Over 40? Avoid These Unflattering Lipstick Shades Because They Make You Look Older And Washed Out

September 3, 2025 by Lisa Cupido

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Lipstick is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to add life and color to your face. With just a swipe, it can brighten your complexion, make you look more awake, and instantly pull together your whole look. It’s no wonder it’s been a makeup staple for generations. But as we get older and our skin tone, texture, and natural lip color shift, the shades that once lit up our face in our twenties may no longer be doing us any favors.

That doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing bold or beautiful colors—it just means it’s worth paying attention to which tones enhance your features and which ones might be making you look more washed out or tired. Certain lipstick shades can draw attention to dryness, make teeth appear duller, or emphasize sallowness in mature skin. To help you choose colors that flatter and uplift, here are a few lipstick shades that may be less flattering after 40.

1. Pale Nude

Pale nude lipsticks may have been trendy and flattering in your twenties, but as skin matures and loses some of its natural color and contrast, these shades can make the face look washed out or even a bit lifeless. Without enough warmth or depth, pale nudes can blend too closely with the skin, emphasizing sallowness or dryness around the lips. A better option is a nude with peachy or rosy undertones that adds just enough color to brighten the face.

2. Cool-Toned Pastels

Lipsticks in cool pastel shades like lavender or icy pink may look playful, but they often clash with the natural warmth of most skin tones, especially as we age. These colors can make lips appear thinner and skin appear dull or grayish, rather than fresh and vibrant. Opting for soft corals, warm pinks, or sheer berry shades can give a more youthful and flattering finish.

3. Dark Brown

Dark brown lipstick can be striking, but it often pulls too much darkness onto the face, creating a harsh contrast that can emphasize fine lines and flatten the natural color in the skin. It can also make lips appear smaller and more severe. A better choice might be a rich plum, raisin, or deep rose shade that still offers drama but with more warmth and dimension.

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