As someone whose career involves chatting up the most talented and sought-after skin gurus in the business, there are a few cardinal “good skin” rules that have been permanently ingrained into my head. Of course, there are the obvious dictations like always removing your makeup before bed, drinking as much water as your bladder can possibly handle, resisting the urge to pop your own pimples, etc,. But one interesting tidbit I’ve learned—that’s not necessarily public knowledge—is that skin-plumping products (aka essentials that hydrate, nourish, strengthen, and boost collagen) are one of the most strategic ways to harness plump, dewy, all-around youthful-looking skin at any age. (My 73-year-old mom is pure proof on the matter!)
Of course, there are plenty of cosmetic treatments and procedures (like filler) that can plump up your complexion. But if you’re looking for a less invasive, expert-approved product list that can provide immediate skin-plumping perks, you’re in luck.
Since certain types of beauty products are far more effective at promoting a dewy, bouncy-looking finish than others, I reached out to two celebrity skin experts, Kristyn Smith, who works with Bella Hadid, and Nicole Caroline, who works with Irina Shayk, for some intel. Below, both Smith and Caroline are revealing the exact skin-plumping products they use and recommend to their A-list clients. From tools to oils to serums to creams, keep scrolling for 22 product gems that offer instant tightening and plumping gratification.
“When it comes to long-lasting tightening and toning of the face, there’s nothing quite like microcurrent. Microcurrent stimulates the recovery of damaged tissue, re-educates facial muscles (very important, especially when we think of all the ways in which we contort our faces), improves muscle tone and contour in the face/neck, temporarily improves local circulation, aids in lymphatic drainage, enhances product penetration, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and firms and tightens the skin. I love the Nūface Pro, but if my clients can’t get their hands on a pro, the Trinity is also great!”—Smith
“A newer tool that I love—especially for those just getting started or for anyone with crow’s-feet or periorbital lip lines—is the NūFace Fix. This tool immediately reduces the appearance of lines, helps to reduce eye circles and eye puffiness, and lifts and even plumps the upper lip and lip corners. This is a great little morning go-to that literally helps you to look bright-eyed. I generally tell my clients to use the Nūface devices in tandem with the Dermaviduals serums I list below.”—Smith
“This used to be a professional product only, but I am so excited to say they have made it available for at-home use! The ultra-sound technology in this amazing skin tool truly plumps the skin by sending collagen-stimulating ultrasound waves to the base layers of the skin where they can truly make a difference. I use this tool in my treatment room all the time! The plumping abilities can be achieved in as little as two treatments done twice a week for 10 minutes a day, or broken up into two- to three-minute treatments a few times a week! Coupled with the CaviPilla serum I mention later on, it is life-changing, and I don’t say that about many things!”—Caroline
“This incredible handheld, 14-carat gold-plated roller has 260 ultra-fine needles of the highest grade surgical 316 stainless steel. The needles are 0.2 millimeters in length and are designed to help enhance the overall look and feel of your skin, especially on areas of the face that demand special attention like the delicate skin around your eyes, nose, and mouth. The gold-plated roller, which naturally suppresses bacterial growth, stimulates the skin’s production of collagen and elastin to plump and help soften fine lines. It also improves product absorption by about 85%, which is amazing when you’re using great actives and want them to actually penetrate the skin and work their magic.”—Smith
“An absolute must in my book is the Omnilux Contour Mask. This mask turns back the clock as red and infrared rays energize skin cells and cause them to work optimally! The skin ends up producing more collagen and elastin (that’s what it’s all about!), resulting in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. I cannot say enough about this mask—the lifting, toning, and, luminosity is for real!”—Smith
