Pro tip: Line your lips with the Makeup by Mario Ultra Suede Sculpting Lip Pencil for an even fuller look.
Key ingredients: encapsulated water, vitamin B3, peppermint oil, peptides | Finish: shiny | Shades: 13
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of lipstick for mature skin?
While moisturizing lip products like lip balms, lip oils, and lip masks deeply condition your lips, it’s understandable if you don’t want to sacrifice your favorite red lipstick in the name of hydration. But the thing is…you don’t have to. You can achieve the pigmentation you desire and still reap the benefits of lip-loving, texture-blurring ingredients.
Cosmetic chemist Ginger King says taking this extra step to find a hydrating lipstick is worthwhile. “For mature women, the selection of lipstick is trickier because they tend to have thinner and drier lips.” A safe bet, King says, is to “choose a more muted tone” or springing a tinted lip balm may be more suitable than a fully pigmented lipstick.”
What ingredients should I look for in lipstick for mature skin?
In case it wasn’t evident, hyaluronic acid is a beneficial ingredient for all, but especially older women. “Hyaluronic acid provides hydration and plumpness, and helps fill in the cracks on the surface of the lips by drawing in moisture—otherwise known as a humectant,” explains Badro.
Other moisturizing heavy hitters are emollients like shea butter and cocoa butter, which soften dry cracks and blur the appearance of fine lines. These ingredients are also responsible for giving your lipstick formulas that easy-gliding feeling. As for ingredients to avoid? Guth recommends generally steering clear of matte lipstick formulas, as they have drier finishes that may highlight fine lines.
How should I apply lipstick for mature skin?
Aside from seeking more nourishing ingredients for your maturing lips, your application technique plays a vital role in your finished look. To enhance the look of your lips, start with a clear lip balm to prime and prep the area. “Primers are a great way to ensure that the products stay in place and can prevent feathering, which can draw attention to fine lines,” Guth says.
After lip primer, she recommends using a lip pencil one to two shades darker than your natural lip color to slightly overdraw and give the illusion of bigger lips (try the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner for this step). Fill in your lips with your lipstick of choice, pop a bit of a lighter shade to the middle of the lips to highlight, et voilà ! Instantly plump-looking lips.
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?