As a beauty editor, I like to be totally honest about any cosmetic work that I plan on getting done. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve already looked into booking my first Botox appointment, and another treatment that I’ve been thinking about trying is lip filler. I am constantly overlining my lips and applying one of the best lip glosses or lip oils to create the illusion of fullness, so I’ve been wondering whether lip filler could be a worthwhile beauty treatment for me to try. That was until I came across a certain beauty product. Enter, the best lip plumpers.
When it comes to lip products, from glosses to lip balms, I feel like lip plumpers are often overlooked. It wasn’t until YSL launched the Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss that I started to take note of this makeup product. After giving the YSL gloss a go, I was shocked at how much fuller my lips looked. Over the past few months, I’ve been putting other popular lip plumpers to the test to see if they could convince me to cancel my lip filler appointment. Spoiler alert, they did.
Below, I’ve rounded up my tried-and-tested edit of the best lip plumpers, from natural, everyday options to more statement finishes. You are welcome.
Before and after testing one of the best lip plumpers.
What Is a Lip Plumper?
As the name suggests, these products have been designed to create the illusion of fuller lips. While each product works in its own unique way, most lip plumpers will contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils to help “plump” and make your lips look ultra juicy.
How to Choose a Lip Plumper
When it comes to choosing the best lip plumper, it’s important to consider what kind of result you want. Some may want to opt for a clear formula so that you can layer it over other lip products, while others of you may want to try a tinted formula so that you can simply swipe the product on and be good to go.
Below, I’ve included a range of clear and tinted options as well as lip plumpers with super glossy finishes and ones that deliver more subtle results. So, what are you waiting for? Keep on scrolling to shop my top picks…
The Best Lip Plumpers, Tried & Tested
1. Yves Saint Laurent Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss
Yves Saint Laurent
Plumping Lip Oil Gloss
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ginger and pepper oils.
Number of shades: 10
First up is probably my favourite lip plumper of all time. Delivering glass-like shine and a seriously plumping effect, YSL’s lip oil is infused with hyaluronic acid and fig to moisturise lips, while ginger and pepper oils work to promote a fuller appearance.
Now, it’s worth noting that this lip oil is seriously tingly. When I first applied it, it felt a little bit like my lips were on fire, but that’s just the oils getting to work. The feeling subsides over time and you are left with a juicy, nourished, plump pout that will give your lip filler a run for its money.
Pros
- Fun shades to choose from
- Gives a seriously plump effect
Cons
- A little bit more expensive
- Very tingly
2. Nuxe Plumping Lip Serum
Best for: A subtle plumping effect
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil, chili pepper extract and menthol.
Number of shades: One
If you’re after a more subtle finish, then Nuxe has you covered with its Plumping Lip Serum. With a gloss-like consistency, this moisturising formula features chili pepper extract to create a plumping effect.
I tend to reach for this particular product on a daily basis as I love the sheer, nude colour that it gives and I find that it makes my lips look naturally full and glossy. Plus, the packaging is a work of art.
Pros
- Chic packaging
- Great for everyday wear
3. Charlotte Tilbury Big Lip Plumpgasm
Charlotte Tilbury
Big Lip Plumpgasm
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Number of shades: Three
For a nice pop of colour on the lips, Charlotte Tilbury’s plumping gloss comes in three universally flattering shades as part of the iconic Pillow Talk line.
The multitasking formula features “plumpgasm” heat and ice technology and hyaluronic acid to make your lips look as full and smooth as possible, and the pointed applicator means that you can get an ultra-precise finish at home or on the go.
Pros
- Flattering shades
- Precise applicator
- Glossy, plump finish
Cons
- Packaging is a little bulky
- Super tingly
4. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
Dior
Addict Lip Maximizer
Key ingredients: Cherry oil and hyaluronic acid.
Number of shades: 49
I’m a big fan of Dior lip products, and this gloss is no exception. Not only do I love the huge range of shades on offer, but the hydrating formula makes my lips look so plump whenever I wear this.
The gloss features a blend of cherry oil and hyaluronic acid to nourish the lips and add mirror-like shine that never fails to earn me compliments. Another thing that earns me compliments? The super chic packaging.
Pros
- Chic packaging
- Large range of shades
- Super glossy finish
Cons
- A little bit more expensive
5. Kiko Milano Lip Volume Gloss
Best for: Affordability
Kiko Milano
Lip Volume Gloss
Key ingredients: Sesame seed oil and hyaluronic acid spheres.
Number of shades: Two
Kiko does a range of affordable lip products, including this lip volume gloss that works to combine the benefits of a balm and an oil. The result is a super nourishing formula that feels comfortable to wear and glides onto the lips in seconds.
While it’s not as plumping as some of the other options, the glossy finish does make my lips look a lot smoother and fuller. My only issue? I wish there were more shades on offer.
Pros
- Affordable
- Slim packaging is great for travelling
Cons
- Only two shades available
6. Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Gloss
Best for: Comfortable wear
Kylie Cosmetics
Plumping Gloss
Key ingredients: Portulaca pilosa extract.
Number of shades: Six
The Kylie Cosmetics Plumping Gloss features a unique plumping complex that creates the illusion of a fuller pout. While this does feel tingly at first, it’s surprisingly comfortable to wear, and I have been reaching for this a lot since testing it out.
It creates such a gorgeously glossy effect, yet doesn’t feel too sticky like other products I have tried. Plus, I’m personally a big fan of the wearable pink shades on offer.
Pros
- A more subtle plumping effect
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Some may prefer a more dramatic finish
7. Makeup By Mario MoistureGlow™ Plumping Lip Serum
Makeup By Mario
Moistureglow™ Plumping Lip Serum
Key ingredients: Shea butter, avocado oil, refined kiwi oil and argan oil.
Number of shades: 14
Most plumping lip products add a wash of sheer colour to the lips, but this glossy balm from Makeup By Mario is great if you prefer a more statement finish. It is surprisingly pigmented and adds this lovely, dewy effect to the lips that makes them look full and plump in seconds.
Although I’m a big fan of this product, one thing I will say is that I found the application to be quite messy. It’s described as a “melting glossy balm,” and the product quite literally felt as if it had melted in the tube, which meant that I applied way more than intended. Although the stick applicator is handy, I would recommend using a small lip brush to apply this product if you like a more precise finish.
Pros
- Sleek packaging
- Pigmented finish
8. Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm
Paula’s Choice
Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm
Key ingredients: Shea butter and peptides.
Number of shades: One
Last but by no means least, say hello to the Pro-Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm from skincare favourite, Paula’s Choice. This really is like skincare for your lips, with a blend of peptides and shea butter to create a smoothing, plumping effect.
What I love about this balm is that it has a clear finish, so I can layer it over lip liner or lipstick for a fuller look. Whether I’m creating a statement makeup look or simply want a nourishing lip balm on makeup-free days, this has become a go-to for me.
Pros
- Clear colour can be layered over lip liner or lipstick
Cons
- More of a subtle, everyday effect
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
