To help you navigate the options, we put 30 lip plumpers to the test , evaluating consistency, effectiveness, wearability, color ranges, and ingredients. We then consulted makeup artist Steve Kassajikian for his expert insights . Read on to discover the top lip plumpers that deliver serious results.
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.
Pillowy lips are a major beauty trend, but can a lip plumper truly replace lip fillers ? While technically considered makeup, lip plumpers offer a fuller pout for a fraction of the cost of injections. These over-the-counter products, whether balms, glosses, masks, or creams, contain ingredients like cinnamon, peppermint oil, and capsaicin that plump lip lines , creating a smoother, fuller appearance .
Best Overall
Patrick Ta Major Volume Lip Gloss
Sephora
View On Sephora
$26
View On Kohls.com
$26
View On Patrickta.com
What We Like
Noticeable results
Silky-smooth hydration
Long-lasting shine
What We Don't Like
Very sticky texture
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.
Best Splurge
La Mer Lip Volumizer
Sephora
View On Sephora
$90
View On Walmart
$75
View On Nordstrom
$77
What We Like
Large, plush applicator
Non-sticky feel
Noticeable results
What We Don't Like
Strong fragrance
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.
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
Best Kit
PMD Kiss Lip Plumping System
Amazon
View On Amazon
$139
View On Ulta
$139
View On Walmart
$91
What We Like
Subtle volumizing effect
Extremely hydrating
Mask feels amazing
What We Don't Like
Slightly painful
Learning curve
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.
Best Gloss
BUXOM Cosmetics Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Gloss
Amazon
View On Amazon
$25
View On Sephora
$25
View On Ulta
$25
What We Like
Defines lips
Subtle volumizing effect
Softening and hydrating
What We Don't Like
Slightly sticky
Can be drying
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.
Best Mask
Lawless Overnight Lip Plumping Mask
Sephora
View On Sephora
$22
View On Lawlessbeauty.com
View On Shopbop.com
What We Like
Immediate results
Nourishing formula
What We Don't Like
Unhygienic container
Doesn't last too long during waking hours
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.
Byrdie / Erika Veurink
Best Drugstore
Elf Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss
Walmart
View On Amazon
$7
View On Ulta
$7
View On Target
$7
What We Like
Affordable
Noticeable results
Great color payoff
What We Don't Like
Not long-lasting
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!
Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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
People / Jessica Juliao
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
$24
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