You know that feeling when you eat a spicy pepper and your lips start to buzz? That's the vibe. Honestly, the first time I swiped on the Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss, I thought I was having an allergic reaction. I wasn't. That’s just the "blood flow" technology doing its thing. It’s intense.
Most people buy this because they want the filler look without the needles. It’s a classic move. Too Faced has been the king of this specific hill for years, and while the market is flooded with "tingly" glosses now, this one remains the benchmark. But here is the thing: it isn't just a gloss. It’s a treatment. If you go into this expecting a soothing balm, you’re going to have a very bad afternoon.
The science behind it is pretty straightforward, if a bit aggressive. They use a proprietary formula that includes capsicum resin—basically chili pepper extract—and other vasodilators. These ingredients trick your blood vessels into opening up right at the surface of the skin. This causes localized swelling. It’s "controlled irritation." You’re essentially bullying your lips into looking bigger.
The Reality of the Sting
Let’s talk about the pain. It’s not a "tickle." It is a legitimate burn that peaks around the three-minute mark. Some people find it satisfying; others want to scrub their skin off with a washcloth immediately.
If you have sensitive skin or a history of perioral dermatitis, stay away. Seriously. I've seen people get a red ring around their mouth because the gloss migrated past the lip line. That’s the "clown effect" nobody warns you about in the TikTok reviews.
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The Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss formula is thicker than the original "Maximum Plump" version. It feels more like a traditional gloss, which is actually a win for longevity. It stays put. It doesn't slide into the corners of your mouth as much as the thinner serums do. But because it’s thicker, that stinging sensation feels trapped against your skin.
Why the "Power" Version is Different
Too Faced didn't just stop at the original. They realized people have different pain tolerances and goals. The "Power Plumping" line is the middle ground. It’s stronger than the base Lip Injection but less "nuclear" than the Maximum Plump.
It contains avocado oil and vitamin E. These are supposed to "soothe," but let's be real—they're mostly there so your lips don't crack while they're being irritated. The shine is incredible, though. It has that high-refraction finish that makes lips look wet. That optical illusion does half the heavy lifting for the plumping effect anyway. Light hits the center of the lip and bounces off, making the pout look more three-dimensional.
Does it Actually Work Long-Term?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Sorta.
This isn't a permanent fix. You aren't growing new tissue. The swelling lasts maybe two to four hours depending on your metabolism and how much you’re talking or drinking. However, Too Faced claims that with consistent use over a month, your lips will appear "volumized." This is likely due to the hydration levels. When your lips are constantly coated in a heavy occlusive like this, they don't lose moisture to the air. Hydrated lips are plump lips. Dehydrated lips have those tiny vertical raisins lines.
I’ve noticed that if I use the Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss every day for a week, my lips feel "primed." The skin is smoother. But the second I stop? Back to baseline.
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- The immediate effect is 90% irritation-based swelling.
- The secondary effect is 10% hydration.
- The "Power" version is great for a night out, but it's not a replacement for Juvederm.
Navigating the Color Range
They have clear (Original), but the tints are where people get confused. "Say My Name" and "Glossy & Bossy" are popular, but be careful. Because this gloss increases blood flow, your natural lip color is going to turn darker and redder on its own. If you put a bright red gloss on top of "irritated red" lips, you might end up with a much more intense look than you planned.
The clear version is actually the most versatile. You can layer it over a nude liner. Pro tip: Apply your lip liner first, fill in the corners, and then just dab a bit of the Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss in the very center. You get the pouty look without the full-mouth burn.
Comparing the Competition
Is it better than the Dior Addict Lip Maximizer? They aren't even the same sport. Dior is a gentle cooling sensation. It’s minty and pleasant. Too Faced is a riot.
What about the Fenty Heat? Fenty is close, but Too Faced still holds the crown for the sheer "wow" factor of the initial swell. Fenty feels more like a warm hug; Too Faced feels like a spicy slap.
There’s also the price point to consider. It’s a prestige product. You’re paying for the branding and the specific chemical cocktail that ensures the irritation is "safe" and won't cause actual chemical burns (for most people). Drugstore dupes often use way too much cinnamon oil, which can be a much more common allergen than the capsicum used here.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Licking your lips. Do not do this. You will get the formula on your tongue. It tastes like chemicals and spice, and it will make your throat feel weird.
- Kissing people. If you put this on and immediately kiss your partner, they are going to feel the burn too. And they probably didn't sign up for it.
- Rubbing your eyes. This is the big one. If you have any residue on your fingers and you touch your eye, you're looking at a very painful hour in front of the sink. Wash your hands after applying if you use your fingertip to blend.
The Ingredient Breakdown (The Nerdy Stuff)
If you look at the back of the box, you’ll see Ethylhexyl Palmitate and Silica Dimethyl Silylate. These are the emollients that give it that thick, luxurious slip. Then you find the Capsicum Frutescens Resin. That’s the pepper.
They also include Atelocollagen and Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate. These are supposed to penetrate the surface and "fill" from within. While the molecules are often too large to actually get deep into the dermis, they do a great job of holding onto water at the surface level. This is why your lips look so "filled" and smooth.
The formula is also paraben-free, which is standard for Too Faced these days.
Actionable Steps for the Best Results
If you’re going to spend the money on Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss, you might as well use it correctly to get the most bang for your buck.
Exfoliate first.
This is non-negotiable. If you have flaky skin, the gloss will catch on those patches and the "sting" will feel uneven. Use a simple sugar scrub or even just a damp washcloth to get a smooth canvas.
Apply to dry lips. If your lips are wet or have a lot of balm on them, the plumping agents won't reach the skin as effectively. Dry them off, swipe, and wait.
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Wait five minutes before adding color.
If you're layering this with lipstick, let the gloss do its work first. Once the swelling has peaked and the initial "fire" has calmed down a bit, you can blot slightly and add your favorite lipstick on top.
Check your reflection.
Seriously. Check the perimeter of your mouth about ten minutes after application. If you see a red halo, you need to wipe the edges. This happens to the best of us.
This gloss is a tool. It's a "special occasion" item for when you want that extra bit of drama in your photos. It isn't a daily lip balm, and it certainly isn't for the faint of heart. If you can handle the heat, it’s the most effective over-the-counter way to get a temporary pout boost. Just keep it away from your eyes and your boyfriend.
Next Steps for Your Routine
- Test a small patch first: Before coating your entire mouth, put a tiny dot on the corner of your lip to see how your skin reacts to the capsicum.
- Hydrate throughout the day: Since plumping glosses work best on hydrated tissue, drink plenty of water to give the hyaluronic acid in the formula something to bind to.
- Invest in a good recovery balm: Use a thick, ceramide-rich lip mask at night (like Laneige or Vaseline) to repair the skin barrier after the "controlled irritation" of the day.
- Clean the applicator: Wipe the wand before putting it back in the tube if you’ve layered it over lipstick to keep the clear formula from getting murky.
The Too Faced Lip Injection Power Plumping Lip Gloss remains a cult favorite for a reason. It delivers exactly what it says on the tin—power. Just make sure you're ready for the fire that comes with it.