We Tested the Best Lip Plumpers—These 9 Offer Serious Pout

Final Verdict

The best option we tried is Patrick TA Major Volume Gloss, which delivers a noticeable plumping effect, ample hydration, and long-lasting shine. Looking for something more wallet-friendly? Essence What The Fake! Plumping Lip Filler is a great option, and it only costs a few bucks.  And if you're open to splurging, you can't go wrong with La Mer The Lip Volumizer, which flaunts a plush applicator and smooth, nourishing formula. 

How We Tested

Byrdie editors compiled expert recommendations, combed through user reviews, and researched the best over-the-counter lip plumpers before selecting 27 to try first-hand. We carefully evaluated the ingredient lists, intended uses, and directions before testing the formulas on our own lips.

Each product was awarded a score from one to five for feel, plumping ability, and hydration, and those with the highest overall scores were featured in this roundup. All assessments were performed in The Lab, our in-house product testing facility in Manhattan.

Other Options We Tested

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper 

We found Fenty's Gloss Bomb Heat to be smooth yet thick and somewhat heavy for a lip product. The tingling sensation intensifies the longer you wear the gloss, and while it made our tester's lips pop with color, shine, and hydration, she didn't think they actually looked plumper.

Dr. Brandt Needles No More 3-D Lip PlumpFix 

One tester described this plumping treatment as "a light lotion for the lips." It produces a slight tingling effect but otherwise feels soft and smooth. And while our tester's lips were noticeably poutier, she said the formula isn't hydrating and actually left her lips somewhat dry.

Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump 

Our tester liked the hydrating formula and non-sticky texture of this lip gloss. And although it made her lips visibly larger, she said it created an uncomfortably tingly burning sensation.

What to Look for in a Lip Plumper

Conditioning Ingredients

First and foremost, Kassajikian recommends looking for lip plumping products that are chock-full of conditioning ingredients that’ll keep your lips amply moisturized. In order for plumped lips to look their very best, you’ll want to ensure they’re soft and supple—not dry or flaky.

Hyaluronic Acid

One key ingredient Kassajikian recommends looking out for in a lip plumper is hyaluronic acid. As you know, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and holds it there, lending a plumping effect to fine lines and wrinkles. It’ll have the same effect on your lips, helping them look fuller, plumper, and healthier overall.

Avoid Sting-Inducing Ingredients

Mild irritants, such as cayenne, capsicum resin (from peppers), cinnamon, menthol, and even bee venom cause blood to rush to your lips, creating a temporary plumping effect. That's why many lip-plumping products have a subtle bite to them. (But don't worry, they're safe!)

While this is totally up to your personal preference, Kassajikian recommends avoiding products with these ingredients if you don't want your lips to sting—instead, reach for products with non-stinging ingredients like mustard sprout and hyaluronic acid. We especially recommend avoiding these if your lips are dry and cracked. Ouch!

What Is Byrdie Verified?

Did you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology that’s designed to focus on what our readers really want to know—and to deliver insights that you can’t find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands and PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are fully our own. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. For this story, she compiled insights from makeup artists and first-hand commentary from our testers to craft trustworthy product recommendations. She has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers makeup, skincare, and at-home beauty treatments. You can read more of her articles on The Spruce, MyDomaine, and Travel + Leisure.