Plump it Up!!

Unfortunately, I wasn't blessed with some fat Angelina Jolie lips so anytime I see a lip plumper, I have to check it out.  I think at first I was expecting to slap some gloss on, and have instant success and see a huge difference.  That's not what happens with lip plumpers.  What they do though is plump out the lines in your lips, giving the appearance of bigger lips.  Some of them tingle, some actually sting, and some just feel minty.  Also, some have "enhancers" in them, like extra shimmer, which can give the "illusion" of plumper lips. Regardless, I do feel like my lips look a bit bigger in some of them, so that's good enough for me.  And also, most lip plumpers come in lighter colors.....light = bigger, where as dark colors make your lips appear smaller then what they are.  All lip plumpers should be applied on dry bare lips, or you won't get the full effect.  If you want the effect, but want to wear a lipstick and not the gloss, put the plumper on while you apply your other makeup, then wipe it off and apply the lipstick.  Here is a short run-down of the ones I have tried:

Buxom Lip Creme:  This one is my favorite.  It has a slight tingle, nothing at all uncomfortable. Comes in a variety of colors and runs about $18.  It has a nice feel to it, moisturizing and just feels good on.  You can purchase this online, at Sephora or Ulta.

Lip Fusion:  I think this one works also, and it's moisturizing for my lips.  This one is a little more tingly then the Buxom and uses marine collagen microspheres to plump the lips.  Comes in a variety of shades, and also comes in an XL version (which means extra strength, not extra large).  This one is quite expensive, $38.  Purchase online, or at Ulta.

The Balm, Plump Pout Pucker:  I found this one in a kit of 3 at Marshalls.  I think it was around $20 bucks, which is a great deal.  I like this one also, not tingly at all on me.  You can find them at Marshalls, TJ Maxx or The Balm website.

Hard Candy:  This runs about $8 which is a great price.  I have two of these, and I really enjoy them.  I like the colors I have, this light pink one really helps with the illusion factor.  No tingle, and can be purchased at Walmart or where ever Hard Candy is sold.

Duwop Lip Venum:  This stuff is pretty darn tingly, and I don't really like the consistency too much, it's a bit thick, and it has a brush instead of a doe foot applicator.  I don't like lip products that use brushes.  I don't think they apply evenly.  I honestly don't think this one does much for me.  Pretty expensive also, at $16 considering how tiny the bottle is!

Studio M:  This one I got at Meijer.  I believe it's one of their brands, doesn't do anything and has an off putting smell.  I think it was about $7.

I have one more from NYX (not pictured), called plump it up lip plumber.  This one is the most tingly, some people may even say it stings.  It is pretty potent, but I really like it, it does the job and lasts a long time on the lips.  I think it may be a bit drying though, so be careful.  This one runs about $ 

Jack Black Lip Balm

So I'm just going to throw it right out there........this stuff is awesome!  I had wanted to pick it up for a while now, but at $7.50 for .25 oz it was a little hard to part with that much money for such a tiny tube.  But I'm so glad I did.  I am what you might call a lip balm connoisseur.  Or to be less fancy, an obsessed fanatic.  I'm pretty sure I've tried every balm out there, except the high-high end stuff like La Mer. (But I'm working up to that, trust me).  This JB balm feels really good, it's nice and thick, but not sticky or waxy. It's got an SPF of 25 which is great for keeping lips protected. It's full of good stuff like shea butter and avocado oil and it make my lips feel really soft.  I usually brush my teeth at night (well duh), rub my toothbrush across my lips and put this stuff on, and like magic, all soft in the morning. It comes in a few different flavors, mine is natural mint & shea butter.  I got mine at Ulta (it's a men's line, so check out the men's products to find it), but I've seen it at Sephora too, and anywhere else Jack Black products are sold. 

Tarte LipSurgence

These were a bit of an impulse buy.  Sephora and Ulta had a set of them (5) for $29.99, but I heard they were sold out.  I was in Ulta a couple of weeks ago, and they had them so I snagged one.  They are a limited edition set (the ones I bought), however you can order them in other colors for $24.00 a piece.  They are actually referred to as "lip treatments", and come in lusters and tints.  The colors in the box set are 3 lusters in Dazzled (pearly coral pink luster), Flashy (bright iridescent fuchsia luster), Glitzy (antique pink luster) and 2 tints in Perky (soft carnation pink tint) and Swank (light cherry tint).  They glide on really smoothly and are fairly shiney, but not a ton of pigment (IMO).  They are not sticky, so that's a plus for those of you who don't like that feeling.  They have a hint of peppermint and contain no parabens, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.  Basically they feel like a lip balm with some color and shine.  A couple of them are a tad on the glittery side.  They don't need sharpening, they twist up from the bottom.   I'm really glad I purchased this set, but I don't think I would buy them separately.  I gave 2 of them to my daughter so I only have 3 to show.

Swank, Perky, Dazzled

Dazzled (bottom), Perky (middle) Swank (top)