Every time I walk into a Sephora, I am blinded. Not by the white and black striped walls, nor by the employees’ smiles, but by the sheer amount of shiny lip products. Oils and glosses shield my view. I can’t seem to find an end. Still, somehow, three or four hours later, I step back into real life. I am carrying a little bag that matches the walls, but I have lost both my money and my pride.
However, I seek out these small, overpriced lip products time and time again. Therefore, this article will not discuss the capitalist scheme to which I have fallen, nor my loss of control over brightly colored things. It will do quite the opposite. It will determine which product is better between my personal favorites: Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm, and Laneige’s Lip Glowy Balm.
Price: Laneige lip balm weighs 0.35 ounces, and costs $19, producing a value of 54 dollars per ounce. Summer Fridays Lip Blam weighs 0.5 ounces, costs $24, and has a value of 48 dollars. It is also worth considering that Summer Fridays is larger, which saves money on taxes and transportation (Sephora, Shipping, etc.), as they last longer. Summer Fridays definitely takes the cake when it comes to price-to-product ratios.
Container: While the look of the container is not as important as the actual blam contained within, looking chic while applying the product cannot be considered insignificant. Laneige products come in brighter colors. The label stands out very well against the background colors, and the cap is partly transparent, adding a shininess to the container. Summer Fridays has a more matte look, with pastel coloring and a white cap. It certainly has a more minimalist look, which is appreciated by some. However, the label doesn’t stand out as well, making it a bit harder to recognize the brand if you don’t recognize the packaging. The smaller size of the Laneige balm is again important, as it makes it better for travel and transport. Overall, I prefer the Laneige packaging, as it is brighter, more complex, and easier to carry around.
Application: Each product has a shaped plastic top, allowing for easy application. However, the Laneige top curves outward, making it easier to apply anywhere on your lip, contrary to this, Summer Fridays top curves inward, shaping the lip, and preventing excess lip balm from getting everywhere. On top of this, Laneige is stickier, and less watery, allowing the user to create a thicker layer. Summer Fridays is less solid, creating more comfort on the lip, and allowing less balm to cover more area. The winner of this category depends on personal preference. Those who prefer a thicker layer of lip balm and tend to apply lots of it in one go should go for the Laneige. However, If you want a lighter coat, and want a fitted topper, Summer Fridays might be right for you.
The look: Finally, what most consider to be the most important part of a lip gloss. How it looks. As previously mentioned, the Laneige lends itself to thicker coats, which gives it a very shiny and hydrated look. However, Summer Fridays has the perfect mix of tint, shine, and glossy look. The Laneige is shinier, but Summer Fridays has the best of both worlds (Shine and tint), creating the best look.
When comparing what I call the best of the best (others may call it comparing two evils), I feel that The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is better, though marginally perhaps, than the Laneige Lip Glowy Balm. Summer Fridays is more cost-effective, has a better feeling application, and has the best overall look. However, I think Laneige is the product for you if prioritizing shine is your thing, or if the colorful, compact container is necessary for your day-to-day life.
