The Ultimate Guide to the Best Lipsticks for Older Women

Finding the perfect lipstick is almost like finding your “lobster,” (Friends lovers, IYKYK). If you wear lipstick often, you may notice that over time your go-to lipstick shades may no longer sit on your lips as flawlessly as they once did. While there are some makeup trends that stay on top throughout the years (like a classic red lip, smokey eyeshadow, and winged-out eyeliner), there’s a reason why some of the makeup products that were your go-tos in your 20s may not look exactly the same on your skin in your 40s and beyond (and that’s totally fine). Over time, our lips, just like the rest of our skin, lose collagen and become prone to dryness and feathering, which is all completely natural. “When it comes to wearing lipstick in our 40s, we don’t need to overthink what we can’t wear or shouldn’t wear, but more so HOW we wear it,” says Sasha Ghodstinat, CODE8’s Global Makeup Artist and Brand Trainer.

As we age (like fine, expensive wine—if we might add), the types of makeup and skincare products we use need to evolve with us. And that doesn’t mean that you need to ditch your favorite matte lipsticks or steer clear of lip gloss and shimmer. “Almost anything goes. You can still play with color!,” says Nick Lujan, makeup artist and Director of Education & Artistry at KEVYN AUCOIN BEAUTY. Bottom line: Don’t give in to the myths. Here are some of the best lipstick tips for aging lips, followed by 12 lipsticks you’re sure to love.

What Makes a Good Lipstick for Older Women?

• Look for Hydrating Formulas

As we age, our lips could become prone to dryness, peeling, fine lines, and feathering. “If you find your lips are prone to dryness and your lipstick is constantly feathering, you want to ensure that you’re using cream texture lipsticks or tinted lip balms,” says Ghodstinat.The key to smooth, soft lips (besides consistently applying lip balm)? Hydrating lipcolor formulas. “To keep lips soft and hydrated I would suggest using lipsticks in the sheer category, that borderline tinted lip conditioner. For statement lips, I would suggest using waterproof long-wearing formulas,” says Lujan.

• Use a Lip Mask A.M. and P.M. 

“Applying a lip mask at night and again in the morning will help maintain hydration, nourishment, and elasticity of the lip,” says Lujan. Doubling up on your lip mask routine will help soften, hydrate, and help decrease the look of lip lines which lipstick can settle in too. “A nighttime lip mask is a must. It works its magic all night, so you wake up with nourished lips. At the beginning of your makeup application, apply more of your lip mask. When your makeup is done, wipe off the lip mask and apply your lip products as the final step,“ Lujan tells us.

• Exfoliate Your Lips 

“Ensure you exfoliate your lips twice a week. You can even create your own natural homemade lip exfoliant by mixing brown sugar with coconut oil and applying this with a soft toothbrush on your lips. This will get rid of any dead skin cells without any chemicals or alcohol,” says Ghodstinat.

• Prep With Primer

There’s a reason why pretty much every makeup pro stands by a good lip primer. Consider it like a pair or Spanx for your lips, helping create a smooth, flawless finish. “Try using a lip primer to smooth texture and lock in moisture, before applying your lip products,” adds Lujan, who recommends ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Lip Primer. 

• Center Your Gloss 

Live for a gorgeous glossy lip? When it comes to shimmer and shine, a little bit goes a long way. “Use gloss in moderation. If you love a glossy lip, just use a little dab of gloss in the center of the lip and avoid spreading it all the way to the edges,” Lujan recommends. 

• Make Mattes Work for You 

“Avoid using super matte lipsticks that come with a top coat to seal the color. The color will end up looking bitty and dry throughout the day and is not good for your lips long term,” adds Ghodstinat. And when it comes to finding the perfect matte lip formula, it’s all about choosing the right lipstick color and formula that works for you. “You can wear a matte lip at any age as long as you choose a color that is flattering to your skin, hair, and eye color. When you have the right color of matte lipstick, YOU will always WEAR the lipstick versus the lipstick WEARING YOU,” says Ghodstinat. 

Ready to restock your lip stash? Here are 12 of the best lipsticks for mature lips.

1. Best Contouring Lipstick:

CLINIQUE Dramatically Different™ Lipstick Shaping Lip Colour

If you’re looking to give your lips instant fullness and definition, this baby is it. This hydrating formula not only softens skin to decrease the look of lip lines, but it's also made with a 3D pearl center core that helps contour lips and improve their appearance over time.

