You don’t need to spend an hour scrolling through your feed to notice that pouty, pillowy lips are everywhere. Some are straight-up lip filler, but the best lip plumpers are a less invasive (and costly) alternative that still lets you achieve similar results.
Lip plumpers are topical products that come in various forms and formulas, all with slightly different effects. Traditional plumping products, for instance, involve applying a mild irritant that may cause a tingling sensation to give your lips a visible, temporary swelling effect, says makeup artist Jennifer Nam. These ingredients may include capsaicin, ginger, peppermint oil, menthol, cinnamon, or even bee venom in some cases. Of course, if you have sensitive skin or a severe allergy to any of these irritants, please refrain from using plumpers that contain them, says Nam.
Best Lip Plumpers 2023:
If this type of beauty product feels too extreme, there are other ways to create the illusion of fuller lips. “Lip gloss is a great way to give your lips some shine and a subtle hint of fullness,” says Nam. “This option doesn’t have mild irritants or treatments, so the effects are subtle but effective.” She also suggests looking into lip gloss with skin-care-friendly ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, which noticeably helps with hydration and gives lips a more voluminous appearance. Plus, hyaluronic acid can help “boost moisture and smooth fine lines,” New York board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, previously told Glamour.
To help home in on the best lip plumpers that actually give you juicy lips, we’ve curated a list of favorites from makeup artists and Glamour editors, alike.
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