How To Choose A Flattering Lipstick After 50
I don’t know about you, but lipstick is a powerful tool in my arsenal. I find it one of the most transformative makeup products women can wear. The older we get, the more we benefit from a little bit of color on our lips, and there’s also nothing quite as uplifting as a quick slick of pretty lipstick. The right lipstick will make your skin tone appear healthy and more vibrant. Formulas vary tremendously, and the right one for you may have changed over the years. Choosing a flattering color can also be a tricky thing, so let’s look at the best lipstick over 50.
I’m updating this popular post with some new info and favorites. I’ve also updated the formulas and colors that are working for my older lips and complexion.
Lip Primer
You can read more suggestions for lip care here. Proper care and prep is the first step to having your lipstick look fabulous. The next step is a primer. Lip primers create a smooth surface for your lipstick, help your color last longer, and work to keep lipstick from feathering. They also ensure your lipstick color remains true. A nice lip primer will also add an extra dose of moisture.
My current favorite is this cult favorite Anastasia clear lip primer. I’d read great things about this primer but worried that the waxy texture wouldn’t hold my lipstick. Surprise, it does, with the bonus of adding some extra hydration. I also love that it’s cruelty-free and vegan.
Best Lipstick Texture After 50
Is matte lipstick a good formula for women over 50? In a word, no. As we age, everything dries out, so matte finishes make your lips look flat, thinner, and older. Alternatively, a gooey gloss isn’t a great idea either because it’ll wick up the fine lines around your mouth and take your lipstick with it. Mature lips are often best with a long-wear, cream formula that’ll be less likely to migrate.
Long-lasting lipsticks or lip stains have more pigment, and because they dry quickly, they don’t have a chance to move into the liplines. Many lip stains dry the lips out, but I’ve found this Jane Iredale doesn’t, and it comes in many shades. A few even have a subtle frost which I like for keeping lips looking moist.
If you make a mistake applying lip stain, it can be hard to fix. I’ve discovered this little magic product from Stilla does a great job at fixing it without having to start all over.
I’ve recently switched to a less opaque lipstick because I’m finding the look less aging. Full-coverage lipstick can have a flat appearance on older women. This Chantecaille Lip Chic lipstick is a hybrid that combines the rich coverage of lipstick with the high shine of a gloss, and they stay put. It comes across as fairly light, so I line and fill it with this lip pencil.
Lipliner
Those little or large lines around your mouth are notorious paths for the lipstick to wick up. A lip liner can be one of your best defenses against feathering. You can either use a neutral lip liner that matches or is slightly deeper toned than your lip. You can also go with one that matches your lipstick. The benefit of a lip liner that’s just slightly deeper than your own lips is that when your lipstick wears off, you don’t end up with a funny ring around your mouth.
I like to trace around my lipline, subtly correcting any uneven edges, then fill in the entire lip with the pencil. Lining just outside your natural lipline can help thinning lips look fuller but don’t go overboard, or you risk the “Who’s Afraid Of Baby Jane” look. Liners come in long-wear formulas too.
Best Lipstick Texture
Is matte lipstick a good formula for women over 50? In a word, no. As we age, our lips tend to be dryer and have more lines. Matte finishes make your lips look flat, thinner, and older. Alternatively, a gooey gloss isn’t a great idea because it’ll wick up the fine lines around your mouth and take your lipstick with it. Mature lips are often best with a long-wear formula that’ll be less likely to migrate. Long-lasting lipsticks or lip stains have more pigment, and because they dry quickly, they don’t have a chance to move into the liplines. Many lip stains dry the lips out, so beware and add extra moisture on top.
I’ve recently switched to a less opaque lipstick because I’m finding the look less aging. Full-coverage lipstick can have a flat appearance on older women.
