I live and breathe all things beauty, but the only things I haven’t yet dabbled in are tweakments and fillers. It’s not that I’m against them in any way, but frankly the need for regular top-ups (along with my crippling fear of needles) has been more than enough to dissuade me for now.
Instead, I’ve gone through trial and error with practically every method of emulating the appearance of fuller, naturally plumper lips using only products and clever application. From carefully overlining my lips to strategically contouring to create depth, I’ve tried it all.
What I hadn’t experimented with for years, though, was a lip plumper; I know from experience that a lot of them work, but sometimes almost too well and the result ends up dangerously close to ‘duck lips’ (remember those?). For someone who definitely prefers a more natural finish, I decided a while ago that they weren’t for me.
But when L’Oréal’s new Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil launched earlier this month, I couldn’t help being curious – mainly because it sounded much more like a plumper-oil hybrid than a traditional plumping gloss. It’s packed full of hyaluronic acid and tripeptides, so for someone who not only loves a fuller lip, but routinely swaps their lipsticks out for a hydrating lip oil when it gets to summer, I had to give it a go.
First impressions
My initial thought was that this tiny bottle was going to have to pack a real punch in order to live up to expectations (seriously, it’s about the size of my palm!). But at just £12, it’s purse-friendly in multiple ways, also fitting more than comfortably in my handbag.
Again, according to L’Oréal, Plump Ambition is formulated differently from other plumpers I’ve tried; it’s not just for plumping but for extra hydration and a ‘glass-like’ effect too. Hardworking hyaluronic acid offers the former (supposedly for up to 24 hours) while tripeptides – which are typically used in skincare to boost elasticity and give a firming effect – take care of the latter.
It has a classic tapered applicator with tiny massaging beads which, paired with a silky formula, allows for an extremely easy and even application. Out of the 9 shades on offer – from deep berries to vibrant pinks to a clear gloss – I opted for ‘La Nuit Sparkle’ which, as the name suggests, is a gorgeous mocha tone with a hint of shimmer in it.
Trying it out
To really put this plumper to the test, I applied it at the beginning of a particularly busy work day that involved a lot of talking in meetings, plus a lunch appointment.
Naturally, I followed L’Oréal’s instructions for application; they recommend using the tapered point of the applicator to first outline your cupid’s bow, before coating your lips with the product from the centre outwards. I also went back over the centre of my lips a few times to really get that voluminous effect.
I liked that the texture was creamy but didn’t leave any sticky residue, which is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to drugstore lip glosses and oils. Side note: the shade I chose actually smelled a bit like chocolate, which (whether intentional or not) was an unexpected, but welcome addition, to be honest.
Given that I was looking out for two things in particular (hydration and plumping), I was pleasantly surprised when I noticed both very quickly – a comfortable level of moisture absorbed into my lips in just seconds and within 5 minutes, they also began to adopt a beautifully full, glossy appearance.
I will say that the standard ‘tingling’ sensation that you can expect with basically every lip plumper was just as noticeable here, and it actually lasted for about 25 minutes after application. But weirdly it wasn’t unpleasant, more just a subtle warm feeling on my lips as the tripeptides worked their magic.
The results
I checked in after 2 hours and that impressive level of volume had definitely stuck around; I especially noticed that my top lip (which is thinner than my bottom lip) had a bit more ‘oomph’ to it than usual. Best of all though, it looked extremely natural – it was as though I just had a very slight fullness to my lips, and a lot more shine than usual, so I was loving it!
When my mum looked closer and asked (with a hint of suspicion), ‘You haven’t had lip filler, have you?’ I was actually quite amused (and of course, a bit smug). If that’s not a testament to the power of the product, I don’t know what is.
The verdict
It’s important to note that the promise of 24 hour hydration and plumpness didn’t quite prove a match for my lunch or my excessive talking that day. But I reapplied just after lunch, once again enjoying the look (and the tingling, I dare say…) and was very quickly back to business.
Overall, I’m stunned! I’ve now added a few more shades to my rotation – all of which are equally flattering on all skin tones – and have officially eaten my words when it comes to lip plumpers. I officially believe that the plumper-oil combination is the key to success (and a beautifully natural look).
Yes, you can more than likely expect to have to reapply every few hours, if not to maintain that lovely plumped look, then definitely to top up both the colour and hydration. But I’d say that’s a pretty fair trade off – for £12, you really can’t go wrong. And for me, that price tag paired with regular re-application is still a much more suitable choice than filler, by far! Although, I’m more than happy for people to keep thinking that’s what my secret is…
Whether you’ve got thinner lips and are looking for a bit of a boost, or have relatively full lips but are after an extra oomph with a pretty glossy finish, L’Oréal’s newest is a winner across the board.
Shop the L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil below at Boots, for just £12.
