From sheer and pigmented shades to glosses and balms, there is an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. That’s why we took to the PEOPLE Testing lab to see which product reigns as the best once and for all. We tested 27 popular lip plumpers to evaluate their feel, ingredients, plumping ability, hydration, and finish.
With lip plumper often comes a tingling sensation, a result of the plumping agents within the product reacting to your skin. Henney states that you “should feel a little, as that will mean the plumping effect is working.” However, this should never hurt or be uncomfortable.
With so many plumping products on the market, it’s hard to know which product is right for you. “[The] best ingredients to look for are hyaluronic filling spheres and vitamin E, and [be sure to] avoid parabens and sulfates,” says celebrity makeup artist Tobi Henney , known for glamming stars like Megan Fox and Ashley Graham for the red carpet (plump lips included).
Fuller lips have been the beauty standard for quite some time, with many people overlining with lip pencils or turning to filler for a more permanent plump. But if you want to avoid the doctor’s chair and achieve a voluptuous pout at home, then you may want to give lip plumpers a shot.
Best Overall
Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump Lip Plumper
Sephora
View On Target
$33
View On Nordstrom
$16
View On Sephora
$18
Pros
This lip plumper gave us the longest-lasting pout (we rarely had to reapply).
We saw the most physical plumping effects with this product.
The formula was never sticky or clumpy on our lips.
Cons
This product packs a punch in its plumping agents, meaning you’ll feel the tingling sensation a bit more noticeably in this product than in others.
When a product is named “Lip Injection Maximum Plump Extra Strength Lip Plumper,” you know it’s going to put in the work. This gloss from Too Faced scored five out of five stars for its plumping ability when we tested it in the PEOPLE lab, a score that was unrivaled (except for one other product by the same brand). Right off the bat, this product significantly and visibly plumped our lips, making them look fuller than they had originally. On top of that, we got a much longer wear time out of this tube than the others. Available in five glossy shades, ranging from shimmery formulas to high-shine finishes, this plumper was the star of the show.
We do want to warn you about the tingling sensation, however, as this plumper really does what it says. The formula is made with “max-plumping technology” that made our lips a bit sensitive. While you won’t feel that annoyingly sticky texture, you may feel the burning sensation that comes with it — so proceed with caution.
But despite having a potentially uncomfortable tingling formula, its hydrating properties quickly erase any irritation. We were left with soft lips after wearing the plumper for a prolonged period of time, which made our lips look even more supple than before. Living up to its name, we can confirm that this is the most intense plumper we’ve tried yet.
Shades: 5 | Finish: Shimmery gloss, high shine | Size: 0.14 ounce (mini size: 0.10 ounce)
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
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People / Jessica Juliao
Best Budget
Elf Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss
Walmart
View On Amazon
$7
View On Target
$7
View On Walmart
$7
Our Ratings
Pros
The plumping agent produces a cooling sensation, which calms our skin instead of irritating it.
We were able to reapply it several times in the same day without feeling sensory overload on our lips.
It has a smooth and hydrating formula that includes vitamin E and coconut oil.
Cons
While this plumper is great for color, there is not a clear gloss option for everyday wear or makeup application prep.
Everyone knows e.l.f. for their budget-friendly and pleasantly great quality products, so it’s no surprise that this plumping gloss won for the cost-conscious category. We were surprised by how noticeably smooth and hydrating this gloss was, leaving our lips moisturized long after the product had faded away thanks to its vitamin E and coconut oil-infused formula. Its cooling sensation was strongly preferred over the tingling feeling that many other plumpers provided, which made this one much more pleasant to wear.
However, because of this softer sensation, the plumping result was more subtle than the others we tried. While our lips certainly looked fuller and juicier, we did think they could stand to be a little poutier than they were after 15 minutes of wear (when it should have taken full effect). If we have one small complaint it’s that this product doesn’t come in a clear gloss for everyday wear. However, due to its selection of buildable colors and very reasonable price tag, this e.l.f. product is a great option for those who are just starting to experiment with plumpers.
How it’s held up: Even as the months fly by, we’re still reaching for this plumper for everything from dinner and drinks to everyday errands. Its plumping sensation is so light on our lips that we’ve been replacing our everyday glosses with it. Though it’s meant to manipulate the fullness of our lips, we’ve never felt discomfort from using it as many times as we need throughout the day (though it’s pretty long-lasting, so we really only need to reapply two to three times a day). While we do wish it produced a more dramatic plumping effect than it does, we can’t complain about the pretty color options and, of course, the price point. (Plus, it’s small enough to throw in even our smallest purses, so what’s to not like?)
