Luma beauty guide
Plump Up the Glam: How Lip Plumpers Work
How do lip plumpers work? Most lip plumpers use ingredients that cause a mild warming or tingling sensation, and together with a glossy, hydrating finish they give lips a temporary fuller look. The effect fades, so you reapply as needed. Patch test first and stop if your lips feel sore.
If you are pining for a fuller lip look, lip plumpers can help lips look kissable without needing a procedure. Many of the best-known ones also rely on hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Read our How to Use Hyaluronic Acid article for the basics, or see how to use a lip plumper and which lip plumpers work.
Feel the Tingle
When you apply a lip plumper, you often feel a mild tingling or warming sensation. It comes from ingredients formulated to create a reaction on the surface of your lips.
That mild irritation can cause lips to swell slightly and look fuller. It is a local, temporary effect that is different from irritation or swelling elsewhere in the body, and it wears off over time.
If you want to keep the look, you reapply as needed throughout the day.
What Ingredients Are Found in Lip Plumpers?
Depending on the brand, lip plumpers can contain several ingredients that create that famous tingle. Some of the most common are peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, and capsaicin, which is what makes hot peppers hot.
You may find a plumper with one of these or with a combination. They are generally used in small amounts, but you should avoid them if you are allergic or sensitive.
It is a good idea to test the product on a small area of your lips first, at a time when you are not heading out, in case you have a reaction.
Some formulas create a stronger reaction than others, and stronger ones can be more irritating. If your lips burn or feel painful, stop using the product.
Read the label and choose what suits you. If one does not feel comfortable, try a milder formula.
Opinions on lip plumpers vary. Some dermatologists consider them fine in moderation, while others caution that the ingredients can irritate skin. If you have sensitive lips, ask a dermatologist before trying one.
Lip Plumping Alternatives
If you want a fuller-looking pout without much sensation, there are other options. Some products use ingredients such as caffeine or niacin.
Hyaluronic acid is another popular ingredient. It is naturally found in the body, including in skin and joints, and it holds moisture. In a lip product it helps lips feel hydrated, and well-hydrated lips tend to look smoother and fuller.
Moisture matters for lips in general. Whichever plumping product you use, follow it with a good lip moisturizer, because dry lips can become scaly and flaky.
Try a few different products and ingredients until you find what you like. Lip plumpers are non-invasive and temporary. Injectable fillers are medical procedures with their own risks, so talk to a licensed professional if you are considering them.
Get Full, Kissable Lips at Home
Now that you know how lip plumpers work, you can choose a formula that suits you. Test a small area first to make sure it does not irritate.
Whether you want a gentle tingle or just a moisturizing gloss, there is a plumper for that.
Luma Lips is a lip plumping gloss designed to hydrate and give lips a temporary fuller look. It has a clear, glossy formula that can be worn alone or over lipstick. Results vary and the effect is temporary.
This article is for general information about skin care and cosmetics. It is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition or concerns about a product or ingredient, talk to a doctor or dermatologist.
Michael GonzalesWrites about skin care and beauty for Luma by Laura. About Michael
