Our lips are like a ‘sponge’. The more you expose them to moisture, the more they absorb it and get plumped. But if you neglect those babies, they dry out and look miserable. While you can always slather a layer of petroleum jelly on your lips to up the moisture game, another choice, ‘lip plumper,’ has also been trending in the makeup world. Lip plumpers are yours if you are uncomfortable with cosmetic surgeries but still want a pair of fuller and juicier lips instantly. But what is the actual secret of these products? Do they show positive results without endangering your lips? Let us discover here.
What Are Lip Plumpers?
Lip plumpers, available in various forms like gel, balm, or gloss, are transparent or tinted products designed to enhance lips temporarily. Often containing natural ingredients, such as cinnamon oil, capsaicin, ginger, mint, hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, wintergreen, and retinol, lip plumpers aim to give the illusion of fuller, bee-stung lips. Some ingredients irritate the lips, causing them to swell, while others enhance blood flow, resulting in a minor puffiness and flush. However, users may experience an uncomfortable stinging or burning sensation along with added shine for the appearance of plumper lips. (1) (2)
How To Apply Lip Plumpers?
Before we dig into how lip plumpers give our pout a plumped-up look, here is how you need to use them:
- Choose a lip liner with a shade nearer to your natural lip color and line your natural lip line without going overboard.
- Pick your favorite lip-plumping gloss and dab it right on the middle of your lower lip.
- Press your lips together so the gloss spreads all over them, making them look fuller.
How Do They Work?
According to cosmetologists, all lip-plumping products work in any of the following four ways:
1. Lip Irritation
Lip plumpers comprise ingredients such as cinnamon oil that usually work by irritating our lips. They cause a tingling sensation and considerable swelling, eventually making the lips appear ‘fleshier.’ Even though this way of working seems to be harsh, the extent of irritation is mild, and it is also pretty safe.
Also Read – Home Remedies To Lighten Dark Lips And Get Pink Lips Naturally
2. Blood Stimulation
Certain lip-plumping potions use the age-old idea of ‘stimulating blood for swelling up.’ While plumping other body parts needs different ingredients, they work similarly. The presence of capsaicin, menthol, etc, in lip plumpers can lead to an instant blood rush to our pout. Hence, we get plump lips quickly.
3. Vasodilatation
Some lip plumpers work via ‘vasodilation’ in which the smooth muscle cells within the walls of blood vessels contract and expand naturally. These products are rich in caffeine and vitamin B3, which facilitate the widening of the blood vessels in our lips. This effect of vasodilatation increases blood flow through the lips, making them look fuller with a significantly plumped-up appearance.
4. Cell Boosting
Finally, some lip plumpers follow an ‘inward approach’ to plumping innovatively. They contain ‘biological additives,’ such as collagen, atelocollagen, tripeptide blend, and hyaluronic acid, which work as ‘cell-boosting molecules’ and improve the overall health and texture of the lips simultaneously. You can promote the growth and functionality of your lip cells by using such lip plumpers, thereby getting fuller and fatter lips over time. They also hydrate and rejuvenate lips while working to erase wrinkles and fine lines. However, these additives are often extracted from animals. So, if you are a vegan, you may want to avoid these.
Also Read – Freckles On Lips – The Ultimate Guide
The thick, glossy formula of a lip plumping serum adds heavily to its plumping effect. It not only plumps up the pucker but also makes the finishing ‘ultra spectacular’.
About Treatment Lip Plumpers
Quite a few lip plumpers possess therapeutic benefits and are used as treatment products for lips that need more volume. The primary ingredients of such items include marine collagen, peptides, and even specific human growth hormones, which can significantly stimulate the secretion of collagen and elastin in our body and make our lips juicier and sexier internally. They might also contain hyaluronic acids to hold the natural moisture of our lips and make them appear attractive.
Should You Use Lip Plumpers?
Lip plumpers are that ‘pick-me-up solution’ for most of us who have neither voluminous lips nor the courage to undergo surgery. But no matter how devoted you are to your stuff, that ‘Kardashian-esque’ lip amplitude can cause you a burning sensation and extreme discomfort. So, using it every day is NOT okay! Also, make sure that you do not overuse it.
Natural Lip Plumping Choices
It’s true that when it comes to getting plump lips, nothing can be easier than lip plumpers. You can save hundreds of thousands of bucks by plumping up your lips with such ‘wonder-working serums’ and get almost instant results. However, their effects are not very strong. You can expect your favorite lip plumper’s impact to last only a few hours.
