What They Say: A powerful plumper that visibly enhances your lips.

* Powerful lip dilators deliver fuller, plumper lips immediately
* Lips become smoother and firmer with continued use, yet remain kissably soft
* Protects from harsh ultraviolet rays
* Helps reduce fine lines around the lip line
* Can be used with lipstick or alone as a gloss

Unique blend of enriched antioxidants and anti-wrinkle complex enhances lips in minutes while providing protection from the sun and damaging free radicals.

Apply as needed for plump, luscious lips. For best results, wait five minutes before applying lipstick. Reapply every few hours as needed.

What Lisa Says: Like so many women, eager to have the perfect pout, I jumped on the opportunity to test this "lip enhancer". The best things I can say about this product was that it doesn't burn like some plumping products and it does add some shine to your lip color.

I used this product daily and, when I didn't see immediate results, I was hoping for a gradual plumping, and/or wrinkle smoothing on and around the lip area. What I got was drier lips that finally DID start to sting after about two weeks due to extreme dryness. I had to discontinue use. Add to poor results, a sponge tip applicator that deposits product around the rim. Each time you replace the lid, what you're left with is a gooey tube of product you wouldn't dare drop in a handbag. The fragrance is slightly herbal and smells faintly of cinnamon. The shine is not high gloss and, what shine there is does not last long. Considering the price of this little tube and all the above, I'd look elsewhere for a plumper/smoother/gloss.

Retail Price: .3 oz./$32 (mcskin.com)

Rating: 

What They Say: " Our exclusive way to get deliciously full, supermodel-sexy lips, without a plastic surgeon. Innovative Marine Collagen Microspheres take lip plumping to the next level, instantly plumping and smoothing, while self-adjusting pigment creates a personalized rosy tint. Visibly reduces lines and wrinkles giving lips enhanced natural contour and tone."

Melissa Says: Unlike lots of lip plumping glosses that tend to smell (and feel) sort of like red-hot cinnamon on your lips, this one smells yummy and sweet, like a wisp of cotton candy. It doesn't necessarily have a flavor, but then again lip products with flavor tend to make you lick your lips more anyway, creating increased chance of chapped lips. I was trying Baby Pink, a pale pink shimmery shade that almost looked clear.

The formula takes a while to get initially started out of the clicking brush pen, so do a few clicks at a time, waiting in between, so that when it does come up the brush it won't be too much product on the brush. Once it's started, it's pretty much no-mess; just remember to hold the brush downward when you click it to make it a bit easier to see the product come to the brush before it has a chance to glop.

It takes about a minute, but there is a slight tingle that begins the plumping process. It makes lips only slightly fuller, but there is an actual increase (you will feel it!). Lips are also a bit more pink as part of the process. The plumping effect really only maintains the same impact for a little over an hour or so, but the pretty, conditioning shine lasts longer. Besides, it's easy to add a tiny swipe of this sheer gloss to renew the effect.

This isn't Victoria's Secret's most extreme plumping gloss (for that, see here), but it is a bearable, not-so-intense version that gives a little extra oomph. I wouldn't recommend wearing this over other lipstick because when I tried to do that I felt like it reduced my color's staying power quite a bit.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at Victoria's Secret online or in a store located near you)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Get fuller, plumper looking lips, needle-free in 60 seconds! Lip plumping lacquer formulated with a high-tech cocktail of non-irritating ingredients to transform lip's appearance, contour, size and color so they look and feel fuller, smoother, sexier. Hypoallergenic. Fragrance-free. Dermatologist approved.

3x Plumping Effect: 1) Instant Plumping Effect 2) Instant Hydrating & Smoothing Effect 3) Younger, Smoother & Fuller Looking Lips with continued use."

Jamie's Thoughts: The unit itself is attractively packaged in a thick, acrylic tube with markings on the outside reminiscent of a beaker from 8th grade science class. It's cute, with has enough heft to make it easy to find in a handbag. The paintbrush-style applicator is effective and small enough to keep application neat and quick.

The product works well, and it works quickly. I noticed a difference in less than 5 minutes, although I admit I didn't use a stopwatch to test the manufacturer's claim of 60 seconds. It goes on thick and goopy, so I blotted off the offending layer of hair-catching tackiness, and the product STILL worked. Pretty impressive. Ladies who love a thick, shiny gloss will be bowled over by this product. It comes in a range of versatile, tastefully shimmery colors (including clear) and is attractively priced.

