“Did they get filler?” “I heard they got a lip flip.” These are the allegations you might face after using the best lip plumpers. While those in-office treatments are popular, they can be costly and time-consuming. That’s why having a good lip plumper on hand is a game-changer—it gives you the perfect pout you’re looking for without the commitment.
For those new to lip plumpers, these products—typically glosses—temporarily enhance the appearance of fuller lips. They work through ingredients like chili pepper or capsicum to boost circulation (that tingly sensation often associated with plumpers) or deeply hydrate the lips. That’s right—just as you care for your skin to prevent dryness, cracks, and fine lines, keeping your lips hydrated and smooth is essential to achieve a fuller pout. It’s the reason why many of the options below are packed with hydrating superstars like shea butter and hyaluronic acid, delivering long-lasting moisture. With that in mind, here are 12 formulas to consider for a needle-free boost.
Vogue’s Favorite Lip Plumpers
In This Story:
Lawless Forget The Filler Lip Plumper
- Why We Love It: Clinically tested, this ultra-shiny gloss delivers long lasting softening, hydrating, and visibly plumping benefits. Makeup artist Ash K. Holm is a fan, saying, “This one is all about hydration and comfort.” Unlike traditional lip plumpers that create an uncomfortable tingling sensation, this formula plumps with the nourishing power of hyaluronic acid. “It’s perfect for everyday wear, especially if you want a natural, glossy finish.” For fall and winter, we recommend Maple Sugar, a warm truffle shade, or Velvet, a rosy mauve with plummy undertones.
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 13
- Finish: High shine
- Size: 0.05 oz, 0.11 oz, 0.19 oz
Maybelline Lifter Plumping Lip Gloss
- Why We Love It: Fair warning—this plumping gloss brings the heat, thanks to its chili pepper-infused formula. While the spicy sensation is short-lived, the results are immediate: visibly plumped lips with a hydrated, juicy look and a high-shine finish. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid for an extra boost of hydration. “I love how versatile it is—you can use it alone or as a topper for lipstick,” says Holm. Even better, you can snag it at your local drugstore at an affordable price.
- Key Ingredients: Chilli pepper, MAXI-LIP™
- Shades: 8
- Finish: Sheer
- Size: 0.18 oz
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Plumping Lip Gloss
- Why We Love It: Pillow Talk fans, rejoice! You can now get the iconic shade (available in Light/Medium or Medium/Dark) in a plumping gloss form. Whether you layer it over the classic lipstick-and-lip-liner duo or pair it with another favorite lipstick, it delivers that unmistakable je ne sais quoi only Charlotte Tilbury can bring. Luxurious to apply and incredibly effective, everything about this gloss feels special—from the doe-foot applicator that glides on effortlessly to the gorgeous packaging. It delivers a subtle punch without the sting.
- Key Ingredients: Heat and ice technology, plump effect CO2llageneer™, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 2
- Finish: High shine
- Size: 0.18 oz
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper
- Why We Love It: An OG in the world of lip plumpers, this gloss truly brings the heat with its intense tingling sensation. Makeup artist Dom Della advises, “Apply it on clean, bare lips, and be careful to avoid the skin outside your lip line—it will tingle and turn red!” The plumping effect is long-lasting, so once the gloss absorbs, you can layer your favorite lip liner and lipstick. The best part? Your lips will stay plump all day.
- Key Ingredients: Atelocollagen, avocado, jojoba oils, vitamin E
- Shades: 5
- Finish: High shine
- Size: 0.10 oz, 0.14 oz
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Plumping Lip Oil
- Why We Love It: Many lip glosses tend to be sticky—a real pain on wind-swept days in the city. Thankfully, these glosses are glossy and hydrating without that dreaded stickiness. Makeup artist Dillon Peña shares, “I keep these in my kit and use them often, especially for clients with drier lips. The hyaluronic acid helps hydrate and plump, and I frequently restock them because I give them to clients for touch-ups.” Available in both shimmer and sheer finishes, they come in 14 stunning shades, including Petal (a soft pink luster) and Cinnamon (a warm rosy brown). They provide a subtle but noticeable color payoff—without the tingly sensation.
- Key Ingredients: 15+ oil complex, maracuja oil, vitamin E
- Shades: 13
- Finish: Shimmer, sheer
- Size: 2.7 mL
GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper
- Why We Love It: This Grande Cosmetics lip gloss is formulated to plump lips in five minutes or less, making it a travel makeup-bag staple for nourishment and volume on the go. Holm notes that this gloss offers more than just instant results. “It’s all about the long-term benefits,” she says. “With hydrating ingredients and peptides that boost collagen production, your lips feel softer and look fuller with consistent use.”
