11 Ways to Plump Your Lips, from DIY Drugstore to Dermatologist (2024)

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From organic home remedies to makeup solutions and treatments by a dermatologist, several options can help you get the perfect, plump pout.

11 Ways to Plump Your Lips, from DIY Drugstore to Dermatologist (1)Share on Pinterest

Why are suddenly so many people looking to increase the size and smoothness of their lips? It’s not just because of Kylie Jenner and Instagram models — in fact, science has a theory that goes way further back than that.

The desire for plump lips isn’t just about thickness, it’s about hydration, health, and smoothness.

A 2009 study showed that women with bigger, fuller lips appear younger than their biological age. This study also showed that the fewer wrinkles a person had, the healthier (and therefore more hydrated) they appeared to others.

So in a world of chasing wellness, it’s not surprising that achieving full lips has become the latest aesthetic trend.

The good news is that just as trends are temporary, so are our options. If you’re unsure about longer-lasting solutions or just want to have some fun, then you’re in luck. Check our hand guide for a variety of options.

If makeup doesn’t do the trick, you can start with this natural and tingly lip plumper — using only a few ingredients found in your kitchen.

Directions:

  1. Mix a few sprinkles of cayenne pepper with a tablespoon
    of olive oil.
  2. Gently place the mixture on your lips and leave on for
    a few minutes before wiping it off completely and moisturizing with your
    favorite lip balm.

Though these results won’t last long, this is a great solution to snap a quick selfie or for a night out.

For people who are more sensitive, a simple sugar scrub can also smooth out chapped lips and get them blushing.

If you want fuller-looking lips, but don’t want to actually physically change your lips, then Kylie Jenner created her Kylie Lip Kits just for you.

Directions:

  1. Using the lip liner, gently line right outside your
    natural lip shape and then fill in your entire lips.
  2. Place the matte liquid lipstick on top of the liner and
    finish off with a clear gloss in the middle of your bottom lip for the
    appearance of fuller-looking lips.

Though this will work with any color, for the most natural look aim for a color close to your natural lip color.

Stay organic with this cinnamon-flavored lip plumper.

Using ingredients such as cinnamon oil to plump your lips, caffeine to tighten, and jojoba oil for hydration, this cruelty-free lip plumper gives you an instant plumpness without all the chemicals.

Where to buy

  • Dermstore, $26
  • Top active ingredients: castor seed oil (hydration), cinnamon leaf (invigorate), caffeine (tighten skin)

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A tried-and-true favorite in the beauty community, this Buxom lip polish uses vitamin E and palmitoyl oligopeptide, a peptide mixture used for anti-aging and skin firming, to give you that classic tingly lip plumping feeling and look.

Coming in a variety of colors, this is an excellent short-term solution.

Where to buy

  • Ulta or Sephora, $21
  • Top active ingredients: hydrogenated polyisobutene (synthetic oil that traps moisture), tridecyl trimellitate (conditions skin), and more moisturizing components

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This lip treatment is all about hydration.

Using the ingredient hyaluronic acid, this lip treatment deeply moisturizes your lips, erasing the chalky texture to give your kissers a fuller, more defined look. Bonus: This product has SPF 30 sun protection to keep the photodamage away.

Where to buy

  • Dermstore, $28
  • Top active ingredients: hydrogenated polyisobutene (synthetic oil that traps moisture), glycerin (moisturizer), palmitoyl tripeptide-38 (softens fine lines), hyaluronic acid (hydration)

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A two-part system, the HA5 Smooth and Plump System uses dimethicone to reduce wrinkles and smooth the skin of the lips.

Combined with the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid, this product is perfect for those looking for a lip plumper that also tackles the fine lines that come with time.

Where to buy

  • Dermstore, $68
  • Top active ingredients: dimethicone (silicone to fill in fine lines), soybean oil (hydration), hyaluronic acid (hydration)

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Another classic in the beauty world, this gloss uses capsicum frutescents resin, an ingredient made from chili peppers that dilates the blood vessels in your lips.

Like a heart swelling with love, this exchange causes a slight swell for a fuller, plumper-looking lip. Clear with a bit of shine, this can be used over lipstick or on bare lips.

Where to buy

  • Ulta or Sephora, $28
  • Top active ingredients: mineral oil (hydration), avocado oil (hydration), mica (fills in fine lines), ethylhexl palmitate (fatty acid that softens texture)

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Widely used in cosmetic surgery, collagen is a protein found in the skin that promotes skin elasticity. This Murad lip formula infuses the lips with collagen to reduce fine lines, creating a fuller look to the lips.

This serum is color- and gloss-free while remaining hydrating and softening.

Where to buy

  • Murad, $24
  • Top active ingredients: glycerin (hydration), dimethicone (fill in fine lines)

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Want a deeper, more permanent lip plumper — but not ready for cosmetic surgery? Then JuvaLips might be for you.

Using electronic stimulation and suction, JuvaLips increases blood flow to the lips causing your kissers to blush beautifully with size and color. Basically, it’s a more legit Kylie Lip Challenge.

The results can last up to 10 hours at a time, though with repeated use the plumpness may last even longer.

Where to buy

  • Juvalips, $128
  • Caution: Be careful as overuse may lead to bruising.

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Tried all this and know you want something that lasts longer? Lip injections may be your answer.