“Using a humidifier year-round is a sure way to keep skin cells plumped and hydrated. When the water content in the air goes down, it not only affects the air around us, it also affects our skin’s hydration levels, and that can lead to the opposite of plumped, glowy skin. Humidifiers are thought of as a winter staple indoors, but I also like to use them in the spring and summer to keep hydration levels in my room regulated, especially if you are using an air conditioner of any kind! I prefer this model (which you can buy on Amazon!) due to its filterless six-gallon tank and how quiet it is. Pro Tip: Apply your products over the cool steam to lock in the moisture even further.”—Caroline
“I am a huge fan of facial cupping, and I even have a whole facial built around it! It is a staple when looking to plump up the skin—bringing blood flow to the face is a wonderful way to enhance skin plumpness, and facial cupping does that and more. Use this three or four times a week, apply your favorite oil—I prefer grapeseed—and gently move the suction cups upwards and outwards, following the natural contours of the face.”—Caroline
“This is a weekly go-to! You can throw this on for 15 minutes and like the Omnilux, you’re sure to be pleased with your face on the other end of the treatment. (We’ve actually renamed it ‘facelift in a jar’!) As an alternative, you can sleep with it as an overnight mask. In this case, it’s ideal to also use Environ’s Youth Essentia C-Quence Serum ($118) right after. It’s another anti-aging game-changer, and the unique combination of three alpha hydroxy acids triggers growth factors that assist in collagen formation, leading to the appearance of firmer, smoother, more hydrated skin.”—Smith
“Sign me up for any product created by Cher’s makeup artist! Created by the one and only Leonard Engelman, this pre-mixed tightening mask used to be a staple in my makeup kit when doing bridal makeup many moons ago, and I still use it in my skincare studio on clients today! While the effect does not last forever, it instantly tightens and plumps the skin due to the isometric effect of the powder/aloe combination. The face will get slightly red upon removal, but that is normal and due to the increased blood flow (hence the plumping effect) and will dissipate after a few minutes. Your face will be plumped and primed for the day!”—Caroline
“This is seriously one of my holy-grail products when it comes to plumping the skin! I am obsessed, as are my clients, with this multi-faceted oxygenating mask/serum. My favorite part about it is it is meant to be used alone after cleansing. One-Step. Done! It contains an intensive proprietary blend of Patented CEL Caviar extract, PLLA (a bio-stimulator that visibly plumps and fills by aiding the skin in new collagen production) as well as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and tripeptide-1 for insane hydration, plumping, and retexturizing properties. I recommend using this treatment three to four times a week, alternating with my resurfacing products! It really does an amazing job plumping up fine lines and boosting collagen production. You seriously wake up with plump, glowing, dewy, and hydrated skin!”—Caroline
“Most skincare products with hyaluronic acid are used routinely on fine lines and wrinkles, however, they do not replace anything that the skin has actually lost. Dermaviduals addresses this problem by delivering N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (NAG) into the skin, which stimulates the skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid. NAG can increase collagen production and the elasticity of the skin—perfect for those looking for plump skin and that youthful glow! Hyaluronic acid (HA) is like a big drink of water for your skin and works as both a humectant and a moisturizer as it binds water to the skin. In the dermis, HA provides appropriate structure and hydration levels and vanquishes dryness. Working in tandem with NAG, the skin—including fine lines and wrinkles—are hydrated, plumped, and smoothed. It’s best to apply both morning and night, right after you cleanse!”—Smith. Editor’s Note: Dermaviduals is available from select spas and medical professionals only. Head to its website to be directed to a local practitioner.
“This anti-wrinkle serum contains ‘Para cress,’ also know as spilanthol. Like botox, it reduces the muscle contractions that cause wrinkling resulting in visible smoothing of the skin. This serum also produces quick results because Para cress is delivered through the skin with bio-identical liposomes. This product is also great when applied as a targeted treatment since you almost instantly see the skin tighten!”—Smith. Editor’s Note: Dermaviduals is available from select spas and medical professionals only. Head to its website to be directed to a local practitioner.
