How To Use Lip Plumper for a Fuller-Looking Pout

Unless you were born with a naturally full, pillowy pout, chances are good you’ve considered using a lip plumping gloss to give your lips a boost at one time or another. Though the plumping effect isn’t permanent, lip plumpers can be helpful for those looking to fake a fuller pout on the fly. Many of the best formulas also add color and shine, much like your standard lip gloss (but with added lip-enhancing benefits).

Whether you’re looking for a plumping lip gloss worth adding to your routine or are simply wondering, “How does lip plumper work, exactly?”, keep scrolling. We’ll give you the need-to-knows ahead and explain how to use lip plumper to get the luscious lips of your dreams.

What Is Lip Plumper?

Lip plumper is a type of lip makeup product designed to help make the lips appear bigger. They often contain ingredients such as cinnamon or menthol and tend to be hydrating. As is the case with facial moisturizers, hydrating formulas can help make the lips appear plumper and smoother. Additionally, many boast a glossy finish, which can also help give the lips a fuller look.

While lip plumping glosses are the most popular type of lip plumping product on the market, there are also plumping lip masks, oils, and lipsticks. The benefits, finish, and color payoff may vary depending on the formula you opt for.

Our Best Lip Plumper To Try

L’Oréal Paris Paradise Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil

Fuller-looking lips are within reach with this hydrating plumping lip oil. The lightweight formula with hyaluronic acid and tripeptides helps make the lips appear plumper and provides up to 24 hours of non-sticky hydration for soft, smooth lips. Choose your favorite shade—there are 10 in the lineup—and swipe it on with the cushiony pillow applicator for a flattering flush of color and volumizing glass-like shine.

How To Use Lip Plumper

While you can just swipe on your lip plumper, we recommend putting in a few extra minutes to prep your pout for a defined, luscious look. Here’s how to use our drugstore lip plumper in your makeup routine.

Step 1: Prep your lips

Begin by exfoliating your lips with a damp washcloth to help remove any dead skin and create a smooth canvas for your lip plumper. Then, apply a lip balm to help lock in hydration. Allow the lip balm plenty of time to absorb before continuing on with your lip routine.

Step 2: Line your lips

Next, outline your lips with lip liner in a shade that closely matches the hue of your chosen lip plumping gloss. This can help prevent your gloss from bleeding and be a great way to enahnce your natural lip shape. For an extra full-lip look, consider overlining your lips by tracing just beyond your natural lip line.

Step 3: Apply lipstick (if desired)

If you want a more natural lip look, you can skip this step and go straight to applying your lip plumping gloss. But if you’re in the mood for a more colorful statement lip look, you may want to apply lipstick. Make sure to select a shade that closely matches your lip liner for a seamless end result.

Alternatively, you could use two hues to create an ombré lip look. This technique involves applying a lighter lipstick color to the center of your pout and using a darker shade on the corners. The contrast can help draw attention to the middle of your lips, creating an optical illusion that makes them appear fuller.

Step 4: Swipe on your lip plumper

The last and easiest step is to swipe on your lip plumper. Start in the center of your lips and gradually work toward the outer corners for a smooth, even finish. If you’re using the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil, you may feel a slight tingling sensation—that’s totally normal.

How Long Does Lip Plumper Last?

How long a lip plumper lasts can depend on several factors, including the formula you’ve chosen, how well you prepped your lips, and what you’re doing. Generally speaking, most lip glosses—plumping versions included—should be reapplied every couple of hours to maintain their high-shine finish.

How Often Should You Use Lip Plumper?

You can use lip plumper anytime you want to help fake the appearance of a fuller, more voluminous pout. Brighter, more vibrant shades are the perfect accompaniment to glam makeup looks, while clear glosses and pinkish-nude hues make for a great addition to subtle no-makeup makeup looks. But at the end of the day, the choice is yours—where makeup is concerned, there really are no rules.

Next Up: How To Use Lip Liner: A Beginner’s Guide

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris