Unless you’re living under a rock, you know full lips are in. When more than half of Instagram is showing off that just-got-fillers look, you’re not one to be left behind. But what’s out there for us regular girls who want that bee-stung pout without having to spend a bomb on injections?
That’s where *drum roll, please* lip fillers come in. Trust us, it doesn’t get much easier than putting on some lip gloss and getting luscious lips in return. We’re bringing you the lowdown on everything you need to know about lip plumpers before you go ahead and make them a worthwhile investment. You can thank us later.
How does a lip plumper work?
You know how your lips swell when you go all out with your favorite spicy foods? Most lip plumping agents use similar ingredients like Menthol, Capsaicin (a chemical found in chillies), Cinnamon, Ginger and Wintergreen which are mild irritants that cause a tingling sensation in the lips. This feeling causes the blood to rush to the surface of your lips making them flush and slightly swollen. Most lip plumpers have ingredients that simultaneously soothe the skin so you can use the products every day without a care in the world.
Do lip plumpers really work? Or is it just a gimmick?
Fortunately, there are no side effects to using lip plumpers since the active ingredients are all natural, edible and can, quite literally, be found in your kitchen. The tingling sensation wears off in the due course of time and the intrinsic hydrating properties of these products keep your lips soft and moisturized. That said, be sure to read the ingredients before going here-take-all-my-money to ensure you’re not allergic to anything. While these lip enhancing formulas work wonders to give you a plumper pout (even if it’s just for a few hours), using them too often can reduce their effectiveness and can even cause dryness and chapping of your lips. So, ladies, pucker up, but with caution.
How do you use a lip plumper?
Step 1: Exfoliate
Dry, flaky lips appear smaller as they don’t reflect light as efficiently. Use a mild scrub and toothbrush to exfoliate and smoothen your lips for better application.
Step 2: Prime
Prep your lips with a lip primer to moisturize them and prevent them from drying out. The primer also works to lighten pigmentation leaving you with a smooth canvas for your plumper.
Step 3: Plump
Line your lips with a lip liner and apply the lip plumper carefully within the lines. Wait for the tingling sensation to wear off, clean up any smudges, and flaunt that pout all day long, no touch-ups needed.
1. Palladio Plump 'N' Shine Lip Gloss
Get a professional I-just-got-my-lips-done look without emptying your wallet with this plumping lip gloss that comes in five different shades. Enriched with instantly absorbed Herbs, Vitamins, Collagen and the patented Maxi-Lip formula, it begins working on your lips as soon as you apply it leaving you with a sexy, full pucker.
2. Lotus Make-Up Proedit Lip Plumper - Wine Wave
Made by combining natural ingredients like Capsicum Extracts, Sugar plumping action and Botanical components, this organic plumper from Lotus transforms your lips to give you that Insta-worthy pout that’ll make all those jaws drop. In five different shades, it leaves your lips looking smoother, brighter and popping.
3. MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Lip Booster Hydra-Plump Serum
Don’t tell anyone but this Hydra-Plump Serum infused with Hyaluronic Acid is what all the pros use as a pick-me-up for those gorgeous lips on set. If you’re looking for the same kind of plump without the color, then this is the product for you. Wear it as is for natural, full lips or pile on some color to add some extra oomph.
4. Indulgeo Essentials Pout It Lip Oil
This blend of essential oils with 24 karat gold flakes is your-lips-but-better in a tube. Infused with Cinnamon Oil (a natural lip plumper), Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, Primrose Oil, Jamaican Coffee Beans and French Vanilla Pods, this lip oil contains Beeswax that moisturizes and protects your lips. It also boasts of increasing collagen production so you can enjoy those fuller lips without having to step into the doctor’s office.
5. Chambor Rouge Plump ++ Lipstick
This long-wear lipstick with its Brosh Bio Lip Complex helps stimulate the production of collagen so plumped up lips become a part of your everyday look, without that uncomfortable tingly sensation. What’s more, this lippie promises to protect your lips from the hard UV rays of the sun while smoothening and moisturizing them making them firmer and fuller. Pout away!
