These last few years have been long, draining, and downright exhausting. Like many, I'm tired of hiding at home or behind a mask. I'm tired of not getting dressed up or doing my makeup. And I'm tired of not having a reason or an occasion to indulge myself. Now more than ever, I'm craving fun and excess, and the only way I know how to feed both of those needs is through makeup. And I feel like the universe has listened to me, because this year, spring is giving us full permission to go big with makeup looks. Y2K trends are officially back, and I have no other choice but to play. I'm talking about fresh skin, shimmer, pops of color, and an obscene amount of lip gloss—so much that I could practically bathe in it.
My super-stylish co-workers, Anneliese Dominguez and Yusra Siddiqui, also want to be dripping in gloss, and they let me in on the secret ingredient that they're depending on this spring: Too Faced's lip-plumping gloss. Yes, lip plumpers are sticking around this season, and we're fully prepared to amplify our spring looks with a big, glossy lip. If you're also ready to inject some more fun into your spring looks, we got you. Keep scrolling to see how we put three lip plumpers to the test for spring, and prepare to be inspired.
I've been in a bit of a makeup slump over the past couple of years. But something about the Y2K vibes in the sweet springtime air is breathing new life into my makeup looks. In other words, I'm ready to look like I made an effort even when I have nowhere to go, and the Too Faced Lip Injection Plumping Lip Gloss ($24) helps me do just that.
What surprised you the most about the lip plumper? How does it bring your entire look together?
I'm a beauty director. My job is to be skeptical about products and their claims, which is why I'm so impressed by the Lip Injection Plumping Lip Gloss. It's Too Faced's original formula and did everything it said it would: It instantly plumped my lips, it smoothed and softened lines, and the clear-pink glossy tint did indeed make me feel like an early '00s popstar—something I was secretly hoping for but was never promised.
Tell us about the look you created. What's the inspiration behind it?
Honestly, I was just feeling a retro vibe. My top was making me feel things, and I just went with it. Shimmery pink-purple lids needed to be balanced with something equally as shiny, and the glossy lips delivered. It's elevated fun.
How does a good outfit—and an even better makeup look—make you feel more confident?
It's crazy how much clothes and makeup impact my mood. When I'm wearing something that I feel good about, I carry myself differently. It's important to find those pick-me-ups. Makeup makes me feel confident, but this lip plumper makes me feel unstoppable.
"My style has always been laid back, California inspired, and classic, but I don't like putting myself in a box because I love to switch things up," Anneliese says. "For me, this spring is especially about bright, bold colors and big, statement-making looks. Too Faced's Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper ($29) allows me to add a bold element to my makeup look without straying from my own personal style. It's a subtle move with a big impact."
What surprised you the most about the lip plumper? How does it bring your entire look together?
I'm usually a baby when it comes to pain tolerance, so I was nervous about using the Lip Injection Extreme Lip Plumper. It's considered to be the in-between formula: it's not as subtle as the original but not as dramatic as the maximum. Thankfully, the tingly sensation was on the lighter side, and it didn't last long at all. After the initial plumping happens, it just feels like a normal gloss with a bigger payoff. My friend commented on how full my lips looked. She didn't even know I was testing a lip plumper for work!
Tell us about the look you created. What's the inspiration behind it?
I'm all about fun makeup—to an extent. A burnt-orange eye shadow with a dramatic line is the perfect way to dip my toes into the color trend. The color feels right on par with the warmer weather. The fluffy brows, rosy cheek, and full, glossy lip keep me in my comfort zone but also make me feel on-trend.
How does a good outfit—and an even better makeup look—make you feel more confident?
When I'm done up (hair blown out, makeup popping), I'm a different person. I just feel better in my skin, more productive, and like I have my life together.
"My style is laid back with a little bit of edginess and fun," explains Yusra. "And really, there's nothing more fun than a lip plumper. Too Faced's Lip Injection Maximum Plump Extra Strength Lip Plumper ($32) brings me right back to my teenage years while giving my makeup look an elevated, up-to-date edge."
What surprised you the most about the lip plumper? How does it bring your entire look together?
I was nervous before using the Lip Injection Maximum Plump because out of all the formulas it's the most advanced and has the most dramatic results. I also had heard that it tingles. The rumors are true, but it died down pretty quickly. I'm very hesitant to believe that the beauty products that are hyped up online actually work, but this is pure magic. The formula is surprisingly nourishing, isn't sticky at all, and my lips looked luscious and plump indeed.
Tell us about the look you created. What's the inspiration behind it?
I'm not the most skilled at makeup, so my go-to is always a colorful eye shadow, and I keep everything else very flushed and glowy. I've been loving all things green lately, so I decided to match my eyes with my scarf. Plus, a swipe of gloss is the finishing touch I always need.
How does a good outfit—and an even better makeup look—make you feel more confident?
I feel confident when I'm dressed up and wearing a creative makeup look because it lets me express what I love and who I am. It's crazy that something as simple as clothing and a few makeup products have the power to do that.
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