13 best lip plumpers for your juiciest pout (minus the annoying tingling)
Although lip plumpers are definitely not an alternative for getting lip fillers, they're still well worth the hype. From shiny lip glosses to nourishing lip balms and even serum-like formulations, they come in all shapes and forms to help boost the blood flow to the lips for your juiciest pout yet.
Admittedly, I haven't always had a healthy relationship with lip plumpers. As someone who has sensitive skin, I'm all too familiar with the unpleasant burning sensation and irritation that comes with an old-school lip plumper.
Thankfully, lip plumping formulas have come a long way, and today's iterations come without the overly aggressive irritants such as cayenne pepper or cinnamon, and even those that still lean on mint do so in a much more gentler, skin-friendly way.
Improved lip plumpers are also known for their moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, collagen and peptides, as well as various essential oils for maximum hydration. Plus, the extra-nourishing oils also add to that glass-like shiny finish that will reflect light, giving the illusion of fullness.
Heck, 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, irritatant-free formulation promises a 40% improvement in just 4 (!) weeks.
Intrigued? Here's everything you need to know about lip plumpers, how to safely apply them, plus the best editor-approved formulas that we rate.
Best lip plumpers at a glance – our top picks:
- Best lip plumper overall: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Lip Gloss
- Best tinted lip plumper: Il Makiage Uncensored Lip Plumping Gloss
- Best TikTok-approved lip plumper: NYX Duck Plump Lip Plumping Gloss
- Best plumping lip balm: The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm
How to use lip plumpers:
How you use lip plumpers has also moved on, too, allowing you to use them as a finishing touch or as a way to prep your lips for your favourite lipstick and lip liner.
“Lip plumper is meant to go on your lips though, 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.
There's also no strict limitation for how often you choose to re-apply the product throughout the day. However, if you're new to lip plumping products, we recommend taking it one step at a time. Try to give it at least 3-4 hours before topping your lips up with a second application.
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.
This dry lip hack is derm approved!
Scroll down for a full edit of the best lip plumpers that are worth your time…
Best lip plumper overall
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Lip Gloss
Tingling level: 5/10
Why we love it: An OG of all lip plumpers and one of the brand's best-sellers, the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Lip Gloss 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. “It only stung for the first 5-10 seconds and has calmed down almost immediately after, leaving my lips visibly softer and fuller-looking,” says GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet.
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Best tinted lip plumping gloss
Il Makiage Uncensored Lip Plumping Gloss
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.
Best TikTok-approved lip plumper
NYX Professional Makeup Duck Plump Lip Plumping Gloss
Tingling level: 5/10
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 either its own or as a top-up as part of your go-to lip combo.
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Best plumping lip balm
The Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm
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 hydrated your lips like a dream, you must 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.
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Best lip plumper for beginners
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer & Plumper
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 hydrating lip plumper
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Hydrating and Plumping Gloss
Tingling level: 4/10
Why we love it: This lip plumping gloss from Dior can be worn on its own as a gloss or even used as a lipstick primer for plumper-looking and hydrated 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).
Check out these Sephora discount codes when shopping for lip plumpers.
Best lip plumper for experienced users
Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump Lip Plumper
Tingling level: 8/10
Why we love it: Now, if you're after a more intense lip-plumping experience, you'll love the Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump Lip Plumper (the brand's most effective lip plumper yet). Thanks to its instantly volumising formula, this gloss offers maximum plumping effect while looking after the softness of your lips all at the same time. 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. Otherwise, fuller lips are just a swipe away.
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Best nourishing lip plumper
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLips Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss
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.
Check out these Sephora discount codes when shopping for lip plumpers.
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Best premium lip plumper
Tingling level: 4/10
Why we love it: Yes, this lip plumper is far from being 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.
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Best plumping lip serum
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Plump and Repair Lip Treatment
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.
Best affordable lip plumper
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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Best gentle lip plumper
Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss
Tingling level: 2/10
Why we love it: Glossy? Yes. Plumping and hydrating? Yes aaand yes. This plumping gloss from Maybelline is an affordable gem that comes packed with multiple skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Our favourite part? The oversized dofa applicator, which will help cover your lips in one swipe. And don't even get us started on the stunning shade range. A must.
- EntertainmentWho is the real Martha from Baby Reindeer?
Best 4-in-1 lip plumper
Haus Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Glaze Plumping Lip Gloss
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.
Check out these Sephora discount codes when shopping for lip plumpers.
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.
