It’s no secret that glossy, tingly, often yummy-scented products with the ability to plump, perk, and prop up our pouts have become increasingly popular in recent years. Not only have they become more effective and comfortable to wear (does anyone else remember the spicy Lip Venom?), but the majority of options are also a heck of a lot more elevated. For instance, luxury beauty heavy hitters such as Dior and La Mer have stepped into the ring, joining other popular brands like Buxom, Too Faced, Maybelline, and e.l.f. cosmetics. The result is an overwhelming influx of products designed to boost the volume of our lips sans injections. But of course, not all of said lip plumpers are as effective or as enjoyable to wear as they’re marketed to be. That’s where we (and a panel of superb experts) come in.
The trend of lip-plumping products isn’t going anywhere, and as more and more brands launch their own tantalizing takes on the category, we wanted to put the crème de la crème to the test to see which formulas actually live up to their claims and deliver the perfect ratio of plumpness, shine, hydration, and comfort, regardless of their price point or popularity.
So after spending hours doing research (if you could only see our color-coded spreadsheets), we curated a list of the 10 “best” lip plumpers to test-drive and review. Keep scrolling to learn more about our review process and panel of experts, and to of course shop all our recs.
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
The Best Lip Plumpers, at a Glance
The 10 Best Lip Plumpers We Ever Tested
Best Overall: Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in Pink
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DIOR
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in Pink
Plumping intensity score (out of 4): 1.8
An iconic cult favorite, this staple plumping gloss lives up to, if not exceeds, the hype it receives all over the internet. it comes in two finishes (Shimmer or High Shine—pick your poison) and an array of mouthwatering colors. We tried it in Light Pink and found that it gave a subtle yet noticeable plumping effect, was supremely comfortable on the lips, had impressive longevity, and also raked in the compliments when it came to shine and overall finish. Plus, because it’s Dior, you know the packaging, smell, and smooth-versus-sticky consistency are 11/10 as well.
What we liked: “I like this lip plumper because it has that tingly feeling where you can tell that it is doing something to plump your lips without being painful or uncomfortable. Of course, I love the packaging, but Dior seems to always know what it’s doing when it comes to its packaging. I would spend my own money on this. I actually have this product in several other shades, and even though it’s a little on the pricey side, it’s also a luxury beauty brand and worth the investment in mind.” — Grace O’Connell Joshua, assistant editor
“I love that it feels like a lip oil, doesn’t have much of a scent, and is so sheer it just enhances my own lip color. As far as comfort level, I barely felt a thing, just a cool breeze on a summer day on my lips. I want to keep using this.” — Natalia Stzyk, art director
What we didn’t like: N/A
Best for Extreme Results: Dr. Lara Devgan Platinum Lip Plump
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Dr. Lara Devgan
Platinum Lip Plump
Plumping intensity score: 3.8
While renowned plastic surgeon Lara Devgan’s namesake beauty line might not be as universally famous as a brand like Dior, among beauty insiders, this highly effective and multitasking lip plumper is revered as one of the most coveted beauty items one can own. It contains a host of plumping and hydrating heavy hitters like niacin, ceramides, and mixed-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. Overall, this plumper had the most dramatic results with visible increases in plumpness and volume, but it does have some zing.
What we liked: “I’ve been a longtime fan of this lip plumper and definitely feel like it’s one of the best on the market. It gives you shine! It gives you plumpness! It gives you hydration! It gives you sun protection! And it even naturally enhances your lip color so no other lip products are needed underneath. You can for sure feel it working its magic, which I happen to love.” — Erin Jahns, beauty director
“Again, this will be one of the few that I will continue to use. I really do like it! I loved that it wasn’t too uncomfortable on the lips, the plump was subtle, and it also felt like a high-quality skincare product that will help with fine lines, etc., over time. I’m more of skincare person, so I love that. The effects also lasted the longest out of all of the lip plumpers I tried.” — Natalia
What we didn’t like: “You definitely feel this one. It’s not uncomfortable or intolerable, but it is pretty spicy.” — Erin
Best Budget: e.l.f. cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss
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e.l.f. cosmetics
Lip Plumping Gloss in Mocha Twist
Plumping intensity score: 2.8
Who said a lip plumpers have to be expensive to deliver incredible results? If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg for a top-tier formula, this is the one to try. It comes in at just $7, has a variety of pretty colors to choose from (although, our testers did wish there was a straight-up clear option), has lacquer-level shine, and has noticeable hydration perks in addition to the tingly plumping action. Spotlight ingredients like vitamin E and coconut oil also help it feel smooth and nourishing on the pout.