2. Best Hydrating Lipstick:

L’ORÉAL PARIS Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick + Nourishing Serum

Prone to dry lips? We’ve got something for you: infused with Pro Vitamin B5 and a specialized Nourishing Serum, this moisturizing drugstore find locks in hydration for up to 9(!) hours without feathering or settling into lines. Swipe it on in “Perfect Burgundy” for the perfect berry pout for fall.

3. Best Semi-Matte Lipstick:

BOBBI BROWN Lip Color

In the world of makeup, Bobbi Brown can pretty much do no wrong, especially when it comes to lip color. This cult-favorite, semi-matte formula is the perfect mix between a creamy and matte lipstick, combining long-lasting color with a buildable, buttery, hydrating finish.

4. Best High-Pigment Lipstick:

M·A·C COSMETICS Amplified Lipstick

Bold lips look beyond gorgeous at any age. The key? Look for something hydrating and full coverage like this formula that delivers serious pigment, with moisturizing, line smoothing results.

5. Best Matte Lipstick:

KEVYN AUCOIN BEAUTY Unforgettable Matte Lipstick

A favorite of Lujan’s for its, “full-color payoff with a hydrated feel and a matte finish,” this slim lip shade delivers the perfect layer of matte pigment minus the dry feel and without smudging. When it comes to applying matte lipstick flawlessly, Lujan has a few good tricks. “Apply your lipstick and use a lip brush to make sure it is applied evenly. Set your matte lipstick with a loose translucent setting powder,” Lujan recommends.

6. Best Vegan Lipstick:

100% PURE Fruit Pigmented® Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick

This vegan and cruelty-free formula checks all the feel-good boxes. Not only is it super nourishing for your lips (thanks to cocoa butter, shea butter, and vitamin E), it's loaded with antioxidant fruit pigments that deliver gorgeous, high-pigment color. All good stuff, none of the bad.

7. Best Plumping Lip Gloss:

CODE 8 Glazé Universal Plumping Lip Gloss in Spyglass

It's not uncommon and completely natural for lips to lose fullness over time. Create the look of fuller lips with a plumping formula like CODE 8 Glazé Universal Plumping Lip Gloss in Spyglass. It’s made with skin-plumping peptides to give lips a natural-looking, pillowy look. When it comes to applying a plumping lip product, Ghodstinat recommends, “Starting from the middle of the lips, then spreading all over. This creates more volume in the lips.”

8. Best Sculpting Lipstick:

ESTÉE LAUDER Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick

Besides fullness, our lips also tend to lose definition over time. This buttery soft formula comes in a specially designed bullet that makes it easy to sculpt and define the curves of your lips, giving them a fuller, more defined look. Say hello to a perfectly pointed Cupid’s Bow!

9. Best Universal Pink Lipstick:

CHANEL Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in 91 Seduisante

A flirty pink lip is an absolute stunner (at any age), and we’re obsessed with this satin-finish formula that gives lips a playful look that’s loaded with shine, long-lasting moisture, and a full-coverage finish.

10. Best Universal Red Lipstick:

REVLON Super Lustrous™ Lipstick in Ravish Me Red

This cult-favorite red has made a name for itself for a reason—it's a universally flattering shade in a creamy texture that’s super pigmented, incredibly hydrating (thanks to vitamin E and avocado oil), lightweight, and resistant to caking, pilling, and feathering.

11. Best Satin-Finish Lipstick:

YSL BEAUTY Rouge Pur Couture Pigmented Lipstick

If we could give out an award for “Comfiest Feeling Lipstick,” this gem would win. Besides delivering super-rich pigment in just one swipe, this satin-finish formula glides on smoothly with such a lightweight feel, you’ll barely know it's there.

12. Best Flattering Nude Lipstick:

CHARLOTTE TILBURY K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Nude Kate

Heads up babes, an all-inclusive nude lipstick does exist. This light pink-toned shade looks stunning on a variety of skin tones, from fair to medium to dark, leaving behind a custom-nude lip that looks tailored to you and your specific undertones. Even better, it's made with special extracts to help protect your lips from UV damage, and light diffusing pigments to create the look of fuller, plumper lips.

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