Okay so first of all, I want to apologise for the fact that the supporting images were pulled from google images. The reason being is that I don't own these products anymore due to becoming empties or passing on prior to this post. I'd also like to add that all views are my own and have not been offered products in return for public feedback.
Now, I've been a lip plumping user for many years. The first time I used a lip enhancing product was approximately 12 years ago. As someone who doesn't have a naturally noticeable top lip, I've always longed for a slightly plumper pout. I remember Keira Knightley being my pout influencer during my early teen years. I believe her lips are natural, perhaps a small filler to define her top lip was placed now and then but lip liner contouring can dramatically transform your face.
With Keira's pout and my lack of one in mind, I stumbled across Tesco's own lip plumping cream in squeezy tube. Assuming this was a gimmick, I somehow ended up with it anyway despite my Mother's disapproving views of altering one's natural beauty. Of course, it didn't really do anything, lip plumping wasn't as commercialised then as it is now, thanks to the likes of Kylie Jenner and her modified lips. Over the years I've tried a TON more of lip smacking goodies promising to add volume for barely there lips. Now I may have forgotten one or two I've experimented with but I have a good memory and can recall my experiences with the following lip plumping glosses, balms, tools, creams and serums:
Soap and Glory regular and XXL Extreme Sexy Mother Pucker glosses. I feel that Soap and Glory were one of the first high street brands that bought attention to lip plumping glosses. The cruelty free vintage inspired brand has released various Sexy Mother Pucker shades with the addition of the 'extreme' plumper. Not only that, they've also released the mighty mouth cream and pillow plump gloss which I'll also discuss.
Sexy Mother Pucker XXL, RRP £10 at Boots
The strongest formula of the bunch, this is a clear, hella sticky gloss that stings whilst in action. It's a decent lip plumper but not quite as amazing as some of the higher priced plumpers in the market. Plus, I don't like hair getting stuck to my lips.
Sexy Mother Pucker lip-glosses RRP £9 at Boots
Coloured lipgloss that slightly enhances your pout - I like to use these on top of lipstick for extra oomph. Great for day to day gloss wearers.
Sexy Mother Pucker lipsticks, £9 at Boots
3D matte lip Crayons £3.50 at Boots
A full range of colours from ravishing reds to coffee nudes. Not exactly plumpers per say, however they leave a full coverage pillow pout finish - one's to try if you like to overline your lips with liner. The crayon editions are are a newer release, ideal for use without a liner.
Mighty Mouth matte balm - Seemingly discontinued.
It comes to absolutely no surprise that S&G appear to have stopped manufacturing this product. From the skincare range, this glossy balm did absolutely nothing for my lips in terms of hydration and enlarging.
Pillow plump XXL gloss, £10 at Boots.
Possibly the worst of the bunch that come in several colours, a sticky formula that doesn't live up to it's name.
I recommend: XXL for plumping and lipsticks for differing finishes and colours.
I'd avoid: Mighty Mouth and Pillow Plump.
Soap and Glory also sell a lip shine lacquer edition of their mother pucker glosses, though I've never purchased or used it.
___________________________________
Candylipz (RRP $49.99) is a revolutionary tool designed to 'safely' increase the size of your lips without the need for fillers and gimmicks that don't live up to their promises. The unique selling point of this product for me was the fact it's advertised as a 'permanent' fix if used regularly, over time, as opposed to inject-able fillers that require expensive top ups every 6-12 months.
I purchased the green version as a unused second hand item via a trusted seller on Depop. I have to say, I loved the way it was packaged but onto the product: Okay so when I first tried this out I was amazed at the results and followed the instructions (conditioning period) to minimise bruising - of course, I still looked like I'd had a few rounds with Tyson but it worked, my lips were bigger and I was willing to continue the regimen for long term results. Sadly, even after many weeks, the bruising persisted and I didn't want to appear as though I was fresh out of a clinic on a daily basis.
Do I recommend? Nope.