Sadly, the only thing that really bowled ME over is the stench. I found myself wondering if maybe fragrance-free was such a good thing. The scent reminds me of metal shavings and dust. It's awful, especially when you consider that it's going to be resting on your lips, just below your nose. If you blot lightly, you can get rid of most of the smell...but blot too aggressively, and it won't plump at all.

Also, a couple random notes on the ingredients:

Pro: Plump Potion contains Titanium Dioxide, which protects the lips from UVA and UVB damage. Maybe not enough to warrant claims of sun protection, but it's nice to know it's there.

Con: Plump Potion contains BHT, which is a synthetic antioxidant with known carcinogenic properties. Buyer beware.

Con: Plump Potion contains Ferric Ferrocyanide, a coloring agent that is approved by the FDA, but considered by the EPA to be toxic when present in water. Not exactly what I'm hoping to have on my mouth (or glass, or bottle) when I take a swig of Diet Coke.

I'm mixed. This product really does work - but at what cost?

Retail Price: $8.95  (available at drugstores everywhere and PhysiciansFormula.com)

DeLush Rating:

Continue reading Review: Physicians Formula Plump Potion Needle-Free Lip Plumping Cocktail.

What They Say: "Full-Lip™ - 3D plumping effect: Maxi-lips ingredient helps to stimulate collagen, which makes your lips look fuller. Unique blend of light reflecting, wet shine pearls intensify the plumping effect. Brilliant Bright Smile gives your lips extreme wet-shine finish with sheer colour and it is enriched with lip moisturizing emollients. Anti-aging lipshine contains protective, anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E. SPF 8.

Technology:
Full-Lip™ - 3D plumping effect: light-reflecting wet shine pearls together with Maxi-Lips ingredient make your lips look fuller."

Melissa Says: Though the actual physical plumping effect is minimal (no stinging but very slight tingling at first), the sparkling shimmer in this formula does add quite a bit of depth to the lips. While it's a pretty gloss,, some of the shimmer remains after the lip color wears off or after you remove it if you're not very thorough. It can also tend to travel after a few hours to just beyond your lip line, ever-so-slightly. Aside from that, this sheer, pretty gloss is a decent drugstore option.

Retail Price: $8.99 (in CVS stores or online)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Forget costly Collagen injections, or those painfully stinging glosses, stimulate your senses to a refreshed full perfect pout with e.l.f. Plumping Lip Glaze! e.l.f. proudly presents a revolutionary lip plumper, infusing Natural ingredients that awaken your senses for fresh, volume enhanced, and moisturized lips. This dual sided Plumping Lip Glaze has a tinted color for a subtle plump or a clear gloss that power plumps your lips, use together and instantly feel the lip enlarging effects!"

Jen's Experience: These lip plumpers are really more of a lip gloss on one side and a lip plumper on the other. The clear side definitely created a tingle -- it's best not to kiss some unsuspecting person after applying it! I find myself using the gloss more than the plumper, and I have definitely added some of the colors to my rotation. I tried the 7 piece set, which included nearly every shade they offer. One of my favorites was Ruby Kiss, a bright red color in the tube, but much more subtle on. I found it worked well with outfits that really need a red lipstick, but when I'm not in the mood for upkeep on a bright color. I was surprised to find that Mocha Ice was such a good shade for me. I usually stick to more pink shades, but this one really worked for me. For that reason alone, I highly recommend getting the whole set so that you can test them out on your own. At $1.00 a color, you can afford to have a few that don't work out. I have only one complaint about the product. Some shades seemed to dry out quickly (or I just used them up quickly), which was strange since I've only had them for about a month. Maybe it's a fluke, but just something that you should know before you purchase. Would that keep me from buying them? Nah, with great colors and a super cheap price tag, they're an easy way to bulk up your lip gloss wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Retail Price: $1.00 each or $7.00 for the set (eyeslipsface.com)

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What They Say: "This spa-like mask will plump your pucker for any situation or special occasion with lip-loving benefits like glycolic humectants that provide moisture, vitamins A and E to nourish and provide antiaging action, algae and aloe to condition lips, and all while this amazing lip mask plumps, exfoliates, and rejuvenates the lip area.

Vertical lines seem to disappear, while the blood vessel dilating properties of this plumping miracle fill the lips with a lasting and healthy rush of blood and oxygen that takes your kisser to the extreme!

To use: Apply a generous amount to the natural lip area (inside the lip line) with the enclosed spatula. Relax for 3-5 minutes and let the plumping technology work its magic. You may experience a slight tingling sensation. Gently remove with a wet washcloth."

