The Best Plumping Lip Liners Give Definition and Volume

Volume and definition are two words often used to describe your hair. A bouncy blowout would be nothing without them. When it comes to the perfect lip look, both are equally important. Lip liners have long been known for creating a contoured, lifted appearance, but a new trend is taking that idea even further. Plumping lip liners combine the volumizing benefits of lip plumpers and the precision of a liner. Like a match made in heaven, they help create a naturally enhanced look sans needles or appointments, and are quickly becoming a makeup staple. Learn more about them, ahead.

Featured Experts

• Jessica Theofiledes is the executive director of BUXOM Cosmetics
• Elysia Chen is the founder of Pepper Pout Beauty

Why Are Plumping Lip Liners Trending?

The rise in plumping lip liner can be attributed to several factors, most notably the shift in aesthetic trends. Dissolving lip filler isn’t just a buzzy topic—it’s also the driving force behind the latest desirable look. The goal is no longer to make the lips appear larger, but to refine the shape and restore natural volume. Plumping products, specifically a plumping lip liner, can help achieve the effect. A recent report by Spate shows that interest in plumping lip liners has grown more than 1,000 percent over the last year. According to the data, consumers aren’t searching for ways to make their lips bigger; they’re looking for products to deliver natural volume. Where lip-plumping glosses can create an exaggerated look, lip-plumping liners help create a fuller, more defined look. On TikTok, these products average 185.5K weekly search views, boosting TikTok shop views by 66.8 percent.

How Do Plumping Lip Liners Work?

Unlike glosses, lip plumping liners are applied along the edges of the lips, subtly volumizing them. Jessica Theofiledes, executive director of BUXOM Cosmetics, explains that this is done with specialized peptides that help stimulate circulation while boosting hydration. “The combination promotes a natural lift and gives you a fuller look,” she says. If you’re new to plumping products, you can expect a bit of tingling. “Warming complexes are the source of the tingling effect and what enhances the lips. By tracing the lip line, you’re able to shape and contour the lips, adding definition and volume, ” says Elysia Chen, founder of Pepper Pout Beauty.

How to Use Plumping Lip Liner

Skin prep is always first when applying makeup, and that holds true with lip products. “Begin by exfoliating and hydrating the lips for a smooth canvas,” says Theofiledes. Next, choose a shade that best complements your skin tone. For a natural lip, she recommends selecting a skin-toned color or a deep chocolate brown if you prefer a more dramatic look. As you line your lips, Chen recommends slightly over-lining the cupid’s bow and the lower lip, ensuring you’re not going overboard. “As you’re lining, you’ll start to notice the tingling, which should give you a just-bitten fullness,” she says. Theofiledes adds that it’s best to use the sharp part of the pencil to create the definition and the rounded edge to fill in for a seamless look. For a natural finish, Chen suggests starting with a thin layer of balm or gloss before lining. “It helps the pigment glide on smoother and creates a blurred effect,” she says.

Plumping Lip Liners to Try

1 / 6

Reach for this liner when you want controlled application, punchy colors and lift. The plumping complex includes peptides that keep your lips soft and supple, while imparting natural volume. It even comes with a brush on the opposite end to diffuse lines and keep feathering at bay.

2 / 6

This liner offers buildable coverage and has plumping power that lasts up to eight hours. The finish is perfect for lining or filling in and won’t dry out your lips, given that it falls between soft and demi-matte.

3 / 6

Pepper Pout’s liner in the shade On Red is best for creating a bold look. The cherry hue is pigmented and polished, and the plumping formula accentuates the lips. Plus, it includes vitamin E to keep them smooth.

4 / 6

This liner is one of TikTok’s top performers, averaging over 7K weekly views under the hashtag #nyxcosmetics. The liners are designed to deliver a more dramatic look and include a range of deep shades for a more contoured effect.

5 / 6

If you prefer natural lip colors, this contouring lip liner is going to be a new favorite. It has a creamy consistency and is formulated with hyaluronic acid to create a naturally plump look.

6 / 6

Not only does this brand’s liner average 31.1K weekly views on TikTok, but it’s a top seller on the platform’s shop. Unlike others on this list, it’s completely invisible and can be paired with any colored lip product to produce a plumped-up look.