The difference between the two can be determined from three main points. One is by leaf color; basil leaves have a dark green leaf color, while mint has a lighter, light green leaf color. The second is through the smell, mint leaves smell cool and nice. While the leaves of basil leaves do not smell good. Thirdly, the two are consumed differently. Basil leaves are mainly used for cooking, making sauce or soup. And mint leaves are mostly used as a seasoning.