Shades: 10 | Finish: Sheer gloss with pigment | Size: 0.09 ounce
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Hydrating
Patrick Ta Major Volume Lip Gloss
Sephora
View On Sephora
$26
View On Kohls.com
$26
View On Patrickta.com
Our Ratings
Pros
This product packs major plumpness and shine.
Its natural plumping ingredients produce a tingling sensation that doesn’t burn or irritate.
The formula is pumped with peptides that give our lips more volume while nourishing our skin barrier.
Cons
You need to apply several layers of this product to get the full plumping effect.
If you’re looking for a plumper that’s going to double as a lip mask, then the Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss is the product for you. Right away, we noticed the initial stickiness and tingling sensation of the product but felt both of these effects die down as the 15 minutes of wear time went on. We felt like we could keep this plumper on all day and not have to reapply lip balm from how moisturizing it was — almost akin to a mask. We’d go so far as to say that you probably don’t even need to apply lip balm before putting this on because it’s just that good.
The formula is infused with natural ingredients like cinnamon and ginger to safely plump your lips, which we prefer to the chemically-induced burning sensations that some products produce. It’s also packed with hydrating and nourishing peptides that support delicate lip skin and make the lips shine. However, we felt like we needed to apply several layers to notice a difference in the fullness of our lips. Aside from that, the hydrating effects of the gloss and color selection were enough to prove this plumper’s worth. In the end, this plumper was one of our favorites and really did what it said it would — bringing “major volume.”
How it’s held up: We couldn’t sing more praises for the luscious gloss that is the Major Volume plumper from Patrick Ta. Even after months of use, we still find ourselves enamored with the fullness and moisturization that this formula provides us, doubling as both a volumizing gloss and a nourishing mask. We’ve done everything from wearing it alone to layering it on top of our lip liners — we can’t decide on a favorite way to use it because it’s all so good. For its reasonable price, hydrating properties, and long-wearing results, we think this plumper is worth every penny.
Shades: 5 | Finish: High-shine gloss | Size: 0.30 ounce
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Color Payoff
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump
Sephora
View On Target
$24
View On Target
$24
View On Target
Our Ratings
Pros
This lip plumper comes in a ton of different flattering shades.
Its maracuja oil-infused formula smooths and firms your lips while adding a high-shine finish.
There is no stinging or burning sensation, just a fresh, minty feeling.
Cons
The tube does not hold too much product, which means you may have to purchase it frequently when you fall in love.
Most lip plumpers are oftentimes made as gloss formulas, but rarely do you see them in a balm, pseudo-lipstick form. What makes this plumper from Tarte different is the lipstick-like tube that you click at the bottom to push the product up, serving as a balm, gloss, and color all in one. And with a wide selection of glossy shades, it’s impossible to not talk about the great color payoff that this plumper provides. One swipe of the plumper gives off a sheer, moisturized look, while two coats produce a glossy finish — a feat almost unheard of from a lipstick consistency.
Thanks to the product’s plant-based formula, the plumping agents produced a subtle minty tingle on our lips (far preferable to burning or stinging). We were also impressed by the way the infused maracuja oil moisturized and smoothed our lips, serving as a gloss, balm, and volumizer all in one. However, we do think that the hydrating effects outweighed the plumping — our lips were significantly more moisturized, but we can’t say they were exceptionally plump. But if you’re looking for subtle fullness and a juicy lip, then this Tarte stick is the one for you. (However, keep in mind that you’ll need to replenish your supply of this plumper frequently as the tube does not hold much product.)
How it’s held up: Months have gone by and yet one thing stays the same: we love this product. While the plumping effect isn't massive, we think it leaves a nice color behind while also nourishing the skin barrier with its high-shine formula. We continue to throw this in our bags for everything from the office to drinks with friends because of how easy it is — no stickiness or burning, just moisturization and long-wearing color.
Shades: 11 | Finish: High-pigment shine | Size: 0.095 ounce
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
The 16 Best Lip Oils of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Application
Lorac Holy Lips Plumping Serum
Amazon
View On Amazon
$11
View On Walmart
$38
View On Ulta
$20
Our Ratings
Pros
The plush applicator easily contours to the shape of your lips.
Its golden hue is ideal for achieving the illusion of larger lips.
We only noticed a slight tingle and never felt discomfort or irritation after applying this formula.
Cons
The gloss is scented like glazed doughnuts, which may not be for everyone.