What we liked: “This is a solid lip plumper, and if I hadn’t known it was from e.l.f., I would have assumed it was a more expensive option. The product itself glides on, gives a pretty dose of color, and has a super-flattering high-shine factor. It’s also not annoyingly heavy or sticky feeling. All in all, it’s an unbeatable price point and actually feels and looks like a high-quality gloss in addition to the nice plumping effect.” — Erin
“We got a good tingle going, and while I wasn’t a fan of the two colors I tried, they have 10 colors to choose from, which is a plus given most on the market are clear.” — Kat Collings, editor in chief
What we didn’t like: “It definitely has a noticeable zingy, cooling effect, but since it’s more cooling than stingy, I wasn’t bothered by it.” — Erin
Best Long-Lasting: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper Gloss
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Too Faced
Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper Gloss
Plumping intensity score: 3.2
What we liked: “Five minutes after applying, I looked in the mirror and was shocked. It looked like I had lip injections! Some of the plumpers we tested just seem like glorified lip glosses, but definitely not this one… even if the effect only lasted for about an hour.” — Natalia
What we didn’t like: “The packaging and smell (it’s been compared to lemon cake) felt a little ‘young’ and inexpensive leaning to me. However, if you’re not an annoying packaging snob like I am, it did come through with the plumping as promised, which I’m not surprised at given Too Faced’s reputation for products that deliver results.” — Kat
“This gloss was just a little too uncomfortable for me. It definitely has a more intense stinging sensation than the others we tried, which makes it hard for me to justify the price.” — Grace
Best Hydrating: Lawless Forget the Filler Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss
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LAWLESS
Forget the Filler Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss in Rosy Outlook
Plumping intensity score: 2.5
What we liked: “The shine-and-gloss factor with this lip plumper is spot-on. It has a noticeable plumping effect, it’s comfortable to wear, it features clean ingredients, and it looks elevated. There’s also a refreshing, somewhat intense, cooling sensation that lasts. I’m also a sucker for a big fat doe-foot—I just like the way you can slide the product on with two nice swipes. If there were just a tad more plumping action, I think this one would have collectively scored higher.” — Erin
What we didn’t like: “It’s super sticky, and I despise that. That said, if you don’t mind or can get over the stick factor, I love that there’s no crazy smell, it has a nice cooling sensation (instead of a tingle), and it gives lips a subtle plumpness. It’s a nice addition to your purse!” — Natalia
Best Shade Range: Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish in Samantha
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Buxom
Full-On Plumping Lip Polish in Samantha
Plumping intensity score: 2.2
What we liked: “This was really one of the only lip plumpers where I looked at the before-and-afters and was like, ‘Okay, wow!’ I like that you get an intense rush of ‘cool’ with no sting or burn (kind of like when you suck in air with minty gum in your mouth). I also like how there are so many shades and finishes to choose from, whereas most lip plumpers only come in clear or have very limited shade options that not everyone may find flattering.” — Erin
What we didn’t like: “I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it. The plumping effect was just not really there for me. I used the color Samantha, and unfortunately, it’s a lot lighter than my natural lip color, so that may have given the illusion of my lips looking smaller.” — Natalia
“This one is definitely pretty sticky and doesn’t feel or look quite as luxe as some of the others we tried. But that stickiness—it’s not terrible, but not the best, either. It’s also a little worrisome that every one of our testers had very different plumping results. As a beauty editor, I want to make sure something consistently delivers before recommending it.” — Erin
Best Clear: Grande Cosmetics Grandelips Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss
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Grande Cosmetics
Grandelips Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss
Plumping intensity score: 1.7
What we liked: “I’d rate the tingle factor as baby spice, which I like because I feel like it’s working, but it’s nowhere near uncomfortable. The results weren’t outrageous, but I feel like my lips certainly looked a tad fuller, even more than the illusion of fullness that gloss alone gives.” — Kat
“I loved this for a lip gloss that has a very subtle plumping effect! It felt so nice—not really the feel of a lip oil but not sticky, either. My lips were super shiny, baby soft, and hydrated! Those fine lines were getting smoothed out.” — Natalia
