First Off, What's With The Dior Lip Maximizer Hype?
Before breaking down the two dupe options I tested, let me first explain why I and so many other beauty enthusiasts often scream from the rooftops about this product.
It has sparked countless trips to Sephora and Ulta due to its hydrating yet lightweight feel, long-lasting color, intense plumping effect and comfortability.
It moisturizes while plumping, and I often find that it lasts for up to 2-3 hours without having to reapply.
Even after eating and drinking, my lips will still look plump and hydrated from just one application. No matter which shade I use, it also seems to last longer on my pout than any other gloss I've tried.
Usually, a gloss will have one or two of those qualities, but truly, this one has it all (and costs $40 and up depending on where you purchase it).
With that said, I watched many TikTok videos and found two drugstore dupe options that were popular among fellow fans of the maximizer — Maybelline's Lifter Gloss and L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump.
After heading to my local CVS Pharmacy, I picked up a Maybelline Lifter Gloss in the shade #14 - Heat. My favorite Dior lip maximizer shade is #12 Rosewood, so I tested out the closest match.
Drugstore Dupe #1. Maybelline's $12 Lifter Gloss
After wearing this $12 gloss for a full day, I noticed that the hydrating feel was very close to Dior's. The color also sustained after eating and drinking, and I found myself reapplying just as much as I would have with the Dior maximizer. Another difference between this gloss and my beloved one was the consistency, as this one was much thicker and not as lightweight.
It also didn't have the same tingly effect that the Dior one has (how you often know the 'plumping' effect is working). Still, its instant moisture and rich color seemed to plump my lips in a more natural-looking way, and wasn't as dramatic as other products that claim to do the same.
If you're concerned that you might run out of your Dior maximizer after reapplying it all day, this Maybelline dupe proved to be a great choice if you prefer a more natural look while also actually hydrating your lips, rather than simply making them look bigger.
After all, like the maximizer, this gloss is made with hyaluronic acid. It functions like a balm, and effectively nourishes without leaving any sticky residue.
Dupe #2. L'Oreal Paris' $15 Infallible Pro Gloss Plump
I also grabbed this L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Gloss Plump during my CVS trip, and chose the shade #605 - Moonlit Rose. I found that this gloss had an immediate plumping effect after applying it, and it definitely had the most intense tingle out of the three.
It was also the most lightweight, but I didn't find it to be as hydrating as the other two, and I often felt like my lips were drying out throughout the day.
This one also did have somewhat of a stickier residue. While I wouldn't use it every day, I do think it could be great for a night out, or right before heading to an event. It plumps the fastest out of the three, but just isn't as hydrating or nourishing.
According to the brand, it is also infused with hyaluronic acid. The applicator, which I found to be soft and flexible, was a standout feature that I truly appreciated for its ability to contour and sculpt my lips with ease.
The Bottom Line
Although the Dior Lip Maximizer holds a special place in my heart as the ultimate and best plumping lip gloss, I have discovered that the Maybelline dupe is an excellent alternative for those seeking a more subtle plumped appearance and genuine lip hydration (rather than solely enhancing the size of their lips).
Dior's product, however, exhibits an ability to deliver both a visibly plumped effect while also adequately hydrating.
As Valentine's Day approaches, it presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with different lip glosses and discover the most effective ones that leave your lips supple and alluring!