Finding the perfect lip plumper can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With countless options boasting varying levels of plumping power, tingling sensations, and finishes, navigating the market can be overwhelming. This comprehensive review cuts through the confusion, analyzing ten popular lip plumpers from brands ranging from high-end luxury to affordable drugstore finds. We've meticulously examined each product, assessing its formula, application, scent, tingling intensity, plumping effect, and overall wearability.This review dives deep into the specifics of each product, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you're seeking a subtle enhancement to your natural lip shape or a dramatic, pouty look, this guide will help you determine which lip plumper best suits your needs and preferences. From luxurious textures to budget-friendly options, we've covered a diverse range to provide you with an informed decision before your next purchase. Prepare to discover your new favorite lip-enhancing secret weapon!
Pros And Cons
- Matches color and scent description
- Large applicator for smooth application
- Translucent with raindrop effect
- Medium tingle
- Makes lips look bigger
- Thinner formula collects in lip corners
- Slightly thinner formula makes the wearer self-conscious
- Intense plumping effect
- Easy application
- Intense tingling sensation (lasts 20 minutes)
- Makes lips look irritated and chapped for some users
- Not hydrating
- Similar scent to original e.l.f. gloss (sweet vanilla)
- Nice application
- Buildable gloss
- Affordable
- Mild plumping effect
- Many shades available
- Pleasant wintergreen-sweet mint scent
- Luxe packaging and applicator
- Light-medium tingle
- Provides a slightly plumped look
- Looks good as an everyday lip gloss
Read more: 5 Best Lip Plumpers for Sensitive Skin (No Irritation!)
Milk Makeup Electric Glossy Lip Plumper
This lip plumper stands out with its unique peppercorn scent, a noticeable departure from typical medicinal or sweet-smelling options. The squeezy tube applicator, while less precise than a doe foot, allows for application, albeit slightly messier. The formula itself is surprisingly lightweight and comfortable, feeling more like a glossy balm than a heavy gloss.
The tingling sensation is distinctive, a numbing tingle unlike other plumpers. This effect stems from the inclusion of Sichuan pepper, resulting in a comfortable, non-irritating tingle. While not a lip balm replacement, it offers a pleasant plumping effect, particularly noticeable on the top lip. The subtle strawberry tint enhances the natural lip color.
Dior Lip Maximizer
The Dior Lip Maximizer, in the shade Rosewood, boasts a beautiful color payoff and a range of shades to choose from. The luxurious packaging and precise doe foot applicator are a highlight. The minty scent, more of a sweet wintergreen than a sharp peppermint, is pleasant and complements the formula.
The tingling sensation is mild to medium, a comfortable peppermint tingle that contributes to the plumping effect. The resulting look is naturally enhanced, not overly glossy, making it suitable for everyday wear. It offers a subtle plumping effect without being overly intense.
Fenty Beauty Heat Hot Cherry Lip Plumper
Fenty Beauty's Heat Hot Cherry Lip Plumper comes in a single shade and offers a hot cherry scent that accurately reflects both the color and aroma. The packaging is consistent with the original Gloss Bomb, featuring a large applicator for smooth application. The formula itself is thinner than other gloss bombs, creating a translucent, glossy finish.
The medium tingle is noticeable soon after application. While comfortable for most, those with sensitive lips may find it more intense. The gloss delivers a beautiful, shiny look, visibly plumping the lips. However, its thinner consistency may lead to product collecting in lip lines, especially when talking.
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme
Too Faced's Lip Injection Extreme is a popular lip plumper known for its dramatic results. The intense lip plumper scent is prominent, a characteristic of many such products. The applicator is small, making for precise application. The tingle is the most intense of all the reviewed products, lasting for about 20 minutes.
While it delivers a glossy look initially, it functions more as a plumping serum, relying on irritation to increase lip volume. It effectively achieves a flushed, pouty look, but the intense tingle and potential irritation may not be suitable for all.
Physicians Formula Diamond Plumper
Physicians Formula's Diamond Plumper features attractive, crystal-like packaging and a beautiful iridescent shade. The applicator is uniquely pointed and slanted, facilitating precise application. The formula is a gel-like gloss, offering both plumping and hydration.
The tingle is mild to medium, less intense than Too Faced's offering. It creates a smooth, plumped-up look, and it's a comfortable, hydrating option. The subtle iridescence adds a touch of elegance without looking cheap.
Revolution Pout Bomb
Revolution's Pout Bomb gloss, in the shade Glaze, boasts a comfortable, cushy applicator and a formula inspired by Fenty Gloss Bombs. The texture is a gel-like gloss, non-sticky and comfortable. The peppermint scent is true peppermint, free of any chemical undertones.
The tingle is subtle. The plumping effect is noticeable, but it's unclear whether it's primarily due to the tingle or the gloss formula itself. It delivers a plumped-up, glossy look without irritation.
e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss
e.l.f.'s Lip Plumping Gloss, in Champagne Glam, offers a similar sweet vanilla scent to its original gloss, with a subtle hint of a minty tingle. The slim doe foot applicator provides smooth application, although a slightly wider applicator would be preferable. The shade is a soft, golden champagne that's easy to wear.
The plumping effect is visible with layering, but less so with a single coat. It's a nice, affordable option for those seeking a subtle plumping gloss. It offers comfort and buildable shine without intense irritation.
Milani Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper
Milani's Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper, in Prismatic Peach, is a subtle lip plumper with a pleasant vanilla cinnamon scent—a standout among the reviewed products. The applicator is large but still allows for precise application. The plumping effect is gentle and non-irritating.
The tingle is very subtle. It’s a good middle-of-the-road option for those seeking a lightly plumped, glossy look without irritation. It's a nice, comfortable gloss with a hint of plumping.
Buxom Plump Shot Lip Serum
Buxom's Plump Shot Lip Serum is a lip serum, not a gloss, offering a different approach to lip plumping. It’s a thinner formula with a light to medium tingle, providing a decent plumping effect. The absence of shine is a drawback for some who prefer a glossy finish.
It’s a good choice for those seeking a serum-like consistency and a subtle plumping effect without intense irritation or a strong glossy shine. Its serum-like texture is distinct from the other glossier options reviewed.
Overall Conclusion
The best lip plumper ultimately depends on individual preferences. For a unique, comfortable tingle with a subtle plump, Milk Makeup's Electric Glossy Lip Plumper is a standout. Dior Lip Maximizer offers a luxurious experience with a refined plumping effect, while Physicians Formula's Diamond Plumper provides a great balance of plumping, gloss, and comfort.
Too Faced's Lip Injection Extreme delivers the most intense plumping but may cause irritation. Fenty Beauty's Heat offers a nice shine and plump but is thinner. The Revolution Pout Bomb and e.l.f.'s Lip Plumping Gloss are budget-friendly options with comfortable formulas and subtle plumping. Milani's Keep It Full is a solid middle-of-the-road choice. Buxom's Plump Shot Lip Serum provides a serum-like plump without shine.