Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Injectables and overlining with lip liner have become some of the common ways of achieving a full, voluminous pout in recent years, but they're not the only effective methods. The often-overlooked lip plumper has entered the chat once again, and the formulas of 2024 are no joke.
"Lip plumping products temporarily volumize the lips by increasing circulation in the lips," says Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in the New York City area. "Ingredients in the product trigger a mild form of irritation that stimulates increased blood flow, resulting in the appearance of fuller lips."
As someone who's always looking for ways to create a more defined pucker, I am constantly testing out new formulas. Ahead, I shared some of the best lip plumpers I've tried over the years, and then tapped Dr. Camp and Naoko Scintu, a celebrity makeup artist and Dolce&Gabbana Beauty Global Makeup Expert, for more advice on these pout-enhancers. Shop my tried and true favorites here.
Pros
- Instantly delivers a fuller, more defined look
- Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
I previously described the Ourself Lip Filler as "cosmetic injectable in a tube." Two years later, I stand by what I wrote. Not only does it make my pout appear bigger, but it smooths the look of fine lines and enhances my lip shade without any color. While it will cost you a pretty penny, a little goes a long way, so you can expect the formula to last a while. For best results, use in tandem with the accompanying lip conditioner for extra supple results.
One reviewer writes: "I am so impressed with these results. I have been using for a few weeks and have seen a significant noticeable improvement. I have had lip filler in the past and the results from using this as directed is comparable to a natural looking lip filler. In addition to the filler appearance the hydration is amazing!"
Lip Filler Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, multiphasic vesicles, vitamin B3
Size: 1.7 ml
Lip Conditioner Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, cupuaçu seed butter
Size: 5.6 ml
Pros
- Hydrating and comfortable to wear
- Naturally enhances colors of lips
Cons
Slightly tingly and oh-so-nourishing, Dolce&Gabbana's plumping oil makes lips feel fresh and fuller without the undesirable sticky feel.
"It gives you an instant burst of freshness to the lips with a refreshing sensation, so it feels so good as soon as it is applied," says Scintu, whose A-List clients include Elizabeth Debicki and Jodie Comer. "It also has a wide applicator for ‘one stroke’ application, so super easy to use ‘on the go.' And it contains a PH color reviving agent, which gives you a perfect flush to the lips."
Scintu says you can wear it solo, on top of your favorite lipstick, or even as a blush: "It gives a perfect pink flush with dewy finish to the cheeks."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, mint, fenugreek
Size: 7 ml
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Wide shade range
- Offers long-lasting color
Cons
A true OG plumper, Dior Addict's Lip Maximizer is formulated with a blend of cherry oil and hyaluronic acid which work together to boost your kisser while delivering long-lasting hydration. With more than 20 color options available with different finishes, there's a shade for every lip. Dr. Camp approves.
One shopper says: "I love this. You slick it on, no lip liner needed, then Go! It puffs up your lips like you accidentally got your face serum on your mouth. It’s glorious. I carry three shades with me at all times."
Key Ingredients: Cherry oil, hyaluronic acid
Shades: 20+
Size: .2 oz
Pros
- Refreshing application experience
- Protects against environmental aggressors
Cons
From the formula to the sleek applicator, everything about La Mer's volumizing serum is a keeper. The antioxidant-rich elixir softens, smooths, and plumps with a high-shine finish, while the cooling tip feels refreshing on lips.
One shopper says: "I love the original lip volumizer and the new colours have added to the choice. Beautiful glossy shine and minty taste made even better with oh so subtle colour. I use this every day either on its own or over a lipstick and it feels, tastes, and looks great!"
Key Ingredients: Marine ingredients, like sea kelp, and lime tea concentrate
Size: 7 ml
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Combats fine lines and wrinkles in lip area
- Deeply moisturizes chapped lips
Cons
This is more than just a pout plumper. The dermatologist-developed elixir is packed with plant oils, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants that also care for chapped lips and naturally enhance lip color.
One shopper says: "This product is a must-have if you are looking for a very lightweight, non-sticky, yet deeply hydrating lip treatment. It has the slightest bit of a peppermint scent which made me nervous as I sometimes get lip line pimples when using peppermint toothpaste/lip products. I was so impressed that after a few weeks of use, this never caused any breakouts around my lips and absolutely zero irritation."
Key Ingredients: Microencapsulated hyaluronic acid, ceramides, goldenrod
Size: 6 ml
Pros
- Instantly volumizes lips
- Hydrating formula
Cons
Polite Society's plumping oil gloss is the real deal. Formulated with infinity pepper and ginger root oil, this extra-spicy formula certainly turns up the heat. Fair warning: The gloss is tingly at first swipe (it's similar to what your lips might feel after eating spicy food), but my lips instantly looked plumper, brighter, and juicier with a mirror-like sheen.
One shopper says: " I’ve tried a few lip plumper glosses from other brands as well so I have a high tolerance of the tingle. Once you put it on you’ll feel it right away. I love that the tingle last a long time, almost an hour then it slowly subsides. I love that this is an oil gloss, it’s super glossy on the lips but doesn’t have the sticky tacky feel."
Key Ingredients: Blueberry oil, organic infinity pepper, ginger root oil
Shades: 4
Size: 3 ml
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Delivers long-lasting color
- Instantly plumps lips
Cons
Dr. Camp also recommends Patrick Ta's plumping lip gloss: "Capsaicin, ginger, cinnamon, and peppermint are all featured in this lip gloss, along with vitamin E, jojoba and avocado oils for fuller, softer, and more hydrated lips."
One shopper says: "I loved this product, gives my a light plumping look and hydrates my lips. I love this because it not only glosses my lips but it also hydrates. Definitely will buy again."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, peppermint, jojoba oil
Shades: 11
Size: .3 oz
Pros
- Comfortable wear
- Long-lasting color
Cons
If you love Charlotte Tilbury's lip products, you know what to expect here: a comfortable, high color finish but with a glossy, pillowy effect. Best part of all? No burning or swelling sensation involved.
One shopper says: "Plumping tingle without burning, I got the darker color and really love how it looks with pretty much everything and does plump, enough to be noticeable. I'd recommend this for someone who is sensitive to lip plumper but still wants to dip their toes in."
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Shades: 2
Size: .18 oz
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
What makes a good lip plumper?
A good lip plumper will instantly volumize and hydrate your pout but do so in a comfortable manner. Dr. Camp recommends looking for formulas with plumping ingredients (cinnamon, ginger, peppermint oil, capsaicin) and natural hydrators that help lips retain moisture (hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and ceramides).
Scintu also recommends opting for a lip plumper containing vitamin E, such as Dolce&Gabbana Beauty Mint Oil Lip Plumper, because it offers lasting protection and helps lips feel smoother.
Are lip plumper safe for lips?
According to Dr. Camp, the tingling sensation many lip plumpers give off is totally safe, but some products "may cause irritation in those with more sensitive skin, as the intention of the product is to stimulate some form of localized irritation."
Dr. Camp recommends limiting use of formulas with capsaicin, which is derived from chili peppers. "Overuse of products with capsaicin can cause sensations beyond tingling, such as burning," says the pro, adding: "Some products that contain alcohol could potentially cause skin and lip dryness if used in excess."
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Why trust Town & Country?
For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.
Sophie Dweck
Sophie Dweck is the Associate Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow's ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn't testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.