Do Lip Gloss Fillers Work?

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Dr. Hardik Soni

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Temporary Plumping Effects Without Injections

Have you seen those tantalizingly plump lips on Instagram and wished you could get a similar boost to your pout? Are you curious about trying lip plumping products but not sure where to start or if they really work? Look no further! 

This ultimate guide on lip gloss fillers will give you the 101 on how to get the perfect pillowy pout minus the needles.

What are Lip Gloss Fillers?

lip filler treatment

Lip gloss fillers are cosmetic products that claim to temporarily plump or enlarge lips through the use of ingredients like peptides, caffeine, and irritants. Many contain vasodilators that increase blood flow to the lips, causing them to swell slightly. Others use ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and emollients to hydrate and smooth lips so they appear fuller.

However, most dermatologists warn that over-the-counter lip glosses do not permanently enlarge lips and effects are modest and short-lived, usually lasting a few hours. The plumping results cannot compare to actual dermal filler injections that increase lip volume by adding material under the skin. But lip plumping glosses can still provide a temporary boost when you want a quick lush lip look!

How Does Lip Plumping Gloss Work Its Magic?

You’ve seen the glosses that claim to pump up lips, but what’s actually behind the plumping magic? Here’s the science behind how they (temporarily) make your pout more luscious:

IngredientDescription
IrritantsSome lip plumpers contain ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, and peppermint oils that can irritate the lips, causing them to swell slightly. Increased blood flow to the area also creates a plumping effect. But beware – too much irritation can cause discomfort and long-term damage!
Hyaluronic AcidThis powerhouse hydrator is found naturally in the skin. It draws in moisture to smooth and softly plump lips.
PeptidesThese molecules help lipids retain moisture and give the appearance of fuller lips. They may stimulate collagen production over time.
EmollientsLip plumping glosses are packed with conditioning oils and butters like shea and avocado. They keep lips velvety soft and supple.
Light-reflecting ParticlesIngredients like mica give lips a fuller-looking sheen and gloss.

What Are the Benefits of Lip Plumping Glosses?

While dramatic plumping claims are exaggerated, lip plumping glosses do offer some benefits:

  • Temporarily fuller-looking lips
  • Smooths fine lines
  • Hydrates and conditions lips
  • Adds glossy shine and shimmer
  • Affordable, non-invasive plumping option
  • Fun, quick way to enhance your pout

The plumping effects are modest and temporary, but these glosses can give your lips a quick boost when you want to take your pout from meh to wow!

How Much Does Lip Plumping Gloss Cost?

Lip plumping glosses range in price from inexpensive drugstore varieties to more luxurious department store brands. Here’s what to expect:

  • Drugstore glosses: Expect to pay between $5-$15 for lip plumpers from the drugstore. Brands like NYX, Maybelline, L’Oreal, and Covergirl offer options at this price point.
  • Mid-range glosses: Glosses from Sephora brands generally range from $15-$25.
  • Luxury glosses: High-end brands like Dior, Gucci, and YSL charge $30+ for lip plumping formulas.
  • Lip plumping tools: Lip suction and pumping tools meant to temporarily enhance lips cost approximately $20-$100.

Popular Brands of Lip Gloss Fillers

The lip plumping gloss game is a competitive one! Here are some of the most raved about best-selling products on the market:

  • Patrick Ta Major Volume Lip Gloss: This indulgent gloss delivers serious shine and plumping action. The cushiony applicator hugs every curve for full, smooth coverage.
  • Essence What The Fake! Plumping Lip Filler: Get a budget-friendly pout perfector with this fan fave! It nourishes lips while creating subtle volume.
  • Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme: A cult classic, this lip-tingling gloss makes lips look pumped up thanks to circulation-boosting cinnamon and ginger oils. The tingling means it’s working!
  • Maybelline Lifter Gloss: Give limp lips a lift with this conditioning gloss that smooths and volumizes without stickiness. Available in 10 juicy shades.
  • Nyx Professional Makeup Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss: This non-sticky gloss plumps lips with a cushiony feel and mirror-like shine. Hyaluronic acid keeps lips hydrated.
  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss: Get a gorgeous glossy pout with this smoothing formula that refuses to get goopy or heavy. 

How Does NYX Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Gloss Work?

One of the most buzzed about affordable lip plumping lines is NYX Filler Instinct. Their glosses promise juicy-looking lips without injections using a special plumping complex.

