Remember duck lips?
While it’s not super en vogue to pull this mid-aughts staple, full and pouty lips are still as popular as ever, thanks to continued celeb endorsement. And while most of the plump lips you see on IG have been augmented with in-office fillers, lip plumping products are becoming increasingly popular for temporary plumping effects
But what is lip plumper exactly? And how does it work? Well, we’re here to answer these questions and more! In this article, you’ll learn all about lip plumping products and how they can help you get fuller lips – without making them look like duck lips.
What Is Lip Plumper?
Lip plumpers are cosmetic products that temporarily increase the size of your lips. There are many different lip plumping products, but they all have one thing in common – they contain ingredients that temporarily increase blood flow to your lips. This is why they give you a natural and harmless pout.
Lip plumper products come in many different forms, including:
- Glosses
- Balms
- Treatments
Lip plumpers can create a fuller pout or a more glam look. Either way, lip plumpers are an easy way to instantly make your lips look bigger – and most of them are pretty safe and easy to use, which is not something you can say about all fillers and injectables.
That’s because lip plumpers don’t actually inject any filler into your lips. Instead, they temporarily make them look larger by irritating the tiny blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. There is nothing long-term about these products, unlike fillers, which can last much longer – around six to 12 months for some, and upwards of four years for others.
How Does Lip Plumper Work?
These act as either vasodilators or humectants that expand blood vessels (vasodilators) or draw moisture from the environment and into your lips (humectants). A humectant-type lip plumper works by retaining moisture on the skin surface to cause a localized swelling effect, giving the lips a fuller, more youthful appearance for a short period of time.
Vasodilator-type lip plumpers typically contain ingredients that cause localized irritation – aka vasodilation. Blood vessel walls expand and relax, resulting in a plump and full appearance in the affected area.
Lip plumpers either include at least one of these two functional ingredient categories and contain the common ingredients listed below.
Humectants | Vasodilators |
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Lip plumpers can be used as a stand-alone product or as part of an overall lip care routine – they’re often the first step in a series of products followed by either lipstick or lip gloss!
How To Use Lip Plumper
Here’s how to apply lip plumper for the best results:
- Start with a lip scrub. Your pout will thank you for exfoliating first, as it’ll help the plumper to absorb and maximize its effects.
- Apply a light lip balm after cleansing to soothe your lips while plumping – you should notice results immediately.
- Apply the lip plumper before applying lipstick or gloss (if you want to add those to your look).
- Spread evenly across both lips using a brush or doe foot applicator (to avoid tingly numb fingers), starting from the center of the cupid’s bow up to either side of where your top and bottom lips meet.
- If you’re going for a more subtle look, you can wear the product alone. For a more dramatic look, apply opaque lipstick. You can also layer on a thin layer of gloss to create an appearance of plump lips that are more voluminous.
Ingredients In Lip Plumper
Lip plumper glosses and balms often rely on one to two ingredients that help make your lips soft, smooth, and full. These ingredients depend on the manufacturer and the formulation. Some lip plumpers contain ingredients meant to hydrate the lips and plumping ingredients, while others are solely glosses or treatments that offer a tingly, full-pout effect.
Commonly found ingredients in lip plumper products can include:
- Glycerin
- Jojoba Oil
- Castor Oil
- Beeswax
- Shea Butter
- Vitamin E
- Aloe Vera
- Avocado Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Hyaluronic acid
- Collagen
- Cinnamon oil
- Menthol
- Caffeine
Types Of Lip Plumper
If you’re looking for options, we’ve got you covered. There are a ton of different types of lip plumper options available on the market, and each has additional benefits and uses to keep in mind when you’re shopping for your lip plumper.
Lip Plumper Gloss
Lip plumpers are a type of lip gloss that will temporarily give your lips a plump, full pout. It is a lip product that applies glossy and sheer to your lips to make them look fuller and more voluminous.
Some lip plumpers may also include glitter to give an extra oomph to the look, which can be fun for going out at night or for special occasions like weddings or parties.
Natural Lip Plumper
Some people prefer a natural look. And if you’re one of them, there’s no shame in that. Whether you’re trying out a DIY recipe or grabbing one from store shelves, this type of lip plumper is all about a natural approach to plumper lips. That can be in the form of natural ingredients or the application itself.
