Put to the test lip plumpers
1 BEST FOR: COMFORT Revlon Kiss Plumping Lip Crème, £6.99
First impressions Brings to mind that addictive glaze on the top of a doughnut, which is no bad thing in my book. This vanilla-scented cream feels comfy on – instantly there’s a hit of pretty colour and the tiniest tingle.
Plump factor Subtle. Juiced up those little lines that make lips look thinner and the satin finish has an optical plumping effect. A “Volulip” complex promises cumulative benefits, which on investigation contains a peptide known to boost natural hyaluronic acid production.
2 BEST FOR: RESULTS Plump It! Volumising Lip Plumper, £19.99
First impressions A clickable pen somewhere between the Touche Éclat and a doctor’s syringe. The box forewarned a five-minute tingle, which arrived promptly then outstayed its welcome, building to a spicy crescendo not unlike that time
I bit into a Scotch bonnet, “just to see”. Plump factor Can’t argue with these results. Within minutes my lips were plumped up, pink and feeling quite kissable. I’d definitely use this beneath bold lipsticks for a volume boost.
3 BEST FOR:SPEEd Winky Lux Pucker Up Lip Plumper, £15
First impressions I’m so pleased this cult US brand has crossed the Atlantic. The products are cute, cleverly formulated and commendably ethical. This may look like the gummy pink gloss of school days, but it feels grown-up on. Plump factor Gets to work swiftly, generating a mild peppery tingle and reddish flush that’s quite addictive. My upper lip felt particularly pouty, although I’d advise applying with caution.
4 BEST FOR: LUXE FEEL Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath, £25
First impressions Pure glamour, right down to the cute heart-shaped wand. The formula is soft and unsticky, with a fresh peppermint tingle in a minky nude shade that enhances your natural lip colour rather than covering it. Plump factor Nice soft-focus pigments smooth out lines, while skincare ingredients like marine collagen draw in moisture and hold it there for pillowy plumpness. This hits the sweet spot between tangible results and being very lovely to use, I’d expect no less from the marvellous Ms Tilbury.
5 BEST FOR: CONTOURING
Bourjois Lip Duo Sculpt, £7.99
First impressions Bourjois always pack impressive pigment and comfort levels into their sub-£10 lip products. This isn’t a physical plumper, but uses a clever trompe l’oeil effect to create 3D curves. Plump factor Twist up to reveal a nougat-like two-toned block, one part soft pink to fill, the other a punchier peach to line. I swiped it on, smacked my lips together and sure enough the contouring did its thing, pulling the fullest part of my lips into focus and bolstering my lipline. w&h