Skip These Lipstick Colors If You Have An Older Face

When you're in your 20s, the world is your oyster when it comes to lipstick shades. You can rock anything from violet to crimson (and even black if you're going for a gothic makeup look). However, as you mature, some colors just aren't as flattering anymore. That's not to say that you should adhere to strict rules if you're over 50. No matter what your age is, if a certain lipstick makes you happy, go for it! But if your goal is to prevent looking older, I'm here to tell you what colors to avoid. As a makeup artist for over 15 years, I've glammed up people of all ages and found which shades look the most and least flattering on mature faces.

While a pop of color adds life to your face, stay away from overly dark colors like burgundy, maroon, and brick red if you have fair to medium skin. These shades draw attention to the fine lines around the mouth, and any bleeding of color on the edges of the mouth will be noticeable. Those with darker skin can feel free to wear deeper hues but make sure to use a light hand.

Additionally, our lips get thinner as we age, and bright colors will only emphasize this. Lipsticks in orange hues should also be avoided for all skin tones, as they'll make your teeth appear more yellow. Instead, look for cool colors that will make your teeth look whiter. You may be thinking by now that there are no colors left to wear, but don't worry — there are plenty of other options that will have you looking decades younger.

As we age, our skin naturally loses its vibrancy, and we have to rely on products to add color to our faces. Thankfully, there's a slew of lipstick shades that do just that. Although it's best to pass on super bold colors, soft pinks and plums do wonders for mature folks of all skin tones. Just make sure that there's not too much brown in the lipstick, as it can drag your features down. Think light and bright with a palette of rose, peach, and soft berry. You'll want to pick a formula that's creamy and slightly sheer, as anything too matte will make your lips appear dry.

Along with choosing your lipstick wisely, prepping the lips is key to looking ageless. Be sure to use a lip primer, and then apply the lipstick with a small brush to prevent feathering. Don't overload your pout with too much product, however, or you'll risk getting lipstick on your teeth. I make sure to blot my clients' lips once with a tissue and then go over them once more with the color. For the final touch, I apply a tiny bit of gloss to add some plumpness and shine, leaving them drop-dead gorgeous.