Some might argue that using natural ingredients is no match for the instant results offered by chemical-based formulas – but these products actually offer benefits beyond their immediate effects: they’re safer for sensitive skin and won’t cause any side effects like redness or dryness.
Hyaluronic Acid Lip Plumper
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body. Hyaluronic acid lip plumpers are usually a treatment or gloss packed with hyaluron, a humectant, to make your lips glossy, full, and plump. Hyaluronic acid can be found in the skin, joints, and eyes, where it helps to moisturize and plump skin. It also helps to fill fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production.
Some at-home tools have come to market to push hyaluron into the lips not by injection but by pressure. Be careful, though! Hyaluron pens have had a warning from the FDA about their safety. They state that using needle-free devices for injection of lip and facial fillers has been associated with serious injuries, including permanent harm to the skin, lips, and eyes, so stick to hyaluronic acid lip plumper glosses and balms.
Collagen Lip Plumper
Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced in the body. It can be found in the skin, bones, and tendons. Collagen has many benefits, including improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
You can go two routes with collagen lip plumper:
At-home glosses and treatments can contain collagen to help you get fuller lips without needles or injections. You can also get in-office medical injections of collagen to make your lips look fuller and reduce wrinkles around them.
Electric Lip Plumper
Electric lip plumpers are a relatively new product in the beauty world that can help your lips look fuller. These tools are typically battery-operated, electric devices that can improve lip shape and size. They can complement lip plumper glosses greatly but proceed with caution as they can hurt your lips if you do not use them appropriately or use them too often.
Electric lip plumpers work by producing suction on your lips which causes blood flow to increase in the area underneath the suction cup. This is similar to how a vacuum cleaner works – wherever there is an opening for airflow, there will be increased pressure from outside forces trying to balance out this difference in pressure between inside and outside air pressures.
Zohna Tip
No matter which type of lip plumper you use, if it causes any prolonged burning, itching, or other side effects like blistering - wash your lips immediately and discontinue the use of the product. If the blistering or itching does not go away, get in touch with a medical professional to ensure you're not allergic to the product.
10 Best Lip Plumpers
When it comes to your lips, you only want the best. And whether your budget is big or small, there’s something for everyone. From widely loved viral faves to lesser-known up-and-comers, we have gathered the best of the best to make your shopping experience easier.
We’re rating these lip plumpers and chose them based on a few criteria:
- The price of the product (is it fair based on the product’s value?)
- Pout power (how much of a boost do your lips get from the product?)
- Lasting ability (how long does the product last?)
- Hydration factor (does the product hydrate your lips and plump them?)
All of these factors have been considered and weighed for each lip plumper listed here, so you know you can trust these are truly the best of the best.
Too Faced Lip Plumper
Looking for lip injection quality pout without needles? Too Faced’s Lip Injection Extreme Hydrating Lip Plumper in shade Bubblegum Yum is a pretty, rosy pout in a tube that not only puffs your lips up but also hydrates them.
We love that there are 4 other shades to choose from including:
- Pink punch
- Tangerine dream
- Clear
- Strawberry kiss
Coming on the higher end of the price spectrum, this product may make your wallet pout more than you’d like, but reviewers say it gives them smooth, full lips and high shine.
Zohna Rating: 4/5
LA Girl Lip Plumper
If you’re on a budget and still want full, glossy lips, this option from LA Girl is a perfect choice. Some lip plumpers are painful because they take it overboard on the tingle factor, but not these. They have a nice, non-sticky formula that looks juicy on the lips and offers a nice flush of color, too.
Plus, their price point makes it easy to stock up on a few different shades, so you have a perfect lip plumper for every look.
Zohna Rating: 4.5/5
Dior Lip Plumper
If you’ve seen this product making the rounds on social media and getting major hype, we get why! With an instant and long-lasting plumping effect, this lip gloss combines maximum hydration, comfort, and shine. It comes in a whopping 12 shades, ranging from pale pink to shimmery holo to rich coral.
But with a hefty price tag (almost $50!), this product is definitely high-end and on the pricey side, but if you’re looking for a splurge – this is it.