Best Lipstick Color After 50
The best lipstick shade for you will help your complexion look healthy. Choose a color that matches the undertones of your skin. A cool-toned lipstick will look harsh against a warm-toned complexion and vice versa. Deep, brownish lipstick can make you look older unless you have naturally dark coloring. Bright colors are more flattering than deep up to a point. Fluorescent colors have the same effect as matte; they look harsh. Look for a glossy finish with some staying power to make your lips look fuller and younger.
Red, strong, and bright-colored lipstick draws attention to your mouth, so be sure you’re happy with the attention it will place on your teeth.
Best Red Lipstick
The best red lipstick for you is one that doesn’t overpower your own coloring and matches your undertone. Softer reds can be flatter at our age and still have that classic look. For pale and cool complexions, a deep rose or deep pink can appear red on you. Opt for bright over deep but not so bright that all you see is your lips…unless that’s the look you’re going for.
Best Nude Lipcolor
Nudes are tricky to get right, especially on older lips. Nude lipstick comes in warm and cool undertones, so choose ones that harmonize with your coloring. Nudes look best when they’re one or two shades deeper than your own lips. Overly pale nude lipstick won’t provide lip definition, and nudes that are too deep will leach the life out of your face. I’ve been steering away from nude lipstick because I need more color as my complexion fades.
Healthiest Lipsticks
KOSAS WEIGHTLESS BUTTERY LIPSCOLOR
I know the labels are small, but it’s worth reading the ingredients of your lipstick. I find taking a photo with my phone, then zooming in on the picture helpful. Because it’s applied to your mouth, it’s often ingested while eating and drinking. The healthiest lipsticks are those that don’t contain the following:
- Phthalates
- Methylparaben
- Polyparaben
- Retinyl Palmitate
- Dyes
- Tocopheryl Acetate
- Formaldehyde
- sulfate-free
What colors are appealing to you these days? Are you choosing brighter colors these days?
Be well, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I can’t handle fragrance in lipsticks so I really like Clinique. They have a primer built in and the Moisture Surge lip glosses are great under a mask.
Thank you for inspiring me to take another look at Clinique, the brand I wore in my 20s and 30s. Their lipsticks are comfortable to wear and there are some very pretty shades. I purchased Bare Pop with the help of the representative at the Nordstrom counter. Bare Pop is pretty close to my Bobbi Brown favorite, Trailblazer. The Clinique lip color is not as drying.
Good to hear about Clinique. I received a gift set with lipstick, mascara and eyeliner. I love it, so far so good. Thanks againfor the information. Cheers.
Jennifer please share the eyeshadow colour in the top photo. It looks so nice.
As for lipstick I use Laura Mercier pencil in Potpourri and Vaseline lol and that’s it.
I’m wearing this Urban decay in “mushroom”.
Very helpful makeup information. I would especially like to see mascara information. I find the waterproof choice is a little too harsh and drying now after years of relying on the budge-proof dependable look. When I try the gentler to remove brands, I battle raccoon eyes. 👀 Please help!
Linda
I haven’t seen this on here, but I do love the Cindy Joseph “Boom” products for women over 50. The mascara is wonderful – no clumps and the wand is curved so you can get good coverage. The look is more natural and not as made up as some of the makeup other places.
I have found that Urban Decay lipsticks are very long lasting. I sometimes add a swipe of lip gloss to soften the highly pigmented color. You didn’t mention that certain reds and pinks have the effect of making teeth look yellow. I believe it’s the ones that have purple tones in them. Am I right? Thank you for the great post! 💝
I find peachy brown tones tend to make teeth look yellow. Overly darks are tough on the appearance of our teeth as well. Perhaps it depends on skin tone. I look into it further and update.
for dry lips:
https://biossance.com/products/squalane-rose-vegan-lip-balm
Very hydrating and (don’t laugh) I sent it to my husband’s ex-wife who lives in
the mountains in New Mexico along with some other lotions from Biossance.
She loves it. We are good friend/acquaintances with 4 grandchildren in common! New Mexico air is very dry.
I’ll give that a try. I really like Biossance products. You are a great gal Mary!
