8 Best Lip Plumping Glosses and Balms in 2022

In the name of ~Search~ I tested eight lip tinniters ranging in prices from $7 to $29 to determine which one(s) prevailed.

Many of the lip-plumpers I’ve tried—including Mario MoistureGlow Plumping Lip Serum, Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump, and Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid—have achieved the height of TikTok popularity. However, to narrow down my lip plumper cream range, I’ve also thrown some under-the-radar essentials (Milani, Physicians Formula) and tried-and-true classics (Too Faced, Grande Cosmetics) into the mix.

I tested (mostly) different shades from each brand.

Here are the complete deets…

Winner: Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper

Too Faced’s Ultra Plumper might be the most expensive lip plumper on this list, but trust me when I say it’s worth the splurge. This cult favorite, which has been around for a few years now, definitely delivers a plumping effect.

Within two minutes of applying the product, I noticed some tingling (most – if not all – plumper lips have this, since it’s the irritation that leads to temporary swelling). I felt a slight (albeit painless) burning sensation as if I had eaten something spicy. My lips looked visibly larger in the mirror, and I noticed that they stayed that way for about an hour after application. The high-gloss finish enhances the blowing effect as well. Also, despite the formula’s obvious tint, it transformed my lips a lovely soft pink for a perfect wash of color.

Runners-up: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump

This TikTok-approved Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump isn’t your typical lip plumper, and I mean that in the best way possible. Its creamy, smooth-glide formula is similar to that found in a balm or lipstick (as opposed to that found in glosses or lip oil, which are more popular on the market). It also had a refreshing cool sensation (as opposed to a burning sensation), which, IMO, was a bonus.

even better? It’s packed with nourishing ingredients—including plumping hyaluronic acid, fatty acid-rich maracuja oil, and hydrating vitamin E, to name a few—to leave lips feeling soft and hydrated for hours on end, even after the puffiness effect has diminished completely.

3rd place: Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid

Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid has also taken TikTok by storm for its ultra-hydrating formula, glossy (albeit non-sticky) finish, and of course its wallet-friendly price. I felt a tingling sensation upon application, and within a few minutes, I noticed my pout looked full and sexy. I especially liked how comfortable and light the formula felt on my lips. I’ll take one of each color please.

Here is where the rest of the products fell off my scale.

Mario Moisture Glow Plumping Lip Serum Makeup

The first thing I noticed – and loved – about Mario Moisture’s makeup was how lightweight it was. In addition, the stick formula made it very easy to apply it on the go (for example, in an Uber without a mirror). The gentle tingling sensation took about a minute to start. And although I did notice a slight effect, it was gone within 20 minutes upon application.

Milani Keep It Full Maxx Balmshell Enlargement Lip Balm

Milani’s Keep It Full Maxx Balmshell Lip Plumping balm was recently released in May 2022, so I was particularly excited to test it out. Loved the glossy sheen and cool tingle (not flaring). Also, while the balm is marketed as a conditioner, its conditioning formula—infused with antioxidant-laden mango oil—is similar to that of a gloss.

Despite the product’s glossy, shiny look (and I felt like it!), my lips didn’t appear larger or physically puffy when I took a selfie. It’s also worth noting that this formula is somewhat sticky, but since the weather wasn’t windy when I wore it, it didn’t bother me at all.

Mineral Formula Doctors Wear Diamond Plumper

The first thing I noticed about this plum is how sweet it smells (literally like marshmallows). After about three minutes of pressing the product, I noticed a cooling sensation. About a minute later, I was pleasantly surprised by the juicy size of my lips in my iPhone camera. However, after about 10 to 15 minutes, the swelling went down, although the glossy sheen remained.

Grande Cosmetics Grande Lips moisturizing lip gloss

GrandeLIPS Hydrating Lip Plumper Gloss is among Grande Cosmetics’ most popular products—and for good reason. Despite the fact that the swelling began almost immediately, it took about 15-20 minutes for the product to work at full capacity. Plus, the clear, shimmery color is perfect for layering over other lipsticks (liquids too!), glosses, stains, and balms. Meanwhile, the skincare-focused formula, enriched with hyaluronic acid, is an incredible plus.

NYX Professional Makeup Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss

The NYX Professional Makeup Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss is by far the most glossy option on the list, and I can’t help but admire how gorgeous my lips are after swiping some on. Although I noticed a very slight tingling feeling, my lips looked more or less the same size before application. The light-as-air formula is also non-sticky.

bottom line

As a beauty writer, I’ve tried dozens – if not hundreds – of lip products over the years. This gave me the opportunity to test both hidden fan favorites and gems, which I’m always keen to discover. In the end, these eight lip plumpers are no exception, and I’m very happy with all of them (even the ones that don’t make my lips look huge!).