We Tested The Best Lip Plumpers—These 8 Offer Serious Pout - Byrdie

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The 11 Best Lip Plumpers, Tested and Reviewed by a Pro Makeup Artist

Think more plump, juicy, hydrated lips

Updated on January 14, 2026 By Ashley Rebecca Ashley is a professional makeup artist. She tested 12 lip plumpers for a month, evaluating each on sensation and plumping effect. 4 Comments

In This Article

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In This Article

• Top Picks
• Reviews
• What to Look For
• How I Tested
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Meet Our Expert
• Why Trust Byrdie

TL;DR

My two top picks with the most noticeable plumping results are Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper Gloss and Polite Society B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil Gloss.Both have a noticeable tingling effect but create a seamless, glossy finish. Polite Society offers a slightly more creamy finish and feel. The Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Plumps + Repair Lip Treatment also tops my list for immediate results with very little product.

If you’ve found yourself on a quest for fuller lips, we see you. While lip shapes come in all sizes and volume levels, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to plump them up a bit when you feel like it. Yes, filler injectables can boost the size and shape of your lips and last longer than makeup, but filler is expensive and can be painful. Lip plumpers, on the other hand, are typically pain-free, MUCH cheaper, and can create that little extra oomph you’re after. But which ones really do the job?

According to leading board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi, M.D., only a handful of lip plumpers actually do what they claim to do. Since I love the look of fuller lips, I tested popular lip plumpers to see which ones live up to their promises. I tested them for a month, day and night, while eating, drinking, traveling, and more. I wore them alone and with other lip products, like lipstick and my favorite lip liners, and reapplied them throughout the day to gauge the level of sensation and finish and to see if they truly lived up to their hype. Ahead, read my honest reviews on the best lip plumpers and all the tips you’ll need when shopping for the best lip plumper to enhance your pout.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Lip Treatment at Amazon $45 Jump to Review Most Dramatic Results: Polite Society B.I.G. Mouth Plumping Gloss at Ulta $27 Jump to Review Best Budget: SALE Maybelline Lip Plumping Gloss at Amazon $14 $10 Jump to Review Best Line Smoothing: Lawless Lip Plumping Gloss at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best Plumping Gloss: Patrick Ta Major Volume Lip Gloss at Sephora $26 Jump to Review Best Moisturizing: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper at Sephora $26 Jump to Review Best Shade Range: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best High Shine: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Tingle-Free: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Lip Plumper at Sephora $27 Jump to Review

Best Overall

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper

$18 at Amazon $33 at Sephora $33 at Ulta What We Like

• Noticed plumping results

• The tingle is not overwhelming

• Feels like a hydrating lip oil

What to Consider

• Plumping results only last a few hours

Shades: 12 | Shade Tested: Bubblegum Yum | Size: 0.14 oz | Active Ingredients: Capsicum frutescens (chili pepper extract)

This plumping lip gloss blew me away with its effective formula and buxom results. With one swipe, I noticed the difference in my lips right away; it's a serious volume-booster. Thanks to the chili pepper extract, it has a tingling, burning sensation that lasts (but not to the point of discomfort), which makes my lips look significantly plumper. The texture of this gloss is akin to a tinted lip oil; it glides on smoothly, and the plumping results lasted at least three hours. Wear it alone or with your favorite lipstick; you won’t be disappointed.

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Lip Treatment

$45 $43 at Amazon $28 at Sephora $45 at Dermstore What We Like

• Noticed results in less than 10 minutes

• Little product needed

• Lips look shiny and hydrated

What to Consider

• The hot tingling sensation is intense

Shades: Clear | Shade Tested: Clear | Size: 0.33 oz | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptide complex, ectoin, bisabolol

Upon application, I immediately noticed a burning sensation, which told me the results from this product were most likely going to be fabulous. I was right—this lip plumper indeed yields results, as long as you can handle the hot tingling. The good news? The more you apply this product, the less sensation you feel. Your lips adapt to it over time. The biggest takeaway was that within less than 10 minutes, my lips were noticeably redder, and the plumping benefits were immediately noticeable.

Be mindful to apply this only to your lips and avoid going outside the lines, as the product will migrate and other parts of your face will turn red when it does. Whether you pop it on alone or pair it with your go-to lip liner, it will bring on the drama. I ranked this slightly below the Too Faced because it is more expensive, but if you have dry lips, the extra hydrating ingredients are beneficial. It also doesn't contain chili pepper extract if you are sensitive to this ingredient.

