This Plumping Gloss Helps You Fake the Appearance of Fuller Lips

Blame social media filters, but over the last few years I’ve become increasingly curious about what my natural pout would look like if I ever decided to take the plunge with injectable fillers. Recently, I’ve found myself pursing my lips in the mirror and wondering …should I? But because I’m not quite ready to plump things up with a needle, I’ve found the next best thing in the form of the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper.

Too Faced, Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper — $29.00

Pros:

• Instant results
• No sticky, goopy texture
• Looks great on top of lipsticks or alone
• Hydrating formula

Cons:

• Tingling sensation might be too overwhelming for some people
• A bit pricey

The product was designed to help people fake the appearance of lip injections without actually having to get lip injections, which makes it perfect for the “filler curious” crowd, like myself. “It has several ingredients that contribute to its success as a lip plumper,” says Michael Somenek, MD,  a facial plastic surgeon based in Washington, D.C. “It contains capsicum frutescens resin which is a wild chili pepper, and cinnamal, the oil that gives cinnamon its spice. The irritants in these two ingredients cause a tingling or burning sensation when applied to the lips and can temporarily increase the size of the lips.”

Immediately after application, your lips start to tingle, which is a good sign that the plumping is starting to happen. This lasts for about a minute, but the effects last for hours on end. And after the tingling wears off, not only do my lips look plumped to three times their normal size, but they also feel soft and hydrated. This comes as a result of the formula’s combination of avocado oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E—each of which are known to by nourishing on their own, and together bring a triple threat of moisturization. “These ingredients progressively hydrate and maintain a soft and supple appearance to the lips,” says Dr. Somenek.

As far as finish goes, the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme gloss leaves behind a shiny, wet sheen with a subtle shimmer that reminds me of the Juicy Tubes I kept in my backpack in the early aughts, but with slightly more sparkle. It looks just as great on its own as it does layered over a matte lipstick, and despite its high-gloss appearance, it doesn’t ever feel sticky or goopy.

As long as this stuff is in my makeup bag, I can say with full confidence that there is no need for actual fillers in my future.