Zohna Rating: 4.5/5
City Lips Lip Plumper
City Lips’ Lip Plumper features no irritants or harsh chemicals, and a wide range of quality ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Oligopeptides
- Jojoba oil
- Ylang ylang oil
- Peptides
- Ceramides
Reviewers note that it feels hydrating and the colors are pretty deep for a gloss. It seems to be a common thread in reviews that some people feel like it needed a little more shimmer, and could be on the gloopy side compared to some other gloss-type lip plumpers.
Zohna Rating: 3.5/5
Lawless Lip Plumper
Talk about long lasting power! This lip plumper gloss from Lawless is designed to give your lips a delicious, full pout upon application and long after. Their clinical results showed 146% increased lip connective tissue and 100% improved lip condition after consistent use.
We love the wide doe foot applicator and selection of pretty hues, but some reviewers noted that the price was a little high for what you get in the tube.
Zohna Rating: 4/5
Tarte Lip Plumper
Tarte is known for its naturally formulated, hydrating products, and this twist-up lip plumper is no different. Reviewers say this product feels comfortable and doesn’t have the weird smell most plumping products have. The plumping isn’t overly intense but has a natural, subtle appearance and feel.
Zohna Rating: 5/5
Fenty Lip Plumper
It’s no surprise that Rihanna’s Fenty makeup line is packed with faves, and her Gloss Bomb Heat is no different. This product has no parabens or phthalates, and its ingredients work together to create an undeniably full pout. Shea butter and vitamin E help lock in moisture, leaving lips smooth and glossy.
Reviewers call this a 5-star product because the plump lasts a long time, feels nourishing and not sticky, and the colors are flattering.
Zohna Rating: 5/5
Milk Lip Plumper
Electrify your lip look with Milk’s Electric Glossy Lip Plumper. Featuring Sichuan pepper to give your lips that extra puff, and hydrating ingredients for smoothing and nourishing them along the way. It comes in an easy-to-apply tube format and a few pretty hues to give your lips a natural flush we can’t get enough of.
As much as reviewers loved this product, we noticed a lot of feedback about the product’s scent being less than pleasant, but it may not bother you if you’re a scent-lover.
Zohna Rating: 4/5
Lancome Lip Plumper
Another option from a well-known high-end brand, Lancome L’absolu Gloss in Rosy Plump is a natural, fresh looking lip plumper gloss. By combining hyaluronic acid and castor oil, this lip conditioner moisturizes and smoothes lips while tingling hot and cold technology. You can wear it alone, as a base, or over lipstick or gloss to get a gorgeous rosy pink tint.
Just keep in mind this is a heavily scented product, and while plenty of us love a scented option, it’s not for everyone. Also not for everyone? The high price tag.
Zohna Rating: 3.5/5
Clinique Lip Plumper
Using lipids, shea butter, and ceramides, this multitasking treatment smooths, relieves dryness and creates soft, dewy lips. Known for providing intense hydration and nourishment to dehydrated skin and lips, Clinique Moisture Surge products are lauded by skincare enthusiasts everywhere.
This multitasking treatment moisturizes, smooths, and prepares lips for makeup instantly, and reviewers love its flexibility. While 90% of reviewers recommend it, there is some that note it can be a bit sticky.
Zohna Rating: 4.5/5
5 Best Lip Plumping Glosses
Want to get a shot of shine with a side of plumptious lip-boosting power? Then a lip plumping gloss could be the perfect solution for you. With some offering shine, color, and plumping factor, all in one product, you can skip multiple steps and get straight to gorgeous lips. Others are simply glittery, shiny toppers perfect for completing your lip look and giving your lips that bonus boost.
Buxom Lip Gloss
Buxom lip glosses come in a variety of plumping formulas:
- Full On Plumping Lip Gloss
- Plump Shot Collagen Infused Lip Serum
- Full On Plumping Lip Matte
- Full On Plumping Lip Cream Gloss
Urban Decay Lip Gloss
Urban Decay Vice Plumping Shine is a product that gives you a sheer and glossy shine with a flush of color.