Most Dramatic Results

Polite Society B.I.G. Mouth Plumping Gloss

$27 at Ulta View on Politesociety.com What We Like

• Noticed the most plumping results with this formula

• Applies beautifully and lasts

• Comfortable cream texture that isn’t too thick

What to Consider

• The tingling sensation lasts a while and is strong

Shades: 5| Shade Tested: Sweet Talker | Size: 0.16 oz | Active Ingredients: Blueberry oil, Infinity pepper and ginger root oil, jojoba oil

You will feel the heat with this plumping lip gloss, but the sensation is worth it for the plumping results. I noticed that this particular gloss gave the best plumping (or at least the illusion of fuller lips) results out of all the ones I tested. With a creamy texture that glides on like a dream, I found myself reaching for this gloss often.

Compared to the other formulas I've tried, I noticed this gloss gave me the most plumped-up looking lips. While it wasn't permanent or noticeable when I wasn't wearing it, it made my lips look nice and full when I did. Out of all the formulas, I'd rate this one as the most effective. I loved how my lips looked after each application, and gave this gloss a permanent spot on my makeup vanity.

Best Budget

Maybelline Lip Plumping Gloss

$14 $10 at Amazon $14 at Ulta $11 at Target What We Like

• Affordable

• Nice color payoff

• Keeps lips noticeably glossy

What to Consider

• Strong burning and tingling sensation

Shades: 8 | Shade Tested: Hot Chili | Size: 0.18 oz | Active Ingredients: Capsicum frutescens (chili pepper extract), vanillyl butyl ether, hyaluronic acid

If lip-plumping benefits plus a long-lasting, colorful gloss is what you’re after, this is the right formula for you. This drugstore formula packs a powerful, colorful punch at a bargain price. I loved how saturated the color payoff was, and that it can double as a lipstick if you like a glossy finish. Not to mention, there are several gorgeous shades to choose from. The color held up throughout the day, even when eating and drinking, which I found impressive. Just note that there’s an intense burning and tingling sensation upon application that lasts a while. If you can get used to it, though, this gloss is well worth it.

Best Line Smoothing

Lawless Lip Plumping Gloss

$26 at Amazon $26 at Sephora $26 at Lawlessbeauty.com What We Like

• Smooths lip lines and texture

• Comfortable texture

• Nice cooling sensation when applied

What to Consider

• Gloss is noticeably thicker than other formulas tested

Shades: 19 | Shade Tested: Velvet | Size: 0.11 oz | Active Ingredients: Peptide complex, shea butter, rosehip oil

This was my favorite gloss to wear; I loved its texture and how it looked on my lips. It creates a pleasant cooling sensation, and the formula is noticeably thicker than the others I tested. While I didn’t notice any significant change in lip volume, the formula creates the illusion of fuller lips by smoothing lip lines and texture. I also loved that it added a pretty wash of color to bare lips and layered nicely over lipstick. While this might not be ideal for people who prefer super lightweight formulas, it’s an excellent choice for those who love a rich consistency. Hot tip: To make the most out of its blurring capabilities, use a lip scrub beforehand.

Best Plumping Gloss

Patrick Ta Major Volume Lip Gloss

$26 at Sephora $26 at Patrickta.com $26 at Kohls.com What We Like

• Glossy formula does not feel sticky

• Doesn’t enhance lip lines

• Lovely peppermint smell

What to Consider

• Starts to noticeably burn within one minute of wear

Shades: 13 | Shade Tested: 2 CCs (Juicy Pink) | Size: 0.3 oz | Active Ingredients: Peppermint oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil

It’s always a great feeling to use a product that instantly imparts benefits; with this particular gloss, those benefits were fuller-looking, smoother lips. It starts to burn within the first minute of wear, and the sensation is on the stronger side, but it’s nothing I couldn’t handle. This is due to the peppermint oil, which increases blood flow to the lips. The gloss's formula is not sticky (unusual for lip plumpers) and looks beautiful on the lips. My lips were about two-thirds more plump than usual, and it didn’t enhance any lip lines whatsoever, which is fantastic!

