I remember my first ever slick of lip plumping gloss well. I’d read about them in Mizz magazine, and I knew they were magic- rumour had it I could have lips to rival Angelina Jolie’s with one application. For context, this was well before I was allowed to wear a full face of make-up- a time where my mum allowed me to buy one treasured Lancôme Juicy Tube for my birthday. I knew getting my hands on a hallowed lip plumper, however, would change everything. Glamour awaited!
When I was eventually allowed my fist lip plumper, I was thrilled. I remember tentatively applying it, marvelling at the glossy finish that made me feel so put-together and grown-up. And then, it came. The sting. That sting. Millennials will unite at the very memory. It was never a cooling tingle. Oh no. Instead, a lip plumper provided the sensation of hot chillies being scrubbed across your lips continuously. It was painful. Really painful. And yet we persevered. If it was hurting, it must have been working, right?
At some point over the years I set down my beloved lip plumping gloss in favour of something less, well, painful. And to be honest, I forgot it even existed. Until a recent press dinner with Boots, where my old companion was set out in front of me once more. Enter the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Gloss, £11.99, now with a modern day twist. I couldn’t believe it. Memories of the school day sting came flooding back, admittedly. But in the name of beauty journalism (and out of pure curiosity) I decided to put it to the test - and I’m thrilled that I did. In a world obsessed with lip-plumping injections, it’s easy to forget that there are less permanent options out there too.
What does the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Gloss do?
Infused with Soap & Glory’s trademarked Superfill Plumping Technology, this gloss is designed to create a filler effect- no needles necessary. It’s packed with nourishing ingredients to hydrate and plump lips in the long run, too. Castor seed oil, in particular, is known for its ability to soothe and moisturise and thus give lips a pillowy look. It also comes in four shades, meaning it doubles as both a plumper and a tint.
Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Gloss
www.boots.com
Rachael Martin beauty director says: 'It turns out lip plumpers have come a long way since my school days. This one nourishes, imparts a soft wash of colour, and, crucially, really does plump the lips. It’s long-lasting, the colour is beautiful, and it’s an affordable treat. Would recommend.'
Pros
- Really does plump lips impressively
- Easy application
- Excellent pigment
- Made with peptides
Cons
- Still a slight, cooling tingle that some reviewers describe as unplesant
- Packaging isn't chic
How to apply the Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Gloss
The formula activates on application, so you can apply it directly from the tube like a regular lip gloss. I prefer to line my lips first and then apply the gloss with a small brush. When I have the time this aids better precision and helps build up the colour gradually. But more often than not? I apply it straight from the tube.
Our Verdict
Rachael Martin, Beauty Director, says:
'It turns out lip-plumping glosses have come a long way since my school days. I like a bit of colour on my lips, so I went for the shade Fuchsia Proof- it's a vibrant, deep pink with the faintest hint of purple. While it looks a little intimidating in the tube (a wee bit punchy for someone like me who is a Pillow Talk loyalist), on the lips it’s beautiful, turning out to be a more gentle, soft pink that works to enhance my natural lip colour.
After lining my lips with the MAC Lip Pecil in Boldly Bare, I applied a small amount to the back of my hand. I then used a small lip brush to apply the formula directly. That’s when the ‘bloom’ happens. At this point, there’s definitely a tingle. Thankfully, it's far from the school-day level of chilli pain - more of a ok-something-is-happening-here sensation. And rather than the feeling of heat, it’s more of a minty coolness. Within about 30 seconds, my lips are visibly plumper. There’s a pillowy softness that I don’t usually have. Fine dehydration lines are softened too, giving my lips a more fresh appearance. Have I had my lips filled? No. Does it look like I have? You know what? Maybe. They are definitely more pouty and full of themselves - when I compare the before and after photos a can see a subtle but definite difference in volume.
In terms of longevity this holds up pretty well. I found the plumping effect lasted a couple of hours before needing a top-up. The pigment faded more quickly- as a habitual tea-drinker, I did have to reapply several times throughout the day to keep the pinky sheen going strong. But at such a bargain price, that really doesn’t bother me.
Soap and Glory Lip Plumping Gloss Before And After
Final Thoughts
It turns out lip plumpers have come a long way since my school days. This one nourishes, imparts a soft wash of colour, and, crucially, really does plump the lips. It’s long-lasting, the colour is beautiful, and it’s an affordable treat. Would recommend.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Director. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism