Plumping Your Lips, The Safe Way

Does anyone remember the Kylie Jenner lip challenge? I do: in 2015, the internet was so enamoured with Kylie’s full lips they made a game of using suction to swell their lips, sometimes to shocking degrees. For many, the results ranged from funny to fashionable, but there was an equal number of shocking bruising and tenderness that left some with long-lasting damage. Despite full lips staying trendy, you are not likely to hear about this suction bruising anymore: this is because of the rising prevalence of lip gloss plumpers, a less harmful and more subtle method of achieving full lips. 

What are lip plumpers?

Lip plumbers are a category of lip products that provide safe and natural lip fullness, usually working by irritating your lips and making them swell. This irritation is usually provided by spicy ingredients such as menthol or spices such as cinnamon that can be added to formulas for plumping. These natural ingredients stimulate blood flow for that swollen, full look at lasts. Unlike suction plumping, these plumpers have no long-lasting or negative effects and can be used and reapplied often without ill effect (as long as you can handle the spice!). 

Our Plumpers

Some of our most popular lip plumping products are from L’Oréal’s range of plump & glow lipsticks. These are part of the brand’s famous ‘Colour Riche’ collection and are L’Oréal’s first plumping lipsticks. They come in six different fruit-inspired shades, with corresponding scents, for sheer colour and instant plumpness and shine. If you are after a subtle shade, there is the white Litchi shade, which can be used individually or as a base or topcoat to your favourite lipstick, or you could go for statement shades such as dark and moody Wild Fig or standout red Watermelon. They are also great moisturizing lipsticks and will help smooth dry lips. The main plumping agent in these lipsticks is peppermint oil, and you can immediately feel the cool menthol effect upon application. Peppermint is a subtle plumper, so you may need to reapply over a long day. 

Another plumping option is hyaluronic acid, a cell-boosting molecule. The cell growth and rejuvenation give the appearance of plump and full looking lips over time, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can sometimes come from animal products such as fish skin, but we always aim to provide vegan and cruelty-free products.

Essence’s What the Fake! Plumping lip glosses are some of the vegan products we stock. The original plumping gloss has a clear but pearlescent finish and is infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. While the hyaluronic acid plumps your lips, the vitamin E protects and moisturizes for a smooth surface. This gloss can be worn alone for a naturally puckered look or can be paired with your favourite lipstick for a glamourous twist. It is also alcohol and paraben-free and is not tested on animals. 

Essence has a second and more intense lip plumping gloss: the Extreme plump gloss. Alongside hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, this gloss also uses capsicum as a natural irritant. This adds extra plumpness, as well as a little bit of a chilli-tingle. What the Fake! Extreme also has a fashionable pink tint and glossy finish to add a little extra glitz to your day. 

Lip plumpers help take your look above and beyond without suction’s drastic bruising and burst blood vessels. These lip plumping products are safe and wearable, providing extra fullness for any occasion.

By Emilia