These Are the 10 Best Lip-Plumping Glosses for Fuller Lips Without Needles, According to Reviewers
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Some people attribute the popularization of lip augmentation to Kylie Jenner and her ilk, but the procedure has actually existed in some form since the 19th century. While they're largely known as an elective cosmetic procedure today, lip injections were invented to counteract deformities caused by tuberculosis, sources claim. And if their long history says anything, it's that they — and the results they achieve — aren't going anywhere. Lip augmentation has become safer, relatively cheaper, and easier to access over the years, but that still doesn't mean that it's a feasible option for most. Luckily, there's a different method to achieve fuller lips that doesn't require needles: lip-plumping products.
While their results aren't as dramatic as lip augmentation, lip plumpers really can give your lips a fuller appearance. Not to mention, they cost significantly less than an in-office treatment. Plus, the glosses on the market these days come in a wide range of colors and finishes. (Related: What's the Difference Between a Lip Flip and a Filler?)
So what ingredients make a product plumping? According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, cinnamon, pepper, and/or methanol are often used to slightly inflame the lips. "By creating low-level inflammation, they pull in [the] fluid to the lips, making them physically larger for a short period of time," Zeichner tells Shape. Added humectants like hyaluronic acid, which draws water to the skin and retains moisture, help out with this.
Below, Shape rounded up the lip volumizers customers at Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more top retailers are loving these days, as evidenced by their reviews. Without further ado, shop the best lip-plumping products that will help you achieve fuller and more voluminous lips.
The Best Lip Plumping Glosses
Best Overall: Sephora Collection Outrageous Plumping Lip Gloss
Best Gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Best Anti-Aging: Kissio Lip Plumper
Best Drugstore Option: Maybelline Lip Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid
Best Luxury: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss
Best Budget: NYX Cosmetics Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss
Best for Hydration: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss
Best Long-Lasting: Buxom Full-On Plumping Polish
Best Sting-Free Gloss: Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss
Best for Sensitive Skin: PCA SKin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster
Best Overall: Sephora Collection Outrageous Plumping Lip Gloss
Formulated with cinnamomum and peppermint oil, this lip gloss works to give your lips a fuller appearance, while the sparkly shades (such as Dazzling Plump and Coral Flash) tops them off with some shine. It's enriched with hydrating sunflower and ginger root oils.
"Nice bit of tingle after applying and a slight visible plumping effect, as advertised. It goes on pretty sticky and glossy at first but actually absorbs in to the lips after a little bit and becomes more like a nice tinted balm –– something I like very much," said a Sephora reviewer.
Buy It: Sephora Collection Outrageous Plumping Lip Gloss, $12, sephora.com
Best Gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Fenty Beauty's Glass Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer exceeds expectations, according to customers. Unlike other glosses, this shopper-favorite formula has a non-sticky feel that still provides shine and volume. It's also super hydrating thanks to shea butter, and it comes in a myriad of shades –– from a soft pink to clear gloss –– that complement many skin tones.
This gloss has some serious fans. "I'm surprised by how much I love this!" one customer said. "I've NEVER been a lip gloss girl. I always go for a matte lipstick or pigment. I tried this in store for fun and bought it instantly. It makes my lips look so full and the shimmer is perfect. The main plus is that it's not sticky like other glosses. It's creamy and moisturizing. You won't regret buying this!"
Buy It: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, $19, sephora.com
Best Anti-Aging: Kissio Lip Plumper
The Kissio Lip Plumper does triple-duty by volumizing, moisturizing, and preventing signs of aging. It's infused with ginger extract and softening vitamin E to promote cell growth. The plumper also contains white mineral oil, which protects the skin from free radicals and delays signs of aging. When applied, you'll feel a slight tingling sensation.
"I'm older now and my lips were thinning. After using this product for a week my lips are back to being full and feel great," an Amazon shopper said. "Product needs to be used on clean lips and expect a slight burning sensation the first few times of use. You get used to initial feel and your lips calm down quickly. My lips stay full all day long. Excellent price too!"
Buy It: Kissio Lip Plumper, $10, amazon.com
Best Drugstore Option: Maybelline Lip Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid
This affordable drugstore option uses the same plumping and hydrating agents, namely menthol and hyaluronic acid, that you see in high-end volumizers. With each swipe, you'll start seeing noticeably fuller lips. It comes with an angled wand for easy application.
