Read more: 19 Of The Best Red Lipsticks For Each And Every Skin Tone
What should older women look for in a lipstick?
“I always think that a lipstick with a slight sheen is the most flattering on older lips, to help them appear more hydrated and plump,” Patinkin says. A stain finish is her go-to, as the thicker consistency won’t easily feather into lip lines, and “often contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba, or oils that help to hold moisture in.” Shade is a personal preference, she says, “but typically lipsticks that are too light can make a more mature person look washed out since our lips tend to naturally fade over time, and lipsticks that are too dark can make lips appear smaller and thinner.”
How to choose the right lipstick shade for older women
“So much of shade selection is your personal style and how high-maintenance you want to be,” Patinkin continues. “For example, do you want to be able to reapply without having to look in the mirror? Do you want to have to reapply at all? I think that there is a shade of peachy pink that will work for almost everyone to brighten and warm the appearance of the complexion and give a ‘my lips but better’ look.”
On the other hand, Allen says that many of her older clients gravitate toward bright, vibrant lipstick shades. “Reds, oranges, peaches, pinks, some purples and rose tones are some of their top choices for most occasions,” she says. “Also, deep colours with an emollient finish are a great choice because the semi-shine allows the lips to look fuller.”
How to apply lipstick to avoid dryness
So, how should an older woman apply her lipstick? “First, prep the lip with a gentle scrub or lip mask,” Allen instructs. “Hydrate the lip with a moisturiser or lip balm to fill any lines and smooth the texture. This step is optional – use a lip liner that coordinates with the lipstick colour. Next, apply one to two coats of the lipstick to the finish of your choice, whether it’s light, medium, or full coverage.” Anthony adds: “I like to use a brown sugar scrub on the lips prior to applying lipstick every once in a while to slough away a layer of dead skin. This gives you an even smooth base to apply your lipsticks.”
Patinkin shares more tips. “Keeping lips flake-free is always the first step,” she stresses. In addition to exfoliating, she recommends sleeping with an occlusive balm like Aquaphor to help maintain hydration and heal overnight. “I also recommend using a coordinated colour lip pencil all over the lips before applying lipstick so that when your lipstick wears off you are still left with a semblance of the colour.”
Meet the experts
- Brandy Allen is a celebrity make-up artist who’s worked with Yara Shahidi, Keke Palmer, Aja Naomi King, and others.
- Michael Anthony is a celebrity make-up artist whose clients include Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, and Doja Cat.
- Jenny Patinkin is a make-up artist, beauty expert, and brand founder.
- Tisha Thompson is a make-up artist and the founder of LYS Beauty.