Best Moisturizing

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper

$26 at Sephora $26 at Ulta $26 at Fentybeauty.com What We Like

• Hydrates lips well and feels wonderful

• Zero flakiness with repeated application

• Comfortable wear with minimal sensation

What to Consider

• No significant change in plumping results

Shades: 14| Shade Tested: Hot Cherry | Size: 0.3 oz | Active Ingredients: Ginger root oil, capsicum frutescens (chili pepper extract), shea butter, vitamin E

With the dreamiest texture, this lip plumping gloss truly feels divine. It applies like slick oil, leaving my lips feeling wonderfully hydrated—and it doesn't cause any flakiness with repeated application—what a win!

This one has a slight tingling sensation due to the ginger root oil and pepper extract, but it's not overpowering. It is very comfortable to wear, and my lip lines looked smooth after applying. However, there wasn’t much of a difference in terms of plumpness. This ended up being my favorite everyday gloss to wear and reapply, though.

Best Shade Range

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer

$48 at Amazon $42 at Sephora $42 at Ulta What We Like

• 28 different shades

• Has a sweet, light peppermint smell

• Easy to reapply with no chapping or flaking

What to Consider

• Acts as a regular lip gloss with subtle plumping results

Shades: 26 | Shade Tested: 013 Beige | Size: 0.2 oz | Active Ingredients: Capsicum frutescens (chili pepper extract), hyaluronic acid

This gloss has an impressive shade range—28 beautiful hues to choose from. While there is a light, tingling sensation when applied, it wears like a regular lip gloss, adding a nice touch of shine and hydration to the lips, with only subtle plumping. It has a sweet, light peppermint smell and is very comfortable to wear and reapply throughout the day. Think of this as your favorite lip gloss, available in so many shades to try—the formula is lovely!

Best High Shine

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss

$35 at Amazon $37 at Sephora $35 at Ulta What We Like

• High-glossy finish

• Smooth gel texture that spreads easily

• Nonsticky texture

What to Consider

• Subtle results 

Shades: 4| Shade Tested: Pillow Talk Fair/Medium| Size: 0.18 oz | Active Ingredients: Plump Effect CO2llageneer™, hyaluronic acid, heat and ice technology

This plumping gloss from Charlotte Tilbury goes on quite smoothly and looks incredibly glossy once applied. My lips looked well-hydrated and beautiful every time I put this on. The most noticeable aspect of this gloss is how the texture felt more like a gel, which went on like a dream, and wasn’t sticky in the slightest.

I felt a tingling, warming, and burning sensation as soon as I applied this gloss, and it lasted for around 15-20 minutes. If you want a beautiful, glossy finish that looks good on its own or over lipstick, this plumping gloss is a lovely option.

Best Tingle-Free

Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Lip Plumper

$27 at Sephora $27 at Ulta $27 at Dermstore What We Like

• Feels luxe on the lips & zero irritation

• Product applies smoothly and evenly

• Excellent color payoff

What to Consider

• Can feel goopy if overapplied

Shades: 6| Shade Tested: Spicy Mauve | Size: 0.08 oz | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, volulip, vitamin B3, caffeine

Once you get used to the click applicator, this lip gloss gives lips the juiciest shine and finish, not to mention stunning color payoff. With a luxurious feel, you’ll want to reapply this gloss all day long. The hyaluronic acid component truly feels wonderful on the lips, and a little gloss gets the job done, so be sure not to overapply.

If you’re someone who wants your lips to look fuller, more hydrated, and have beautiful color, this gloss checks all three boxes, with a bonus box of zero tingling or discomfort whatsoever. I experienced zero irritation while using this lip plumper, and my lips felt hydrated and comfortable every time I wore it.

Best Oil

e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

$9 $9 at Amazon $9 at Ulta $9 at Target What We Like

• Hydrates lips well and feels wonderful

• Zero flakiness with repeated application

• Comfortable wear with minimal sensation

What to Consider

• Subtle results

Shades: 8| Shade Tested: Burst Bubble | Size: 0.25 oz | Active Ingredients: Apricot oil, avocado oil, peppermint oil, spearmint oil

If you’re a lip oil fan, you need e.l.f Glow Reviver Lip Oil in your life. Packed full of nutrient oils, imagine the smoothest application possible that glides on the lips, with a cooling sensation that’s more of a pick-me-up than anything uncomfortable. The wide doe-foot applicator allows for the product to glide on lips effortlessly. With an ultra-glossy finish, lips look healthy with a colorful sheen that can be worn alone or over lipstick.

