A lot of things from the ’90s have come back with a vengeance in 2019, but haven’t necessarily improved in their second iteration—I’d like to submit the new version of Four Weddings and a Funeral and that time N’SYNC performed at Coachella without Justin Timberlake as evidence. Thankfully, plumping lip gloss is outdoing many of its fellow popular ’90s fads, and is not only back, but it’s better than ever.
“Plumping lip products seem to be having their moment again, and I’ve been seeing new ways brands are using healthier ingredients to plump,” says celebrity makeup artist Neil Scibelli, pointing to heroes like hyaluronic acid and peptides as the new plump perfecting agents favorited by lipstick brands. “Whether you want your lips to look more hydrated, or you want to fill in any vertical lines, brands have really started speaking to those lip concerns.”
And no matter what you’re looking to get out of your plumping product—whether it’s a quick, high-shine blast or some longer term volume—there’s something on the market that will help you get it done, whether or not you want to feel the buzzing, stinging magic, or not. Shop our picks, below.
Photo: Milani Milani Keep It Full Nourishing Lip Plumper ($9)
Milani makes these new nourishing lip plumping glosses, which use hyaluronic acid and peptides to fill in the lips and give them a “healthy” plump, without the stinging. Their glosses are also pretty pigmented (and cruelty free), so they look great even on their own.
Photo: Neutrogena Neutrogena Lip Gloss Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine ($9)
Personally, I have yet to find a product in Neutrogena’s hyaluronic acid-packed Hydroboost line that I haven’t fallen immediately in love with, and the lip gloss is no exception. It uses everyone’s favorite hydrating ingredient to add a natural pout to the lips.
Photo: L’Oreal L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Plump and Shine Lipstick ($8)
I have been in love with this product since the moment I laid my eyes—or, umm lips—on it. It’s technically a lipstick instead of a gloss, but gives the same venomous feel as the old-school plumpers we all know and love. It also happens to be super moisturizing, and can take the place of even the best balm in your makeup bag.
Photo: Jouer Jouer Cosmetics Essential Lip Enhancer ($16)
Schibelli calls out Jouer’s Lip Enhancer as one of his favorites on the market, and for good reason. “The brand uses essential oils a patented ‘maxi-lip’ treatment to create a fuller look to the lips over time, and also helps to diminish the look of fine lines on the lips,” he explains. You can either use this product on its own, or layer it on over another lipstick shade for a little extra oomph.
Photo: Dior Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss ($34)
Dior’s Lip Maximizer is one of the most iconic plumpers out there, which makes sense because it really, really works. Testers reported that they saw 29 percent more volume in their lips immediately after using the gloss, and after four weeks they said their lips were 86 percent smoother looking. Plus, the shine it delivers simply can’t be beat.
Photo: Grande Grande Cosmetics GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss ($27)
If you’re looking for a long-term solution to smoother lips, look no further than the Grande version of a plumping gloss. It’s clinically proven to increase hydration, volume, and softness over 30 days, which will essentially help you make any lip gloss in your collection a plumper.
Photo: Urban Decay Urban Decay Hi-Fi Shine Ultra Cushion Lip Gloss ($20)
In addition to plumping with peppermint oil, this gloss will hydrate lips with vitamin E, and won’t leave them feeling sticky or tacky after you apply. It also comes in 16 different shades with three different finishes (high shine, shimmer, and metallic) so there really is something for everyone.
To amp up your lip wardrobe even more, try some of these liquid lipsticks, or these babies that are so hydrating basically like skin-care in a tube.
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