You can use cinnamon sticks, if that’s all you happen to have in your kitchen - just make sure to crush them first. You don’t have to pulverize the sticks into a powder – the consistency of sea salt or table salt will do the trick. A modification to this method that will provide additional exfoliation is adding salt to the mixture. Take a clean bowl and mix half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a half a teaspoon of salt. Then add a tablespoon of Vaseline and mix well. [2] X Research source Proceed with the remaining steps of this method (there are no other changes to the process).
You’ll feel a slight tingling sensation, which is normal. Cinnamon mildly irritates the skin on your lips, causing them to redden and swell slightly. [3] X Expert Source Lorena BarcalClinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist Expert Interview. 28 June 2020. [4] X Research source Take care not to swallow any of the cinnamon because it can irritate your throat.
Do not leave the ground cinnamon mixture on your lips longer than a few minutes. The plumping effect happens within this time frame. Leaving the mixture on longer than a few minutes or overnight does not increase the plumping effect and increases the likelihood of swallowing and over-irritation.
Cinnamon oil is a natural product and doesn’t generally cause any side effects to the skin. However, if your skin is very sensitive, or you are pregnant or nursing, it is suggested that you consult a physician before trying this method. Cinnamon oil, when applied to the lips, can also reduce anxiety associated with motion sickness while traveling. Another bonus – it freshens your breath
If you feel a burning, uncomfortable sensation rather than a tingling one, remove the mixture completely from your lips and start over, creating the mixture with 1 drop of cinnamon leaf oil rather than 2. [7] X Research source
