The best lip plumpers for a pillowy soft pout
It's no secret that lip filler has become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the UK, with the hashtag #PlumpLips boasting over 478 million views on TikTok.
In fact, the UK is now the world’s fastest-growing market for facial filler, with the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) reporting that the industry is worth an estimated £2.75 billion in the UK alone.
But it's important to remember that injectables shouldn’t be taken lightly and aren't for everyone, which is where lip plumping products come in. From bee venom to hyaluronic acid, these products use a variety of ingredients to enhance your lips appearance, naturally.
How do lip plumping products work?
Many lip plumping products rely on active ingredients to create a fuller look. Here are some key ingredients to look out for:
Hyaluronic Acid: A naturally occurring substance in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps to attract and retain moisture, providing hydration and volume.
Collagen: As a protein that provides structure to the skin, collagen-infused products can help improve the look of lips’ elasticity and smoothness.
Chilli Pepper: Chillis are often used within lip plumping products to create a tingling sensation that temporarily boosts blood flow to the lips, making them appear fuller.
Ginger: Known for its stimulating properties, ginger can help increase blood circulation to the lips, giving them a plumper appearance.
Bee Venom: Often referred to as nature’s botox, bee venom encourages the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in plumper, smoother lips.
What are the best lip plumpers?
1/ The INKEY List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm
Formulated with 6% Tripeptide Complex and 2% Ultra Filling Spheres, which deliver Hyaluronic Acid to the lips, this balm helps to retain moisture, which iron out fine lines giving a smoother looking pout.
One reviewer said: 'I purchased this product 4 months ago, and have been using it ever since. After two weeks I noticed the claims are true, my lips (especially my upper lip) was definitely bigger, and I do love how my lip lines seem to disappear when I use it.'
Pros
Not greasy
Carbon net zero
Vegan
Cons
Several reviewers claimed it didn't work
Odd taste
2/ Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump Lip Plumper
This still relies on mild irritation to boost volume but it's not painful and the effects are long lasting. Plus it leaves lips with a high shine finish.
One reviewer said: 'Excellent plumper, that doesn't sting your lips and has maximum and lasting effect. Would recommend.'
Pros
High shine finish
Smells sweet and edible
Effects are long lasting
Cons
Mild tingling sensation
3/ NYX Professional Makeup Duck Plump Lip Plumping Gloss
Infused with spicy ginger, one swipe is all you need to get lips looking bigger and bolder.
One reviewer said: 'It works! Now, I already have decently sized lips. But what this gave me was a puffier, "3D" volume that definitely stands out from a side view, and which I can also discern from the front.'
Pros
Super glossy
Available in various shades
Cons
It feels uncomfortable if you accidentally get some in your mouth
Sensation on lips is intense
4/ Maybelline Lifter Gloss Plumping Lip Gloss Lasting Hydration Formula With Hyaluronic Acid and Chilli Pepper
This lip gloss moisturises and conditions lips so they look and feel smooth, while chilli pepper delivers a plumping effect to create a fuller-looking pout.
One reviewer said: 'The gloss does plump the lips and it does not sting as much as other glosses. I got it in Cocoa Zing and the colour is beautiful!'
Pros
Lightweight
Available in various shades
Cons
Gives lots of moisture
Strong sensation if using lip plumpers for first time.
5/ Barry M Cosmetics That's Swell Plumping Lip Gloss
This purse-friendly lip plumper works in the short term to swell lips and in the long run to stimulate collagen.
One reviewer said: 'The stinging sensation of this gloss is barely there at first, and gradually it gets tingly, then HOT! But the results are totally worth it, my lips felt and looked plumper than usual with all lines smoothed out.'
Pros
Affordable price point
Vegan
Good for wrinkled lips
Cons
Thick formula
Strong sensation
6/ Bobbi Brown Extra Plump Lip Serum
Packed with nourishing oils such as avocado, jojoba and shea, this packs a nourishing punch, working to heal dry, sore lips so that they look soft and juicy.
One review said: 'My lips are absolutely loving this serum! It slides on like silk, not sticky or tacky at all, and instantly provides a drink of moisture to the lips! It starts to softens the lips within minutes of wearing it, and within a few hours I can clearly see and feel my lips almost renewed and refreshed by how soft and smooth and plump they look.'
Pros
Gives lips a hint of colour
No burning sensation
Good for mature lips
Cons
Doesn't work instantly
7/ Milk Electric Glossy Lip Plumper
Containing Sichuan pepper, it helps to gently plump lips. There is also vegan plant-derived 'collagen' to hydrate and dial down the look of fine lines.
One review said: 'It goes on so smoothly with the perfect glossy finish, then after a short while you feel the warm peppery sensation spreading over your lips. It leaves my lips looking juicy with that bee sting appearance. Your lips will look very kissable, but beware, it might be a bit uncomfortable for others!'
Pros
Various colour shades
Hydrating and nourishing
Works instantly
Cons
Strong sensation
8/ Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm
Rather than relying on spices to blow up your lips, CT's secret tech relies on hot and cold technology to help plump up your lips, plus there's oodles of hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and inflate.
One reviewer said: 'I rally, really loved this product. Creamy, very shiny, easy to apply wand with a touch of tingle to plump up the lips beautifully!'
Pros
Pain free plumping
Gives a nice glazed finish
Cons
Only two shades
Pricey
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