Not just for the skin, plumping is also highly desired in the lips. Studies have shown that women with fuller lips are considered to be more attractive and look more youthful. As a result, manufacturers are going to great lengths to give consumers a host of options to achieve a perfect pucker. Like the skin, the lips can benefit from a healthy dose of HA, which gives the pout a bit more clout. It’s just one of the hydrating ingredients in Pevonia’s LipRenew Plump & De-Age Treatment. G.M. Collin’s Lip Plumping Complex contains a patented micro-injection-like collagen and HA technology.
A painless alternative to lip injections, it contains tiny dehydrated spheres that are instantly absorbed by the lips to prevent the water from evaporating. Causing an instant and long-term plumping effect, the Complex also contains tetrahydropiperine (THP), a pharmaceutical-grade ingredient that promotes nutrient delivery through the skin to boost other actives. An HA and collagen combo is also found in Grande Cosmetics’s GrandeLips Hydrating Lip Plumper, while Satin Smooth’s Collagen Lip Plump Treatment is infused with collagen microspheres to make lips look fuller.
Unfortunately, not all lip-plumping products are created equal. “Some use irritating agents, such as capsicum, the compound in hot peppers; cinnamon; and ginger to boost blood flow to the lips, causing mild swelling,” says HydroPeptide’s Neal Kitchen, Ph.D. “These can be associated with a tingling sensation and mild redness. At HydroPeptide, we have been able to employ new peptide technology that eliminates the irritation concerns. For example, Perfecting Gloss contains a combination of four different peptides designed to plump the lips by increasing circulation, boosting collagen production, and supporting the plumping proteins in the lips.”
Although cinnamon oil is used in Eminence Organic Skin Care’s Cinnamon Kiss Lip Plumper, it is blended with nourishing jojoba, pumpkin seed, pomegranate, and blueberry seed oils. Jane Iredale’s Just Kissed Lip Plumper relies on shea butter, beeswax, and a variety of hydrating oils. Lip plumpers, whether they come in the form of balms, lipsticks, glosses, or serums, are clearly in demand as spa-goers continue to seek out the popular look.
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