Purposes - Beard oils and beard balms share the common purpose of making your beard look and feel as good as possible.  Beyond that they couldn't be more different though. Beard oil is primarily for the skin under the beard and then also for the beard hairs themselves. Beard oil will help prevent beard itch, prevent beard dandruff (aka beardruff), nourish the skin, and make the hairs feel and smell great. Beard balm is exclusively for the hairs and not meant for the skin. Beard balm will offer some nourishment for the hairs with the fatty acids we mentioned. The main purpose of beard balm is for styling and hold. This is a natural and safe way to get your beard to stay with the style you would like.

Application Methods - The way you apply these two products is very different. Beard oil is applied to the skin under the beard with your finger tips and then using the palm to work the remaining oil throughout the beard. Beard balm is applied by melting the balm in your palm and then working throughout the beard hairs. Focusing on the outside of the beard to lock in the style and keep the balm away from the skin. Both should be combed or brushed after for finishing style. 

Now sit back and enjoy that luscious man mane of yours, while you look and smell great!