“This skin-plumping serum is part of the Youth Essential Line (for those over 35) and has antioxidants that protect and maintain skin integrity in addition to five natural amino acids that act as a non-irritating retinol alternative to rejuvenate the dermis of the skin.”—Smith
“The options are endless when it comes to choosing a hydrating, plumping face serum, but I prefer one that really provides some bounce to the skin, and that comes from the formulation. I love SkinMedica’s cult-favorite HA serum for its plump-looking finish.”—Caroline
“My friends at Kaplan MD have created a beautiful and luxurious serum that targets the all-important neck and decollate area. Created by world-renowned Beverly Hills dermatologist, Dr. Stuart Kaplan, the Lifting Rose Quartz Neck Serum contains a powerful blend of six anti-aging peptides, crushed diamonds, and a unique TriActive Vitamin Complex that visibly smooths and lifts the skin for a tighter, youthful-looking effect.”—Smith
“This is another Korean skincare favorite of mine for skin-plumping! You can use this product in conjunction with the brand’s multi-serum, mentioned above, or you can add it to your routine with any other products you love. It contains two of my favorite ingredients for smoothing and plumping; niacinamide, and the same PLLA (bio-stimulator/collagen producer) that’s found in the serum. This can be applied any time of the day, but I especially love it as a makeup setting spray for its immediate and long-term plumping abilities. Over time, you will notice the texture and plumpness of the skin begin to get better. Even though I am not a fan of fragrance in skincare, the smell of this product has become a client favorite, with some of them misting it just for the scent itself! Fun fact: my mom was the first to spray it on her knees and elbows, and we could not get over the results. Most of my clients and staff, including myself, now do this as well!”—Caroline
“Sometimes we just need a little pick-me-up throughout the day, and I love this mist by L.A.-based brand Cle Cosmetics! This mist uses one of nature’s most potent hydrating and skin-brightening ingredients, the snow mushroom (tremella fuciformis) and its amazing water-retention properties deliver deep moisture to the skin, while simultaneously lifting, tightening, and plumping. Use it as often as needed and you will literally feel your face firming upon spritz!”—Smith
“I’m not a fan of toner for everyone. (Yep, I said it!) But if you’re looking to plump, it can help! The best formula should be more of a hydrating essence, versus something designed to absorb oil. I prefer to apply an essence like this after cleansing when the skin is still damp so you really lock the moisture in. Let it sink in before moving on to your serum! This one from Le Mieux has such a beautiful texture.”—Caroline
“I’m not the biggest believer in collagen powder, however, I am totally here for taking a powder vitamin C supplement that also contains zinc, polyphenols, and phytonutrients, as it’s a great way to naturally help boost the plumpness of your skin. We all know vitamin C’s amazing benefits when applied topically, but did you know, when taken internally, it can have a significant impact on dermal fibroblast preservation that results in firmer, plumper, more radiant skin?!”—Caroline
“Plump skin is healthy and hydrated, and a healthy barrier is essential to that equation. The combination of seaweed hyaluronate, Lilly root, and peptides make this a wonderful plumping moisturizer. It’s perfect for daytime use or applying over your retinol in the evening!”—Caroline
“For slightly younger skin, I prefer a gentler approach and will often put my 18- to 25-year-old clients on Li Organics (although it is great for any age). This face oil is a rich and concentrated serum that imparts nourishing botanical compounds that heal, redefine, and balance the skin at the cellular level. With regular use, the amazing cocktail of ingredients will make the skin appear smoother, plumper, and more uniform. Apply one to two pumps of this nourishing oil as a daily moisturizer and night treatment on clean and slightly damp skin for maximum absorption. A little goes a long way!”—Smith
“Not all facial oils are created equally, especially if plumping up the skin is your main objective. The Ordinary’s Squalane Oil is my favorite. It’s derived from sources like olive and rice bran, and even though squalane production in the skin slows as we age, replenishing it with topical products like this one can increase the skin’s suppleness and bounce (i.e., plumpness!) Pat a few drops on at the end of your skin routine a few nights a week.”—Caroline. Next: Makeup Artists Say These 8 Tightening Face Creams Are Injection-Level Effective