This lip plumper includes lip plumping ingredients including:
- Shea butter
- Passion fruit oil
- Hyaluronic acid
You’ll love the juicy, freshly picked shades and the comfortable wear. Reviewers say it truly hydrates their lips and looks great on various skin tones. It does have some glitter in the formula, so if you’re not a fan of that in your gloss – maybe keep that in mind before buying.
Sarah Cameron Lip Plumper Gloss
and
Looking to nab lips like Outer Banks’ character Sarah Cameron (aka actress Madelyn Cline)? TikTokers are swearing by a distinct combination of products to get the job done.
- Prep your lips
- Apply the KISSIO Lip Plumper. Let sit for 5 minutes
- Then, apply the Plump It product. It can take up to 5 minutes to take effect, and it may feel tingly or warm.
Too Faced Lip Plumper Gloss
Too Faced may have the most variety of lip plumper products of any brand:
- Lip Injection Maximum Plump
- Lip Injection Power Plumping Liquid Lip Balm
- Lip Injection Plumping Lip Gloss
- Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper
NYX Lip Plumper Gloss
NYX has a few lip plumper glosses to choose from with some differences in
NYX Lip Plumper Glosses | Description |
Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Color | Infused with ginger and hyaluronic acid for soft, full lips, this lipstick is like a cross between a traditional twist-up lipstick and a lip gloss. Available in 6 Shades. |
Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Polish | This plumping lip polish comes in six pearlescent, sheer shades with a glossy finish. |
Gimme Super Stars Plumping Lip Topper | With its pearlescent finish, this product gives the appearance of fuller lips with a single swipe. This lipstick is perfect for wearing alone or layered over your favorite lip color. |
4 Best Drugstore Lip Plumpers
Looking for a wallet-approved way to pump up your lips? Just because you’re looking for a fuller pout on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for a low-quality lip plumper. Whether you’re looking for a lip plumper gloss, a treatment, or something hydrating, there’s a drugstore lip plumper for you.
Physicians Formula Lip Plumper
This is an affordable ultra-hydrating serum plumper formulated with lustrous diamond dust for the shiniest. A hydrating hybrid gloss featuring a glittering finish that gives lips a diamond-like shine while enhancing their appearance and making them more supple at the same time, this option from drugstore staple Physician’s Formula is worth considering.
Milani Lip Gloss
Milani is known for having viral, sensational products at an affordable price, and their Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper is no exception. This nourishing formula delivers the perfect amount of color and shines while enhancing lips’ natural appearance and feel with a blend of shiny polymers, conditioning oils, and hyaluronic acid.
Maybelline Lifter Gloss Hydrating Lip Gloss
With a whopping 20 shades, this gloss is sheer, juicy, and easy to apply and gives your lips a lift. Featuring a large wand for smooth application, this gloss has a smooth and non-sticky feel thanks partly to the hydrating boost from hyaluronic acid. The hardest thing you’ll have to decide is which gorgeous shade you’ll try first!
E.L.F Lip Plumping Gloss
Who hasn’t turned to ELF for an affordable staple to add to your makeup bag!? This formula is enriched with vitamin E and coconut oil to nourish and hydrate the lips. It moisturizes, nourishes, and moisturizes the lips while providing a soothing sensation while it volumizes. The natural shades of shimmering color add a pop to your look that’s perfect for workdays or a night out.
3 Dermatologist Recommended Lip Plumper Options
What do the pros recommend? And what makes these lip plumpers special? Let’s get into the best dermatologist-recommended lip plumpers to help you achieve filler-quality lips with a few simple swipes and forget the pain of needles and the fuss of injections.
Dr. Devgan Lip Plumper
This lip plumper is created by Dr. Lara Devgan, one of America’s leading plastic surgeons. Dr. DeVgan offers a coveted product perfect for achieving dermatologist-approved lips alongside a ton of other skincare miracles.
She has created three versions of this product:
Platinum Lip Plump Type | What It Does |
The Original | An antioxidant-rich lip plumper in the form of a clear gloss. Rich in collagen-producing ceramides and hydrating nutrients for hydration, visible volume, and improvement in color immediately after use. |
SPF 30 | All the goodness of the original plumper product with the addition of protection from UV damage, with UVA/UVB SPF 30. |
The Day To Night Duo | A combo pack of both the original formula and the SPF formula. Use the SPF formula during the daytime for sun protection and the original for nighttime enhancement. |
With hundreds and hundreds of rave reviews, and celeb endorsements, this is one of the most popular dermatologist recommended lip plumpers and most lauded products of the year.
