15 best lip plumpers that actually work, reviewed
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While lip plumpers aren't a substitute for fillers or injections, they still offer an impressive boost of volume and hydration to achieve a fuller-looking pout in a matter of sheer seconds.
But we get it: thanks to the irritation-inducing formulas of the past, it's only natural that some of us still find ourselves a tad intimidated. To reassure you, today's innovative lip plumping products are a whole different story. A wave of modern formulas have introduced nourishing ingredients that improve the condition of lips longer-term. Moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, collagen and peptides have been added to the mix for maximum hydration. Plus, extra-nourishing oils help achieve a glassy finish that reflects light to give the illusion of fullness.
Likewise, the “boosters” have had a little glow-up with gentler formulas that skip overly aggressive irritants like cayenne pepper and menthol to inflate lips without the burning sensation. Even many of those that still lean on mint do so in a much gentler, skin-friendly way. You can even find formulas that are designed to work gradually, making your lips appear slightly fuller and smoother over time. Take the Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm, for one. This innovative formulation promises to plump lips by up to 40% in four weeks.
Whether you're after a lip plumper to prep your lips before applying lipstick or if you're someone who prefers using it as a top layer of your lip combo, the good news is that there is no shortage of options to choose from. From shiny lip glosses to nourishing lip balms and even serum-like formulations, below, you'll find an edit of the most quality formulas that manage to hit a sweet balance between delivering all the plump minus the overwhelming tingling effect.
Here's everything you need to know about lip plumpers, how to safely apply them, plus the best editor-approved formulas that we tested first-hand.
SKIP TO: How do lip plumpers work? | Are lip plumpers good for your lips? | What ingredients should I watch out for? | How to use lip plumpers? | How we test.
Best lip plumpers at a glance – our top picks:
- Best Overall: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer & Plumper
- Best Lip Plumper For A Glossy Finish: MAC Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick
- Best Tinted Lip Plumping Gloss: Maybelline Lifter Gloss Plumping Lip Gloss
- Most Intense Lip Plumper: Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump Lip Plumper
Scroll down for a full edit of the best lip plumpers that are worth the hype…
Best overall: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer & Plumper
Tester: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Tingling level: 5/10.
Why we love it: If you haven't dabbled in lip plumpers enough to build up the tolerance for the tingle, this plumping lip gloss from Fenty Beauty might be just the thing you're looking for. This formula gives you that glass-like shine without the shimmer, resulting in the most reflective finish. Enriched with both shea butter and vitamin E, this gloss will leave your lips feeling plumper, smoother and more hydrated. (P.S. we highly recommend checking out the Hot Chocolit shade for the ultimate 90s lip)
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Best for a glossy finish: MAC Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Tingling level: 4/10.
Why we love it: After a juicier pout and a high-shine finish? Say less. This MAC Squirt Plumping Gloss Stick delivers exactly that, plus a subtle wash of colour to take your lip combo to the next level. Filled to the brim with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter and avocado oil, this formula also features menthol, ginger root oil and capsicum as its main three plumping ingredients, resulting in a barely noticeable tingling sensation. Available in 10 flattering shades.
Best tinted lip plumping gloss: Maybelline Lifter Gloss Plumping Lip Gloss
Tester: Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager.
Tingling level: 2/10.
Why we love it: It's glossy, it's plumping and it's hydrating. This plumping tinted gloss from Maybelline is an affordable gem that comes packed with various skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Our favourite part? The oversized doe-foot applicator, which will help cover your lips in just one swipe. And don't even get us started on the stunning shade range. A must.
Best intense plumper: Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump Lip Plumper
Tester: Sophie Donovan, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer.
Tingling level: 8/10.
Why we love it: An OG of all lip plumpers and one of the brand's best-sellers, the Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump Lip Plumper is, hands down, the most effective lip-plumping formula we've tested. Featuring Marine Filling Spheres and Atelocollage as well as avocado oil and jojoba oil, this lip enhancer is formulated to nourish as well as plump up your pout in an instant. That said, this formula is definitely not for the newbies and the tingling sensation is definitely there, so if you have sensitive skin or if you're now as accustomed to lip plumbers, we wouldn't recommend going for this option.
