What are lip plumper lip gloss and how does it work

These days with puckered lips and a full pout being all the rage, thanks to celebrities like the Kardashians and Jenners, who have re-popularized the pouty look of the 90s, the humble lip gloss is also making a steady comeback. 

What was once considered a sticky, messy, tricky to re-apply option has slowly begun to re-line the shelves of popular cosmetic brands. The reason being the recent shift in the beauty world, to 'shiny and glistening’ for a healthier look.  

Today beauty is all about looking great and healthy at the same time, and full lips are a sign of both youth and vitality. Lip gloss has the edge over matte lipsticks in this area as it creates that coveted plump aesthetic which cannot be achieved with a matte lipstick. 

Getting that coveted pout is so much easier when applying a lip gloss rather than going for something more permanent and possibly damaging, like putting in fillers or having surgery. This temporary trend which is so much lighter on your pocket is perfectly safe to use. Except for the tingling sensation you may feel on your lips, there's absolutely nothing to worry about.

Like the consumers, lip gloss too, has grown and brands have diversified into various areas to improve their formula. While plumping seems to be the desired feature of lip gloss, products which are enriched in vitamins, moisturize and hydrate are most sought after. 

The shiny finish that you get after applying lip gloss is just one of the reasons for your lips to appear fuller. The other reason being the ingredients that are added to the gloss which are also responsible for the tingling sensations. You're probably thinking ‘I knew it - they’ve added chemicals to this too!’ but you are way off the mark there.
 
Many plumping glosses contain mild natural irritants like cinnamon, menthol or capsicum which are commonly found in your kitchen. When the gloss is applied to your lips, the blood rushes to the surface of the skin because of the irritation from these ingredients, resulting in a transient swelling. This causes the lips to look fuller. 

Unless you're allergic to any of the ingredients above, there's no need to worry. However, there are some lip plumping glosses like Manuka Doctor's Aprirefine Lip Enhancer that use the venom of bees as an ingredient. The reason for using bee venom is the same as the other ingredients. The skin gets fooled into thinking that it has been stung and reacts accordingly. The effects of this are also temporary just like the other glosses. However, if you have any kind of allergic reactions then its best to steer clear of the products using venom. 

With the lip gloss industry at an all-time high there are numerous products to choose from, and zeroing in on the right gloss can be quite a hassle. Many users advise that it's very important to buy a gloss that not only gives you a pout but also hydrates and moisturizes your lips at the same time. 

A product that's extremely purse friendly and surprisingly effective, it feels more like a lip oil than gloss. However, after application lips do look fuller and healthier. It is also less irritating on the skin than many other plumpers. Some users may find the prolonged effect a bit annoying after a while but the good thing about it is that smells like candy canes!

The saying ‘the best things in life come in little packages’ is quite apt for this plumper which packs quite a punch although it comes in a tiny bottle. All you need to do is brush it on and wait for about a minute to see your lips gently fill out. The name is quite deceptive as it does not use the venom from bees but has plumping ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and wintergreen.  

This is another very affordable lip plumper gloss with a price tag that's very easy on the pocket. When you see a product with such a low price tag you would obviously expect a compromise on quality or performance, but it does neither. The beautiful colors come in a non-sticky formula and the lips look firmer after application. The peptides present in the product help in synthesizing collagen for that perfect look.

This gloss has been a hit with women ever since lip plumpers entered the market. It is still rated as one of the best low-cost plumpers. Although not extreme, be prepared for the tingling of the lips to last longer than the other plumpers. It also takes a longer time for the voluptuous pout to be visible, about 30 minutes before you can feel the fullness, but the effects last for a fairly long time. The product has a high glycerin content, ensuring good hydration and an effective hold, but can border on sticky after several applications. 

This gloss from Sephora uses sunflower seed oil, peppermint oil, and ginger root oil to plump the lips and is said to be as good as Dior's iconic Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss. If you have a lighter skin tone then go for the Universal Volume shade but if you have a darker complexion then XXL Nude shade would work for you.

This collagen-based lip maximizer has the right quantity of moisturizers to give your pout that smooth finish. The tingling sensation from the product is quite pleasant rather than being painful and the effects are noticeable immediately. The effects of this sweet-smelling gloss are long lasting and hardly requires reapplication. After four weeks of continued use, your lips will feel even smoother because of its collagen and marine-based formula. 

The peppermint and coconut oil formula used in this product will give your lips a moisturized nude glow. This moisture-laden formula is perfect for those with dry or chapped lips and will make your pout feel extremely nourished after use. The mustard sprout extract that is used in the product will not only plump your lips but also help hydrate and enhance your lip volume. The contours of your lips will be clearly defined to create a fuller, firmer look. 

This clear lip plumper gives you what the name promises, surgical results without the use of a needle.  If you're using this product for the first time be warned that the tingling of lips can last for as long as 5 to 10 minutes but the results are almost instant and long-lasting. To increase the look of lip volume and dramatically hydrate and nourish lips, it is recommended to apply the product during the day and night.

Although the packaging and directions for usage, can fool you into thinking that this is a medication rather than a cosmetic product, it can be applied like any other lip balm. The plumper is available in a different range of strengths and feels closest to surgical treatment. If you're looking for something long-term this much just be your answer. Although the results are not immediately noticeable, if you stick to the recommendations of five daily applications across two weeks, the results will surprise you. 

If you want to splurge on your pout, this fancy lip serum may just be what you're looking for. The serum contains a mix of omega 3s, antioxidants and vitamins and does a good job of plumping your lips. This lip plumper also promises to reduce dryness and the appearance of wrinkles. What's great about it is that you can even apply it before or after lipstick for a more subtle sheen. 

No matter which of these lip plumping glosses you decide to add to your collection, it is always advisable to be aware of the ingredients that have been used in the product and use the product cautiously. Another downside to overusing lip plumping glosses is that your lips can become chapped or irritated over a long period of time. Also, after prolonged usage, the lip plumping gloss may just lose its effectiveness because the body becomes more tolerant of the ingredients.
  
While these products may make your lips feel more hydrated and give them a fuller plumper look, be aware that these effects are only temporary. Anything that is applied on your lips will not have any drastic effects but will only bring about a slight change. Just like Cinderella when the clock strikes 12!