Beautiful lips come in all sizes, period. With that said, if thin lips aren’t your favorite feature, then you’ve probably searched for ways to get a more voluminous pout. One option is filler injectables; effective and long-lasting, but also expensive and somewhat painful. Then there are lip-plumping products; easy to use, plentiful (glosses, oils, serums, balms and more), pain-free and much less expensive, albeit a temporary fix. Lip-plumping treatments are not a new concept, but today’s versions are major upgrades to the mainly clear, super-thick textures of the early 2000s that did little more than feel like they’d burn your lips right off.
If you’re shopping for lip plumpers today, it’s best to set expectations before you invest your money looking for the right one. The best lip plumpers temporarily (read: typically a few hours) offer a boost of subtle volume from humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Formulas may also include ingredients like peppermint, chili pepper, cinnamon, menthol and more—ingredients that cause a tingling sensation, either cold or hot. These cause increased circulation and opening of blood vessels that fake the appearance of fuller lips. The good news? Formulas today range from completely tingle-free to intensely spicy, so you can get smooth, full lips at your comfort level.
I scoured hundreds of shoppers’ reviews to see what consumers say is really worth the hype for noticeably plumped lips. Keep reading to see the eight that came up time and time again.
1 / 8
Best Color
Several reviews compliment Dior’s lip-plumping gloss for its smoothing texture, minimal tingle and non-stickiness, but the highest praise by far is the color payoff. With two dozen options, (in shimmer, holographic and high-shine finishes) there’s a hue that flatters every skin tone, from brick reds and sheer pinks to hazelnut and lavender.
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid, Cherry Oil
Promising Review
“Best gloss formula around, I have several of these; they’re that good. Plumping yet not too tingly. Smooths out lips and very beautiful colors. My favorite lip product.”
2 / 8
Best Budget
This affordable gloss delivers saturated color, hydration and visibly plumped lips instantly, thanks to a chili pepper-infused formula. Yes, the tingling sensation is intense, but the payoff is worth it for a long-lasting plump lip under $15. “I think this plumps lips more than any other lip gloss,” says one reviewer.
Promising Review
“This lifter pump really does pump up [your] lips and it’s the best. I love the color and how much volume it gives my life within seconds after apply. Definitely worth getting this.”
3 / 8
Best Liquid Lipstick
For a non-gloss lip plumper, look no further. Too Faced Lip Injection Liquid Lipstick definitely delivers on the plumping effect (and the tingling sensation that leads to the temporary swelling), but unlike the majority of other lip-plumping treatments, it has a non-drying, creamy formula with a velvet-like finish.
Key Ingredients
Rose Hip Oil, Pomegranate Flower
Promising Review
“This is a really nice formula, not sparkly, not flat. The plumping effect also is spot-on, there is very brief tingling shortly after application and the result is a natural-but-better appearance. I noticed that the volume continues even after I have removed the product which is an added bonus to me! Highly recommend.”
4 / 8
Best Non-Sticky
“What lip gloss should feel like,” shares one reviewer of Huda Beauty’s Faux Filler Shiny Lip Gloss. With a vitamin E and vegan collagen formula, this intensely moisturizing gloss blurs and smooths lip lines, and delivers a “glass-like” finish, creating the illusion of fuller lips instantly.
Key Ingredients
Vegan Collagen, vitamin E
Promising Review
“This lip gloss is everything!!!! Makes my lips look so plump and shiny. The shine last[s] a pretty long time and doesn’t leave my lips dry or dehydrated. I would definitely purchase this one again. Lip filler gloss without the burn.”
5 / 8
Best Line-Smoothing
When smile and lip lines are added concerns to thin lips, this treatment-balm-gloss hybrid from Paula’s Choice is the one to try. Its collagen and peptide formula keeps lips hydrated as it boosts lip volume, softens skin and smooths fine lines under a pretty sheer tint.
Key Ingredients
Tridecapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Promising Review
“This product is amazing. I’ve noticed a huge difference since using it. My lips look and feel smoother, plumper and hydrated. Plus I love the scent!”
6 / 8
Best Shine
Get mirror-like shine, a plump effect and all-day hydration from this hyaluronic acid-infused gloss. Add camellia, cotton and meadow foam flower seed oils, and you’ll want to wear it all day, every day. Choose from several shades in a high shine or shimmer finish.
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid, Camellia Oil, Cotton Oil and Meadow Foam Flower Seed Oil
Promising Review
“The Make Up For Ever Super Boost Moisturizing & Plumping Lip Gloss is a total game-changer! I love how it instantly adds a plump, glossy finish without feeling sticky. The formula is incredibly moisturizing, and my lips feel nourished throughout the day.”
7 / 8
Best Moisturizing
Not only does tarte’s Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump contain nourishing ingredients like maracuja (for firming), hyaluronic acid (to hydrate) and more than 10 superfruits (for expert moisturizing), but it also has a cooling, minty sensation to plump lips, rather than a heated tingling. The result? “Pillowy” lips with a “stained glass” tint.
key Ingredients
Maracuja, Hyaluronic Acid, Superfruits and vitamin E
8 / 8
Best Shimmer
caliray’s Big Swell uses a plumping cocktail of biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic filling spheres, collagen and ceramides to deliver 40 percent fuller-looking lips, says the brand. The iridescent jelly gloss delivers a multi-dimensional shimmer that settles into a universally flattering pink hue.
Key Ingredients
MAXI-LIP, Hyaluronic Filling Spheres, AquaCacteen, Collagen, Peptides and Ceramides
Promising Review
“Absolutely love this lip plumper it’s the best out there!!! The texture on your lips is so hydrating and leaves my lips soft and smooth. I love the tingle and my lips are perfectly plump.”
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