Lip gloss is a cosmetic used primarily to give lips a glossy lustre, and sometimes to add a subtle color. It is distributed as a liquid or a soft solid (not to be confused with lip balm, which generally has medical or soothing purposes or lipstick, which generally is a solid, cream like substance that gives off a more pigmented color.) The product is available in ranges of opacity from translucent to solid, and can have various frosted, glittery, glossy, and metallic finishes.