Is this the absolute best lip plumper of 2024? 8 tried-and-tested beauty products, from Too Faced’s cult fave to Maybelline’s TikTok-famous offering – plus how to use them, and how long they last
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Below are my reviews on the eight best lip plumpers I’ve tried – and what I love about each of them.
Best overall: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper
![The Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper sits pretty as the best product on our list](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/1a493c0e-2050-47e7-ab93-86af19c94a85_2e52fe38.jpg)
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 favourite, which has been around for a few years, definitely delivers on the plumping effect.
Most painless: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump
![Go for the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump if you’re seeking a painless experience](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/617ecaad-c981-498a-a43b-f37f50d9c236_f8ecaa67.jpg)
Best gloss: Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid
![The Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid is famous for its formula, finish and price tag](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/582448e1-da29-4245-8b8a-651fa1212246_3bd94d56.jpg)
Best serum: Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum
![Makeup by Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum is incredibly lightweight](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/dccb1d09-8a28-461c-890e-3fe765298625_2b213901.jpg)
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 Keep It Full Maxxx Balmshell Lip Plumping Balm is great if you want plump lips with a more natural look](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/52a961bd-f3f6-4b00-bc49-b3312fe5599c_fbdcf459.jpg)
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.
Best scented: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Plumper
![Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Diamond Plumper doesn’t just make your lips look delicious – it smells delicious, too](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/6a1f0687-112b-4032-b196-97e0bd94ed90_de019856.jpg)
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
![Grande Cosmetics GrandeLips Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss doesn’t just plump up your pout, it hydrates your lips, too](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/158799c4-b596-4de1-a6dd-ba2774467d0d_45d90fed.jpg)
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.
Best budget: NYX Professional Makeup Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss
![NYX Professional Makeup Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss is another lightweight option, with extra shine](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/2fe029b6-4f60-4360-84b9-531f560b5419_d12b5077.jpg)
The NYX Professional Makeup Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss is by far the shiniest option on the list, and I couldn’t help admire how juicy my lips looked after swiping some on. While I did notice a very subtle tingling feeling, my lips looked more or less the same size pre-application. The light-as-air formula is non-sticky, too.
How we tested lip plumpers
![NYX Professional Makeup Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss comes in a variety of hues](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/9ee7acfc-1297-4734-aaeb-658ede0152a9_d12b5077.jpg)
FAQs
Are lip plumpers safe?
![Before and after applying Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/6e8bd38d-2877-4c53-8414-75ef21522366_7f296352.jpg)
Lip plumpers are generally safe for occasional use; however, it’s best to avoid these three ingredients as they are known irritants:
1. Capsicum resin
Capsicum is derived from hot peppers; it’s 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.
2. Artificial fragrances
3. Menthol
Do lip plumpers actually work?
![Before and after applying Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/05/31/a9b405e8-df7b-4d30-9fe1-a68fe7699132_acf0e783.jpg)
![](https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/_next/static/media/wheel-on-gray.af4a55f9.gif)
- While lip fillers or injectables grant lasting effects, lip plumpers work for a few minutes to a few hours – the best ones offer shinier, fuller lips, but others can result in burning or irritation
- Skip out on capsicum resin for a pain-free experience, swap menthol for hyaluronic acid if you suffer from dryness, and those with sensitive skin should avoid artificial fragrances