Bold Lipstick Makes You Look Younger. Yup, Science Now Proves It...

According to a new research study done by Professor Richard Russell, with researchers from C.E.R.I.E.S. (Epidermal and Sensory Research and Investigation Center), the amount of contrast in the colors on your face affects how young or old we perceive people. In other words: Blush and lipstick make you look younger.

To find this out, first the researchers looked at pictures of people of various ages and determined that over time, the skin becomes darker while the eyes, lips, and eyebrows lighten, meaning we lose contrast in our faces.

Then, to see how these changes affect our perception of the age of the faces, scientists artificially increased these facial contrasts in the same pictures to see if it changed how old the people were rated. What they found? The faces with more contrast were guessed as younger even though they were the same person at the same age, just with different tones.

This makes sense—we think of rosy cheeks and bee-stung red lips as a mark of youth. Which leads to the thinking that this is why we've come to wear makeup the way we have, darkening or brightening our lips, adding color to our cheeks, and making our lashes more intense. It's all about the drama.

You can read more about the study here. And in the meantime, tell me, did you ever think that red lipstick might be an immediate anti-aging tool before? And are you now thinking of makeup in a different light? Discuss.

Photos: Mark Leibovitz

I wish I could say that there is a definitive answer to the question “what color lipstick should an older woman should wear?”. The truth is different colors can flatter different skin tones. What looks good on one woman may not look good on another.

However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you choose the right lipstick color for you.

And I’m including 10 Lipstick shades that are absolutely perfect for mature lips.

What Defines Aging Lips?

The answer to this question is different for everyone. If we are to talk about lipstick for older women, we have to set at least a generalization. I would define the mature lips at generally 50 years old and up. But you may be thinking of looking both fully grown up but youthful in your 40’s.

By 50, generally, some collagen has left the lips. Fine lines and feathers may have begun. If you are or were a smoker, you might be seeing some of the effects on the lips. By age 70, you might describe your lips as mature wrinkled lips.

Now that you have mature skin and mature lips, your entire makeup routine has changed. Your lipstick shade is only one part of your makeup routine.

Do you wear lipstick alone? Or as a part of your entire makeup routine?

If your goal is to look younger and more youthful, then you’ll want to think of your lipstick shade as only a part of the whole.

Using a good quality foundation that matches your skin tone is step 1. Foundation is going to help smooth and blend, covering dark spots and circles. The List says a quality foundation is what you want, or no foundation at all, in their list of makeup mistakes. Just don’t use a bad foundation.

A good quality concealer will help smooth over the more brown or red spots, and around the corners of the nose. Don’t forget to use it on the circles under your eyes.

It’s best to narrow your eye shadow to your favorite neutrals and browns. And this brings us to a conversation of lipstick shades for older women.

Bright, Dark, or Red Lipstick Is Aging.

Bright, dark, or red lipstick is not the best lipstick for mature lips. There are exceptions to this generalization. Sometimes I see a fabulous older woman who pulls off a bright red lip or a bold color, and yes, it makes a statement.

BUT the bad news is that bright, dark or very red lipstick can attract more unwanted attention to your mouth, wrinkles, teeth, and jawline than you might like. And if there is any color bleeding it will be very obvious.

A softer lip color will look more youthful – when combined with good face makeup.

A Soft Lip Color Is The Best Lipstick Color For Mature Lips.

You’re probably thinking “AGHHH no… I look terrible in pale or soft lipsticks”. And this might be true when lipstick is the only piece of makeup you’re wearing. But truly, when I’m asked What color lipstick should an older woman wear? I invariably turn to pinks.

If you’re wearing a good foundation (discussed above), good concealer, and neutral eye makeup then the soft creamy texture of a more neutral lip color gives a more feminine, youthful look.

More eyes, softer lips. Lighter shade lipsticks are going to let your eyes take the show, and the soft lipstick won’t draw unwanted attention to mature lips.

Keep Your Lips Moisturized and Use Hydrating Lipsticks, Such as Red Apple Lipstick.

To help maintain a fresh appearance keep a quality lip care routine. A quality gluten-free lip balm that contains ingredients like Shea Butter and Vitamin E will work wonders at keeping lips soft and supple. A good lip care routine can help give the appearance of fuller lips; something most mature women want.

The look of dry lips is not what you’re going for. When you apply lipstick, especially dark lipstick color, over dry lips more attention will be drawn to the fact that your lips are dry.

A good lip care routine is going to include exfoliation which will help keep dead skin cells off and away, and will leave lips hydrated and plumper.

There is a visual difference between moisturized lips and neglected lips. And mature lips need a good lip care routine to keep smooth lips and help any lip color appear smooth.

Creme lipsticks with hydrating ingredients, like castor seed oil and Vitamin E are going to give the best balance between coverage and moisture and are the best lipsticks for older women.

LIP BALM: RALLYE BALM

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: A Universally loved Gluten Free Lip Balm. Originally formulated for women with autoimmune diseases, but it works for wonders for any lips. It’s super hydrating.

Use Creme Lipsticks or Slightly Matte Lipsticks

Shade range aside Frosted lipstick, luminous lipstick, and liquid lipstick may show more lip wrinkles than you care for. And Super matte lipsticks for older women will be far too drying.