There is a slight peppermint scent, and you feel immediate tingling when applied, but it's not strong and is tolerable. The tingling lasts about 10-15 minutes, and after that, it mellows out. My lips felt hydrated when wearing this lip oil, even after it had faded, and more needed to be applied. It also leaves behind a light stain, which I liked.

What to Look for in a Lip Plumper

• Ingredients: “Lip plumpers typically include an irritant or vasodilator that will increase blood flow, helping to plump up the lip temporarily. These irritating ingredients can be peppermint, ginger, cayenne pepper, capsaicin, cinnamon, and menthol,” says Dr. Saedi. “The irritant tends to feel a bit spicy or tingly after application. It can also cause redness or swelling, which will go away when you stop using the product. Different products use different irritants, so if one lip plumper causes too much irritation or inflammation, you may have success with another.”
• Humectants: Hydration is essential. “Many lip plumpers also use humectants, most commonly hyaluronic acid or glycerin, that will help pull and hold hydration into the skin,” notes Dr. Saedi. “Pulling in hydration will help give the lips a smoother, plumper appearance. Lips are prone to losing moisture, which is why hyaluronic acid is such a helpful ingredient. Generally, fully hydrated, well-moisturized skin looks smoother and helps conceal fine lines. This is one of the reasons why moisturizing your skin and keeping it hydrated is so important for your face and lips.”
• Comfort: Another thing to note when using lip plumpers is whether they feel comfortable on the lips or if the sensation is overwhelming. Knowing what you can and can’t handle with the sensations that come with lip-plumping ingredients is key when choosing the right formula.

How I Tested Lip Plumbers

I tested these lip plumpers for one month, applying them several times daily to ensure the best results. I wore them on their own to see how they performed, and paired them with lipsticks to see if there were any notable differences. There were specific things I looked for with each use:

• Sensation: Did the plumping gloss have a cooling, burning, or tingling sensation? How intense was the feeling, and did it make a noticeable difference in how comfortable I was wearing the product? I also paid attention to whether my lips changed color or became noticeably red after use.
• Plumping Effect: Were my lips noticeably plumper after application, and did they stay that way or change within a few hours of wearing the plumping gloss? I also noted any subtle or significant changes in my lip volume after each application.
• Hydration: Did my lips feel hydrated with each application? Did the hydration last throughout the day? How many times did I need to reapply the gloss? Did I experience any chapped lips or flaking while using each plumping gloss? I made detailed notes on the hydrating benefits of each gloss and how my lips looked and felt after wearing it.

FAQ

• Do lip plumpers permanently change the lips?

  In short, no. Lip plumpers create a temporary effect rather than something that lasts like injectables. “The effects of lip plumpers are subtle, and the results are temporary,” says Dr. Saedi. That said, if a plumper also contains moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or peptides, you might notice smoother lips over time.

• Who is the best candidate for lip plumpers?

  If you’re someone who wants to have the appearance of fuller lips, you could be a great candidate for lip-plumping glosses. However, if you’re allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients commonly used in lip plumpers, consult your dermatologist before using a product that contains them.

• When should you avoid using lip plumpers?

  “If your lips are peeling, dry, or chapped, it’s best to skip the plumpers,” advised Dr. Saedi. “Instead, stick with lip products that focus on conditioning and hydrating the lips, like shea butter, Vaseline, ceramides, etc. You can try a plumper once your lips are repaired and healthy.”

  It’s important to note that if you feel prolonged discomfort with a plumping gloss or notice skin is noticeably irritated, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist if necessary.

Meet Our Expert

We interviewed a dermatologist for more insight into lip plumpers:

• Dr. Nazanin Saedi, M.D., is a leading board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Her areas of expertise include cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery, and she is always up to date on medical devices and cosmetic companies.

Why Trust Byrdie

Ashley Rebecca, a longtime Byrdie writer and makeup artist based in New York City, prefers a more natural makeup look and focuses heavily on caring for her skin. She’ll never turn down the opportunity to test beauty lip products, as she relies on them for her work and always wants to know what formulas yield the best results. For this article, she tested lip plumpers for a month, applying them day and night, alone and with other lip products, and evaluating each product based on sensation and plumping effect. Her experiences testing thousands of beauty products have made her an expert and trusted resource for reviews and recommendations.

Edited by Ally Hirschlag Read more:

• Makeup
• Lips
• Lip Gloss, Lipstick & Lip Stain

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