As someone who has thin lips but is not willing to go the injectable route, I appreciate a good plumping product. In fact, when I find one I really like, I basically hoard it for fear of it running out or worse being discontinued. That explains why, at one point, I had three jars of the Kaplan MD Perfect Pout Lip Mask ($35) in my drawer. It's not technically a plumping product, but it visibly increases the appearance of my lips while smoothing and moisturizing them, so yeah, it's been a longtime favorite.
Recently, though, I heard about a new plumping product. When I was lucky enough for it to come across my desk, I knew I had to test it. It's an $8 lip mask that promises fuller-looking lips in just 30 minutes thanks to micro-dart technology (yep, the very same technology that's used in certain pimple patches). The brand calls it "instant lip filler," and because this is such a hyperbolic descriptor, I was skeptical. However, after 30 minutes was up, I could see a real, visible difference in the fullness and plumpness of my lips. Keep scrolling to see which product it is. Then, peep the before and after pictures. (They're good.)
Here's the product. It's called the Instant Lip Filler. Each package contains a single set of patches—one for the upper lip and one for the lower lip. What makes this different from other lip masks is that it uses the aforementioned micro-dart technology. Each lip mask is loaded with over 400 micro darts that contain active ingredients like vegan collagen, multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, and plant EGF (epidermal growth factor). When applied to the lips, they dissolve, leaving the active ingredients deeper inside the lips than they would be able to penetrate otherwise. Together, the ingredients plump the lips, leading to a fuller appearance.
The micro darts are incredibly small (hence the name). As such, they don't hurt. If anything, they feel a little bit scratchy as you press the patch into your upper and lower lip.
I followed the instructions on the pouch and was careful not to touch the micro darts before they went onto my lips. (I'm assuming this is cautioned against, as it could cause them to dissolve before the patch is applied.) Once I had each patch securely fitted to my upper and lower lip, I set a timer on my phone for 30 minutes and went back to my computer to answer emails.
Here's what my lips looked like before applying the mask. I had no product on them—no lipstick, gloss, or balm. As you can see, they're thin. Let's just say no one has ever described me as having full, bee-stung lips. Normally, I'm okay with that, but sometimes I like to have a little extra plumpness to work with, especially if I'm going to be wearing a bold lip color.
The patches themselves are smaller than I expected. If you hold them up to the light, you can see all of the individual micro darts, which is pretty cool. I applied the upper and lower patch, pressed them into my skin, and then set my timer.
Within about five minutes I could feel a tingling sensation, which continued until I removed the patches at the 30-minute mark. The brand says this is normal. It's simply what happens as the micro darts are being absorbed. Other than the tingling, these patches weren't overly annoying or cumbersome to wear. They were securely placed on my lips, and I didn't have to keep adjusting them the way I do with other gel lip masks.
Afterward, my lips were definitely plumper. I mean, look at that difference! I feel like the picture doesn't even do them justice. In real life, they had a nice full shape; I imagined it's what it would look like if I went in for subtle lip fillers or a "lip flip." The mask even made my lips look more pink and vibrant, like I was wearing a tinted balm. I loved it.
The results are temporary (the plumpness wore off within an hour or two), but that's normal for lip-plumping products. After all, the only semi-permanent way to increase fullness is to go the injectable route. Still, I was happy with the results—happy enough to keep these lip masks on hand for the next time I feel like my lips are looking too thin or lackluster. Next time, I plan to use the lip mask and then maintain the results throughout the day with a plumping gloss.
Shop 10 Other Lip Products I Love
This is the product I applied to my lips immediately after removing the plumping patch. Even though this is technically a lip sleeping mask, I use it throughout the day as I would a traditional lip balm. (I also use it every night before bed without fail.) It's deeply hydrating, and my lips drink it up every time I apply it.
This is basically the squeeze-tube version of the original Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. It's just as hydrating but easier to apply on the go.
Here's the lip mask I was talking about earlier. It's been a longtime favorite of mine since it plumps, smooths, and moisturizes my lips in just three to five minutes.
You can never go wrong with a classic like Aquaphor.
Don't forget about Vaseline. It never fails.
This applies like a gloss but hydrates like a balm.
I love the minty freshness of Burt's Bees lip balm.
This is a classic for a reason. It's luxurious and hydrating and offers a sheer coat of color to the lips.
This lip oil only costs $5, but it moisturizes just as well as its luxury counterparts. Plus, I love the peach scent.
This luxurious mask uses Japanese peach and olive-derived squalane to soften and smooth dry lips.
Next, We Tested the 10 Best Lip Plumpers so You Don't Have To