Jen's Experience: I will try anything that works to plump up my lips, and this product that works as a quick-acting mask was no exception. The mask itself is a thick paste with a slight grape flavor that reminds me of the stuff my dentist uses to make dental impressions. Applied onto the lip, it dries quickly and tingles quite a bit. Getting the mask on the skin outside my lip is actually somewhat unpleasant.

I do believe that this is a very effective product (one of the best out there) for plumping up my lips and also for enhancing my natural lip color, but the effect doesn't seem to last all that long, an hour or two at most. I also think that it dehydrates my lips a bit. Personally, I would prefer using a product that may not work quite as well, but that I can carry with me and reapply throughout the day or night. I can see possibly using this product before a major party or event, but this is not something I can envision using on a regular basis.

Jamie's Thoughts: At the risk of sounding elitist, I have never considered using a lip plumping product. I'm perfectly happy with my lips as they are, so my initial reaction to this product was somehwat indifferent. I do, however, have a couple friends to whom this review may be critical - so I boldly went where I have never gone before. (wink)

The teeny tub of mask was adorable, especially when accompanied by the spatula they provide for the application. I will say this - it's super easy. You put it on, wait 3-5 minutes, take it off. It requires no special preparation, no fuss, with a minimum of "muss". The scent is medicinal, generic berry, and relatively mild. Fortunately, it faded as the product dries.

Too Faced makes no bones about the tingle you will feel when using the product, which is why I was not surprised to find my lips under seige after about 1 minute. I recruited a friend to try the product as well, and she actually used the word "burning". Consumers should be aware that this product should not come into contact with your skin, or temporary redness can (and will) occur.

I wore the mask for 3 minutes, and upon removing it, immediately noticed a difference. My lips were super red and bee-stung in appearance. Results were even more noticable for my friend, but one could argue that she earned them! I did not, however, notice the disappearance of vertical lines, nor did I feel any more exfoliated or moisturized as this product description would have us expect.

Like a bikini wax, this product will do exactly what it claims, assuming the consumer is willing to experience some mild discomfort. My results lasted about 2 hours, residual tingling subsided after about 20 minutes.

Bottom line: the stuff works really well, but given the potential of discomfort and irritated skin, why bother?

Retail Price: $27.50 (Available only at Sephora)

Jen's Rating:
Jamie's Rating:

What They Say: "Vibrant color is spiked with a wicked tingle and a delicious shine. Each of these lip plumping glosses are enriched with a secret blend of essential oils that leave lips soft, full, and extremely kissable."

(Click pic to enlarge.)

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: If you've ever tried DuWop's Lip Venom products, you know all about the tingle! (Some people are addicted to it.) There's a cinnamon-laced tingle that I actually thought wasn't going to kick in when I first put this gloss on. But...oh wait...there it was. While this is a much less dramatic option than a lot of the lip-plumping products out there (you may like that), it still does make your lips look a little more plush and full. The tingle lasts about 20 minutes or so, slowly dissipating. But it's never so powerful that I find it uncomfortable or distracting as with some other products.

The gloss itself stays on fairly well for a few hours and has a really pretty shine. It's not very sticky and is moisturizing. I would call the color (at least in this case) very sheer, and it is unflavored. In regard to this new shade specifically, I'm definitely digging this sexy gold-flecked Housewives-inspired pink.

Retail Price: $18.00 (at Sephora.com, or go to DuWop.com for a list of retail locations)

DeLush Rating:

What They Say: "Formulated with a special combination of folic acid, menthol and vitamin C, these sexy glosses increase blood flow to the lips and reduce the look of fine lines. But the lip building benefits have only just begun... an additional ingredient, Maxi-lip, works cumulatively to create lasting fullness. Be prepared for a poutier pucker after 30 days!"

Jen's Experience: Looking for a replacement for LipFusion that doesn't cost $38 bucks? I've got what you're looking for right here. I get the very same tingle, with similar results, even a similar flavor with this product. The shade I used was "Ruby My Grapefruit", but turned out to be very sheer, so I use it over a nude lip pencil for a little more color. I find it to be very long-lasting for a gloss, without being thick or sticky. Finally I've found a lip plumper that I can afford to use every day, and maybe even get an extra for my purse!

Retail Price: $14.00 (TheBalm.com or Sephora)

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What They Say: "Lip Injection is a clear cosmetic lip treatment designed to help plump your lips for lasting fullness./p>

Lip Injection's patented formula is based on medically-proven blood vessel dilating technology touted to create the sexiest, pout this side of a Plastic surgeons office! A celebrity secret weapon against puny, lifeless lips!

