It doesn’t take much to understand the power of a great lipstick color and formula. Even on those mornings when you’ve slept little and would rather stay in bed, a layer of red, bright coral, or chic pink lipstick can make you feel transformed into a new person. As we age, lose collagen, and notice our skin (and lips!) becoming thinner, it can become more challenging to apply lipstick in a way that looks flawless. But you shouldn’t give up on your favorite lip shade — a few tweaks to your routine and adjustments in the colors and formulas you choose are all that’s needed. According to makeup artists, these are the best anti-aging lipstick tricks every woman over 40 should try.
Use Sheer Lipsticks & Tints
Less really is more when it comes to makeup — lipstick included. Using a matte longwear makeup is a big mistake for mature lips, according to many makeup artists, who say they favor more hydrating sheer lipsticks and tints instead.
“Using a lipstick as drying as the liquid matte longwear can really take its toll on your lips. Using lip products that are sheer or tints usually provide much more moisture,” says Makeup and Prosthetics Artist Brandi Boulet. “If you love a liquid lip you don't have to avoid them completely, you just have to be ready to give your lips some extra love. Make sure you are using a lip scrub to exfoliate your lips before and after use. If you are planning to wear it all day be ready to remove and reapply half way through the day.”
Exfoliate
This leads to the next important tip: exfoliation isn’t just for your skin and body — your lips will benefit from it, as well. Boulet recommends incorporating the following steps into your makeup routine to ensure your lips are flake-free before applying any kind of lipstick.
1. Remove lipstick with an oil-based remover
2. Use a gentle lip scrub to exfoliate
3. Dab a small amount of balm and let it soak in
4. Kiss a tissue to remove excess balm
5. Re-apply your lipstick
6. At night, apply a lip mask to re-invigorate and hydrate your lips.
One lip mask we love is the ever-popular Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Prime Your Lips
Did you know you can actually prime your lips with a product like Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer prior to lipstick application? Similar to how you’d prime your skin before applying foundation and concealer, these lip primers work by color correcting, moisturizing, and then providing a base that allows lip color to stay on smoother for longer.
If your lip line has become a bit blurred with age, primers are especially valuable.
Choose Neutral & Natural Shades
Soft, more muted shades like rose, pink, warm mauves, and peachy nudes can really enhance your complexion at any age. Choosing natural, neutral tones over deep, dark plums or browns can make your lips look larger and healthier, while livening up your complexion.
Match Lipliner To Your Lips
There are two effective ways to choose a lipliner color for mature lips: either match it to your lips or to your lipstick shade— but choosing one that is darker than either can make you look older. After you’ve applied your lipliner, also be sure to blend it into your lips. Filling in your lips with liner not only removes harsh lines that look unnatural, but can also help your lipstick shade last longer.
There’s nothing quite like a great lipstick color that makes you feel like a million bucks. Following these anti-aging tips can help take your look even further.
