I have a thinner top lip than a bottom lip, so I was excited years ago when I discovered lip-plumper glosses. However, I was not prepared for the intense burning sensation. Then, I had to figure out our lip plumper glosses supposed to burn. Is there a reason they feel this way? They are supposed to burn, but only to an extent.
I do participate in affiliate programs, including Amazon Affiliates, and may earn a small commission if products are purchased through links on the site.
Lip Plumpers Are Supposed To Burn
Lip plumpers often include an irritant. Granted, this doesn’t apply to all lip-plumper glosses, but it does apply to most of them. When you apply that irritant to your lips, it makes them turn red and slightly swell. The swelling makes them more prominent, much like you swell after you get stung by a bee. The red appearance, because your lips are irritated, gives the illusion that your lips are bigger. They burn because they are supposed to.
What Ingredients Make Lip Plumpers Burn
Lip plumpers are usually lip gloss, formulated like other lip glosses. However, makeup companies add unique ingredients to cause the lip plumping effect we’ve come to know, love and expect. Most of the time, this ingredient is capsaicin. Capsaicin is naturally found in chili peppers, and it’s what makes them so spicy. You can also find Capsaicin in bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, and other peppers.
Capsaicin is found in Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme, too. We all remember the case of the mother that kissed her child on the cheek, and his face was irritated afterward. It turns out that common side effects of capsaicin are redness and irritation at the site when it’s applied topically. However, it doesn’t mean that lip plumpers are unsafe.
Capsaicin is not the only ingredient used to plump out your lips or that makes lip plumpers burn. Strong peppermint and ginger are other common ingredients. While these both work, they tend to cause less irritation than Capsaicin. However, that also may make them a little less effective in the plumping department.
The Burning From Lip Plumper Should Fade Away
Thankfully, the burning sensation does not last long. Most of the time, you’ll notice it slowly fade away within a few minutes.
If the burning does not fade away, it’s a sign that you’re having an allergic reaction. This will give you bigger lips, but taking this route is not a good idea. Instead, wash the lip gloss off of your lips and discontinue use.
Lip Plumper Glosses Effect People Differently
When it comes to lip plumper, it is not a one size fits all product. Some people will notice that the burning fades away after five minutes while others will swear it took twenty minutes. If your lips are chapped, it’s going to hurt a lot worse. If you’re more sensitive to spicy foods and other irritants, you’ll probably report more pain than someone that is less sensitive. Keep that in mind when deciding if lip plumpers are worth a try.
Our Favorite Lip Plumpers
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme ($29)
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme is the holy grail of all lip plumpers. Various shades are available. You can even pick up the original version instead of the extreme version for a less intense effect! This power plumping gloss delivers fuller lips almost instantly, it smells great, and you can’t beat the high-gloss look!
E.l.f. Cosmetics Lip Plumping Gloss ($7)
This lip plumping gloss from e.l.f. Cosmetics is budget-friendly and effective. It’s available in a variety of shades, too! I’ve used both the e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss and the Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme. Both of them work well, but e.l.f. Lip Plumping Gloss had a less intense tingling sensation. If you find that Too Faced is a bit too extreme, this is a great lip plumper to try out!
Lip Lush by Ofra Cosmetics ($18)
Lip Lush by Ofra Cosmetics is available in a clear shade and has a maximum plumping effect. The high-quality packaging is just one thing you’ll love about this lip plumper. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free! A quick swipe delivers amazing volume!
Related Articles
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Review
Is Too Faced Lip Injection Safe