At first glance The Inkey List's Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm, £10.99, looks like a functional basic, the sort of lip balm you forget about for weeks at a time and ends gathering dust at the bottom of your handbag, but one quick scan of the ingredients list and the balm's footprint on social media tells a different story.
The product's tagline is 'no filter, no filler, just fuller,' and according to The Inkey List, this lip balm is clinically proven to plump lips by up to 40% in four weeks. Brimming with skin conditioning botanicals like shea butter, mango seed and moisture magnet hyaluronic acid, the formula works to nourish skin and bolster its barrier. A weakened skin barrier leads to moisture loss, but a bolstered skin barrier locks that hydration in, protecting overall lip health and causing lips to appear healthier, fuller and smoother within a few weeks of consistent use.
Does The Inkey List's Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm Really Work?
The ingredients list ticks boxes, yes, but does the lip balm really deliver when it comes to fullness? Scroll on for our Junior Beauty Editor's full review of the product.
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The Inkey Listwww.cultbeauty.com
Made with nourishing mango seed, shea butter and myriad plant oils, this fuss-free balm not only makes your lips feel smooth instantly, but it boosts your skin's moisture levels and bolsters your skin barrier (a key when it comes to retaining your skin's moisture levels) with consistent wear.
Pros
- Packed with nourishing botanicals like mango seed and shea butter, you can slather this on in the certain knowledge that it's going to condition the delicate skin on your lips.
- The lip balm promises to deliver noticeably plumper lips within just two weeks worth of daily wear.
- You get the high-shine finish of a lip gloss with all the skin conditioning benefits of a balm.
Cons
- For those who like their lip balms to come with a side of colour and scent, this no-frills approach to lip care may feel a little joy-less.
Our Verdict
Rachael Martin, junior beauty editor:
'I honestly think this one lives up to the hype – which isn't always the case when it comes to products that go viral on TikTok. The balm applies beautifully leaving behind a silky gloss that never feels sticky. I should note that I have fairly full lips anyway, but I did notice a difference after applying this one at least three times a day for four weeks. My lips were definitely more moisturised and looked slighting plumper and more full too, so I can make an educated guess that those with thinner lips may see more dramatic results. While I don't think this balm will mimic the levels of volume achieved with filler, I do think you'll see a tangible difference in the fullness of your lips when used consistently. I'm impressed.
How We Tested It
Rachael says: 'I tested the Inkey List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm over the course of four weeks - I'm heading into the fifth week as I type. I've kept it beside my desk so I remember to reapply after eating and drinking and, as a result, I've been impressively consistent in my application (if I do say so myself). While I did mostly use it on its own I also applied it on top of lipstick at times - it delivered a beautiful sheen while still adding a layer of nourishment.
Overall rating
If you're after your lips but better? Then look no further. It's a five out of five.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.