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Best gentle lip plumper: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Hydrating and Plumping Gloss
Tester: Samantha Reynolds, PA to Acting Executive Editor at GLAMOUR UK.
Tingling level: 4/10.
Why we love it: This lip plumper from Dior can be worn on its own as a gloss or used as a top layer for your lip combo for plumper-looking and shinier lips. Enriched with 90% natural-origin ingredients, this skincare-infused formula features the likes of hyaluronic acid and cherry oil to help your lips retain moisture for as long as possible. Available in a wide range of high-shine shades, this plumping gloss is also available in two intensities and four finishes (classic, intense, shimmer and holographic).
Best plumping lip balm: The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm
Tester: Sophie Cockett, GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Tingling level: 3/10.
Why we love it: Not a fan of lip glosses? Say no more. If you're after a plumping lip product that will nourish and hydrate your lips like a dream, consider the Inkey List's Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm. This innovative product has been formulated to deliver visible results over time, leaving your lips fuller and smoother without any excessive tingling. In fact, the brand promises a 40% improvement in as little as 4 weeks.
Best pigmented: NYX Professional Makeup Duck Plump Lip Plumping Gloss
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Tingling level: 7/10.
Why we love it: Thanks to its extensive shade range and its hydrating properties, this trending lip plumping gloss from NYX is well worth the hype. Featuring ginger as its key plumping ingredient, this formula offers an impressive level of pigment and helps achieve both instant and long-term results with ease. From bold reds and vibrant pinks to wearable nudes, this shine-giving gloss is perfect to wear on its own, thanks to its high-coverage finish.
Tingling level: 4/10.
Why we love it: We do not say this lightly, but this lip plumper from Charlotte Tilbury might just be our favourite lip product from the brand's range to date. Offering a high-shine finish and an impressive level of pigment, this plumping gloss comes in two flattering nude shades to complement a variety of skin tones. Plus, it'll also keep your lips nice and hydrated for hours on end. A win.
Tingling level: 5/10.
Why we love it: One of the brand's most recent lip product launches, the Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Powder Matte Lip is one of the most unique lip plumpers we've tried. Why? Unlike the usual gloss-inducing formulas, this iteration offers a blurred finish that dries down matte. Not only does it offer an impressive level of coverage but it also feels surprisingly comfortable and lightweight on the lips.
Tingling level: 4/10.
Why we love it: Yes, this lip plumper is far from afforable. In fact, it's the most expensive option in this roundup, but trust us when we tell you that it genuinely lives up to its price tag. Infused with La Mer's famous Miracle Broth and antioxidants, this luxe lip treatment is designed to instantly plump your lips, improving definition and softening the appearance of fine lines.
Tingling level: 7/10.
Why we love it: Formulated with natural peptides, caffeine and peppermint oil, this non-sticky and high-shine gloss from Il Makiage comes in 5 stunning, wearable shades. Whether you're team nude lip or if you love yourself a bold lip colour, this lip plumper with a tint is bound to score some points in your book. “On application, the formula glides on smoothly, delivering a wet-look sheen, and has a noticeable stinging sensation, without the sticky, tacky finish that most glosses are known for,” says Mayola Fernandes, GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer.
Tingling level: 5/10.
Why we love it: After an effecting plumping serum that will take your lip game to the next level? Say no more. This skincare-infused lip serum from Dr Dennis Gross has a slight cooling sensation and offers a slight tingle that goes away after a couple of minutes, resulting in a fuller pout and a glossy finish. Enriched with four molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and a tripeptide complex as well as bisabolol, centella asiatica and ectoin.
Tingling level: 3/10.
Why we love it: Lady Gaga has done it again. This time, we're presented with one of the brand's most innovative formulas to date that combines 4 lip products in one (I repeat: four): lip oil, lip balm, lip plumper and a lip gloss. Promising to deliver visible results in just after 2 weeks of continuous use, this formulation also comes in 3 wearable shades that are designed to complement any skin tone.
