absorption of key ingredients, it goes beyond (without forgetting) barrier protection. This lightweight lip treatment balm effectively absorbs key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides for all-day hydration and improves the look of wrinkles and sagging caused by collagen depletion. Meanwhile, omegas 3, 6 and 9 work to protect the lips’ moisture barrier for maximum water retention, leaving lips visibly plump, firm and hydrated.
![](https://static.thcdn.com/images/v2/app/uploads/sites/1036/2024/07/Lip-Balm_1722004549-300x300.png?width=700)
Still not sure which one is best for you? Try layering them to reap all the benefits. Swipe on a lip balm, then cover it with a lip oil to pucker up to healthy, supple and youthful-looking lips.