On the other hand, the secrets behind most of these commercial lip plumpers are natural ingredients that we can easily find in our kitchen. We have already mentioned how spicy extracts (hot pepper or ‘capsaicin,’ cinnamon, etc.), mint, ginger oil, caffeine, menthol or menthol derivatives, etc., are being added by companies to their lip plumping formulae to yield surprising results. Hence, you can choose any of them and apply them directly for a lasting, swollen look.
A Few More Tips…
Here are a few more tips to get fuller-looking lips:
- Take good care of your lips. Pamper it daily with a luscious lip balm rich in hydrating natural ingredients.
- Choose the shade of your lip color wisely. Dark shades can make your lips look smaller, while lighter and neutral shades make them appear fuller and fatter.
Also Read – How To Get Rid Of Ugly White Spots On Lips?
Summary
Lip plumpers may be your answer if you dream of fuller, plumper lips without the commitment of cosmetic surgery. These transparent or tinted products, available as gels, balms, or gloss, temporarily enhance lips, often using natural ingredients like cinnamon oil, capsaicin, ginger, mint, hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, wintergreen, and retinol. While some ingredients cause irritation or stimulate blood flow, others boost lip cells for long-term benefits. Line your lips, apply plumper to the center of your lower lip, and press your lips together. However, be cautious not to overuse them, as they can cause discomfort. For a natural approach, consider using ingredients like hot pepper extracts, cinnamon, mint, ginger oil, caffeine, or menthol directly for a swollen look. Remember to care for your lips daily with a hydrating lip balm and choose lip colors wisely for a fuller appearance.FAQs About Lip Plumpers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Are Lip Plumpers?
Lip plumpers come in various forms, like gel, balm, or gloss, designed to enhance lips temporarily. These transparent or tinted products often contain natural ingredients such as cinnamon oil, capsaicin, ginger, mint, hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, wintergreen, and retinol, aiming to give the illusion of fuller, bee-stung lips.
2. How To Apply Lip Plumpers?
To apply lip plumpers, choose a lip liner near your natural lip color and line your lips. Next, use your favorite lip-plumping gloss to the center of your lower lip and press your lips together to spread the gloss, making them look fuller.
3. How Do Lip Plumpers Work?
Lip plumpers work through various mechanisms:
– Lip Irritation: Some ingredients, like cinnamon oil, irritate the lips, causing tingling and swelling.
– Blood Stimulation: Ingredients like capsaicin and menthol stimulate blood flow, leading to instant plumpness.
– Vasodilatation: Certain lip plumpers widen blood vessels with caffeine and vitamin B3, creating a fuller appearance.
– Cell Boosting: Lip plumpers with collagen, atelocollagen, and hyaluronic acid aim to boost lip cell growth for long-term volume.
4. Are Lip Plumpers Safe to Use?
While lip plumpers are generally safe, some users may experience an uncomfortable stinging or burning sensation. It’s essential not to overuse them to avoid discomfort. Additionally, individuals with vegan preferences may want to avoid products containing animal-extracted additives.
5. Can Lip Plumpers Provide Long-Term Benefits?
Certain lip plumpers, labeled as treatment products, may offer therapeutic benefits by stimulating collagen and elastin secretion. Ingredients such as marine collagen, peptides, and specific growth hormones can enhance lip volume internally. Hyaluronic acids in lip plumpers may also help retain natural lip moisture.
6. Should Lip Plumpers Be Used Daily?
Using lip plumpers daily is not recommended, as frequent application may lead to discomfort and a burning sensation. It’s crucial to follow usage instructions and avoid overuse. Lip care with hydrating lip balms and choosing suitable lip colors are additional tips for fuller-looking lips.
7. Are There Natural Alternatives for Lip Plumping?
Natural alternatives for lip plumping include spicy extracts (capsaicin), cinnamon, mint, ginger oil, caffeine, or menthol, commonly found in kitchen ingredients. These natural options can be applied directly for a lasting, swollen lip appearance.
8. How Long Do Lip Plumpers’ Effects Last?
The effects of lip plumpers are temporary, typically lasting only a few hours. While these products provide almost instant results, their impact is not long-lasting.
9. Any Additional Tips for Fuller-Looking Lips?
To achieve fuller-looking lips, take daily care of your lips with hydrating lip balms. When choosing lip colors, opt for lighter and neutral shades, as dark shades may make lips appear smaller. These tips contribute to a fuller and fatter lip appearance.
10. Are Lip Plumpers Safe for Everyone?
Lip plumpers are generally safe for most individuals. However, those with specific allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients should check the product’s composition. If any discomfort or adverse reactions occur, it’s advisable to discontinue use.