Tingling level: 5/10.
Why we love it: A lip plumper that's so moisturising, it's practically lip care. Between the brand's own unique blend of ingredients, along with a healthy helping of hyaluronic acid, this product will give you more voluptuous lips in minutes. The tingling sensation is minimal, and the consistency feels incredibly hydrating on the lips, making this formula ideal for lip-prep before you apply lipstick and lip liner.
Tingling level: 3/10.
Why we love it: This plumping lip gloss from e.l.f. Cosmetics is proof that a good lip plumper doesn't have to break the bank. For just £7, this formula comes infused with vitamin E and coconut oil to hydrate and plump your lips for a soft, supple feel and a shiny finish. Available is 10 gorgeous shades, this lip plumper is perfect for everyday use. The best part? Once you run out, you won't have to worry about spending a fortune for a top-up. You're welcome.
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How do lip plumpers work?
There's obviously some magic beauty wizardry going on there, so how exactly do lip plumpers work? “Lip plumpers are cosmetic products designed to temporarily increase the fullness and volume of the lips,” explains Emma Wedgwood, aesthetic Nurse and founder of Emma Wedgwood Aesthetics. “They typically work by causing a mild irritation or tingling sensation on the lips, which leads to temporary swelling or ‘plumping’ of the lip tissue. This effect is often achieved through ingredients like menthol, cinnamon, or peppermint oil, which stimulate blood flow to the lips and create a fuller appearance. Some lip plumpers also contain hyaluronic acid or collagen-boosting ingredients that hydrate the lips and enhance their natural volume over time with continued use,” she adds.
Are lip plumpers good for your lips?
With any new product, it's a good idea to proceed with a bit of caution. “Whether a lip plumper is good for your lips depends on the ingredients used and how your skin reacts to them,” says Emma. “While many people enjoy the temporary plumping effect of lip plumpers, some individuals may experience irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions to certain ingredients. It's essential to patch test any new lip product and discontinue use if you experience any discomfort or adverse effects. Frequent use of lip plumpers that rely on irritants may lead to increased sensitivity or dryness over time, so moderation is key,” she adds. On the days you choose to wear lip plumpers, give it at least 3-4 hours before topping your lips up with a second application.
Also bear in mind that “lip plumper is meant to go on your lips, not your face, so avoid putting the product outside your lips, and be careful when removing with a makeup wipe so as not to rub the gloss on your face,” warns Elyse Reneau, Global Executive Director of Too Faced.
What ingredients should I watch out for?
Again, this really comes down to what you and your lips can tolerate. “When choosing a lip plumper, it's essential to watch out for certain ingredients that may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Common irritants found in lip plumpers include cinnamon oil, capsicum extract (derived from chilli peppers), and menthol. These ingredients can create a tingling or burning sensation on the lips, which may be uncomfortable for some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin,” says Emma. While they're commonly used and often fine in small doses, if you find that you don't get on with them, “opt for lip plumpers that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or vitamin E, as these can help maintain lip moisture and minimise potential irritation. Always read the product label and do a patch test before using a new lip plumper to ensure it's suitable for your skin,” Emma says.
How to use lip plumpers?
Use them as a finishing touch or as a way to prep your lips for your favourite lipstick and lip liner.
How we tested the best lip plumpers
As committed beauty testers, we made sure to review a variety of different formulas that meet the needs of varying budgets and preferences. From best sellers to new releases, we've trialled different lip plumpers on a range of skin types (including sensitive skin), having judged them based on hydration levels, as well as whether they caused any irritation or burning sensations. Read more about how we test here.
Looking for more beauty products? Why not try a nourishing lip balm or a clear lip gloss? And if you're looking to restock on all your favourite makeup, haircare and skincare products to tick off your wishlist, check out our guides for the best moisturisers, lip scrubs, best mascara, best lip oils, best lip masks, best matte lipsticks, best liquid eyeliners, best concealers, and the best face SPFs.
