Are you into that fuller-looking pout or just want a little extra volume? Here’s where lip plumpers come in! They’ve become a must-have beauty bag essential for many.
What makes lip plumpers so desirable is their ability to give you that look of fullness without the need for injections. They come in a range of forms to suit your needs, from subtle to the more noticeable… as well as ranging from tingling to intense! They come in various forms, such as glosses, serums, balms, or creams, and use different methods to achieve the plumping effect.
How do lip plumpers work?
Lip plumpers work by either increasing blood flow to your lips, using ingredients like menthol or capsicum (yes, the stuff that makes peppers hot!), or by hydrating and swelling the lips with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
These have varying effects and can provide anything from a subtle boost to a dramatic plump.
Common Ingredients found in Lip Plumpers
- Hyaluronic Acid: A superstar ingredient in hydration! Hyaluronic acid draws water into the lips, giving them a plumper, smoother appearance. Some lip plumpers use encapsulated hyaluronic acid, which penetrates the lips more deeply, resulting in a long-lasting plump effect, giving a natural plumped appearance.
- Peptides: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can help stimulate collagen production in the skin. In lip plumpers, they help firm the lips and reduce fine lines, giving them a smoother, fuller look over time. Not spicy at all.
- Capsaicin: Derived from chili peppers, capsaicin creates that burning or tingling sensation and stimulates blood flow to the lips, causing a temporary swelling that makes lips look fuller. Ouch!
- Cinnamon Extract: Similar to capsaicin, cinnamon increases blood flow to the lips, causing a temporary but noticeable plumping effect.
- Menthol & Peppermint Oil: They are often used for their cooling sensation, these ingredients can also enhance blood circulation in the lips, giving a subtle plumping effect. They are often found in less “spicy” lip plumpers.
Do Lip Plumpers Hurt?
The feeling from lip plumpers really depends on the formula. Irritant-based plumpers, particularly those with capsaicin or cinnamon, can cause tingling or even stinging… you might find this uncomfortable so be aware! However, it’s usually mild and goes away after a few minutes. Hydration-based plumpers on the other hand, are usually more comfortable… focusing more on long-term volume without irritation.
Are Lip Plumpers Safe?
Generally, lip plumpers are safe for most people when used as directed.
However, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, you should do a patch test before applying the product to your lips.
If you overuse irritant-based plumpers, this may lead to dryness or irritation, so it’s important to balance their use with hydrating lip treatments to avoid long-term damage to the delicate skin on your lips.
How Long Do the Effects of Lip Plumpers Last?
The effects aren’t permanent… the plumping effect of lip plumpers tend to last a few hours, depending on the formula. Some products offer more long-term benefits with repeated use, especially those with hyaluronic acid or peptides, which help maintain moisture and smoothness over time.
If you’re on the look for that perfect pout, here’s a rundown of some of the best lip plumping products to try!
Hydration Based Plumpers (no spice)
Indeed Labs Hydraluron Volumising Lip Treatment
The Spicy Factor
Mild – no sting, just pure hydration.
The Effect
This treatment from Hydraluron focuses more on long-term hydration and volume thanks to its key ingredient, hyaluronic acid to plump the lips. While it may not give an instant dramatic plump, it leaves your lips feeling soft, moisturized, and naturally fuller over time.
Milani Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper
The Spicy Factor
Very mild – virtually no tingling.
The Effect
Milani’s Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper is another great option for those looking for a subtle, comfortable plump with a focus on hydration. It’s infused with hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting moisture, smoothing fine lines and adding natural volume. It’s more about nourishment than stinging to give volume, making it perfect for anyone with sensitive lips or those who prefer a gentler plumping experience.
The glossy finish gives lips a luscious, fuller look, making it ideal for daily wear and this also comes in a range of colours – gorgeous!
Esho Sculpt
The Spicy Factor
Mild – no intense sensation, just smooth and soft lips with a slight tingle.
The Effect
If you’re looking for a product that sculpts and smooths rather than stings, this one’s for you. It’s designed to create subtle fullness while nourishing your lips for a healthier look, thanks to its use of peptides in its formula to plump your lips.
The INKEY List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm
The Spicy Factor
Mild – a gentle warming sensation.
The Effect
The InkeyList have brought a more hydrating approach to plumping, this treatment uses peptides to support the natural collagen in your lips, offering a fuller look without the intense tingle. Fortified with a 6% Tripeptide Complex, the formula encourages a plumper and more defined-looking result, while 2% Ultra Filling Spheres deliver hyaluronic acid to visibly plump fine lines and lock in moisture.
The result is a smoother, more youthful appearance with the lips improving over time. Great for everyday use, you can throw this in your handbag and they also come in a range of gorgeous colours.
For moderate spice
E.l.f. Clout Pout Lip Plumping Pen
The Spicy Factor
Moderate – you’ll feel it… but it’s very bearable.
The Effect
Love this clout pout pen from E.l.f.! It’s a budget-friendly option that gives a satisfying tingle and a nice plumping effect on the lips. It’s juicy and cooling, adding volume without overdoing the sting, making it perfect for everyday use. Love that this also gives some colour to the lips… choose whichever colour works for you!
Refy Lip Sculpt Plumper
The Spicy Factor
Mild to moderate.
The Effect
This lip plumper focuses on creating smooth and defined lips, leaving a slightly noticeable plumping effect thanks to the Natural Plumping Plant-Based Agent in the formula. What’s great about the Refy Lip Sculpt is that it also features a slightly matte finish, making it perfect for layering under other lip products or wearing alone for a naturally enhanced look.
For the extreme look
Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump Lip Plumper
The Spicy Factor
Hot! Phew, this one brings the heat!
The Effect
This iconic product from Too Faced is known for its intense tingling sensation, which some find rather painful, but it delivers noticeable results. The blend of ingredients stimulates blood flow for an instant, visibly plump pout that lasts for hours including. Oh yes, it does! Make sure to stay within your lip line or you’ll end up looking a little red… certainly not one for beginners, but to get a more extreme result, this is the one.
Whether you prefer subtle hydration or that spicy, statement pout, there’s a lip plumper here for everyone. Which one are you adding to your beauty bag?
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