I'm a beauty reporter – these are the 8 best lip plumpers I've ever tried

I've tried many lip plumpers that barely do anything or burn and irritate my lips to the point of consistent pain. So, I put viral lip plumpers to the test to finally narrow down which one(s) reigned supreme and have found that the best lip plumpers easily give me shinier, fuller lips.

Several of the lip plumpers I tried — from Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum, the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump, and the Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid — have gone on to achieve peak TikTok fame. However, the absolute best lip plumpers rightfully come from Too Faced, with its iconic formula on the market since 2025, with my favorite being the Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper for its lasting, full lip effect. For a budget option, BI's beauty editor, Maiya Pascouche, loves the Colourpop So Juicy Plumping Gloss for its high shine and painless plumping effect.

Below are my reviews on the best lip plumpers I've tried and what I love about each of them as well as some common FAQ's to help guide you.

Our top 5 picks for the best lip plumpers

Best overall: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper

Too Faced's Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper may be the most expensive lip plumper on this list, but trust me when I say it's well worth the splurge. This cult favorite, which has been around for a few years, definitely delivers on the plumping effect.

Within two minutes of applying the product, I noticed some tingling (most — if not all — lip plumpers have this, as it's the irritation that leads to the temporary swelling). It felt like a slight (albeit painless) burning sensation as if I had eaten something spicy. My lips appeared visibly larger in the mirror, and I noticed they stayed this way for about an hour after application. The super-shiny finish only enhanced the plumping effect, too. Also, despite the formula's clear hue, it turned my lips into a beautiful soft pink for the perfect wash of color.

While this one will by far give you the most dramatic results, keep in mind it has capsicum, and some people have reported allergic reactions. If you are prone to sensitivity, we recommend a formula without such an irritating ingredient.

Best gloss: Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid

The Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid has also taken TikTok by storm for its ultra-hydrating formula, shiny (albeit non-sticky) finish, and wallet-friendly price tag. I felt an oh-so-subtle tingling sensation upon application, and within a few minutes, I noticed my pout looked plump and juicy. I especially loved how comfortable and light the formula felt on my lips. I'll take one in every color, please.

Best serum: Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum

The first thing I noticed — and loved — about the Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum was how lightweight it was. Additionally, the stick formulation made it incredibly easy to apply while on the go (i.e., in an Uber without a mirror). The cool, tingly sensation took about a minute to kick in. And while I did notice a slight plumping effect, it went away within 20 minutes upon application.

Most natural looking: Milani Keep It Full Maxxx Balmshell Lip Plumping Balm

Milani's Keep It Full Maxxx Balmshell Lip Plumping Balm was recently released in May 2022, so I was especially excited to test it out. I loved the subtle sparkly sheen and the cooling (not burning) tingling. Also, while the plumper is marketed as a balm, its conditioning formula — spiked with antioxidant-loaded mango oil — is similar to that of a gloss.

Despite how shiny, cushiony, and glossy the product looked (and felt!), my lips did not appear physically larger or swollen when I snapped a selfie. It's also worth noting that this formula is a tiny bit sticky, but since the weather wasn't windy when I wore it out, it didn't bother me in the slightest.

Most painless: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump

The TikTok-approved Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump isn't your typical lip plumper, and I mean that in the best way possible. Its creamy, smooth-gliding formula is similar to that of a balm or lipstick (as opposed to that of a gloss or lip oil, which is what's most commonplace on the market). It also had a cool, minty-fresh sensation (as opposed to a burning one), which, in my opinion, served as a bonus.

Even better? It's chock-full of nourishing ingredients — including plumping hyaluronic acid, fatty acid-rich maracuja oil, and moisturizing vitamin E, to name a few — to leave lips feeling smooth and conditioned for hours on end, even after the plumping effect has diminished entirely.

Best budget: Colourpop So Juicy Plumping Gloss

I've been using the So Juicy Plumping Gloss for almost 10 years now. Since its inception in 2014, Colourpop has been a mainstay for affordable, fun makeup products. In 2014, I was chronically obsessed with beauty, especially beauty gurus on YouTube, where I first learned about the brand. When this lip gloss first launched, it was reminiscent of the iconic Lancôme Juicy Tubes of the nineties and early aughts. It is sticky but not too much — don't worry, your hair won't stick to your face — and delivers the high shine you're looking for from a lip gloss. I'm not a major fan of plumping products because I have quite sensitive skin, so what I love most about this option is its slight minty tingle that gently plumps without irritation. The best part, it's under $10! — Maiya Pascouche, Beauty Editor

Best scented: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Plumper

The first thing I noticed about this lip plumper was how sweet it smelled (literally like a marshmallow). About three minutes after I swiped on the product, I noticed a cooling sensation. About a minute later, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of my now-juicy lips in my iPhone camera. However, the swelling went down about 10 to 15 minutes later, although the glossy sheen remained.

Best hydrating: Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss

The GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss is among Grande Cosmetics' most popular products — and for good reason. Although the swelling started almost immediately, the product took about 15 to 20 minutes to kick into full gear. Plus, the clear, shiny hue is ideal for layering over other lipsticks (liquid ones, too!), glosses, stains, and balms. Meanwhile, the skincare-focused formula, which is enriched with hyaluronic acid, is an incredible added bonus.

How we tested lip plumpers

As a beauty writer, I've tried dozens, if not hundreds, of lip products over the years. This has allowed me to test fan favorites and hidden gems, the latter of which I'm always keen on discovering. Ultimately, these eight lip plumpers are no exception, and I'm pretty pleased with all of them.

When testing lip plumpers, it's always important to check the ingredients. Some plumping effects come from cayenne, menthol, cinnamon, and capsicum resin (derived from peppers), to name a few. It's typical for these to intentionally irritate the skin in order to achieve a plumped pout. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend a gentler formula and one packed with hyaluronic acid for added hydration.

FAQs

Are lip plumpers safe?

Lip plumpers are generally safe for occasional use; however, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, it's best to avoid these ingredients as they are known irritants:

Capsicum resin:

Capsicum is derived from hot peppers and is the ingredient that makes peppers hot or spicy. Too much of it can cause irritation and burning when applied topically, so be aware when using lip plumpers made with capsicum. If you notice your lips tingling to an intense degree, be sure to stop using the lip plumper.

Artificial fragrances:

If you have sensitive skin, it's recommended that you avoid artificial fragrances, as they are known irritants. Instead, go for more natural fragrances, like essential oils. A personal favorite is peppermint oil, which offers a natural cooling effect.

Menthol:

On the other hand, menthol creates a cooling sensation that is often drying or irritating. Again, if you have sensitive skin or lips, it would be best to avoid menthol in a lip plumper.

Do lip plumpers actually work?

Lip fillers or injectables are worth consulting your dermatologist about if you want a more lasting plumping effect. However, the best lip plumpers can offer a temporary, voluminous pout. Over-the-counter lip plumpers work as mild irritants, generating blood flow to the lips, which causes a short-term plumping effect that goes away after a few hours.