Dr. Brandt Lip Plumper
With a ton of other dermatologist-approved and fan-faves in their lineup, Dr. Brandt’s expertise is favored by regular people and celebs alike. Their Needles No More 3-D Lip Plumpfix product is a two stage, AM/PM treatment that comes in a double-sided want-applicator.
Each side works on a different lip plumping level:
- AM: Hydrating and plumping, this lightweight cream improves lip definition and rejuvenates lips.
- PM: Deeply hydrates and nourishes lips, promoting overnight recovery.
GLAMGLOW Plumprageous Lip Treatment
With the help of these high-shine nude shades, Glamglow’s Plumprageous Lip Treatment lips instantly appear fuller and plumper. These high-shine nude shades contain botanical skincare ingredients to make lips feel conditioned. Lips are enhanced to become truly voluptuous with the megawatt high-shine finish that’s non-sticky.
FAQ
How to Make Lip Plumper at Home?
Lip plumpers are a type of lip gloss that contain ingredients that help to make your lips appear fuller. You can make your own lip plumper by mixing a few ingredients together you probably already have in your pantry.
There are plenty of recipe options, with two primary categories of DIY lip plumpers:
- Treatment or scrubs: These are applied, and wiped or washed off prior to applying other products.
- Plumping glosses: These are homemade glosses that give your lips an extra kick that doesn’t need to be wiped off or removed.
Some recipes are safer than others, and you should always use caution when making or mixing cosmetics and treatments at home.
How Long Do Lip Plumpers Last?
You may be wondering how long a lip plumper will last. It all depends on the type of product you choose, but most lip plumpers last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours. They can last longer if used with a lip primer, which might be worth it if you want your pout to stay fuller for longer.
Some people use them alone and others prefer to wear their regular lipstick or gloss over top of their favorite plumper for maximum effect! However you choose to go about it, whether solo or paired with another item, the effect will fade away until your lips return back to their normal size and shape again.
How Long Does Lip Plumper Take To Work?
The answer to how long does lip plumper take to work? It depends on the product. Some plumpers can be applied in five minutes and be effective immediately, while others may take up to 30 minutes for you to see any results. The time it takes depends on the product you’re using, how your lips are, and how sensitive your skin is.
How to Make Lip Plumping Lip Gloss?
It’s easy to make your own lip plumping gloss at home. You can grab a few common household items to get the job done.
Here are the simple steps to make your lip plumping lip gloss:
- Grab some of your favorite clear or colored lip gloss. You can also use petroleum jelly for a thicker, more hydrating application.
- Mix in 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne powder and a few drops of peppermint oil to a few tablespoons of gloss or jelly. Mix well until combined.
- Apply this mixture liberally to your lips.
Be sure to wash your hands after applying, or use a brush to apply the lip plumper to avoid getting cayenne pepper or peppermint oil contact with your eyes.
Is Lip Plumper Supposed to Burn?
It is a common misconception that lip plumpers should burn. While it’s true that temporary irritation can be a side effect of some products, and generally, a mild to moderate tingle is common in good lip plumpers, the sensation should not be painful.
If you experience severe swelling, blistering, redness, or sensitivity in the area where you applied the product on your lips, stop using it immediately and consult with your doctor.
How Long Does the Lip Plumper Tool Last?
The answer is – it depends. The lip plumper tool is a one-time purchase that you’ll use for years. But if your tool is made of cheap plastic and you don’t take care of it properly, it may only last for a few months. On the other hand, if you buy a more durable model, your lip plumper could last you for many years!
The best way to ensure longevity in your purchase is to do some research on whatever lip plumper tool you plan on buying before purchasing anything at all – this will help protect yourself from any potential scams out there as well as make sure that what you get works well with your skin type and style preferences.
Say Hello to Plumper Lips
It’s true that only you can define what is and isn’t beautiful, and even if you want fuller lips, there are plenty of other ways to achieve that other than using cosmetic products. If you’re looking for a product that will give you fuller-looking lips immediately, consider trying some lip plumper.