They contain an ingredient called phenylpropanolamine (PPA) that causes vasoconstriction in the lips, leading to temporary swelling that reduces the look of fine lines. It creates a rush of blood flow to the lips that makes them appear smoother and fuller.

NYX Filler Instinct glosses also contain moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid spheres, and avocado oil to condition lips so they look soft and supple. The glossy formula provides luminous shine and a non-sticky finish.

While the plumping effect is subtle and temporary, NYX Filler Instinct adds gorgeous glossy color and hydration to lips so you get that instant ideal pout!

What Are the Effects of NYX Lip Filler Gloss?

NYX Lip Filler Gloss provides a subtle plumping effect that leaves lips looking smoother and fuller. While not as dramatic as lip injections, users report a light plumping sensation and an enhancement in the appearance of their lips. 

The inclusion of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and oils hydrates lips, transforming dry, flaky lips into soft and supple ones. The glosses also provide a high-shine, mirror-like finish from light-reflecting shimmers, saying goodbye to lackluster lips. 

NYX offers the plumping glosses in a variety of sheer, medium, and high coverage finishes so you can customize your look. Like most lip plumpers, the plumping sensation lasts 2-3 hours before you need to reapply for an instant boost.

How to Choose the Best NYX Lip Plumping Gloss for You

With its extensive Filler Instinct line, NYX gives you many options for getting plump, glossy lips. Here are some top picks:

ProductDescription
Filler Instinct Plumping Lip Polish GlossGet maximum wattage shine with this reflective, light-catching gloss that makes lips look full and smooth.
Filler Instinct Plumping Lip ColorGet the best of both worlds with these glosses that offer sheer, buildable color payoff and plumping power.
Filler Instinct Plumping Clear Lip GlossMake your natural lips the star with this clear non-sticky formula that boosts moisture and fullness.
Filler Instinct Matte Lip PlumperThis whipped matte lipstick gives bold color and plumps lips without drying them out.
Butter Gloss Plumping Lip GlossesSuper-hydrating, creamy butter glosses that condition lips for a supple, smoother look.

Tips for Enhancing Lips’ Fullness with Glosses

While no glosses equal the dramatic effects of dermal fillers, using the right products and techniques can enhance your lips’ natural shape and fullness. Focus on lining and volumizing the center of lips to mimic the look of injections.

  1. Apply in Layers

Start with a thin layer of gloss, let it dry, then repeat. Slow building in light layers gives a more dramatic plump than glopping on thick coats.

  1. Use a Lip Primer

Lip plumping primers boost circulation and create a smooth base for glosses to grab onto. Try Too Cool for School’s Dinoplatz Lip Balm for extra fullness.

  1. Blot and Reapply

Blotting removes excess product but leaves behind hydrating oils and plumpers. Reapply fresh gloss over blotted lips for intense shine and fullness.

  1. Finish with Balm

Lock in plumping effects by applying a nourishing balm or mask over your gloss before bed. Try capping off your routine with Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.

  1. Avoid Licking Lips

As tempting as it is, refrain from licking off gloss as this can diminish plumping effects. Reapply products instead.

The Takeaway

lip filler doctor

While fun and affordable, lip plumping glosses have modest effects compared to professional treatments. They can temporarily enhance lips’ natural shape and add glossy color, but the plumping is mild and short-lived.

For those seeking serious, dramatic augmentation of their pout, dermal filler injections like Juvederm and Restylane at Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center are the gold standard. Our expert providers, headed by Dr. Soni can shape and define lips that can last for 6 months or more, not just a few hours!

Unlike many medspas, we don’t push clients into excessive procedures. Our highly-trained staff takes a conservative approach focused on achieving natural-looking enhancements tailored to your individual facial aesthetics.

Contact Ethos Spa today to schedule a lip enhancement consultation and say goodbye to plumpers for good. Our 5-star rated professionals will help you achieve your ideal lips safely, effectively, and naturally!

Dr. Hardik Soni

MD, Founder/Lead Physician

About Dr. Hardik Soni

Dr. Hardik Soni is the founder and Medical Director of Ethos Aesthetics + Wellness. His primary focus is on minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic procedures including botulinum injection (Botox and Dysport), dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse), laser hair removal, chemical peels, and laser skin rejuvenation. Dr. Soni believes in a more conservative approach and his first goal is education. Clients are able to determine the ideal treatments after discussion with Dr. Soni regarding the expected outcomes, cost, as well as risks.

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