Lip plumpers are currently having as big a moment as the volume they promise to impart. From lip glosses to lip balms and even serum-like concoctions and lip pencils, there’s no shortage of impressive products on the market to choose from if you want a more pillowy pout.
The good news is that lip plumpers have evolved enough for them not to cause an unpleasant burning sensation or irritation. You’ll rarely find aggressive old-school ingredients such as cayenne pepper or cinnamon in newer formulas, and even those that still lean on mint do so in a much more subtle, skin-friendly way.
Hyaluronic acid is the ingredient du jour, making lip plumpers moisturising, gentle and effective, as well as suitable for dry, tender skin. Oils are also popular as a shiny finish reflects light, giving the illusion of fullness.
How you use lip plumpers has also moved on, too, allowing you to use them as a finishing touch or as a way to prep your lips for your favourite lipstick and lip liner.
To be clear, though, lip plumpers are not an alternative for lip fillers and it’s unlikely that you’ll get similar tumescent results. Although they’re designed to boost blood flow to the lips – usually via a gentle minty flavour – the result is temporary at best.
Even those powered by skincare ingredients, including collagen and peptides, make your lips appear slightly fuller over time but this is no way comparable to what you would get with cosmetic lip-enhancing procedures.
Best lip plumpers at a glance – our top picks:
- Best lip plumper overall: Huda Beauty Silk Balm Spicy Thermo Plumping Lip Balm, £22, Cult Beauty
- Best lip plumper for long-term results: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Lip Gloss, WAS £23.50 NOW £19.97, Boots
- Best hydrating lip plumper: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Hydrating and Plumping Gloss, £32, Sephora
- Best affordable lip plumper: Elf Glow Reviver Lip Oil, £8, Boots
It’s also worth noting that you shouldn’t feel like you need to make your lips appear bigger. But we also understand that when it comes to your body (or lips in this case), you are the only person whose opinion matters most. So if you want to embrace plumped-up lips – go for it.
To help you make a more informed decision, we’ve put together a full edit of all the best lip plumpers available. As committed beauty testers, we made sure to include a variety of different formulas that meet the needs of varying budgets and preferences, too. So, from best sellers to new releases, hopefully there will be something on this list for everyone.
Looking for more beauty products? Why not try a nourishing lip balm or a clear lip gloss? And if you’re looking to restock on all your favourite makeup and skincare products, check out our guides for the best mascara, best lip oils, best lip masks, best liquid eyeliners, best concealers, and the best face SPFs.