With such a large variety of awesome grooming products to choose from, it's sometimes difficult to make a final decision. Even more so when you're not completely aware of the similarities and differences between two products that serve the same purpose.

We have had a recent influx of questions from our customers concerning Beard Oil and Utility Balm, also commonly termed "beard balm". Since the oil and the balm both moisturize your beard, and the skin below it, which product works best for you?

Although the answer to this question weighs heavily on personal preference, there are some aspects of both you and the products that need to be considered. For example, what type/length of beard you're rocking. Another variable to take into consideration is what type of skin you have. Is it drier than normal, or is it excessively oily? Do you like your beard to have a shiny appearance, or prefer it to look a little less sleek?

All of these questions apply when choosing to purchase balm or oil. If you finish reading this article and still can't make up your mind, take the safe route and use both the oil and the balm. You can never have too much grooming supplies for your face blanket.

BEARD OIL

Beard oil is the classic go-to grooming accessory for the modern bearded man. When you start getting that itch in the early stages of growth, or the sun hits you just right to reveal the snow storm of beardruff, beard oil is the product that pops into your mind.

If you have a short to medium length beard, beard oil might be the perfect solution for you. Especially if you have regular or even "oily" skin. Beard oil is a light moisturizer that can be applied throughout your entire beard quickly and effortlessly.

The oil tends to be absorbed quicker than the balm. As a result, your beard will have a flatter finish appearance, rather than glossy. For the men with long beards, I would recommend using a beard brush or comb to rake the oil through the entire beard. Oil will afford you with a silky smooth beard without the gunky texture you might experience from using over the counter skin moisturizers and conditioners.

BEARD BALM

From my personal experience, I would recommend beard balm to the guys rocking a medium to long beard style. That being said, if you have a short beard and experience excessive drying of the skin, Utility Balm might work better for you than oil. The Utility Balm was designed to have a higher viscosity than the oil.

When applied, beard balm will actually sit on your beard and skin longer than the oil, to give you an added layer of moisturizer. This will give a lasting shine to your beard to make it look strong and healthy.

Beard balm also does a great job of holding down those stubborn beard hairs that don't like to go with the flow of the rest of your beard. It can also be used as a low-hold styling agent for your mustache and sideburns.

If your beard is exceptionally wiry or curly, and you might be in need of a higher hold balm, we got you covered. ManCave Styling Balm is formulated to provide a medium-high hold with minimal shine. The marshmallow consistency of this balm will lock your beard and mustache into place.

For those of you wondering if you can apply both the oil and the balm to your beard at the same time, the answer is yes. Be conservative with the products. While using both of the appropriate amounts can be the perfect combination, you can easily overdo it.