_______________________________________________________
Lip Voltage by Dreamweaver (RRP, £18) is a heavy duty product and not for the faint hearted. The original edition is the only edition I've tried and it comes with a separate syringe and plumping serum to be dispensed in the gloss - this way you can choose your preferred amount. Now I'm quite good with pain that I know is coming so I dispensed 2 drops of plumper into the gloss. Believe me when I say it hurts like a bitch if you overuse the serum first try but the results are instant and last a good few hours or so, increasing with regular use as part of your day/night regimen. This is one of the only lip plumping products that actually produce real instant results for me!
Boy it certainly does sting, however I'm happy to report it works for me and remains one of my favourite lip enhancing cosmetics. Use this twice daily as part of your morning and night routine - your lips will never be as small as they were previously. Once the plump serum is dispensed into the gloss, you can continue to use it without adding more serum. It would be more prudent to consider additional plumping for a one off occasion or a night out. There have been different versions and repackaged releases since my original purchasing. Tried them? Let me know what you think! :)
Hit or miss? Hit!
___________________________________________________
Too Faced Lip Injection (RRP £19 for 4g at Debenhams) is a much loved classic product adored by beauty influencers globally. The results are similar to the Dreamweaver, the results are instant and best used in conjunction with a skincare routine, only this doesn't sting as much as the ĐW in my experience. There's extreme and tinted 'glossy' formulas released that I've not yet tried but undoubtedly will. Have you give it a go? Let me know if they're worth replacing the original Lip Injection formula.
Hit or miss? A hit.
___________________________________________________
Plump It is a matte plumping serum that's been around for a good few years or so now. Only available online, it instantly increases your pout and adds a more intense colour to your lips. This one became a firm favourite of mine back in 2014 - the matte formula makes the product easier to work with in comparison to it's competitors. Used alone or under products, the results last for around 6-12 hours dependent on top ups. I personally used ONE pump twice a day. Sadly, this product runs out far too quickly for my liking. Plump it have suggested upping the amp by applying 2-3 pumps of the serum daily but it would run out within weeks if I were to do so! I just feel at £19.99 (excludes shipping) there should be a fatter silver tube full of this good stuff!
Do I recommend? Yes! :D See my original post about this fab product here!
____________________________________________________
Transformulas Ageless Beauty lip volume was a sheer disappointment. The formula wasn't too glossy so I had high hopes till I realised that repetitive use wasn't making the blindest bit of difference to the contours of my lips. 100% not worth the money, product was binned.
____________________________________________
Nuskin's Nucolour Contouring Lipgloss-
Nuskin beauty ambassadors are crazy for this gloss, advertising it as a one of a kind formula that delivers promises. I got sucked into the before/after images provided and purchased one over a genuine seller. Mine was a clear, thick gloopy gloss. I applied it generously; 2/3 times per day and gave it a good month (as recommended) before making my final judgement: Terrible, overpriced mediocre product that provides no positive effect. I implore you to NOT waste your hard earned money on this. This product was tossed in the bin, naturally, I don't recommend it.
___________________________________________________
KIKO:
Extra Volume lipgloss -
No longer sold, this was essentially a amped up edition of the class 3D volume lipgloss sold. It wasn't bad and for the price, I didn't expect much anyway but it was too shimmery for my taste - I liked subtle glittery specs when I was 8. If I want glitter lips, I want actual, visible sparkle.
Lip Plumping treatment -
Originally packaged in a white and purple squeezy tube, this matte lip cream is part of Kiko's skincare range, with the purpose of enhancing the volume of your lips. I applied it twice per day and saw no results but I do think it works well as a primer as it gives a matte finish and smooths the overall appearance of the lips.
Would I recommend? No - I think other brands offer more stand-out products in the market, though it is fairly priced in comparison.
____________________________________________________
Totally Lippy -Prime and plumping, RRP £9.99.
This was a random eBay find - it's a nude coloured primer that acts as plumping prep for lips pre lipstick/gloss application. It has a matte drying finish and works well as a primer, creating the illusion of a larger pout, working as a base for colour pigment, without the need for overlining. Of course, this also works great if you're partial to cheeky overlining because this helps fill in the gaps resulting in a more natural finish. I would recommend, provided you exfoliate beforehand! See my detailed review here.
