Best Lip Gloss for Thin Lips? I Ranked 5 Viral Plumpers That Are Totally Worth It 👄
Thankfully, makeup technology has evolved! We now have glosses that use Hyaluronic Acid and gentle peppers to swell the lips without the pain. But do they actually work? I bought the 5 most viral "lip injection in a tube" glosses from Maybelline, essence, and e.l.f. to see which one gives real results and which is just sticky hype. Here is my ranking!
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All reviews are based on personal experience and not professional advice. Results may vary.
How Do These Actually Plump? 🧪
There are two ways these products work, and knowing the difference saves you from a burning disaster:
- The "Spicy" Way (Irritants): Ingredients like Capsicum (chili pepper) or Cinnamon irritate the lips, causing blood to rush to the surface. It works fast but stings!
- The "Thirsty" Way (Hydration): Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid soak up moisture like a sponge, physically expanding the lip surface for a smoother, fuller look. This is painless and healthier long-term.
If you prefer a more subtle look or just pure hydration without the plumping effect, you might want to check out my top 5 tinted lip balms here.
Quick Look: My Top Picks ⚡
- Maybelline Lifter Gloss: Best overall for hydration and a "filter-like" finish.
- essence What the Fake!: Best intense plumping effect on a budget.
- L.A. Girl Lip Plumper: Best for a fun, holographic party look.
- L’Oreal Plump Ambition: Best luxurious, non-sticky oil formula.
- e.l.f. Plumping Gloss: Best for a subtle, everyday minty tingle.
1. Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss (Petal) 🌸
The Maybelline Lifter Gloss went viral for a reason—everyone says it's a dupe for Fenty Beauty, and honestly? They aren't wrong. I grabbed the shade "Petal," a beautiful soft mauve.
This gloss relies on Hyaluronic Acid rather than chili peppers, so it doesn't burn. Instead, it feels incredibly thick and cushiony. It physically fills in the "lip lines" (the cracks that make lips look small), creating a smooth, glass-like surface. It doesn't sting at all; it just makes your lips look juicy and healthy. The wand is massive (XL size), which covers the lips in one swipe. It’s not sticky, but it is heavy in a luxurious way.
Pros ✅
- Zero pain—uses hydration to plump.
- XL Wand makes application so satisfying.
- Visibly smooths out lip lines instantly.
- Tastes slightly sweet (vanilla scent).
Cons ❌
- The tube is bulky (takes up space in a small bag).
- It’s a sheer gloss, not a lipstick replacement.
2. essence What the Fake! Plumping Lip Filler 🌶️
If Maybelline is the gentle giant, essence is the spicy little firecracker. This contains Chili Extract and Vitamin E. The packaging claims it's a "Lip Filler," and it definitely tries to live up to that.
About 30 seconds after applying, you feel the heat. It’s a warm, tingling sensation that signals blood flow is increasing. My lips genuinely turned a shade pinker and looked slightly swollen (in a good, pouty way). The pearly finish reflects light beautifully, adding to the illusion of size. For the price, the effect is shocking. It creates that bee-stung look that is so trendy right now.
Pros ✅
- Noticeable physical plumping effect.
- Very affordable drugstore price.
- Contains Vitamin E to condition lips.
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free.
Cons ❌
- It stings! (Not for sensitive skin).
- The tingling sensation lasts for about 20 minutes.
Not sure if you want a gloss or a full lipstick? I broke down the Maybelline vs. L'Oreal lipstick battle to help you decide on the best formula.
3. L.A. Girl Lip Plumper – Holographic 🦄
L.A. Girl brings the fun with this Holographic Lip Plumper. It’s a clear gloss packed with tiny, shifting shimmer particles. This one uses a "tingly" formula, similar to essence but slightly less aggressive.
The shine on this is blinding. Because of the holographic pearls, it catches the light from every angle, which is a classic makeup artist trick to make surfaces look larger. The formula is a bit sticky, which means it stays put for a long time. It smells like cinnamon gum, which I found really pleasant. It gives a moderate plump—nothing crazy, but enough to define the lip shape.
Pros ✅
- Holographic finish is unique and eye-catching.
- Great for layering over matte lipsticks.
