Looking for a cheat code to fake the appearance of fuller lips? Our best lip plumper is up to the task.
You don’t necessarily need to head to the doctor’s office if you want a more prominent look. Sure, the ever-popular fillers are an effective way to boost the size of your lips, but not everyone is down for the commitment. “Lip fillers add volume to your lips that usually last anywhere from six to 18 months, depending on how fast your body metabolizes them,” says dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D. If you want something subtler and shorter-term, a simple gloss infused with the right ingredients will do the trick. “Lip plumpers are a great option for anyone who wants [something more temporary],” Dr. Engelman adds.
Get into the details of how a plumper can help bring you closer to the lips of your dreams.
What is lip plumper?
Think of lip plumper as a step up from your traditional balm or gloss. It’s formulated to temporarily create the appearance of fuller lips without you having to do a ton of finessing. Instead of overlining or contouring, you can simply swipe on a plumper and let it do the work for you.
Lip plumpers deliver a volume-boosting effect far subtler than, say, fillers. The results are temporary and tend to vary from person to person. Our lightweight, ultra-cushiony Electric Glossy Lip Plumper is just what you need to achieve fuller pout, at least for a little while. It comes in six shades and delivers a juicier look when you apply it. It’s spiked with vegan plant-derived collagen which makes your lips look firmer and works to moisturize them, too.
How do lip plumpers work?Old-school formulas used to rely on vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) to achieve the look of bigger lips. “They worked by using ingredients that caused slight irritation and blood rush to [the area],” Dr. Engelman explains. “This would result in swelling, making your lips appear fuller.” If you used plumper back in the day, you will likely remember the semi-burning sensation they used to give. Low-grade irritants such as menthol, cinnamon, and even bee venom are the culprits behind that phenomenon. A rule of thumb for plumper: If it burns, it’s a problem. “If you have very sensitive lips or skin, or know of an allergy to any ingredients it may contain, applying a plumper can cause more severe swelling or burning than intended,” Dr. Engelman cautions. Packed with vegan, plant-derived collagen and jojoba oil, our Electric Glossy Lip Plumper draws in moisture and locks it down to amplify the fullness of your lips. Bonus: it’s concocted with gentler ingredients that give you a slight tingling sensation, as opposed to that “help-my-lips-are-on-fire” feeling. The natural Sichuan pepper added to the formula is what creates that pleasant feeling, and it ultimately serves to create the appearance of smoother lips. Does lip plumper treat chapped lips?Not all lip plumpers are going to be super hydrating, but Electric Glossy is made with gentle, skin-loving ingredients like vegan plant-derived collagen and jojoba oil to deliver a surge of moisture to your lips. “Collagen promotes hydration, cell growth, and skin elasticity,” Dr. Engelman says. “When used on your lips, it helps to reduce fine lines and create a fuller look.” |
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How to Apply Milk Makeup Electric Glossy Lip Plumper“With skin, it’s all about the canvas. Lips are no different,” Milk Makeup Director of Artistry Sara Wren says. To max the mileage of your plumper, start the night before. Coat your lips with a rich salve before bed, such as our Melatonin Overnight Lip Mask, then exfoliate with a lip scrub in the morning to gently buff away dead skin cells before applying a plumping formula. “This creates a smooth base for the product, which helps with the plumping effect,” Dr. Engelman says. To optimize your plumped-up look, employ some extra tricks to really make your lips stand out. Use two different shades of liner—one dark, one light—to contour your lips before applying your gloss. “When creating the illusion of a fuller lip, you want to go darker at the corners and lighter toward the center of the lip,” Sara says. “Start with a deep, cool-toned nude liner at the corners of the mouth and around the edge of the lips, and keep the bottom center of your lip bare.” She loves blending Electric Glossy Lip Plumper in Buzzed, a warm beige tone, or Pumped, your classic clear gloss, together in the center of the lip. “Just like that, you’ve created a super natural, full lip,” Sara says. Whichever route you take on your journey to fuller-looking lips, always remember that you have options. Now go forth, and let your pumped-up pout shine. |
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Meet the Experts
Dendy Engelman, M.D. (she/her) is a board-certified, award-winning dermatologic surgeon based in New York. She specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, and serves as a national media expert.
Sara Wren (she/her) is the Director of Artistry at Milk Makeup. In her role, she does all the makeup artistry and direction for our Milk Makeup global campaigns, educates the staff and field team on application methods, stars in the brand’s social media videos, and travels to different markets spreading Milk Makeup’s good vibes. When she’s not on set, Sara loves experimenting with DIY hair colors, eating tacos, watching basketball, and scouring for vintage cosmetics to add to her impressive collection.
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