What we didn’t like: “This one just didn’t work well enough for me as a plumper, but I do really like it if I were just shopping for gloss. That being said, there was a slight plump, and the design of the tube is really cute, which I appreciate.” — Grace
Best Splurge: La Mer The Lip Volumizer
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Plumping intensity score: 1.5
What we liked: “This one didn’t plump much, but it did make my lips look healthy and hydrated! Who doesn’t wanna look like that? It definitely feels super comfortable too—like cool peppermint—and it smelled like the white Tic Tacs.” — Natalia
What we didn’t like: “Like with many of its competitors that we tested, I didn’t notice a difference in the size of my lips with this one. However, I love how the product made my lips feel ultra-soft and hydrated. This is the type of beauty product I’d love to receive as a gift, but I don’t think I’d pay nearly $100 for it.” — Grace
Best Mask: KNC Beauty Kiss My Lips Collagen-Infused Lip Masks
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KNC Beauty
Kiss My Lips Collagen-Infused Lip Masks
Plumping intensity score: 1.0
What we liked: “Even though this didn’t have super-dramatic results, it definitely gave me a bump of subtle plumpness and really softened and smoothed out my lips. (When the lil’ wrinkles are ironed out, my lips always look fuller and more hydrated—less Sahara Desert, if you will.) I would totally do this to prep my lips pre-makeup if I really wanted my lips to look their best under my other lip products, but I’d also do this before bed or on the weekend to subtly enhance the look of my bare lips too. If you want to dip your baby toe into plumping products, this mask is the one. It’s also a great alternative for anyone who doesn’t like glosses or stick factor. I enjoyed the *slight* tingle, which the brand attributes to the collagen. It feels more refreshing than uncomfortable.” — Erin
“This would be such a fun addition to a gift! Stocking suffers, bridesmaids gift baskets, etc. I would 100% bring these on a trip.” — Natalia
What we didn’t like: “Though adorable, this mask kept slipping down, so I felt like I had to lie down to keep it in place. It did tingle a bit while I was wearing it, so I’m surprised it didn’t do anything for me in the plumping department.” — Kat
Best Gloss: Maybelline Lifter Gloss
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Maybelline
Lifter Gloss in Pearl
Plumping intensity score: 0.7
What we liked: “It’s tough because as a gloss, I actually love it. The size of the doe-foot is nice and big, which makes application a snap. It’s smooth and not sticky, and I personally love the throwback feel of the birthday cake–like scent and clear sparkle. (I’m a sucker for anything that brings on a wave of nostalgia and caters nicely to the Y2K revival happening right now.) Also, it’s $9, and I’ve tried lip glosses three times that price that I didn’t enjoy as much! It’s also super hydrating. Alas, it had zero plumping action and no tingle or sensation whatsoever, so I was forced to give it a lower score.” — Erin
What we didn’t like: “I mostly just noticed how shiny my lips were instead of how plump. I also didn’t like the glittery/metallic finish, but I know there are other shade options I might like better. I know Erin loved the glittery effect, so it just comes down to personal preference.” — Grace
“I actually had to double check that I was given the right lip plumper. It felt like a lip gloss I had in a princess board game from when I was a child, especially due to the heavy vanilla scent. Also, there wasn’t a tingle in sight. Zero effects.” — Natalia
All the Lip Plumpers Compared
|
Product |
Intensity |
Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Dr. Lara Devgan Platinum Lip Plump |
3.8 |
$50 |
|
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Hydrating Lip Plumper |
3.2 |
$29 |
|
e.l.f. cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss |
2.8 |
$7 |
|
Lawless Forget the Filler Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss |
2.5 |
$26 |
|
Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Polish Gloss |
2.2 |
$25 |
|
Dior Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss |
1.8 |
$40 |
|
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLips Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss |
1.7 |
$27 |
|
La Mer The Lip Volumizer |
1.5 |
$90 |
|
KNC Beauty Kiss My Lips All-Natural Collagen-Infused Lip Mask |
1.0 |
$25 |
|
Maybelline Lifter Gloss |
0.7 |
$9 |
How We Tested
At Who What Wear, each highly-researched buying guide is weeks—and sometimes months—in the making. Once we land on a subject or category to test, we’ll consult our very own staffers and editors (because we happen to think we have damn fine taste when it comes to all things beauty) to come up with our own “best” list.