Ulta customers rave about the non-sticky formula. "This lip gloss is EVERYTHING! I have been using this since it first came out and I absolutely love every single shade in my collection," one wrote. "I started off with just one, which is still my favorite shade: MOON! The smell, the texture, the moisturizing effect....too many great things to list. Most importantly, the hyaluronic acid in this gives my lips that extra moisture that so many lip products are missing."
Buy It: Maybelline Lip Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid, $9, ulta.com
Best Luxury: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss
If you're looking for luxury without luxury prices, add the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss to your cart. Infused with tabasco pepper and hyaluronic acid, it delivers instant volume and hydration, says Dr. Zeichner. Also nice: There are 13 shades to choose from and two finishes, high shine and shimmer.
Wrote a Sephora customer, "I love the lip maximizers. You get a little tingle that plumps your lips and a fresh minty feeling. It's going to be a very sheer color so you can easily apply them on top of other lip products. It's slightly sticky which helps with staying power but not too sticky to make it uncomfortable."
Buy It: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss, $35, sephora.com
Best Budget: NYX Cosmetics Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss
For the best and most affordable lip plumper, look no further than NYX's $7 Filler Instinct Plumping Gloss, formulated with menthol and mineral oil. It's available in a variety of pink and brown shades, as well as a clear option you can layer on top of something else.
The gloss is comparable to high-end brands, according to Ulta customers. "I applied some a few moments ago and I got INSTANT plumping action! My lips look so plump and juicy!" one wrote. "The tingle sensation doesn't bother me at all. It's a nice dupe for the Too Faced lip injection. You'll get the same effect without spending a lot of money."
Buy It: NYX Cosmetics Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss, $7, ulta.com
Best for Hydration: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss
This smooth-gliding gloss is enriched with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and a blend of oils — more hydrating ingredients than most entrants on this list — plus peptides to give you a juicy plump. It's available in eight shiny colors, from the clear Jellyfish to the red Jaws.
One shopper went as far as to call this the most pigmented gloss they've ever tried: "It's so unbelievably comfortable and long-wearing. I felt like I was wearing lipstick cause it was still showing up so beautifully after like five to six hours without any reapplying."
Buy It: Kosas Wet Lip Oil Plumping Treatment Gloss, $22, sephora.com
Best Long-Lasting: Buxom Full-On Plumping Polish
Formulated with plumping peptides and menthol and hydrating vitamins A and E, this volumizing gloss helps you achieve a plumper look without dryness. What makes this product long-lasting is the polyisobutene, which acts as an adhesive and waterproofing agent. There are more than 60 shades to choose from, but don't get overwhelmed: Try out the neutral shade Dolly, which is ideal for an everyday look.
"I always top my lipstick with this Buxom plumper because it really does plump them!" one Amazon reviewer wrote. "It gives my lips a nice glossy finished look. I love the tingly feeling, which lets me know it's working. This plumper smoothes on easily and even smells great! It keeps my lips moisturized and lasts a long time each time I apply."
Buy It: Buxom Full-On Plumping Polish, $21, amazon.com
Best Sting-Free Gloss: Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss
If you're not a fan of stinging or tingling, then go with Charlotte Tilbury. The brand's lip plumper is infused with peppermint oil and mustard sprout "to directly plump the lips along with the marine collagen and coconut oil to moisturize and soften the lips," says Dr. Zeichner. What's more, it comes with a heart-shaped applicator that's not only cute, but also makes for easy application.
"This Lip Bath/Gloss is perfect to finish your luxurious lip look. It adds that extra panache to your lip makeup and has staying power," raved one Nordstrom shopper. "I love the fuller appearance as I have small lips. The ingredients [are a] wonderful mix to help aid with lip definition and I love the fresh tingly feel of the peppermint extract. I applied after the Pillow Talk liner and lipstick and have to say it is the best lip look for me. Very natural and subtle and feels great."
Buy It: Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss, $35, nordstrom.com
Best for Sensitive Skin: PCA SKin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster
FYI, lip plumpers for sensitive skin exist, and this one from PCA is a fan favorite. Ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and konjac root enhance lip volume without causing irritation. What's more, "this formula contains a blend of hyaluronic acid to draw in water to the lips," explains Dr. Zeichner.
"Love this product — been using it for well over a year! My lips are smoother and more moisturized. I can go a couple of months longer between lip filler treatments too!" wrote a happy Dermstore customer.
Buy It: PCA SKin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster, $46, dermstore.com