- Key Ingredients: Volulip ™, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, instaplump ™
- Shades: 6
- Finish: Glossy
- Size: 2.48 mL
La Mer The Lip Volumizer
- Why We Love It: Thanks to La Mer’s Miracle Broth, this volumizer delivers visibly softer, nourished, and plumper lips with each glide. Holm explains, “This is more of a treatment than a gloss—it smooths, hydrates, and plumps over time, leaving a silky, balm-like finish. It’s definitely an investment, but it’s worth it.” The resulting iridescent shine is just the cherry on top.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, coconut oil
- Shades: 5
- Finish: High shine
- Size: 7 mL
Ourself Lip Filler Plumping Treatment
- Why We Love It: While this product is a bit of a splurge, it’s designed to mimic the effects of a filler with peptides and hyaluronic acid that penetrate deeply. Peña says, “This is actually really nice and worth the price. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid to help plump lips, doesn’t tingle or sting, and has a balm-like texture rather than a glossy finish, making it great for both men and women.” Don’t just take our word for it—clinical studies show that consistent use over time visibly plumps the lips. We love keeping it on our desk as a daily reminder to reapply and reap the benefits.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, tiered-release vesicles™, vitamin B3-derived lip color enhancer
- Shades: 1
- Finish: Sheer
- Size: 1.7 mL
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss
- Why We Love It: Fans of the buzzy Dior Lip Oil should consider adding the brand’s lip-plumping gloss to their beauty bag. Packed with volumizing spheres and hyaluronic acid, it’s formulated for maximum fullness and hydration. Della says, unlike some of the spicier options on this list, this has more of a cooling effect while subtly plumping the lips. It’s perfect for layering, as it doesn’t disrupt the lipstick underneath.
- Key Ingredients: Cherry oil, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 40
- Finish: High shine
- Size: 6 mL
Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream Gloss
- Why We Love It: Expect Buxom’s coveted Full-On Plumping gloss to deliver not only the tingling sensation you crave but the appearance of fuller lips through a blend of peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A and E as well. Choose from a variety of shades, including some of our favorites: Dolly—a sultry mauve, and White Russian—a nude pink perfect for everyday wear.
- Key Ingredients: Plumping peptides, hyaluronic filling spheres, vitamin E
- Shades: 21
- Finish: High shine
- Size: 4.45 mL
Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum
- Why We Love It: If you prefer a plumping formula in a creamy balm stick rather than a gloss, Makeup By Mario’s lip serum is an excellent choice. Featuring a blend of conditioning oils, the serum melts into lips, leaving a subtle wash of color. There’s truly something for everyone—whether you prefer mauvy nudes or bold poppy reds, you’re sure to find a shade that suits you. You can even choose between a high shine finish for everyday wear or a shimmer finish for nights out.
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, refined kiwi oil, argan oil
- Shades: 19
- Finish: High shine, shimmer
- Size: 0.08 oz
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper
- Why We Love It: For a Rih-approved pout, glide Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb’s plumping formula across your lips in your pick of six creamy shades. The featured ginger root oil and capsicum fruit extract (pepper), along with vitamin E and shea butter, will certainly do your lips well. For a bolder look, we love Hot Chocolit—a sheer rich brown—or Hot Cherry—a sheer red. If you prefer something more versatile, Glass Slipper Heat is a clear option that works beautifully on bare lips or layered over your favorite lip colors.
- Key Ingredients: Ginger root oil, capsicum fruit extract, shea butter, vitamin E
- Shades: 6
- Finish: Shimmer
- Size: 9 mL
What is a lip plumper?
According to Holm, a lip plumper is a product designed to temporarily enhance the fullness and volume of your lips. It typically works by increasing blood circulation or adding intense hydration to create a plumping effect. “Some formulas even include active ingredients that stimulate collagen production over time, offering a more long-lasting result,” she explains.
Do lip plumping glosses actually work?
Yes, but it depends on your expectations! “Lip plumping glosses are great for adding instant volume, shine, and hydration, but they’re not a substitute for more permanent treatments like fillers,” says Holm. She explains that ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, or mild irritants like cinnamon oil or menthol can make lips appear fuller by drawing moisture to the surface or creating a slight tingling effect. The result is subtle yet noticeable—perfect for enhancing a makeup look.
Are lip plumpers safe?
For the most part, yes. Most lip plumpers are formulated with gentle, skin-safe ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which is excellent for hydration, or plant-based oils, explains Holm. However, some formulas contain tingling agents like menthol or chili extracts, which can cause irritation for some people. “If you have sensitive skin, always patch-test first,” Holm advises. “And remember—moderation is key. Overusing these products can dry out your lips instead of keeping them hydrated.”
What to Look for in a Lip Plumper
Holm advises looking for a formula that balances hydration and plumping power. “Ingredients like hyaluronic acid are excellent for adding volume without irritation. If you want a more dramatic effect, opt for products with peptides or stimulating agents.” Della recommends seeking out specific ingredients like capsicum, menthol, and cinnamon. “Menthol provides a cooling sensation, while cinnamon creates a tingling effect—both help increase blood flow to the lips, making for the perfect plumper!”
Holm also emphasizes the importance of texture. “A lightweight, non-sticky gloss can be layered over lipstick, while a thicker balm works better on bare lips.” Peña adds, “Consider the level of shine you want—some glosses are more reflective than others—and take into account your skin sensitivity and desired intensity.”
Meet The Experts
- Ash K. Holm is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California, best known for creating glamorous beauty looks on her star-studded clientele, which includes her long-time client- Ariana Grande, as well as Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, and more.
- Dom Della is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California whose clients include Noah Cyrus, Kris Jenner, and Demi Lovato.
- Dillon Peña is a celebrity makeup artist based in Los Angeles, California who has recently worked with Leona Lewis, Natalie Martinez, Lionel Ritchie, and the band As1one.
