Everyone wants big lips. In recent years, lip filler has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. But with a good lip plumper, you don’t have to get injections and spend hundreds of dollars to achieve the perfect pout.
To create the illusion of fuller lips, many over the counter plumpers contain plumping hydrators that draw moisture to the skin’s surface, creating a plumped appearance. The tingling sensation many people are familiar with comes from the temporary swelling of the lips, resulting from ingredients that increase blood flow to the lips. Since many brands make significant claims about their lip plumping products, VALLEY has tried and tested the most popular brands. Here are the best lip plumpers we’ve tested so far.
- Best Overall: Patrick Ta Major Volume Lip Gloss
The Patrick Ta Major Volume Lip Gloss was the most effective lip plumper overall. The lipgloss had a noticeably tingly sensation due to its cinnamon and ginger extract, which increased blood flow to the lips. After a couple of minutes, the tingling subsided, creating glossy, hydrated, and noticeably fuller lips. Not only that, the shine of the lip gloss lasted several hours before needing to be reapplied. The gloss also comes in five different shades, ranging from clear to bright red.
2. Best Colors: Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Plumper
This cult favorite lip plumper comes in many shades, sizes, and intensity levels to suit anyone’s needs, ranging from clear to almost purple/red. The lip gloss formula also contains bits of glitter for a high shine finish. The consistency is smooth and hydrating, not sticky. Upon first applying, it does create a bit of a burning sensation that fades over time. After several uses, however, the burning sensation lessens but still creates the perfect pout.
3. Best Budget: Sephora Collection Outrageous Plumping Lip Gloss
Understandably, not everyone wants to spend $30+ on a lip gloss. The Sephora Collection lip plumper creates very similar lip plumping effects to the higher end brands at less than half the price. When first applied, it leaves your lips feeling hydrated and glossy.
4. Best Drugstore: Elf Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss
VALLEY’s favorite drugstore lip plumper is from e.l.f. Cosmetics. The consistency of the gloss is smooth and too thick or sticky. The vitamin E and coconut oil in the formula makes for fuller, healthy looking lips at a fraction of the price.
Overall, lip plumpers can help you achieve beautiful and full lips without the negative consequences of lip filler. Next time you stop by Sephora, tag us at @VALLEYmag on twitter!
