The Best: Lip Plumper

I am on a quest for the best! As a makeup artist and beauty blogger I’m constantly asked by clients and readers my opinion on “the best” products. Sure, I have the favs I’ve discovered from years of making faces and professionally reviewing products (not to mention my personal findings from a decade as a beauty addicted consumer)… but there is always something new popping up on the shelves.

So, I set out on a mission for the past year to dig even deeper into the beauty market and familiarize myself with as many products as possible, all in the name of beauty. I’ve been testing (and testing and testing and testing) endless amounts of products, both new and old, in multiple categories to declare one the winner of each type!

Normally there will only be one “best” product, but in my search for the best lip plumper I decided to call this one a tie. The two lip treats to split the crown are (drum roll please!)… Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme and Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish!

One of these products, the Lip Injection Extreme, is strictly a lip plumper, a clear serum used to gradually increase lip volume over time. It combines vitamin E, collagen-booster MaxiLip and Dehydrated Marine Sponge to stimulate blood flow, promote fullness and re-hydrate the lips. It does sting a little bit at first, but the tingling gradually gets less intense with use over time. Obviously it depends on your pain tolerance, but I don’t think it’s unbearable at all.  The formula also contains avocado and jojoba oil to add to the conditioning properties – total added bonus! A lot of plumping products I’ve tried have left my lips looking bigger, but dry. Not this one! It creates a smooth, supple finish and perfectly preps lips for the application of other lip products. The Lip Injection Extreme is paired with some pretty steep product claims, but after using it for a while I believe them to be true. This stuff is probably the closest you’re going to get to a perfect pout without injectables.

The Buxom Lip Polish is a plumping lip gloss available in a multitude of shades which promotes more of a cosmetic effect and does not claim to create any long term change in lip fullness. It also uses vitamins E for ultimate softness and creates the look of voluptuous lips. It packs a high shine finish without stickiness. I LOVE it. Love the shade selection, love the look, love the feel.

I use them both (why not?) in conjunction with each other for a super plumped pout. Check out this quick video I shot so you can see these two beauties in action:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyEMcFk_Ji0&w=420&h=315]

By the way, the shades of the Buxom Lip gloss I mentioned in the video are Dominique, a clear gloss with iridescent micro glitter, and Dolly, a shimmering muted plum (the shade depicted in the photo above). Dominique is perfect for adding a little glam to any look. Dolly is good for every day wear – I love that one and wear it often like I wear the Melonie shade (shown in video and photo). The Buxom gloss runs $19 (for the full size) and the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme has a price tag of $28, both available at Sephora. Both are worth it, trust me!