As someone who has never had a lip filler, and never plans to, I’m constantly amazed by the latest lip contouring options. Time and time again, I’ve been relegated to a bitter—and sometimes painful—drink that doesn’t enhance my pout, or a noticeable effect that lasts all of thirty minutes. So when the new Milani Keep It Full Glossy Plumping Balms dropped, I was skeptical. But after my first application, I was quickly convinced that these are the best drugstore lip plumpers that really work.
Milani Keep It Full Glossy Plumping Balms are a 3-in-1 solution that combines the shine of a gloss, the nourishing feel of a tinted balm, and the lift everyone wants in a lip plumper. However, what makes this product stand out is that it is clinically proven to increase oral dosage in 4 weeks with daily use. So you not only get immediate results, but also long-term benefits.
The formula combines the product’s luminous Maxi-Lip™, with mango seed butter, apricot, pomegranate and Kalahari melon oils. It feels very moisturizing and has a cool air that melts quickly on the lips. Be sure to apply with a light hand, because less is more.
Buy them at Milani, Ulta, Target or Amazon.
These lip balms feel comfortable on the lips– they are completely weightless but feel heavy or sticky. Color payoff is slightly higher than sheer, although deeper shades translate to more vivid color. Your natural lip color will affect the final look as they change slightly. I love that they include neutral browns and cool berries in this range.
The padding effect with this product isn’t the usual stinging effect you get from polishing. In fact, it appears to be subtle as well a refreshing cooling sensation that is always free. Compared to their Keep It Full MAXXX Lip Plumpers which sting moderately with a temporary effect, this is a breeze.
The first thing I noticed was how fine my lip lines lookedwhich resulted in full and immediate rejuvenation. I’ll admit, I thought this was more of a dupe because of the glitter, but I was wrong!
As time went by, I definitely noticed my lips getting bigger and rounder. However, what impressed me the most was how long the effect lasted. Within 15 minutes, I was already seeing results. But after 90 minutes, my lips looked not only fuller but more plump than I had ever gone before! These surpass all other viral plumping lip glosses and balms I’ve tried.
Out of curiosity, I wiped the color off for 90 minutes to see what my bare lips looked like underneath. Of course, I could still see the extra volume the Keep It Full Plumping Balms added to my lips. That’s right not it’s just an optical illusion.
The glossy color is not transfer or stain proof, so it will lose color as you drink or eat. But it provides long-lasting hydration on top of the plumping effects that make my chronically dry lips look and feel great.
I want to briefly mention that I experience a little throat irritation with this product— although that happens with almost all lippers, as well as lip glosses. It’s probably a personal reaction to getting another balm on my lips. But if you also experience sensitivity to the same products, you may experience this too.
Final decision: if you’ve been on the hunt for an affordable lip plumper that works and doesn’t sting, Milani Keep It Full Glossy Plumping Balms is for you— especially if you have dry lips. Milani really nailed this formula, consistent with many of their recent releases.
Buy them at Milani, Ulta, Target or Amazon.
Read Next: Drugstore Lip Plumping Glosses: Which Ones Work?
– Miranda