Lipglass vs. Lip Gloss: Key Differences and How to Choose

By Jami Stansfield

November 14, 2024

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Have you ever wondered what the real difference is between lipglass and lip gloss? As a makeup professional, I often get asked this question, and I can see why it’s a bit confusing. Lip products have certainly come a long way over the years, and no matter whether you are going for a subtle, natural finish or an intense glossy one, there is something for everyone.

The only problem is, when it comes down to lipglass vs lip gloss, that’s the hard decision. While both offer shine and hydration, they differ in formula, finish, and wear time. In this guide, I give you the scoop on the key differences between lipglass and lip gloss, so you can find your perfect match, whether you prefer a soft sheen or a bold, glossy surface.

What is Lip Gloss?

Lipgloss has been one of the go-to choices in cosmetic bags for years due to its light wear and natural shine, offering a sheer lip color that contrasts with the bold, intense color of lipsticks. It’s known for enhancing the lips with a subtle shine, perfect for young girls trying makeup for the first time and makeup enthusiasts of all ages.

Characteristics of Lip Gloss

Formula: The base of most lip glosses is oils and pigments, which give a soft shine and comfortable, non-sticky wear. Most lipglosses are made of moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin E to keep the lips soft and hydrated.
Finish: Lip gloss provides a shiny surface with a more transparent look that is natural. It mostly imparts a slight color, adding a light tint to enhance the natural color of your lips.
Wear Time: Lip glosses are lightweight. However, they have to be re-applied frequently, since their thinner consistency wears off sooner.

What is Lipglass?

Highly pigmented lipglass is about extreme shine and a glassy high-impact finish. Lipglass creates a glassy look on the lips, providing a sleek, reflective surface that catches the light quite well. Unlike most glosses, the lipglass formula is thicker than usual, it clings to the lips longer, is shiny, and keeps being polished for hours. And for those who love bold, lipglass gives them a long-lasting gloss that doesn’t need too many touch-ups.

Characteristics of Lipglass

Formula: It is a blend of oils, waxes, and pigments, which delivers a high-shine finish with rich color.
Finish: Lipglass is ultra-shiny, giving off a mirror-like shine. That's more dramatic and perfect when you want lips to be the centre of attention.
Feel and Wear: With a thicker, sometimes sticky texture, lipglass stays in place for several hours, lasting longer than many glosses. The trade-off is a heavier feel, but it generally offers a bolder impact.

Lipglass vs lip Gloss: What's the key Difference?

When comparing lipglass to lip gloss, a few core differences stand out that can help you decide which product is best for you.

Features	Lip Gloss	Lipglass
Main Component	The main component of lip gloss is lanolin.	While lip glass contains jojoba oil to soften the lips.
Moisturizer and Hydration	Lip glosses have nourishing ingredients in them, including oils and waxes that hydrate, making them ideal for persons who suffer from dry lips.	While lipglass tends to focus more on creating a glass-like shine, so the hydration level can vary depending on the formula.
Versatility	Lip gloss is typically more versatile in terms of its use. You can layer it over other lip products like lipsticks for added shine or wear it alone for a natural, everyday look.	Lipglass is often worn as the main product due to its more intense color payoff and finish, making it a statement piece on its own.
Finish Texture	Lip gloss is smoother and slipperier, and one can easily move it around the lips.	Lipglass can feel a bit stickier due to its thicker texture, which contributes to its long-lasting shine.
Gloss vs. Tint	Most lip glosses offer a translucent or lightly tinted finish.	Lipglass can feel a bit stickier due to its thicker texture, which contributes to its long-lasting shine.
Cost	Generally, lip gloss tends to be more affordable, offering a range of options at various price points.	Lipglass is often priced a bit higher due to its high-shine finish and thicker, longer-lasting formula, especially from premium brands.
Application Precision	Lip glosses have wand applicators that tend to allow for more control during application, ensuring a clean, precise finish.	Lipglass consistency tends to be thicker and sometimes hard to put in the right place, especially around the edges of the lips.