The Lorac Holy Lips Plumping Serum was a top contender for many reasons, but the standout quality of this product was the doe-foot applicator. This teardrop-shaped tip was great for strategic coverage, contouring to the shape of our lips and highlighting our cupid’s bows without making a mess. We saw real results when we swiped on this golden gloss, partly due to the formula’s plumping agents and partly due to the honey hue that made our lips appear more dimensional. After applying, we felt a slight tingle, but no discomfort or irritation. To add to the ever-growing list of pros, this plumper is also pretty affordable.
This product was one of the few that we really thought made a difference in the fullness of our lips — though the end result wasn't drastic. However, the hydration this plumper provided was a perk, as the serum left our lips feeling moisturized long after wiping it off. Also of note: the scent — like glazed doughnuts — may not be appealing to everyone.
How it’s held up: After using this plumper for six months, we’ve found ourselves gravitating towards it for nice events, special occasions, and weekends out — basically whenever we want to elevate our appearances a little more. The gloss has remained pretty and pouty when we swipe it on, giving us a little bit of fullness sans the tingling sensations that we don’t love. If you’re looking for a plumper that you could wear every day (you don’t have to be like us and wait for a special occasion), then this could be a great option for you.
Shades: 1 | Finish: Neutral, shiny gloss | Size: 0.16 ounce
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
The 20 Best Lip Balms of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Shade Range
Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$24
View On Nordstrom
$24
View On Nordstrom
$24
Our Ratings
Pros
This plumper comes in shimmer, glitter, and high-shine finishes.
We were left with noticably fuller pouts after swiping on this gloss.
A little goes a long way, making this a worthwhile buy.
Cons
This product is a bit stickier than our other selections.
Available in a wide range of shades with your choice between shimmer, glitter, and high-shine finishes, this paraben-free gloss from Too Faced gives you a plethora of options to play with. Because of its wide variety, there are endless ways to wear this plumper. Whether you’re layering a lighter color atop a darker lip liner for some dimension or wearing a monochromatic look, you’re bound to see some pigment (and plumping power) when you wear this lip. We loved how pretty this gloss was on our lips, especially when we tried fun hues and finished, and appreciated its thin consistency and hydrating feel. Be forewarned: The shiny look comes at a small cost — it feels a bit sticky.
But not unlike the other products out there, we felt that this gloss was not incredibly plumping (but then again, you can only do so much without a doctor’s visit). Overall, we could achieve a cute, pouty look that gave us a little more volume than our average glosses could. We can thank not only the plumping agents within the formula but the tinted gloss for that, as the high-shine formula helps create the illusion of fuller lips sans needles. It’s also a great value, as you only need to apply a little to get great results.
How it’s held up: We’re still gravitating towards this gloss even after six months due to its slight plumping effect and beautiful color payoff. Though it does have a consistent tingling sensation, it’s nothing that keeps us from wearing it throughout the week or causes irritation of any kind. Though much time has passed we’re still not running low on our tubes, which makes us think that this product is definitely worth the money. In fact, we’re already picking out which shades we’re buying next.
Shades: 16 | Finish: Three types - shimmer, glitter, and high shine glosses | Size: 0.22 ounce
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Best Non-Sticky
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Lip Booster
Kohl's
View On Kohls.com
View On Makeupforever.com
$23
Our Ratings
Pros
The formula felt and looked smooth as glass on our lips.
Despite its plumping effect, there were no tingling or burning sensations.
It’s very easy to layer this formula over another lip product.
Cons
This plumper did not deliver as much of a plumping effect as some other glosses that we tested.
Expecting a smooth formula and getting a sticky gloss is never a great experience, and luckily, that’s not the case with this product from Make Up For Ever. In fact, this gloss glides on so buttery smooth that we kept forgetting we had it on. Another notable quality about this plumper is the absence of the trademark tingle – a comfortable, yet initially concerning characteristic that made us wonder if it was even working.
To our surprise, the plumper was, in fact, doing its job in stealthy silence. After about 15 minutes of wear time, we peeked in the mirror to find more accentuated, pillowy pouts. However, the results weren't as noticeable as say, the Patrick Ta gloss or the Too Faced iteration. Although, visually, its high-shine finish helped trick the eye, reflecting the light so our lips looked especially plush.
This product comes in two shades — clear and light pink — and is easy to layer over another lip product.
How it’s held up: Six months later, we’re still fans of this easy product. With one swipe on the top and bottom lips, we’re seeing fuller results with zero pain or irritation in the process. As we near the end of the tube, we noticed that the formula is getting a bit tackier, but it’s still not affecting the end result or consistency of this plumper once it's on. Beauty lovers going for a subtly fuller shape to their lips will love this lightweight yet high-shine plumper.
