The £12 lipstick that’ll get you loads of compliments - it gives you fuller lips (2025)

MOTHER pucka – today is National Lips Day.

Whether you're rocking a bold pout or keeping it subtle, it’s a perfect reminder to show a little appreciation and TLC for your smackers.

And what better day to fish for compliments on a lipstick that can knock years off your face whilst giving you a fuller effect?

According to scientists, the bolder the colour, the better for anti-ageing.

This is why wearing red lipstick can make you look younger, as it increases facial contrast between your features and the surrounding skin – giving you a more youthful appearance.

Sure, high-end brands like YSL and Prada might be the stuff of dreams, but thanks to the rise of dupes, you can get a taste of the luxe life without breaking the bank.

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In fact, a recent study revealed that more than a third of Boots Advantage Card holders, with an average customer age of 45, are shopping for both budget-friendly and premium makeup.

According to Mintel’s UK Prestige Beauty report, 42% of prestige beauty buyers have already treated themselves to a ‘dupe’ of their favourite product, as there’s been a redefinition of what counts as consumer ‘essentials’.

Last year, one product from Boots’ own-brand skincare range sold every two seconds – which might explain why the store’s 17. Tinted Lip Butter in Deep Honey was a favourite amongst shoppers.

The lipstick which has a buttery smooth formula and is enriched with jojoba seed oils for lips that feel soft has been given an overall 4.5 out of five star review from beauty fans, who have now said it is their “go to lip product.”

Others praise it for being so “easy to apply” with its “long lasting” perks.

So not only does it bring a bold colour to the lips, but also added moisture to help keep the wrinkles at bay.

Here at Fabulous, our Senior Writer YASMIN HARISHA has tested out high-end lippies and found affordable alternatives that do just as good a job as their luxury counterparts.

YSL Loveshine High Shine Lipstick, £32.30

This high-shine lipstick claims to provide a 24-hour hydration feel, but I’d say it was more like 40 minutes… max.

Alas, it did feel like an expensive lipstick while applying it – I could certainly sense those infused oils – and the packaging is undeniably luxurious.

However, I found it to be one of those products my lips ended up needing even more once it had worn off.

It certainly gave me that plumped look, but at £32.30, I’m not sure it’s a sustainable choice.

Cheaper alternative:

17. Tinted Lip Butter in Deep Honey, £3.50

A great alternative I discovered was Boots’ 17. Tinted Lip Butter in Deep Honey.

When it came to colour combined with a moisturising touch, I felt it delivered a hint of luxury at a fraction of the price.

The colour stayed put, and it had that lip balm quality where it truly feels like it’s doing some good for your lips.

Rodial Lip Oil Cherry, £29

This is smooth to apply, whilst giving your lips a plump red finish.

It claims to lock in moisture for fuller-looking lips and to help fill in lip lines – and I certainly agree.

It feels weightless and extremely luxurious on the lips, all while making you feel like you don’t need to keep reapplying it throughout the day.

It’s definitely worth the investment, and it’s a product that should last you for over a month.

Cheaper alternative:

Cherry Glossy Balm Boots, £3

This Cherry Glossy Lip Balm from Boots smells amazing, and I must admit – it’s a tasty one too.

Like the Rodial, I found it gives that touch of fuller-looking lips with a hint of red, and it lasts just as long.

It does have a slightly thicker texture, and it can be a bit tricky to squeeze out of the tube, but for £3, I’d say it’s a fantastic and affordable comparison.

No.7 Pro Artist Matte Muse Lipstick, £12.71

This was, by far, one of my favourite lippies.

As a beauty fan who NEVER wears red on their lips, this one made me a convert.

It has a velvety touch to it, and the Red Carpet Ready shade really made me feel like I was ready to be papped.

It did exactly what it says on the tin – nourishing, with a lasting velvet matte finish.

For this price, I think it’s totally worth the investment. I didn’t have to keep reapplying it, and it didn’t dry my lips out either.

I kept getting loads of compliments – it certainly gave me fuller-looking lips and lasted all day.

Cheaper alternative:

Natural Collection Lipstick Cranberry, £3.50

This is a creamy alternative that promises to deliver a similar bold pout whilst lasting all day.

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It’s a solid lipstick and, at £3.50, an absolute no-brainer.

It doesn’t quite have the same velvety finish as the No.7, but it’s definitely a strong contender.