Dry and cracked lips are an ailment that lasts all year long. When it comes to our hair and skin, we have plenty of tips and tricks to keep those flakes free and smooth. But what about our lips?

Now to this we usually have two options, a lip balm, and a lip gloss. But what is the difference between these two?

Lip Balms

Lips balms lock a lot of moisture in them. And that’s a good thing because our lips require as much moisture as possible during the cold, dry winter months. Our pouts create a natural oil that keeps them wet, but we lick it off, or it is blown away by the cold, windy weather throughout the winter. 

If you’re looking for a lip balm this season, be sure it has SPF. While the rest of our bodies are protected by jackets and scarves, our lips are continually exposed to the elements, making them prone to color loss and even skin cancer. Most lip balm boxes have an SPF rating written on them. Our lips don’t produce as much melanin—this is what protects us from UV rays—like the rest of our bodies, we seek a balm with an SPF of 30 or more to slather on all winter.

Lip Gloss

Lip gloss magically makes your lips appear fuller, and it does not, however, provide the moisture you require this season. If you’re slathering on layers of gloss and your lips are still flaky, it could be a sign that your entire body needs a little more hydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, to keep your skin looking supple. Soon, the smoothness of your skin will be transferred to your lips.

Lip gloss packaging may boast of many hydrating results, but it rarely is as good at maintaining it as just giving your lips a silky, glossy texture that appears sexier. 

If you don’t want to forego the voluptuous look, but your chapped lips look like you were lost in the desert when you applied them, use some lip balm before applying the gloss. You’ll feel hydrated, and what’s more, the color and texture from the gloss will actually adhere better to the waxy texture of the balm. 

Our lips also need some love, like our skin and hair. So, regardless of the season, apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. Balm, in addition to providing sun protection, also protects against the chapped, flaky skin that comes with colder weather. There are lip gloss packaging that market themselves for every occasion out there—one for running, for sensitive skin, and of course one for chapped lips.

While gloss is unlikely to provide the moisture your lips require, you don’t have to avoid that section of the beauty aisle entirely. You can achieve the same shiny puckered effect by applying balm before the gloss. You and your lip routine have nothing on dry lips. It’s time to say goodbye to dehydration and hello to hydration!