These Lip Plumpers Are So Effective, You'll Cancel Your Filler Appointment (2024)

Do Lip Plumpers Work?

While lip fillers are injectable, medical-grade products that add volume to the lips with long-lasting results (think months to years), lip plumpers offer more fleeting results. Most lip plumpers work by causing a mild irritation to the lips, increasing blood flow to the area to trigger a volumizing effect that lasts a few hours. If you're looking for a subtle, temporary plumping effect, a good lip plumper is worth a try. If you're looking for more dramatic results, consider consulting a dermatologist about lip fillers.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Cinnamon, ginger, peptides | Shades: 5 | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Patrick Ta's lip gloss was the most impressive product in our test. It left lips feeling hydrated, noticeably plumper, and much fuller. (Most likely due to the inclusion of peptides, aka proteins that smooth fine lines, in the formula.) The gloss felt slightly sticky at first and had a tingling sensation due to the cinnamon and ginger extracts—which stimulate blood flow—but it wasn't uncomfortable and faded after a few minutes. Also nice: The shiny finish of this lip gloss had serious staying power, lasting nearly all day without needing to be reapplied.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Shades: Clear | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Essence's What the Fake lip gloss is a budget-friendly option that leaves lips feeling soft and hydrated, thanks to a blend of hydrators like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. The application is smooth, but the applicator itself can be flimsy. The tingling sensation was stronger than we would have preferred, but it effectively plumped lips for about 30 minutes, so it was well worth the slight discomfort. While a tinted version would be nice, the gloss did what it said it would.

Key Ingredients: Marine extracts, minerals | Shades: Pinkish-clear | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: No

If you can swing the steep price, La Mer won't let you down. From the brand behind the world-famous, highly coveted—and extremely expensive—Crème de la Mer, The Lip Volumizer delivers noticeable results. If we had to describe this formula in a few words, we'd say it's slick, smooth, and fluid. The formula is incredbly hydrating (thank you, proprietary marine extracts and minerals) and the large plush applicator is a fan-favorite. Upon application, there is a moderate tingling sensation (though it wasn't uncomfortable) due to the menthol and capsicum in the formula. If you have sensitive skin or a fragrance allergy, you may want to skip this one, as it has a strong, sweet fragrance and potentially irritating plumping ingredients.

Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane | Shades: N/A | Finish: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The best kit we tried was PMD's Kiss System. Though there was a slight learning curve with the multi-step process, it does provide a volumizing effect. The pulsating vacuum quite literally sucks your lips to plumpness, which, admittedly, is something that takes getting used to. After that, you apply the serum and then the mask. While using the device was kind of painful, the mask felt amazing (probably because it contains hydrating ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane), leaving our lips extremely hydrated and smooth.

Key Ingredients: Marula oil, mango seed butter, ginger, peppermint | Shades: Universal nude | Finish: Glossy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Lorac Holy Lips was also a hit in the lab. Between the pointed doe-foot applicator and the subtle volumizing effect, there's a lot to love. The serum gradually became tinglier (likely due in part to the ginger and peppermint in the formula), but after the tingles subsided, our lips looked slightly plumper. This product was also very hydrating (shoutout marula oil and mango seed butter) and while we wish it came in more colors, the honey-golden nude shade is undeniably flattering.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamin E | Shades: 10 | Finish: Glossy/creamy | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Buxom's Full-On Gloss tingled more intensely than other products we tried, but the sensation was temporary, and overall, it felt nice on the lips. We appreciate its smooth consistency—though it got a little stickier the longer it was on. In addition to a subtle plumping effect, our lips looked more defined, thanks to the formula that contains a heaping dose of hyaluronic acid. We'd be remiss not to share that the formula can be drying, especially if your lips are already chapped.

Key Ingredients: Maxi-Lip complex, shea butter, ceramides, ginger | Shades: 2 | Finish: Shiny | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This overnight lip treatment was a hit not only in the lab but also during at-home testing. (See the full review here.) The lovely lippie has a smooth consistency and a comfortable feel with no tingling whatsoever. We're not thrilled that it comes in a little pot (finger application isn't very hygienic), but still, the brand's patented Maxi-Lip complex produces immediate results. Oh, and you can count on incredibly hydrated, nourished lips come morning. We did notice a difference upon waking up, but we didn't love that it washed off relatively quickly after brushing our teeth and drinking water, making it a less-than-ideal option for daytime.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, coconut oil | Shades: 8 | Finish: Glossy/sheer color | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Our favorite drugstore lip plumper is from e.l.f. Cosmetics. Exceptionally smooth and not too thick or sticky, this creamy gloss feels nice on the lips. We experienced a slight cooling sensation, but overall, the formula was comfortable. Once it calmed down, our lips were noticeably fuller with ample shine—a major win in our book. Available in eight flattering shades, this tinted lip gloss boasts excellent color payoff, leaving you with a moisturized, healthy-looking pout. The scent is nice too!

FAQ

• How do lip plumpers work?

  Not all lip plumpers are created equal, but many of the glosses, balms, masks, and creams out there have ingredients that draw moisture into the skin’s surface, resulting in a plumped appearance. “This gives the lips a fuller and smoother appearance,” Kassajikian says. However, others contain the blood-rushing ingredients mentioned above, which cause the lips to temporarily swell and become inflamed to appear fuller. LED devices also exist, which boost collagen production within the lips to create a fuller, smoother appearance.

• Are lip plumpers safe?

  Most lip plumpers are safe for occasional use, but there are a few ingredients to avoid.

  • High concentrations of capsaicin:This is the ingredient that makes chili peppers hot, and too much can cause a burning sensation when applied topically.
  • Menthol and alcohols:The cooling sensation created by menthol can be drying and irritating, especially on sensitive lips. Some lip plumpers contain alcohol (like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) for faster drying time or a specific texture but they can strip the lips of their natural moisture.
  • Artificial fragrances: Artificial scents can irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies. Look for plumpers scented with natural essential oils (like peppermint oil) instead.
  • Heavy metals: While rare, some lip plumpers may contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, which are typically byproducts of coloring agents.

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this story, she compiled insights from makeup artists and first-hand commentary from our testers to craft trustworthy product recommendations. She has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers makeup, skincare, and at-home beauty treatments. You can read more of her articles on The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Travel + Leisure. To educate us on all things lip plumpers, Steve Kassajikian, Urban Decay’s global makeup artist, lent us his expertise.

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