No lip filler necessary
Lip filler has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments in recent years.1 But with a good lip plumper, you don’t have to get injections from a specialist to achieve a pouty look—or spend hundreds of dollars, for that matter.
Whether it’s a balm, gloss, mask, or cream, these over-the-counter products typically contain plumping hydrators, plus various ingredients that increase blood flow to the area it’s applied to. As Urban Decay global makeup artist Steve Kassajikian explains, “This gives the lips a fuller and smoother appearance.”
Many brands make big claims about their lip-plumping products, and some definitely work better than others. To help you filter through your options, we tried nearly 30 formulas in The Lab. We considered consistency, plumping power, and how each formula felt on the lips. We also paid attention to color options and ingredients. We assigned each product a ranking based on how it performed and the highest-rated products made the list.
Best Overall: Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss
Our favorite formula comes from Patrick TA. The brand’s Major Volume Plumping Gloss earned perfect scores for feel and hydration. And while this product made our lips noticeably fuller, rounder, and poutier, we knocked off only one point since the results were somewhat subtle.
The gloss felt slightly sticky at first with noticeable tingling, likely due to the cinnamon and ginger extract, which stimulate blood flow to the area.2 However, it didn’t cause a burning sensation and settled into a silky-smooth consistency. After a minute or two, the tingling subsided and left lips feeling nourished, hydrated, and incredibly plumped. Although the plumping effect was temporary, the shiny finish of this lip gloss had serious staying power, lasting nearly all day without needing to be reapplied.
Best Budget: Essence What The Fake! Plumping Lip Filler
On a budget? Essence makes a great lip-plumping gloss that’ll only run you a few bucks. What the Fake went on smoothly and felt nice on our lips; However, the applicator was somewhat flimsy, and the formula was a little more tingly than we would have liked like. Still, the tingling did its job, resulting in a volumized pout that lasted about 30 minutes. Although we wish this gloss came in a tinted option, we were impressed with how soft and hydrated our lips were post-application.
Best Splurge: La Mer The Lip Volumizer
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 surprisingly hydrating, and we absolutely loved the large, plush applicator. We’d be remiss not to share that we did notice 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.
Best Kit: PMD Kiss Lip Plumping System
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 subtle volumizing effect. The pulsating vacuum quite literally sucks your lips to plumpness—which, admittedly, is definitely something that takes getting used to. After that, you apply the serum, then the mask. While using the device was kind of painful, the mask felt amazing, leaving our lips extremely hydrated and smooth.
Best Serum: Lorac Holy Lips Plumping Serum
Lorac Holy Lips was also a hit in The Lab. We were fans of the pointed doe-foot applicator and liked the subtle scent. The serum gradually became increasingly tinglier, which, to us, signaled it was actually working (but it’s not for everyone, given ingredients like menthol). After the tingles subsided, our lips looked slightly plumper, though the results weren’t dramatic. This product was also very hydrating, and while we wish it came in more colors, the honey-golden nude shade is undeniably flattering.
Best Gloss: BUXOM Cosmetics Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Gloss
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 (the same stuff they use in lip injections). We’d be remiss not to share that the formula can be drying, especially if your lips are already chapped.
Best Mask: Lawless Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask
This overnight lip treatment was a hit not only in The Lab but also during at-home testing. 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.
Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss
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 slightly tingly, 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!
Final Verdict
The best option we tried is Patrick TA Major Volume Gloss, which delivers a noticeable plumping effect, ample hydration, and long-lasting shine. Looking for something more wallet-friendly? Essence What The Fake! Plumping Lip Filler is a great option, and it only costs a few bucks. And if you’re open to splurging, you can’t go wrong with La Mer The Lip Volumizer, which flaunts a plush applicator and smooth, nourishing formula.
How We Tested
Byrdie editors compiled expert recommendations, combed through user reviews, and researched the best over-the-counter lip plumpers before selecting 27 to try firsthand. We carefully evaluated the ingredient lists, intended uses, and directions before testing the formulas on our own lips.
Each product was awarded a score from one to five for feel, plumping ability, and hydration, and those with the highest overall scores were featured in this roundup. All assessments were performed in The Lab, our in-house product testing facility in Manhattan.
Other Options We Tested
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper
We found Fenty’s Gloss Bomb Heat to be smooth yet thick and somewhat heavy for a lip product. The tingling sensation intensifies the longer you wear the gloss, and while it made our lips pop with color, shine, and hydration, we didn’t think they actually looked plumper.
Dr. Brandt Needles No More 3-D Lip PlumpFix
We’d describe this plumping treatment as a light lotion for the lips. It produces a slight tingling effect but otherwise feels soft and smooth. And while our lips were noticeably poutier, the formula isn’t hydrating and actually left our lips somewhat dry.
Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump
Our tester liked the hydrating formula and non-sticky texture of this lip gloss. And although it made her lips visibly larger, she said it created an uncomfortably tingly burning sensation.
What to Look for in a Lip Plumper
Ingredients
First and foremost, Kassajikian recommends looking for lip plumping products that are chock-full of conditioning ingredients that’ll keep your lips amply moisturized. In order for plumped lips to look their very best, you’ll want to ensure they’re soft and supple—not dry or flaky. For this, we really like the Lawless Forget the Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask, a nourishing overnight lip mask.
A key ingredient Kassajikian recommends looking out for is hyaluronic acid. As you may already know, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and holds it there, lending a plumping effect to find lines and wrinkles. It’ll have the same effect on your lips—helping them look fuller, plumper, and healthier overall. Our favorite hyaluronic acid-infused option on this list is the PMD Kiss Lip Plumping System.
Plumping Effect
Some lip plumpers offer a more dramatic finish than others. If you’re looking for a more noticeable difference, you may want to consider a product that contains cayenne, capsicum resin (from peppers), cinnamon, menthol, and even bee venom—each of which creates a temporary plumping effect. These can be very irritating, though, so we recommend skipping these ingredients if you have highly-reactive, sensitive skin or ultra-dry lips. If you’re looking for a less painful route, check out more nourishing formulas like What the Fake! Plumping Lip Filler.
Color
Lip-plumping products come in a bunch of different colors. If you’re looking to add some color to your lips, we recommend a tinted option, like the Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Gloss, which comes in 10 pretty shades. To elevate your lip’s natural hue, clear (or almost-clear) glosses are also a great choice, as they often offer the same plumping capabilities, just without the color. For this, we love the La Mer The Lip Volumizer.
FAQ
How do lip plumpers work?
Not all lip plumpers are created equal, but many of the glosses, balms, masks, and creams out there have ingredients that draw moisture into the skin’s surface, resulting in a plumped appearance. “This gives the lips a fuller and smoother appearance,” Kassajikian says. However, others contain the blood-rushing ingredients mentioned above, which cause the lips to temporarily swell and become inflamed to appear fuller. LED devices also exist, which boost collagen production within the lips to create a fuller, smoother appearance.
Are lip plumpers safe?
According to Kassajikian, they’re safe because the effects are only temporary. However, he does give one warning: “If overused, they can potentially cause dry and chapped lips.” So be sure not to overdo it.
What Is Byrdie Verified?
Did you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology that’s designed to focus on what our readers really want to know—and to deliver insights that you can’t find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands and PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are fully our own. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust.
