Not all lip plumpers are created equal, but many of the glosses, balms, masks, and creams out there have ingredients that draw moisture into the skin’s surface, resulting in a plumped appearance. “This gives the lips a fuller and smoother appearance,” Kassajikian says. However, others contain the blood-rushing ingredients mentioned above, which cause the lips to temporarily swell and become inflamed to appear fuller. LED devices also exist, which boost collagen production within the lips to create a fuller, smoother appearance. Lip filler has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments in recent years. But with a good lip plumper, you don't have to get injections from a specialist to achieve a pouty look—or spend hundreds of dollars, for that matter. Nice little product, feels nice when applied but I have to apply it 2 -3 times for my lips to feel softer and moisturised.

We'd describe this plumping treatment as a light lotion for the lips. It produces a slight tingling effect but otherwise feels soft and smooth. And while our lips were noticeably poutier, the formula isn't hydrating and actually left our lips somewhat dry. Lorac Holy Lips was also a hit in The Lab. We were fans of the pointed doe-foot applicator and liked the subtle scent. The serum gradually became increasingly tinglier, which, to us, signaled it was actually working (but it's not for everyone, given ingredients like menthol). After the tingles subsided, our lips looked slightly plumper, though the results weren't dramatic. This product was also very hydrating, and while we wish it came in more colors, the honey-golden nude shade is undeniably flattering. Yazdanparast T, Samadi A, Hasanzadeh H, Nasrollahi S, Firooz A, Kashani M. Assessment of the efficacy and safety of hyaluronic acid gel injection in the restoration of fullness of the upper lips. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2017;10(2):101. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_115_16A beautiful matte finish that is not only nourishing on the lips- it’s lightweight and you forget its there"

If you need to arrange a courier to collect your parcel, please leave it in your designated safe place to make sure both you and the courier keep a safe distance at all times. A key ingredient Kassajikian recommends looking out for is hyaluronic acid. As you may already know, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin and holds it there, lending a plumping effect to find lines and wrinkles. It'll have the same effect on your lips—helping them look fuller, plumper, and healthier overall. Our favorite hyaluronic acid-infused option on this list is the PMD Kiss Lip Plumping System. Each product was awarded a score from one to five for feel, plumping ability, and hydration, and those with the highest overall scores were featured in this roundup. All assessments were performed in The Lab, our in-house product testing facility in Manhattan. Whether it's a balm, gloss, mask, or cream, these over-the-counter products typically contain plumping hydrators, plus various ingredients that increase blood flow to the area it's applied to. As Urban Decay global makeup artist Steve Kassajikian explains, "This gives the lips a fuller and smoother appearance." According to Kassajikian, they’re safe because the effects are only temporary. However, he does give one warning: “If overused, they can potentially cause dry and chapped lips.” So be sure not to overdo it.