Shades: 2 | Finish: High shine gloss | Size: 0.20 ounce
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Jessica Juliao
Enhancing the appearance of the lips by making them bigger and smoother is a modern cosmetic trend. Those who desire more prominent, more appealing lips often choose lip injections, commonly known as a lip fillers. This procedure has a short recovery time and a low need for anesthetic. If lip injections are something you’re contemplating, there’s still a lot to consider.
You should try Mini Lip Plumps if you’re in this predicament. However, before we get to that, we need to talk about how long mini-plumps tend to last.
Your body will naturally break down and metabolize the Mini Lip Plump; thus, its effects will vary depending on how quickly this happens. The Mini Lip Plump has an average lifespan of three to four months.
So why even consider Mini-Plumps if it fades rather quickly?
A common worry among those thinking about getting lip injections is how much filler will be required to achieve the desired result. Also, how much filler do you need to see results, and how much is too much that it would make your lips look fake? That’s why you should consider Mini Lip Plumps first.
An excellent option for first-time customers or those looking for something other than a full-service experience, you can take small steps before committing to it. Mini Lip Plump clients can upgrade to a Full Lip Plump for only $300 if they’re not satisfied with the results after four weeks.
During a lip injection operation, a qualified medical practitioner will use a needle to inject filler into your lips. Hyaluronic acid-based lip fillers are the gold standard among cosmetic injectors.
Transparent gel-like hyaluronic acid is a substance that the body produces naturally. It accomplishes this by binding to and attracting water molecules in the skin. This could be an option for those who want fuller-looking lips yet have thinner lips.
The actual lip injection procedure is quick and easy to conduct. Between 45 and 60 minutes will be allotted for your consultation. At that time, you and your doctor will talk about how best to treat your treatment aftermath and what you can do to ensure the success of the lip plump.
Although desiring fuller lips, many people are reluctant to try lip fillers for fear of seeming unnatural. If this sounds like you, you may wonder if you can get the same results with a Mini Lip Plump (which uses only half of a syringe) or if you’ll need to use the full syringe.
Depending on the size of your lips and the desired results, you may buy either a full syringe or a half syringe of lip filler at Beauty Restored Aesthetics. One of our professionals will discuss your desired outcome before applying the lip filler.
Mini Lip Plumps, which use only half a syringe’s worth of lip filler, are ideal if you want to achieve a more natural aesthetic, correct minor unevenness, or hydrate your lips. The syringe will give you a more substantial and apparent result without making your lips look unnaturally large.
You’ll need to put in some time before your lip injection treatment to achieve your desired luscious lips. Before your meeting, it’s a good idea to think about the cosmetic outcome you hope to accomplish with lip injections. You’ll be able to give your doctor an accurate explanation of your thinking and increase the likelihood of positive results.
Our specialists can evaluate your facial structure and recommend cosmetic surgery to bring out your best features. You can trust that they will help you figure out what you want and get you on track. If you ask your doctor, they can give you a realistic idea of what to expect.
If you want to know how to effectively prepare your lips for lip injections, consulting with your primary care physician or a dermatologist is your best bet. Your doctor may advise you to avoid taking certain drugs or nutritional supplements for some time before treatment to reduce the risk of developing bruising and swelling after the procedure.
Lip injections are a standard procedure that rarely causes any discomfort. Patients may feel a brief pinching sensation, although this is usually bearable.
Different people have vastly different pain tolerances. The amount of liquid administered may also be affected by how painful an injection is. To dull discomfort, a local anesthetic can be applied to the upper or lower lip.
You should feel much less pain and discomfort in and around your lips after using the numbing chemical for 30 minutes. Most people feel a slight pressure or discomfort as the needle enters the lips. A chilly sensation is anticipated as hyaluronic acid is injected and permeates throughout the lips.
When injecting a patient, most doctors take extra precautions to ensure the patient is comfortable and safe. Only medical professionals, including doctors and nurses, should inject filler into your lips. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to discuss the subject with your service provider.
You’ll only find highly qualified experts with years of experience in cosmetic medicine and aesthetic treatments at Beauty Restored Aesthetics. Each patient receives the individualized attention they need and the best possible outcomes thanks to the close collaboration between our team members.
A Mini-Lip Plump is merely a short-term solution that won’t last longer than four months. However, a full lip plump is a way to a long-lasting plump.
Are Mini-Lip Plumps something you would be interested in? Don’t hesitate to contact Beauty Restored Aesthetics, and a member of our staff would be pleased to schedule your consultation and answer any questions you may have. We may suggest a few more services depending on your skin’s needs.