______________________________________________________
Lipmasks
Many celebrities sparked the lip mask craze - Lady Gaga has posted a snap of herself using what looks like a fancy dress prop. I have tried a few different brands and they all contain collagen (popular anti ageing ingredient) to soothe, plump and improve the overall appearance of your pout. You can purchase these on the cheap via eBay. They're nice to use for relaxation purposes but I haven't seen any visible plumping results, though they do feel softer and smoother upon removal.
________________________________________________
Cinnamon DIY Solutions: £1.67 on eBay
Many lip plumpers include cinnamon extract of some sort. The reason for this is because when applied to the lips, the blood flow and circulation increases, resulting in a more swollen, larger appearance. However, pure cinnamon oil can be quite distressing for sensitive skins - it's an ingredient full of warmth, spice and not for the faint hearted. You can most certainly apply a drop to give your lips some extra oomph but be careful not to swallow it or lick your lips for a while. Alternatively, you can add a few small drops to your regular lipbalm - try a couple of small drops in your tub of vaseline and test it out. The results wont be spectacular by all means but if you're looking for a more refined appearance, it may be a cost effective solution to plumping glosses and fillers.
____________________________________________________
Lip exfoliation:
Exfoliation of the lips increases blood flow - your lips are an extra sensitive assett to your face and a good scrub can not only eliminate flakes but slightly enlarge your lips too - I recommend doing this before applying lip products and during make-up removal. LUSH and Jeffree Star sell great lip scrubs in assorted flavours but did you know you can make your own with sugar? Here's a great tutorial for you DIY enthusiasts.
_______________________________________________
Plumpers I have yet to try/have not tried:
I won't be attempting to use all the brands mentioned below, as some sadly test on animals - I have bolded the brands that (to my knowledge) are cruelty free!
Grande Lips, City Lips, DuWop, Simon and Toms, Kardashian Beauty, Dior, Victoria's Secret, GlamGlow, Buxom, Avon, Loreal, Katherine Daniels, Manuka Doctor, Smashbox, ELF, XLips, SpaceNK, MissLyn, CATRICE, Zelens, 3Lab, Lauren's Way, Pixie Beauty, Adecco.
So what plumpers have you tried? Share your lip enlarging hacks!
Thanks for reading!
Shez x
______________________________________________________
*All rights reserved to the original companies, photographers and online retailers for brand imagery except for PlumpIt and Totally Lippy which are my own.*
Now, I've been a lip plumping user for many years. The first time I used a lip enhancing product was approximately 12 years ago. As someone who doesn't have a naturally noticeable top lip, I've always longed for a slightly plumper pout. I remember Keira Knightley being my pout influencer during my early teen years. I believe her lips are natural, perhaps a small filler to define her top lip was placed now and then but lip liner contouring can dramatically transform your face.
With Keira's pout and my lack of one in mind, I stumbled across Tesco's own lip plumping cream in squeezy tube. Assuming this was a gimmick, I somehow ended up with it anyway despite my Mother's disapproving views of altering one's natural beauty. Of course, it didn't really do anything, lip plumping wasn't as commercialised then as it is now, thanks to the likes of Kylie Jenner and her modified lips. Over the years I've tried a TON more of lip smacking goodies promising to add volume for barely there lips. Now I may have forgotten one or two I've experimented with but I have a good memory and can recall my experiences with the following lip plumping glosses, balms, tools, creams and serums:
Soap and Glory regular and XXL Extreme Sexy Mother Pucker glosses. I feel that Soap and Glory were one of the first high street brands that bought attention to lip plumping glosses. The cruelty free vintage inspired brand has released various Sexy Mother Pucker shades with the addition of the 'extreme' plumper. Not only that, they've also released the mighty mouth cream and pillow plump gloss which I'll also discuss.
Sexy Mother Pucker XXL, RRP £10 at Boots
The strongest formula of the bunch, this is a clear, hella sticky gloss that stings whilst in action. It's a decent lip plumper but not quite as amazing as some of the higher priced plumpers in the market. Plus, I don't like hair getting stuck to my lips.
Sexy Mother Pucker lip-glosses RRP £9 at Boots
Coloured lipgloss that slightly enhances your pout - I like to use these on top of lipstick for extra oomph. Great for day to day gloss wearers.