I just ordered it 😍
Looks like a great product, I just ordered, thanks for mentioning it. And your relationship with your husbands ex is inspiring.
Jennifer, most often lipsticks turn orange on my lips after an hour. Will a lip primer help stabilize the color?
Many thanks!
Yes it should. You could also try putting a thin layer of foundation on your lips before the pencil and lipstick.
Great post Jennifer! Thank you for the suggestions and products.
Cannot wait to try a few.
I missed you yesterday, I figured you took a day off or were traveling. Just not the same when I cannot read you first thing in the morning.
I go through a form of withdrawals, LOL!
Thank you. PS I enjoy your recipes and updates of your family.
You are the kindest. I actually had a laptop meltdown and couldn’t seem to get my post out! I tried!
I’m going to save this post because I love lipstick! Have to admit I’ve never checked the ingredients but I will now. Clinique’s Black Honey is also one of my favorites along with their Ginger Flower. I also use Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm for a moisturizing hint of color; Hibiscus is especially nice. Now I want to try some of your suggestions.
Lip balm feels so darn good on my lips. I’ll have to experiment with more tinted ones.
I used to absolutely love Burt’s bees lip balm in hibiscus too , had them stashed everywhere, then suddenly developed a reaction to them and had to give all the unused ones to my granddaughter!
I recently purchased Thrive Sheer Hydrating Lip Tint. Love that it glides on and keeps my lips soft. I ordered the color Kara and love it! Going to look for the Bare Minerals you recommended at Ulta.
I kept having chapped lips and I asked my granddaughter, a scholarship swimmer, what she used. A &D ointment every nigh! It truly works! Haven’t had chapped or cracked lips in three years now!!
Janet, where do you get the A&D Ointment? I struggle with chapped lips! Thanks!
A&D ointment can be found at any drug store…years ago I used it on my babies for diaper rash! I recently found it at CVS.
Fab tip! That makes total sense.
I discovered the same thing this winter. I’ve had a miserable time with chapped sore lips the last few winters and tried so many things that didn’t work. Have been so grateful to have figured out to use the A&D ointment!
Good morning Jennifer, I’ve always used Lancôme and the lip gloss which gives a lovely lift to my lips and face
Lancôme is great for women over 50
Good Morning Pat!
Chapstick came out with Black Honey look alikes. I have the Bordeaux and love it.
I used to wear black honey years ago. Great color.
Ladies — please also use a sun block on your lips. It’s not just your face and body that run the risk of skin cancer (offered from experience).
Great advice, thank you for reminding us.
Since I have been wearing masks the only thing I put on my lips is Elizabeth Arden Protectant (no colour)…..because the darned mask will smear any colour all over my face. My lipsticks are patiently waiting until mask season is over LOL
A quick ditto on the Clinique Black Honey! It is so subtle and really goes well with everything!
Thank you for the information. I use a combination of Mac Plumful and Clinique Silvery Moon. Most lipstick colors turn orange on me and that is not a becoming color for me. I hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day.
Happy Mother’s Day to you too
I started using a red lipliner years ago, like the one that is pictured. It makes my upper lip look fuller and my lipstick stays on longer.
Thank goodness for lipstick! My favourite right now is Clarins 713 Hot Pink.
It is a real miracle worker
I love Face Stockholm’s Cranberry Veil. It’s a soft red (blue toned). Also Kosas Rosewater for every day. For wow, the Kosas bright reds are gorgeous. And Kosas is clean beauty too. Stay safe! Xx
Thank you Jen, I have never tried that brand. It sounds lovely
Another brand you should try is “Color My World”. Love it!
Thanks for the tip!
This has nothing to do with lips but please will you tell us what works to fade or remove dark age spots on face and hands. Thank you.
Jill,
I have been using Demend. It was recommended and I found it on Amazon. I’ve been pleased with results.
Hydroquinone will but you will need an RX for it. It works very well but then you must be vigilant with sunscreen to prevent them from coming back. A dermatologist can also laser them off and often, regular use of Retin A will fade them.
