I Finally Found a Lip Plumper That Doesn't Smell Weird Or Sting
Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Dennis Gross
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For my entire life, I've been particularly sensitive to the scent of menthol. There's no real explanation for it, yet's it prevented me from enjoying a variety of skin-care and health products. Things like Icy Hot and even certain decongestants have been out of the question since I was a child. But perhaps most detrimental to my consumer experience, was not being able to use most lip plumpers.
That's why when Dr. Dennis Gross released its latest lip-enhancing formula — the DermInfusions Plump and Repair Lip Treatment — I couldn't wait to try it out and see if I could finally find a plumping product I'd be able to tolerate. Good news: This formula is Brooke-friendly.
The thick, jelly-like formula relies on hyaluronic acid to hydrate lips, as well as peptides to enhance volume and moisturizers like coconut oil, bisabolol and avocado oil. While most topical lip plumpers rely on irritating ingredients — like capsicum from hot peppers, peppermint and the dreaded menthol — that agitate skin to create an inflamed "plumping" effect, this one omits those. (As Dr. Gross put it at a press event, he's not about causing oxidative damage to skin just for the temporary aesthetic results.)
The formula imparts an immediate glossy finish that feels cushiony, rather than sticky. While it does create a slight tingle for about two milliseconds, it's nowhere near the traditional sting factor of old-school lip plumpers.
Beyond simply creating immediately fuller-looking, more hydrated lips in the immediate, the formula also reacts with the wearer's pH to impart a custom pink-ish tone. And the skin-caring ingredients mentioned above also work to spur collagen production over time, meaning there's a longer-term plumping and volume-loss-prevention in effect, too. I also love that it layers easily with other lip colors for mega impact, even though it's definitely pretty enough to wear on its own.
Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Plump and Repair Lip Treatment, $45, available here
Please note: This product was gifted. Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. In no way do either affect our editorial decision-making.
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