While there are semi-permanent options for achieving a fuller pout, the commitment and cost are hard to reverse, making it a big decision to follow through on. But there are temporary solutions to receive similar results without going under the needle.
Lip plumpers are that one solution you can rely on. Although tingling (and slightly burning, depending on the formula) at first, lip plumpers can increase volume to your lips for a few minutes to even a few hours without reapplication. Some will even use gloss to give the illusion of fuller lips, or come in a lip balm to hydrate and soothe any dryness from the effects.
Thus, you'll want to base your lip plumper on the finish and its ingredients for lasting volume. But you might still be wondering: What are the best lip plumpers? We reached out to experts and our editors to round up their favorite picks, along with expert-guided tips on how to use and what to look for.
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Do lip plumpers actually work?
"Lip plumpers work by increasing blood flow to the lips in a gentle way, which can make them look fuller for a short time," explains cosmetic chemist Dr. Shuting Hu. You may notice some tingling or even burning when using a lip plumper, which "causes a temporary swelling effect that makes the lips appear fuller," adds makeup artist Caitlyn Dominic. "It’s kind of like a mini workout for your lips — they react to the stimulation by flushing and swelling just a bit, which gives that plump, juicy look."
What ingredients are usually in a lip plumper?
"Ingredients such as ginger, peppermint or chili pepper extract are commonly used to create that warm or tingling feeling," says Hu. For those looking for added skin care in their lip plumper, she also suggests products with "ingredients that help care and hydrate the lips, like hyaluronic acid, peptides or natural oils."
The best lip plumpers, according to experts and editors
Most affordable:
At just $5, production associate Audrey Eckman calls this L.A. Girl Tinted Lip Plumper one of the "most effective plumpers out there" for its value. "The color payoff is impressive but buildable, and I like that it leaves a slight tint and plumped up effect behind even after I wipe it off," she says.
Since it uses cinnamon to plump, Eckman notes that you'll notice a bit of burn. "If you like to feel the spicy tingle to know your plumper is working, you’ll like it. But if you have sensitive skin, I’d recommend a patch test before applying."
Funnest applicator:
"The Plump & Pout Lip Plumping Booster Gloss from Beauty Creations is great and works for the accessible price point," suggests Hu. "It contains vanillyl butyl ether to create a warming sensation that temporarily creates fullness, and the vitamin E works to moisturize and protect the lips."
Editor's note: While Hu is not affiliated with the brand, both the expert and Beauty Creations are under the same agency.
All about the shine:
This Lawless lip plumper is one lip plumper Dominic frequently reaches for in her makeup kit. She says it delivers shine, hydration, color and plump without the tingle. "There are several lip plumpers on the market that I’ve tested myself that truly work — but would be too tingly for me to use on a client," the makeup artist mentions. That's why she loves this product since it is not "too overwhelming to where you want to wipe the product off."
Dominic also loves the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm. While not a traditional lip plumper, the product has a high shine finish that gives the lips a fuller appearance.
For a comfortable plump:
Like many people, I don't often reach for lip plumpers because of the burning sensation. I also have naturally full lips, so I've never had too much interest in them. I recently tried this pick from Dibs Beauty, though, and love how the tingle is incredibly subtle, so I can enjoy the results. Although not too dramatic, the plump added a touch of volume to my lips. But what I loved most is that the shade I chose, Rhubarb Pie, enhanced my natural lip color. The formula is also incredibly moisturizing for dry lips and lines!
Multi-editor recommended:
"Some say that beauty is pain — and in the case of this, the pain is IMMENSE," says SEO editor Jess Bender. "After feeling like my lips were going to melt off my face for about 15 minutes, though, the plumping effect was undeniable. My upper lip just about doubled in size and had a defined lip flip, while the lower portion of my pucker was comically large."
The brand says their 'plumping complex' is what gives this intense plump (and for many users, the burn), which promises instant and long-term plumping after use. But if you can handle the burn, and want more of the volume, Eckman also recommends the brand's improved formula of the product, the B.I.G Mouth XL Plump Intensive Lip Plumping Concentrate, which she says "looks like real lip filler."
Best color payoff:
"I’m not typically a lip plumping gal because I find it to be uncomfortable (the plumping of it all is usually too intense), but this one feels more cooling than anything else," describes associate editor Kamari Stewart. The brand contributes this to their 'heat and ice technology,' which should help plump the lips without the sting. "Plus, the color payoff is really great," she adds.
If you can tolerate more sting:
"This gloss really plumps," emphasizes makeup artist Natalie Dresher. "Or you’re looking for a lip filler effect, this is the gloss for you. It definitely brings on the sting, so recommended for those with more of a tolerance for lip plumper."
Want the volume without the burn? Dresher also recommends the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plumping Gloss for juicy lips.
Enhances your lip color:
After a quick plump of gloss, trends editor Vivien Moon instantly noticed results from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare's DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment. "While there is some tingling and a little 'pain' to it, it’s not the worst I’ve felt considering the color/size it provides. I think it’s tolerable!," she highlights. "I will note that the top isn’t the best, and has come off before in my bag. I would recommend keeping it in a specific pocket, section of your bag or in a spot it won't roll around in."
Frequently Asked Questions
Both Hu and Dominic say you can expect plumpers to last for a few hours, most often between one to three hours. "It really depends on the formula and how your skin reacts to it," Hu notes.
However, "You’ll usually notice the most volume within the first 30 minutes after application, and then it gradually fades," says Dominic. While all-day results will require reapplication, the commitment is based on personal preference. "I personally reapply lip products throughout the day anyway, so for me, it being temporary is not a dealbreaker," the MUA adds.
For plumping glosses, Dresher suggests that the 'plumping' effect will go away once the gloss wears off.
"It should be okay for most people to wear a lip plumper every day, but if your skin starts to feel irritated, dry or too red, I would recommend using the product less frequently," says Hu, but you'll want to look for hydrating ingredients to protect your lips.
"Some people with more sensitive skin may experience redness or irritation," adds Dresher, so you'll want to pay attention to how your pout reacts to consistent use. This is because "many plumpers use mild irritants like cinnamon or menthol to create that tingling effect," explains Dominic, so "wearing them every day could lead to dryness, flaking or sensitivity for some people."
But as a pro-tip: "If your lips start feeling overly chapped or irritated, take a break from the product," suggests Dominic. "I also recommend following a lip plumper with a rich, non-irritating lip mask or balm at night to keep your lips healthy."
How we chose
We leaned on the recommendations and expertise of makeup artists and a cosmetic chemist to select the best lip plumpers. We also tapped into the knowledge of Shop TODAY editors, asking them to share their favorite lip plumpers they own and love.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Shuting Hu is a cosmetic chemist, skin biologist and founder of Acaderma.
- Caitlyn Dominic is a Charlotte-based makeup artist.
- Natalie Dresher is a New York City-based makeup artist.