Laser. I had quite a few brown spots on my face and had them lasered. My skin looked fantastic afterwards. Laser can be used on legs and hands as well.
For every day I use a reasonable lip liner Rimmel Exaggerate Addiction
the color is soft and goes on easily. For every day lip color use Clinique’s Black Honey and for evening Bobby Browns Nude color lipstick.
I also apply chapstick quite often.
I use Black Honey too! I’ve used it for years and always buy two so that I have on in my handbag, one in the bathroom. Love the subtle colour and moisture.
I used to wear Black Honey too. A gorgeous color
Thanks Jennifer …its important to look our best. Can’t wait for the day when we don’t have to wear a mask to go to the grocery store!! a day to celebrate….
It certainly will be! I can’t wait
The comment about wearing lipstick even though you will wear a mask reminds me of that showman that owned the follies. He insisted his dancers wear pretty and expensive underwear. When they complained that no one would see it it. He responded by saying, no. but you will know you are wearing it. : )
I am very cautious with my lip color. First of all, I don’t use a lip liner or primer. I have Bio-Oil, which is a highly refined oil that I dab on my lips and I use it to carefully remove eye makeup.
I like to wear eye makeup and prefer to have that be my focus and not my lip color. I am using Clinique cubby stick now, it’s a moisturizing lip balm. I swipe it on the fullest part of my lips, not into the corners. It’s just a soft shimmer that does not create a hard line against a face that needs all the softening it can get! Lol
Happy Mother’s Day to all!
Happy Mother’s Day Ginny
Ginny, I totally agree with your comments! I don’t use a lip liner either. That creates a hard contrast that I am trying to avoid. This is true when lining my eyes also. I use a soft, dark brown pencil. No liquid eye liner. Recently my favorite lip stick in Milani in Petal. I apply it to the fuller bottom lip and transfer a bit to the top lip. I have color but it’s not jumping out as the first thing you see. I also focus more on my eyes.
Love all the suggestions today. I do use Black Honey and a lip stain in American Woman from NARS.
In your 2017 post, you shared what was your favorite at that time. Is that still a favorite…or got a new one?
My very favorite stay on lip color which is the base I put on under every lipstick is the Fascination by Jane Iredale.
Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink in Seductress is my go to every day. I love it because it stays on & does not go into my lip lines. I have one in my purse, one in the make up bag at home & one in my travel kit. Even my 13 year old Granddaughter loves it. We are both Autumns.
I also wear this, I thought it was a little too bright not being a good judge of what suits my colouring but my daughters really like it on me!
That’s so fun, Holly
I am allergic to castor seed in Mac lipstick, and beeswax, has allergic properties, please try on your hand first, it’s not fun to have a allergic reaction on your lips.
Good advice Eileen:)
I had an allergic reaction to MAC lipstick, too!
I have tried several lip primers and they irritated\chapped my lips. Any recommendations?
I have several on order and will let you know
I hate red lipstick, it looks awful on most women. IMO
I laughed at myself this week getting ready for my big outing to the grocery, checking my hair and freshening my lipsticK. Then putting on my mask… I
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day
My current favorite is Lancome L’Absolu lip lacquer. It’s a new formula for me. It goes on like a gloss but stays like a stain without the dry feeling. I love it! My go-to color is Shine Manifesto. Please share your favorite go-to colors! Thanks!
How much is it? I’m going to try it.
If wearing a soft pink lipstick, I use MAC Velvet Teddy or Twig. For a brighter look, Bobbi Brown, Rose Blossom (only I think it has been discontinued). The reddest lipstick I would wear is MAC, Plumful which is a soft, slightly glossy plum colour. I don’t wear bright red as it emphasizes any lines around my lips. Would like to try Charlotte Tilbury, but you can only get her products online and I like to try them first.
You can get Charlotte Tilbury at Sephora stores now, if you have one nearby.