Sexy Mother Pucker lipsticks, £9 at Boots
3D matte lip Crayons £3.50 at Boots
A full range of colours from ravishing reds to coffee nudes. Not exactly plumpers per say, however they leave a full coverage pillow pout finish - one's to try if you like to overline your lips with liner. The crayon editions are are a newer release, ideal for use without a liner.
Mighty Mouth matte balm - Seemingly discontinued.
It comes to absolutely no surprise that S&G appear to have stopped manufacturing this product. From the skincare range, this glossy balm did absolutely nothing for my lips in terms of hydration and enlarging.
Pillow plump XXL gloss, £10 at Boots.
Possibly the worst of the bunch that come in several colours, a sticky formula that doesn't live up to it's name.
I recommend: XXL for plumping and lipsticks for differing finishes and colours.
I'd avoid: Mighty Mouth and Pillow Plump.
Soap and Glory also sell a lip shine lacquer edition of their mother pucker glosses, though I've never purchased or used it.
___________________________________
Candylipz (RRP $49.99) is a revolutionary tool designed to 'safely' increase the size of your lips without the need for fillers and gimmicks that don't live up to their promises. The unique selling point of this product for me was the fact it's advertised as a 'permanent' fix if used regularly, over time, as opposed to inject-able fillers that require expensive top ups every 6-12 months.
I purchased the green version as a unused second hand item via a trusted seller on Depop. I have to say, I loved the way it was packaged but onto the product: Okay so when I first tried this out I was amazed at the results and followed the instructions (conditioning period) to minimise bruising - of course, I still looked like I'd had a few rounds with Tyson but it worked, my lips were bigger and I was willing to continue the regimen for long term results. Sadly, even after many weeks, the bruising persisted and I didn't want to appear as though I was fresh out of a clinic on a daily basis.
Do I recommend? Nope.
_______________________________________________________
Lip Voltage by Dreamweaver (RRP, £18) is a heavy duty product and not for the faint hearted. The original edition is the only edition I've tried and it comes with a separate syringe and plumping serum to be dispensed in the gloss - this way you can choose your preferred amount. Now I'm quite good with pain that I know is coming so I dispensed 2 drops of plumper into the gloss. Believe me when I say it hurts like a bitch if you overuse the serum first try but the results are instant and last a good few hours or so, increasing with regular use as part of your day/night regimen. This is one of the only lip plumping products that actually produce real instant results for me!
Boy it certainly does sting, however I'm happy to report it works for me and remains one of my favourite lip enhancing cosmetics. Use this twice daily as part of your morning and night routine - your lips will never be as small as they were previously. Once the plump serum is dispensed into the gloss, you can continue to use it without adding more serum. It would be more prudent to consider additional plumping for a one off occasion or a night out. There have been different versions and repackaged releases since my original purchasing. Tried them? Let me know what you think! :)
Hit or miss? Hit!
___________________________________________________
Too Faced Lip Injection (RRP £19 for 4g at Debenhams) is a much loved classic product adored by beauty influencers globally. The results are similar to the Dreamweaver, the results are instant and best used in conjunction with a skincare routine, only this doesn't sting as much as the ĐW in my experience. There's extreme and tinted 'glossy' formulas released that I've not yet tried but undoubtedly will. Have you give it a go? Let me know if they're worth replacing the original Lip Injection formula.
Hit or miss? A hit.
___________________________________________________
Plump It is a matte plumping serum that's been around for a good few years or so now. Only available online, it instantly increases your pout and adds a more intense colour to your lips. This one became a firm favourite of mine back in 2014 - the matte formula makes the product easier to work with in comparison to it's competitors. Used alone or under products, the results last for around 6-12 hours dependent on top ups. I personally used ONE pump twice a day. Sadly, this product runs out far too quickly for my liking. Plump it have suggested upping the amp by applying 2-3 pumps of the serum daily but it would run out within weeks if I were to do so! I just feel at £19.99 (excludes shipping) there should be a fatter silver tube full of this good stuff!
Do I recommend? Yes! :D See my original post about this fab product here!
____________________________________________________
Transformulas Ageless Beauty lip volume was a sheer disappointment. The formula wasn't too glossy so I had high hopes till I realised that repetitive use wasn't making the blindest bit of difference to the contours of my lips. 100% not worth the money, product was binned.