Though lip implants and other types of fillers exist, Dr. David Shafer of Shafer Plastic Surgery recommends hyaluronic acid lip fillers above all others in terms of safety and ease.

The most common of the hyaluronic acid injectables are Juvederm and Restylane, because the effects are reversible.

Dr. Shafer, who injects between 20 to 30 patients a week, explains, “The hyaluronic acid fillers are [preferable] compared to other types of fillers since they can be ‘melted’ if there is an issue or if the patient doesn’t like the results. Other fillers can’t be easily removed.”

What to know

  • you can get it from any certified and accredited professional
  • cost ranges from $500-$2000
  • lasts six months to two years
  • Active ingredient: hyaluronic acid to increase collagen and add body and weight to your lips

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Whether you’re looking for plumper lips for a night out or for the long haul, lip plumping is all about making your body work for you. You’re your most beautiful self when you’re empowered, so plump those lips baby, or don’t — whatever makes you feel like the best you.

Hannah Rimm is a writer, photographer, and generally creative person in New York City. She writes primarily about mental and sexual health, and her writing and photography has appeared in Allure, HelloFlo, and Autostraddle. You can find her work at HannahRimm.com or follow her on Instagram.

11 Ways to Plump Your Lips, from DIY Drugstore to Dermatologist (2024)

FAQs

How do dermatologists plump lips? ›

A dermatologist will first numb the lips. Next, they will use a fine needle to inject hyaluronic acid into the lips. The procedure only takes a few minutes and results in immediate voluminous lips.

What is the best homemade lip plumper? ›

How to make this lip plumper at home:
  1. Mix the cinnamon and olive oil together in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add sugar or salt.
  3. Once well mixed, transfer the mixture into your empty lip balm jar.
  4. Apply to lips and massage lightly for about five to 10 minutes before rinsing.

What is the ingredient in lip plumper that makes your lips bigger? ›

Most lip plumpers create a tingling sensation. Their key ingredients mildly irritate the lips, causing blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow, leading to temporary swelling. The common active ingredient in lip plumpers is Hyaluronic Acid for immediate hydration and long-lasting plumping.

What is the lip plumper trick? ›

Get a little cup and put some Vaseline in it, mix it with cayenne pepper, and put it on your lips. It really burns and plumps them up, but you have to wipe it off."

How to plump lips permanently at home? ›

Read on to get the scoop on how to get bigger lips naturally!
  1. Exfoliate your lips regularly. ...
  2. Increase your water intake. ...
  3. Use sun protection. ...
  4. Keep your lips moisturized. ...
  5. Use lip products containing hyaluronic acid and peptides. ...
  6. Try a lip mask. ...
  7. Double up on collagen supplements. ...
  8. Gua sha is your new best friend.
Nov 10, 2023

What lip plumper actually works? ›

If you're looking for a plumper that's going to double as a lip mask, then the Patrick Ta Major Volume Plumping Lip Gloss is the product for you. Right away, we noticed the initial stickiness and tingling sensation of the product but felt both of these effects die down as the 15 minutes of wear time went on.

How to make the strongest lip plumper? ›

There are two ways to use peppermint oil to make your lip plumper. First, you can follow direct application of peppermint oil on your lips. Second, you can mix it with your lip balm to make your lip plumper and add a shiny finish. TIP: You can also combine peppermint oil and honey to create your DIY lip plumping serum!

What spice plumps your lips? ›

Be it ginger, cayenne, peppermint, or cinnamon oil, all the ingredients mildly irritate the lips a bit and boost blood flow to it making them plump and luscious.

Is there a natural lip plumper? ›

Ginger extract can effectively stimulate the vitality of lip cells and plump the lips. Ginger essential oil has a good regulating effect and maintains a stable state of the lips. Vitamin E prevents free radicals on the lips and delays lip aging.

What lip balms make your lips bigger? ›

He prefers Clinique Moisture Surge Hydro-Plump Lip Treatment ($21 for 0.34 fluid ounces), SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair ($46 for 0.34 fluid ounces), and Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Lip Booster ($24.75 for 0.33 fluid ounces).

What cream makes your lips bigger? ›

Clinically proven to plump lips by up to 40% in 4 weeks*, Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm hydrates, repairs and plumps lips leaving them looking naturally fuller and healthier.

What procedure plumps lips? ›

For a fuller look, your plastic surgeon may inject fillers with hyaluronic acid or your own fat into your lips. Or you may opt for a lip implant or lip lift to permanently plump up your lips. Your plastic surgeon will help you decide which lip augmentation procedure is right for your lips and goals.

How do doctors make lips bigger? ›

Lip Implants

This procedure is increasing in popularity every year. With the use of soft plastic implants, such as silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, you can alter the shape and volume of your lips to get desired results.

What chemical makes your lips plump? ›

Hyaluronic acid is a great alternative to other irritation agents because it's a natural hydrating ingredient found in skin and tissue. This ingredient is used in a lot of skincare products because it has the ability to hold a thousand times its weight in water which makes it perfect for plumping and moisturizing.

What is the difference between lip filler and lip plumper? ›

Like lip fillers, lip augmentation will give you a fuller, plumper look. However, an augmentation includes more involved procedures such as fat grafting—or fat transfer—lip implants, and or a lip lift. Each of these procedures is used to permanently or temporarily improve the shape, size, and overall look of the lips.

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