What Older Women Should Look For In A Lipstick

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While it might seem obvious that there are benefits to updating your foundation and concealer as you — and your skin — age, lipstick can seem like an ageless product. But the truth is that even lips change with time. Over time, collagen production decreases, which leads to volume loss. "For the lips, this means we lose plumpness. In addition to this, the natural [vermillion] border can fade," makeup artist Caroline Hernandez exclusively tells Women. "Combined, they give the appearance of thinner lips."

Because of this, defaulting to the same lip products you did in your 20s and 30s may not yield the same results. Using the wrong formula may be one of the many lipstick blunders that might be making you look older. Switching up your go-to lip products, opting for formulas best suited to older lips, can refresh your entire beauty look. As with the best foundations for mature skin, the best lip products for older women will downplay creasing, wrinkles, and dryness, while brightening your face.

Hernandez recommends looking for moisturizing formulas rather than matte ones, as these can exacerbate drying. "If you've always worn very matte lipsticks, but have noticed they now seem to make the lines more apparent than they used to, or your lips feel drier, it might be time to start looking at satin, cream or balmy textures now," she says. You can also look for lip products that are specifically created to deliver extra moisture, along with color. "Some lipsticks have hyaluronic acid infused now too, which would also be a flattering and more comfortable option," explains Hernandez. In addition, you can find lip products that contain hydrating ingredients like squalene, shea butter, and jojoba or coconut oil.

While looking for a moisturizing lipstick should remain a priority, this doesn't mean you need to shy away from striking shades. In fact, the right color can do a lot to make you look refreshed. A little color theory can help. "If your go-tos were beige-toned nudes, cooler browns, bluer pinks or reds, even purplish colors, you might feel like these now wash out your entire complexion, making you look tired," says Hernandez. "Try shades with a bit more warmth, like soft berries, rosy corals, warmer tans, or a hint of watermelon. These shades can bring vibrancy and a youthful glow back to the face."

Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you need to feel resigned to muted nude shades. "If you've always been quirky and experimental, or bold and bright, don't let age make you smaller. Stick to your style, but work with your current biology," Hernandez explains. "This could mean all you really need to do is change some application techniques or switch the textures of your lipstick up a bit." Don't let age stop you from maintaining a creative, expressive style.

Once you've found the right lipstick, it pays to invest in good prep products. Well-moisturized and exfoliated lips will appear plumper and less subject to flaking or creasing. They also allow your lipstick to last longer. In an exclusive interview with Women, makeup artist Caroline Hernandez suggests using moisturizing treatments and masks that nourish lips without drying them further. She recommends the Doctor Rogers Healing Balm. "[It] will repair the skin barrier, as well as hydrate it," she explains.

Another must-have for older women is lip liner. The vermilion border is the natural line between your skin and the darker pink of your lips. But it naturally fades with age, which can dramatically impact how your lipstick wears. Without that clearly defined border, lip color is more prone to smudging and bleeding. Fortunately, you can recreate that definition using something like this ICONIC LONDON Fuller Pout Lip Liner. "Swapping to a lip liner that matches your natural lip color allows you to rebuild that faded edge and structure, whilst also keeping your lipstick anchored in place," says Hernandez. Finally, adding a lip primer, like MAC Prep + Prime Lip, before you layer on the color will help to hydrate and smooth your skin.