Lipstick Colors Perfect For Older Women

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The right lip color can have a major impact on appearance, complementing undertones or tying together a makeup look. Even so, makeup lovers over 50 may find that the go-to shades of their youth just aren't hitting the same anymore. "As we age, our natural lip pigment often becomes lighter and skin tone can change, so the lipstick shades that worked in our 20s or 30s may not be as flattering years later," makeup artist Brielle Pollara explains.

Women spoke exclusively to the New Jersey-based MUA to get expert-approved recommendations for mature makeup enthusiasts. On top of what Pollara points out, the body produces less collagen and elastin over time, which can impact how full the lips appear. It's also normal for those over 50 to find their skin, including the lips, becoming drier with age.

These natural changes mean that older women should look for certain qualities in lipstick. "Rather than reaching for very dark or matte shades, I recommend hydrating finishes in colors that add warmth," Pollara says. Cream and satin products are recommended in place of matte, while ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E make for a hydrating formula. But formula aside,  these are specific lip shades for mature makeup lovers to check out.

First up, it's hard to go wrong with a soft, rosy nude lipstick, and women over 50 should consider adding it to their makeup bag. "A rosy nude is one of the most universally flattering shades because it mimics the natural color of healthy lips while adding subtle definition," Brielle Pollara exclusively tells Women. "It can easily brighten the face without looking overpowering and is perfect for everyday wear."

As an example, Eva Longoria stepped out at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival's closing ceremony wearing a pink-toned nude lip. The dusty hue was paired with fully-lined eyes, arched brows, and an orange-tinted bronzer, coming together to perfectly complement the colors of her sparkly gown. Having been a long-time L'Oreal Paris ambassador, the "Desperate Housewives" alum naturally wore the brand's Blurfiller Lip Liner in Worth It to the event. There's also the L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in a matching pink shade.

When it comes to colors, experts advise using color theory to tailor your makeup to your skin tone. This is why peachy nude lip colors aren't only recommended for women over 50, but are also noted as being particularly flattering for certain complexions. "A peachy nude adds warmth and life back into the complexion, especially for women with medium, olive, or warm undertones," says Brielle Pollara. The color also feels especially fresh when paired with glossy finishes, reminiscent of the glazed peach lips trend.

Cheryl Ladd has demonstrated just how flattering peach-tinted lip colors can be. The actor was pictured at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of "Charlie's Angels" at PaleyFest, having starred as Kris Munroe during Farrah Fawcett's departure from the show. She wore a peachy-pink lip color with a glossy finish to the event, perfectly complementing her vibrant blazer. Though Ladd hasn't shared the exact product she opted for, the Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in Wander from Hourglass is a peachy-pink shade worth trying on.

Women over 50 should add mauve-toned pink to their list of lipstick colors to check out. If you're unfamiliar, mauve itself is a muted shade of purple, bringing a cool undertone to classic pink hues. "This shade is sophisticated, timeless, and flattering across many skin tones without feeling too bright," Brielle Pollara shares with Women, exclusively.

Helen Mirren proved just how sophisticated, not to mention fun and feminine, this shade can look when attending the 2024 Golden Globe Awards. The iconic actor, who's among older celebs who aren't playing by society's beauty rules, paired a pink gloss with a vibrant gown for a bold, lively red carpet look. Turns out, the purple-tinged shade was actually a combination of products.

Makeup artist Jo Strettell revealed that she used the Colour Riche Lip Liner Pencil in Lasting Plum from L'Oréal Paris, in addition to shade #210 of the brand's Age Perfect Satin Lipstick to create Mirren's evening look. While that hue is a bit harder to find, shade #560 in Saucy Mauve provides a similar finish.

If you've always loved wearing vampy colors like burgundy, then lipsticks in soft berry shades might be the perfect next step in your makeup evolution. "It enhances the lips and adds contrast that can make the skin appear more radiant," makeup artist Brielle Pollara tells Women. "I recommend keeping berry shades soft and luminous rather than deep or matte for the most flattering effect on mature lips."

Angela Bassett serves as a great example of how great such a shade can look on women over 50. The "Black Panther" actor was pictured at the 2025 BFI Chair's Dinner sporting a two-toned lip look featuring a glossy berry shade that shifted into a pink hue at the center. The resulting effect is statement-making without being overly dark or drying. While it's not known exactly what lip combo Basset was wearing, Clinique's Black Honey Almost Lipstick is a great product that combines a deep, moody hue with a glossy, sheer finish. This specific shade is also known for working across different skin tones, being worn by everyone from Cynthia Erivo to Reese Witherspoon.