You know that specific "stung by a bee" look everyone is chasing? Usually, it comes with a side of high-shine gloss that feels like you’ve smeared honey all over your face. Sticky. Messy. Hair getting caught in it every time the wind blows. It’s a whole thing.
But then there's the Chaddy Matte Lip Plumper.
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Honestly, it sounds like an oxymoron. Lip plumpers are almost always glossy because the shine helps trick the eye into seeing more volume. Making one matte is a bold move. It’s basically the "anti-gloss" plumper for people who want the pout without looking like they just ate a greasy slice of pizza.
Founded by model Derek Chadwick, the brand Chaddy hit the scene with a pretty specific mission: clean, gender-inclusive beauty that actually performs. I’ve spent way too much time looking into the science (and the drama) behind this specific tube. Here is what is actually going on inside that formula and why it’s polarising the beauty community.
The Burning Question: Does Chaddy Matte Lip Plumper Actually Work?
Let's get real for a second. Most plumpers work by irritating your skin. They use mild "vasodilators" to increase blood flow to the surface.
Chaddy uses Capsaicin Fruit Extract. Yes, that’s the stuff in chili peppers. When you swipe it on, you’re going to feel it. Most users report a sharp tingle that peaks around the five-minute mark. Some people call it a "nice spicy buzz," while others on Reddit have literally described it as "applying chili peppers to the lips."
If you have super sensitive skin, you might want to sit this one out. But if you're used to the "pain is beauty" mantra of the early 2000s (looking at you, Too Faced Lip Injection), this is actually a bit more manageable.
What is actually inside the tube?
It’s not just pepper juice. The formula is surprisingly sophisticated for a "clean" brand. They’ve packed in Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, which is a fancy way of saying a peptide that helps with long-term collagen synthesis.
- Hyaluronic Acid: The gold standard for hydration. It pulls moisture into the lips so they look "inflated" rather than just irritated.
- Portulaca Pilosa Extract: Often called "Kiss-Me-Quick," this plant extract works with the peptides to boost volume.
- Shea Butter and Olive Oil: These are the unsung heroes that prevent the "matte" finish from turning your lips into a desert.
The Matte Finish "Controversy"
If you go looking for reviews, you’ll see one recurring complaint: "It’s not actually matte!"
Here is the nuance. When you first apply the Chaddy Matte Lip Plumper, it feels like a standard balm. It has a slight sheen. However, as the active ingredients sink in and start doing their thing, the "glossiness" evaporates.
It settles into what I’d call a natural velvet finish. It’s not "dry-down liquid lipstick" matte—which is good, because that would look terrible on plumped lips. It just looks like your lips, but better. More defined. Rosier.
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Chaddy vs. The Big Guys
How does it stack up against the heavy hitters you see at Sephora?
Too Faced Lip Injection Maximum Plump is probably the closest rival in terms of "intensity." Too Faced is arguably more powerful, but it’s also much more aggressive. It can leave a red ring around your mouth if you aren't careful. Chaddy feels more like a targeted treatment.
Then you have Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat. Fenty is all about the "wet look." If you want that glass-like shine, Chaddy will disappoint you. But if you’re a guy, or someone who prefers a "no-makeup" makeup look, Chaddy is the clear winner because it doesn't look like you're wearing "lip gloss."
Why the "Matcha" Hype?
The brand recently upgraded its flavors, and people are losing their minds over the Matcha version. It’s not just about the scent. The newer versions (including Original and Matcha) have a revised plastic tip applicator.
The old packaging had some issues with precision, but the new tips allow for a much cleaner glide. It’s a small detail, but when you’re dealing with a product that literally burns if it touches the skin around your lips, precision matters.
The Real-World Verdict
Is it worth the $20-ish price tag?
If you use it once and expect Kylie Jenner results, you’re going to be annoyed. Topical plumpers provide a temporary 10-15% increase in volume. That's just biology.
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However, the 4-week clinical studies the brand points to show that 97% of participants saw smoother, more hydrated lips. That’s the "secret sauce." Because it contains peptides and hyaluronic acid, the more you use it, the better your natural lip barrier becomes.
Actionable Tips for First-Time Users
- Don't Over-Apply: Start with one thin coat. If you glob it on, the capsaicin might be too much to handle.
- Avoid Licking Your Lips: If you get this on your tongue, it will go numb. It’s a weird sensation. Not dangerous, just... annoying.
- Use it as a Primer: Since it’s matte, it’s the perfect base for a traditional lipstick. Let it plump for 5 minutes, blot slightly, then apply your color.
- Patch Test: Seriously. Put a tiny bit on your inner wrist first. If you turn bright red, don't put it on your face.
Chaddy Matte Lip Plumper isn't for everyone. It’s for the person who wants the volume of a gloss but the subtlety of a balm. It’s a niche product that actually delivers on its "clean beauty" promises without sacrificing the "sting" that makes plumpers work.
To get the most out of it, try using it twice daily for a full month. The immediate sting gives you the "now" look, but the peptides are what give you the "later" results. Check the ingredient list for any specific allergies to Capsicum or Sesame Seed Extract before buying, and always keep a hydrating mask handy for overnight recovery.
Next Steps for Your Routine
If you're ready to try it, start with the Original Flavor to test your tolerance for the tingle. For those with extremely dry lips, layer a non-active overnight lip mask (like Laneige) after a day of using the plumper to ensure your skin barrier stays intact while the peptides do their work.