Editor Tip: The gloss has a nice vanilla-y flavor, which is a pleasant cool down from whatever tingling you may experience.
Key Ingredients: Volulip, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 | Finish: Sheer | Available Shades: 7
Best Cooling: E.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss
Why It’s Worth It: The affordable E.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss is a low-cost go-to thanks to its nourishing formula. It’s made with soothing vitamin E and moisturizing coconut oil, which, according to Dr. Green, makes lips softer and revives chapped lips. She adds that coconut oil performs double-duty as a moisturizer and volumizer since it has “some natural lip-plumping capacity.” Choose from six shimmery, sheer shades.
Editor Tip: Users describe the post-application sensation as closer to “cooling” than “stinging.”
Ingredients: Coconut oil, menthol, vitamin E | Finish: Glassy | Available Shades: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
How do lip plumpers work?
Dr. Green explains that topical lip plumpers work by creating temporary swelling in the lips, often using ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and peppermint. “The skin reaction results in localized swelling, which gives the lips a temporary plumping effect,” she tells Allure. You’ll also notice that some lip plumpers are formulated with peptides. “Peptides are composed of amino acids. Some peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production, which work by increasing moisture as well, producing localized swelling in the lips,” Dr. Green adds.
Are lip plumpers safe?
Cosmetic chemist Ginger King tells Allure that lip plumpers are generally safe. “There is nothing to worry about unless you have super sensitive skin. Irritant-containing lip plumpers can get on the upper lips and cause blotchiness and irritation,” she explains. Check the plumper’s ingredients list to ensure you don’t have a known allergy to any ingredients. You can also perform a patch test before applying the plumping product to your lips.
How should I choose a lip plumper?
Board-certified dermatologist Peterson Pierre, MD, of the Pierre Skin Care Institute in Thousand Oaks, California, recommends looking for lip plumpers enriched with hyaluronic acid. According to Dr. Pierre, the moisture-attracting ingredient offers a plumping effect since it can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. He also recommends looking for lip plumpers infused with moisturizing and conditioning ingredients such as shea butter and ceramides to make your lips smooth and moist.
Dr. Hadley King echos Dr. Pierre, advising to shop for labels enriched with humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin), emollients (which include fatty acids and ceramides), and occlusives (like beeswax) for maximum hydration. “The best type of lip plumpers will be using a combination of [capsicum, hot pepper, menthol, polymers, and peptides],” adds Ginger King.
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?