- The Research: For this review, we first conducted hours of internet research to compile a list of products recommended above all others. Next, we cross-examined these results while profiling every last review and rating across major online beauty retailers to see which formulas showed up the most and seemed to be the most satisfactorily rated among beauty shoppers.
- The Experts: Since our editors also have access to the best makeup artists in the business, we added an additional expert component to the review process and asked three artists to share the one lip plumper they’d crown the absolute best. They try hundreds of products, so this is a biggie! In the end, we came up with 10 lip plumpers that beauty lovers, editors, and makeup artists categorize as the best.
- For The Best Overall: We took everything into account—plumping intensity, smell, comfort level, shine, stickiness, longevity, price point, packaging, finish… Literally anything that you can think of, we analyzed it to the nth degree. And since we looked at the full picture, that meant the lip plumper that had the most noticeable results wouldn’t necessarily take the cake if it was sticky, smelled bad, or stung the hell out of our lips.
- For The Most Extreme Results: We solely based our decision on the noticeable plumping effects, awarding the formula that resulted in the most dramatic volume change in our lips.
- For The Best Budget Buy: We decided which of the more affordably priced options was a standout lip plumper that still held its own against the more expensive numbers in the bunch.
Meet the Experts
Tobi Henney
Years of experience: 12
Celebrity clients: Ashley Graham, Jessica Alba, and Barbara Palvin
Her plumper pick: “I love Dior’s Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss. I love this lip plumper because it comes in two finishes—luminous and glittery—and the shade range is divine. The formula glides on to the lips smoothly, it’s not sticky, and it gives the appearance of fuller, juicier lips!”
Michael Ashton
Years of experience: 25
Celebrity clients: Adele, Emma Chamberlain, and Ismael Cruz Cordova
His plumper pick: “When it comes to adding extra volume without having to go the route of injectables or dramatically overlining the lips, Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss is my go-to! I love that the formula glides on without being sticky and gives a noticeable result while adding just enough shine.”
Renée Loiz
Years of experience: 20+
Celebrity clients: Quinta Brunson, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Jaylen Baron
Her plumper pick: “One of the best lip plumpers I’ve used is the All Natural Collagen Infused Lip Mask from KNC Beauty. I love that this lip mask has only seven ingredients, one being collagen, which naturally plumps the lips. The lip mask also soothes and hydrates dry and chapped lips and helps erase fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Bonus: It’s very easy and foolproof to apply, and the pink lip shape looks super cute on your lips!”
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Over the years, our editors have tested thousands of products—including skincare, makeup, haircare, and nails—while also working closely with trusted experts, like renowned dermatologists, celebrity makeup artists, and other leading industry insiders. Together, this ensures every guide is well-researched, inclusive, and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how, and what we’d truly recommend to our closest friends and family members.