____________________________________________
Nuskin's Nucolour Contouring Lipgloss-
Nuskin beauty ambassadors are crazy for this gloss, advertising it as a one of a kind formula that delivers promises. I got sucked into the before/after images provided and purchased one over a genuine seller. Mine was a clear, thick gloopy gloss. I applied it generously; 2/3 times per day and gave it a good month (as recommended) before making my final judgement: Terrible, overpriced mediocre product that provides no positive effect. I implore you to NOT waste your hard earned money on this. This product was tossed in the bin, naturally, I don't recommend it.
___________________________________________________
KIKO:
Extra Volume lipgloss -
No longer sold, this was essentially a amped up edition of the class 3D volume lipgloss sold. It wasn't bad and for the price, I didn't expect much anyway but it was too shimmery for my taste - I liked subtle glittery specs when I was 8. If I want glitter lips, I want actual, visible sparkle.
Lip Plumping treatment -
Originally packaged in a white and purple squeezy tube, this matte lip cream is part of Kiko's skincare range, with the purpose of enhancing the volume of your lips. I applied it twice per day and saw no results but I do think it works well as a primer as it gives a matte finish and smooths the overall appearance of the lips.
Would I recommend? No - I think other brands offer more stand-out products in the market, though it is fairly priced in comparison.
____________________________________________________
Totally Lippy -Prime and plumping, RRP £9.99.
This was a random eBay find - it's a nude coloured primer that acts as plumping prep for lips pre lipstick/gloss application. It has a matte drying finish and works well as a primer, creating the illusion of a larger pout, working as a base for colour pigment, without the need for overlining. Of course, this also works great if you're partial to cheeky overlining because this helps fill in the gaps resulting in a more natural finish. I would recommend, provided you exfoliate beforehand! See my detailed review here.
______________________________________________________
Lipmasks
Many celebrities sparked the lip mask craze - Lady Gaga has posted a snap of herself using what looks like a fancy dress prop. I have tried a few different brands and they all contain collagen (popular anti ageing ingredient) to soothe, plump and improve the overall appearance of your pout. You can purchase these on the cheap via eBay. They're nice to use for relaxation purposes but I haven't seen any visible plumping results, though they do feel softer and smoother upon removal.
________________________________________________
Cinnamon DIY Solutions: £1.67 on eBay
Many lip plumpers include cinnamon extract of some sort. The reason for this is because when applied to the lips, the blood flow and circulation increases, resulting in a more swollen, larger appearance. However, pure cinnamon oil can be quite distressing for sensitive skins - it's an ingredient full of warmth, spice and not for the faint hearted. You can most certainly apply a drop to give your lips some extra oomph but be careful not to swallow it or lick your lips for a while. Alternatively, you can add a few small drops to your regular lipbalm - try a couple of small drops in your tub of vaseline and test it out. The results wont be spectacular by all means but if you're looking for a more refined appearance, it may be a cost effective solution to plumping glosses and fillers.
____________________________________________________
Lip exfoliation:
Exfoliation of the lips increases blood flow - your lips are an extra sensitive assett to your face and a good scrub can not only eliminate flakes but slightly enlarge your lips too - I recommend doing this before applying lip products and during make-up removal. LUSH and Jeffree Star sell great lip scrubs in assorted flavours but did you know you can make your own with sugar? Here's a great tutorial for you DIY enthusiasts.
_______________________________________________
Plumpers I have yet to try/have not tried:
I won't be attempting to use all the brands mentioned below, as some sadly test on animals - I have bolded the brands that (to my knowledge) are cruelty free!
Grande Lips, City Lips, DuWop, Simon and Toms, Kardashian Beauty, Dior, Victoria's Secret, GlamGlow, Buxom, Avon, Loreal, Katherine Daniels, Manuka Doctor, Smashbox, ELF, XLips, SpaceNK, MissLyn, CATRICE, Zelens, 3Lab, Lauren's Way, Pixie Beauty, Adecco.
So what plumpers have you tried? Share your lip enlarging hacks!
Thanks for reading!
Shez x
Connect with me:
______________________________________________________
*All rights reserved to the original companies, photographers and online retailers for brand imagery except for PlumpIt and Totally Lippy which are my own.*
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