- Cinnamon scent is yummy.
- Long-wearing due to thicker texture.
Cons ❌
- Sticky texture (hair will get stuck in it).
- Shimmer might be too much for a professional office setting.
4. L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil 💧
Lip Oils are the new craze, and L'Oreal's "Plump Ambition" is a serious contender. This is very different from the others; it's an oil, not a gloss. That means it’s thin, slippery, and incredibly hydrating.
I tried shade "601 Worth It." It feels like a tall glass of water for your lips. It uses Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate deeply. There is zero sting. The "plumping" here comes from the intense moisture smoothing out the wrinkles in your lips. It feels the most comfortable of the bunch. You forget you are wearing it until you look in the mirror and see the shine.
Pros ✅
- Non-sticky, lightweight oil texture.
- Deeply hydrates dry lips.
- Very subtle, classy tint.
- Applicator feels like a massage.
Cons ❌
- Doesn't last long—absorbs quickly like skincare.
- Pricey for the small amount (5ml).
I've mentioned Hyaluronic Acid a few times because it's the hero ingredient in the best modern plumpers. To understand how it creates that volume without the burn, check out this guide on Hyaluronic Acid and Peptide Lip Plumpers.
5. e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss 🍬
Finally, we have the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss in "Sweet Talker." e.l.f. is famous for quality at a low price, and this is no exception. This formula uses Vitamin E and Coconut Oil.
The sensation here is minty rather than spicy. It feels cooling and fresh, like you just brushed your teeth. It provides a sheer wash of color and a very high-shine finish. The plumping effect is subtle—it won't give you Kylie Jenner lips, but it definitely wakes up your face. It’s perfect for the office or school because it’s not too intense.
Pros ✅
- Refreshing minty sensation.
- Non-sticky and comfortable.
- Very affordable.
- Vitamin E keeps lips soft.
Cons ❌
- Plumping effect is very temporary.
- Color payoff is quite sheer.
Complete your lip wardrobe! After plumping, you might want some color that stays all day. See my top 5 lipsticks for every occasion.
Comparison: Which Pout Wins? 💋
| Product | Sensation | Key Ingredient | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maybelline | None/Smooth | Hyaluronic Acid | Glassy Shine ✨ |
| essence | Spicy Heat | Chili Extract | Max Volume 🔥 |
| L.A. Girl | Tingly | Holographic Pearls | Party Look 🦄 |
| L'Oreal | Slippery/Hydrating | Hyaluronic Oil | Dry/Chapped Lips 💧 |
| e.l.f. | Cool Mint | Vitamin E/Coconut | Daily Wear 🍬 |
How to Choose Your Plumper 🧭
If you have a low pain tolerance, absolutely avoid the essence and stick to the Maybelline or L'Oreal options—they plump through hydration, not irritation. If you want results fast for a selfie, the essence is your best bet. And if you want something cheap and cheerful that just feels nice? e.l.f. is the winner.
Final Thoughts 💭
After testing all five, I have to say that the Maybelline Lifter Gloss lives up to the hype—it’s just so comfortable and flattering. But for those Friday nights out? I’m keeping the essence in my clutch for that extra boost. Pout responsibly!
Mwah! 💄
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
1. Why do plumping lip glosses tingle?
The tingle usually comes from mild irritants like capsicum (pepper), cinnamon, or menthol. These ingredients stimulate blood flow to the lips, causing them to swell slightly and appear redder and fuller.
2. Is lip plumper supposed to sting?
A mild tingle or warm sensation is normal for irritant-based plumpers. However, if it burns painfully or causes a rash, wipe it off immediately—you might be having an allergic reaction.
3. How long does a lip plumper take to kick in?
Most "spicy" plumpers work within 1-5 minutes. Hydration-based plumpers (like Maybelline) work instantly to smooth lines but improve lip fullness more over time with consistent use.
4. Do your lips go back to normal after lip plumper?
Yes, absolutely. The effects are temporary. Depending on the product, the swelling usually subsides within 1 to 4 hours.
5. What is the healthiest thing to put on your lips?
For health, look for ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and Ceramides. These repair the moisture barrier rather than just irritating the skin.
Last Updated: 03 January 2026
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