Lipglass vs LipGloss: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between lipglass and lip gloss, you should consider your personal preference and the look for what you’re aiming to achieve. Both products provide a shiny finish, but they cater to different preferences and needs.

For Everyday Wear: Lip gloss gives one a great shine that is subtle, and appears very natural to the lips. Therefore, it's very good for everyday use. It does not feel heavy on the lips, and one can reapply numerous times.
For Special Events: Lipglass works wonders when it comes to making a statement. Its intense shine and rich pigmentation work just right when you want to make your presence noted.
Climate Considerations: Lipglass, has a thicker formula that protects the lips during cold weather conditions, while lip gloss feels comfortable in warm weather.
Layering Options: Lipglass and lip gloss both can be layered over lipsticks for various effects. However, lipglass adds an intense glassy layer, while adding shine and a touch of moisture is what lip gloss does.

How to Apply Lipglass and Lip Gloss for the Best Look

Here is a simple application guide to get the best out of your lipglass or lip gloss:

1. Prep Your Lips: Make sure your lips are clean and exfoliated so that there is a smooth base on which you will be working. Putting on a light lip balm ahead of time will help keep the lips soft.
2. Use a Lip Liner: Define the shape of your lips with a lip liner before applying your lip product. This helps prevent feathering and ensures a clean, precise finish.
3. Apply Lipglass: Since it is thicker, begin with a little lipglass and apply it to the centre of your lips, working your way outwards. For an even, professional application, put the color on with a lip brush.
4. Apply Lip Gloss: Lip gloss can be applied with the wand applicator. Just start right in the centre and swipe it outward. If you're adding a touch of shine over lipstick, use just a bit to the middle of your lips to give them a plumper appearance.
5. Layer for Intensity: Lipgloss can be layered over lipstick for more color and shine. Applying lipgloss over a base of lipstick creates a high-intensity, glassy finish, whereas adding gloss gives an effect of a softer, glassy one.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your lip products and keep your lips looking and feeling their best. Whether you prefer the subtle shine of lip gloss or the bold impact of lipglass, proper application and maintenance are key to achieving a flawless look.

Final Verdict: Lipglass or Lip Gloss?

Lipglass and lip gloss each have their own appeal; which one you should choose depends on style, occasion, and comfort preference. Lip gloss is great for a natural effortless shine that can be easily touched up throughout the day, while lipglass delivers a striking, mirrorlike finish-perfect when you desire to stand out in the crowd.

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice. Whether you prefer the soft shine of gloss or the bold impact of lipglass, these lip products let you play with different looks, textures, and levels of shine. So go ahead, explore both, and find what suits you best in the world of glossy, beautiful lips.

FAQs:

What is the difference between lip gloss and lip glass?

lip gloss has a lighter, non-sticky texture and applies a soft, natural shine. Lipglass is thicker and stickier in formula and gives an intense, glass-like finish for bold, high-shine lips. Also, lipglass is usually much more pigmented and longer-lasting than most lip glosses.

How do you make glass lips?

To make glass lips, smoothen the lips with exfoliation and moisturizer. Over the lips, apply a pigmented or clear lipglass for a reflective glassy finish with high shine. For added intensity, layer the lipglass over a matching lipstick.

How long does lipgloss stay on your lips?

Lip gloss usually lasts for 2–3 hours depending on the formula and activities such as eating and drinking. Thicker products, like lipglass last a bit longer as they are stickier and have less need for reapplication.

Is it lipgloss or lipglass?

While both terms relate to lip products, they are definitely not the same thing. Lip gloss is just a generic term used for light, shiny lip products; whereas lipglass refers to a kind of higher shine and thicker often known for its intense, glass-like finish.

About the author

Jami Stanfield, the founder of StansOut Beauty Company, is a renowned makeup artist and beauty expert. With a talent for designing popular beauty products like the StansOut Beauty sponge, Jami shares her knowledge and experiences to provide practical makeup tips.