This $13 Formula Is Your Shortcut to the Lip-Gloss Filler Trend

I'm going to be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of experimenting when it comes to lip-gloss formulas. I had a vitamin deficiency years ago that manifested in my lips looking and feeling pretty uncomfortable, so I tend to stay away from formulas that make my mouth tingle. So, no surprise: lip plumpers are not my thing.

Still, Nyx Cosmetics recently released its new Duck Plump High Pigment Lip Plumping Glosses ($13), and the colors caught my attention immediately. The range of neutral shades include peach and terracotta tones, while the pops of colors are bubblegum pinks and bright corals — all hues that I can never quite get enough of.

Slight trepidation about what the plumping sensation could feel like aside, I couldn't wait to get the colors on my lips, so I picked up the one I wanted the most, the shade Apri Caught, and decided to try it out. Read ahead for my full review.

Though I typically prefer more translucent glosses that just add a hint of color, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the higher pigment load in this formula. This made the gloss look more like a lip lacquer, and it was nice to have the option of not using a lipstick under it.

Though it doesn't boast a traditional formula, this lip gloss is like any other, so I followed my normal lip routine. I first lined my lips using my favorite lip pencil: CTZN Cosmetics's Lipstroke Waterproof Lip Liner ($18) in the shade Cinco. Just to keep things true to my routine, I dabbed on a bit of a concealer mixture that I DIY'd to use as a lipstick and blended the two. For the final touch, I added the Duck Plump gloss to my lips to create that gorgeous warm-toned nude shade that I love.

Though the plumping sensation doesn't start immediately, when it does, you won't be able to ignore it. It's not necessarily painful, so it's nothing that I couldn't handle, but it is strong — so that's something you may want to keep in mind. Additionally, the tingle doesn't go away for about 10 to 15 minutes, so prepare to bear the heat for a little while.

I will also say that the gloss did actually plump my lips, so if that's the effect you're after, then this gloss works great to achieve results. It's a bit hard to capture on camera, but I could tell when I smiled — my mouth looked like day five after a fresh round of lip filler when they are still a bit swollen but in that really cute, pouty way.

The Nyx Duck Plump Lip Gloss is available at ulta.com, target.com, and on the brand's website.

Rating: ★★★★