A creme lipstick has the best chance of being a hydrating lipstick. Red Apple Lipstick makes some soft matte finish lipsticks that are very hydrating (see below).

Say YES To Lip Liner

Immaculate lip lining will create beautiful shaping. Boost lip shape using a lip liner just outside the natural lip line.

If your lips or skin is more on the pale side, use a slightly darker lip liner to give a little extra contrast. A liner of the same tone can disappear.

If your bottom lip turns downward, don’t fill in the whole lower lips. Instead, lift the lower lip by not painting to the corners.

You can blend a lip liner into lipstick with a lip brush for a perfect finish.

Does Skin Tone Matter When Discussing Lipstick For Older Women?

If you’re after a more youthful appearance, then your lip color may matter more than skin tone. You won’t want a lipstick that turns hot pink, or navy blue. Your skin’s undertone may be different than your lip undertone.

While there is no way to know if a lipstick is going to turn colors on your lips, you may study your lips in a mirror and decide if they are more red undertones, neutral undertones, warmer undertones, or cooler undertones. Use good light or daylight. There’s no need to go too deep with this, it’s more just for fun.

And if a lipstick tone turns on you, you’ll know to avoid that tone in the future – but you should be safe with the top 10 lipstick colors for older women below.

Top 10 Best Lipstick Colors For Older Women

I am happy to show you the 10 best shades of lipstick below.

LIPSTICK SHADE: SECRETS

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: Secrets have a smooth, pink texture that is never too “stand out”. It’s an ideal lipstick for older women because it’s opaque enough to cover lip color imperfections, but not so bright to be distracting.

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LIPSTICK SHADE: AUDREY

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: Audrey adds a touch of red to pink. It looks darker in the photo than it comes off. It has a neutral undertone making it work well for a wide range of skin tones.

LIPSTICK SHADE: VOGUE

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: Vogue is a perfect lip color when you need a little berry in your organic lipsticks. Depending on your wardrobe, it may be the berry best lipstick for older women.

LIPSTICK SHADE: PETAL TO THE METAL

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: PTTM adds a little mauve to your life. Just one swipe gives great coverage without being overbearing. If you wear clothes that have a little mauve in them or gold jewelry, then you’ll love Petal To The Metal.

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LIPSTICK SHADE: NEW YORK

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: This buildable formula nude lipstick has just a hint of pink. It’s a very hydrating lipstick and looks fabulous against mature skin.

LIPSTICK SHADE: MAYBERRY

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: this Dusty Rose is a fabulous hydrating creme lipstick for older women. It adds a little depth to pink and just looks wonderful! It’s not so sheer and provides good coverage for one swipe.

LIPSTICK SHADE: MAVEN MAUVE

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: Maven Mauve bridges the gap between rose and mauve. This very light red lipstick is hydrating, creme, and easy to build volume with.

LIPSTICK SHADE: LET’S FLAMINGLE

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: For those who love a little more tropical punch, Let’s Flamingle adds some HOT HOT HOT to your life, in a mineral makeup way. It’s fun, it’s vibrant, and it’s one of our best lipsticks.

LIPSTICK SHADE: LOVE MY KISS

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: This traditional soft red is right between pink and red. It’s an easy, everyday lipstick color that is the staple of many makeup kits, and it’s one of our top picks for older women. It’s easy to wear, and won’t draw too much attention.

LIPSTICK SHADE: KISSIMMEE

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: This pink lipstick is one of the best lipsticks for older women. This buttery smooth, very hydrating lipstick is carefree and easy to wear. It’s easy to match your wardrobe too. It’s spring.. in a lipstick color.

Add A Little Gloss Or Frosted Lipstick To The Center Of Your Lips. It Will Make Mature Lips Appear Younger.

Adding a small amount of clear or lighter color lipgloss to the center of your lips will reflect more light there, and give the appearance of a plumper middle section to the lips.

Here are 4 great glosses that are hydrating and not too bright

LIPSTICK SHADE: DIAMOND SANDS

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: a sheer, nude gloss with a touch of pink is a simple way to brighten the highlight in the middle of your lips.

LIPSTICK SHADE: SUN SPARKLES

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: A more clear gloss with a touch of shimmer, just perfect for highlighting. With the addition of Vitamin E, it’s also very hydrating.

LIPSTICK SHADE: DANCING PRINCESS

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: Sparkly, shiny and sheer. This Pink/Purple gloss has a hint of shimmer and pairs well with the 10 lipsticks listed above.

LIPSTICK SHADE: BERRIED TREASURE

WHAT WOMEN LOVE: This lightly sspearmint gloss is loaded with hydrating Vitamin-E. Sometimes you just need a little extra red to your gloss when you are highlighting lipsticks.

Final Thoughts.

• Give your mature lips a hydration boost often, they deserve it.
• The right lipstick might not be a bold lipstick, but an even lipstick.
• Avoid extremely pigmented lipsticks.
• Avoid mineral oil, it’s drying.
• Don’t think older women can’t rock great lipstick shades.
• If your bottom lip turns downward, lift the bottom lip. Don’t apply lipstick to the bottom corners of your lips with color. A concealer can help lift bottom corners.
• Skin tone no longer matters as much. Lip colour matters more.
• If you have lip primer, it’s worth using.
• You can line your lips after you apply lipstick, it can help keep the lipstick edges in place.