With fewer masks comes more opportunities to rock that lipstick that you haven’t worn in so long. More so than any other cosmetic, lipstick is an instant brightener for your complexion, and it’s one cosmetic tool that can be purchased at an affordable price. If you are excited about wearing lipstick again, but also feel like your look could use a fresh, modern upgrade, there are a few lipstick tricks of the trade to keep in mind. Some lipstick shades and textures can make lips look smoother and more plump, while others actually minimize the look of your lips and can draw attention to complexion issues you may not be wild about. We spoke with beauty experts who agreed: These are the two lipstick shades you should avoid over 40 if you want a fresher, more youthful look.
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Dramatic, Dark Colors
Any lipstick with a purple undertone or red-orange hues — think maroon, brown, or actual purple — may look chic and trendy, especially if you’re loving ‘90s revival fashion, but they aren’t the best options if you’re trying to upgrade your look.
“These shades drain the fullness out of my already thinning lips and can make my complexion look sallow,” says Michelle Davies, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Best Ever Guide to Life and a Professional Life Coach.
According to Celebrity Makeup Stylist Victoria Stiles at ShikSong Beauty: “The harsh drama of a deep purple or burgundy lip can expose many flaws including fine lines around the lips, making even the whitest teeth look yellow.. Similarly, red-orange hues can have the same effect, exposing imperfections around the mouth and teeth.”
Davies agrees, adding that the shades drain the fullness out of her “already thinning lips” and can make her complexion look sallow.
Before moving onto lipstick shades that WILL work wonders on you, don’t neglect lipstick textures. If you’re wondering whether to splurge on a gloss, matte, or semi-matte formula, Davies reminds us that although matte lipsticks are all the rage now, they can be extremely drying and, therefore, aging. “Keep in mind that choosing the right lipstick finish is also an important consideration,” Davies says. “Lipsticks that are creamy or have a hint of gloss in them are best in making your lips look nourished and plump. Also, avoid frosted lipsticks because those can also be unflattering for mature women.”
So, what colors should you opt for? Think light, with some pigmentation to make your skin tone pop.
“Light-colored lipsticks such as peach, coral, and pink are excellent when I want to look and feel playful, and flirty,” Davies says. “Paired with a peach or pinkish blush-on, these shades help me achieve that fresh, youthful glow.”
When Stiles chooses lipstick shades, she says she leans toward cool toned shades of pink. “Another favorite of mine is red shade with blue undertones,” Stiles says. “These shades really help to give the face a brighter look.”
You can easily trade a darker, more matte and muted lipstick shade for a hue that will instantly update and upgrade your look.