To use: Apply a generous coat over the entire lip area. You may experience a slightly intense tingle that can last up to 5 minutes, but don't worry sweetie, it's so worth it!

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: Wow, I wasn't prepared for this! I was told to get ready for some major tingling action once I put it on, so I waited. At first, it was just a little cool-feeling. "Big Deal", I thought. And then? Wow. MAJOR buzzing going on and I literally FELT my upper lip grow. That was a bit bizarre. The tingle wasn't unbearable or necessarily uncomfortable, just unlike anything I'd felt before. When I'd put my lips together, they felt so unfamiliarly 'fatter'.

I asked my husband to come look, and he wandered over, then his eyes popped and he said "wow, that is definitely doing something". And it absolutely did. For about 5 - 6 hours. That definitely outlasted my expectations. So did the plumping effect:

The first photo is with NOTHING on, not even balm. The second picture is only the Lip Injection.

The formula originally came only in clear, but now is in sheer colors as well (which I tried). I wouldn't tell you to wear this every single day, because you might grow tired of feeling so tingly all the time. (And this does take a little time to get used to.) But for a special event or date, or even just when you want some extra oomph! - wow, this absolutely delivers.

Retail Price: $18.50 (sephora.com)

DeLush Rating:

Since we first posted about the release of LipFusion's revolutionary new lip plumper, we've been getting tons of inquiries about it and whether or not is really works.  It's been advertised in all the latest magazines, and celebrities like Carmen Electra and Shannon Elizabeth are listed as big fans.  DeLush was thrilled to receive a sample of this so that we could share our experience with you.

From the Sephora website:  "The next generation of lip plumpers has arrived. LipFusion is a clear treatment gloss infused with revolutionary technology to plump lips instantly – no kidding.

How it works: Tiny, dehydrated, marine collagen micro spheres are instantly absorbed by the lips, and seek out the body’s natural moisture. As soon as the spheres become re-hydrated, they plump and hold onto the moisture they’ve collected, creating a mild “swelling” of the lip tissue. The result is fuller, smoother, perfectly plumped lips in seconds. Results can last for up to 48 hours.

Breaking News! Lip Fusion has earned the coveted Good Housekeeping Seal, after being evaluated by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Institute, the consumer product testing branch of Good Housekeeping magazine. "We are thrilled that LipFusion is among a select list of beauty products backed by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal, a well-known symbol of confidence in consumer products," said Melissa Shabinsky, President and Co-Founder of Fusion Beauty. Prognosis: LipFusion instantly plumps the lips.

To use: Apply morning and evening or as needed to moisturize and plump the lips throughout the day. Can also be applied over or under lip color."

Jen's Experience:  When I first read the description of LipFusion and how it works, it sounded terrific but too good to be true.  I am happy to report that it really works!  I got my sample in the mail right before a weekend vacation to Las Vegas, the perfect place to give it a try.  The first thing I noticed was that it tastes great without being too overpowering.  It tingles for the first 10 minutes or so after you put it on, and the effects are visible almost immediately.  One of the things I really liked about it was that, although it's clear, it produces a really nice light pink color once I've applied it to my lips.  I didn't want to stain the applicator brush, so I haven't been applying it over my makeup.  It looks great alone, but it's fantastic as a lipstick primer.  Because it plumps up your lips, it really even out the texture of your lips and makes sparkly lip glosses look like perfection.  It's tempting to wear it alone, but the effects seem to last longer when you put lipstick or gloss on top of it.    I found that the effects are cumulative: if you put it on in the morning and again when you go out at night, you will see the lip plumping action last longer and longer with continued use.  A splurge?  Absolutely.  But absolutely worth every penny.

Retail Price: $36.00 (Available exclusively at Sephora)

Rating:

From the Sephora website: "Lip Venom is a spicy, tingly gloss that enhances the natural color and shape of the lips by increasing circulation with a blend of essential oils including cinnamon and ginger. The result: shiny, bee-stung lips."

Jen's Experience: What a fun product! Shiny AND tingly.  I saw DuWop's lip venom on the Sephora top 10 for a long, long time, and now I wish I hadn't taken so long to try it.  The first day I used it, I was surprised at how spicy it really was.  Now I'm addicted to the tingly feeling it gives my lips for 10 or 20 minutes after I apply it, and I'm really addicted to the super shininess it gives my lips.  As promised, it also enhances the color of my lips, making them just a bit pinker.

Tips:  Use it for a few days to start seeing the full effect.  You can wear it alone for a pretty nude look, or fill in your whole lip with a lip pencil for some long lasting color.

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