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The 15+ Best Lipsticks for Older Women Over 50s

I know from personal experience that finding the perfect lipstick for older women can be quite an adventure!

As we age, our lips face various challenges, such as loss of volume, dryness, and the appearance of fine lines.

But fear not; I’m here to help!

In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of lipsticks and uncover the best formulations, tips, and techniques tailored to address the unique concerns of older women.

Together, we’ll explore how to enhance our natural beauty and rock a stunning lip look at any age.

Let’s dive into the best lipsticks for older women over 50!

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the best lipsticks for older women

Finding the Perfect Lipstick for Older Women

Older women tend to face various issues or concerns related to their lips as they age. 

Here’s a list of some common concerns and ways to address them:

Loss of volume

Lips may lose their natural plumpness and fullness as we age due to decreased collagen production.

If you’ve got thinning lips, you can opt for specific types of lipsticks and techniques to create the illusion of fuller lips:

Choose lighter, shimmery shades

Lighter colors with a touch of shimmer can reflect light and make your lips appear fuller. Opt for soft pinks, peaches, or nudes to enhance the natural shape of your lips.

Avoid dark, matte shades.

Dark and matte lipsticks can make your lips appear smaller and less voluminous. Instead, go for lipsticks with a satin, gloss, or cream finish to create the appearance of plumper lips.

Use lip-plumping lipstick or gloss.

 Some lipsticks and lip glosses contain ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, or cinnamon, which can help temporarily increase the appearance of lip volume.

Look for products that are marketed explicitly as lip-plumping or volumizing.

I love Buxom Full on Plumping Lip Polish when I want to plump up my lips!

Highlight the center of your lips.

Applying a lighter, shimmery shade or a clear gloss to the center of your lips can create the illusion of fullness. This technique reflects light and makes the lips appear more plump.

Consider using a lip liner.

Using a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade or is slightly darker can help define your lips and create the appearance of more volume.

Outline your lips outside their natural border, focusing on the Cupid’s bow and the center of your bottom lip.

Fill your lips with the lip liner before applying lipstick to create a seamless, voluminous look.

I use Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil to line my lips. It’s smooth and lasts all day long!

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Dry Lips

​ Aging skin loses its natural moisture, leading to drier and more chapped lips.

If you have dry or chapped lips, choosing lipsticks that offer hydration and nourishment while avoiding products that can exacerbate dryness is essential.

Tips to help you find the right lipstick and maintain healthy lips:

Opt for moisturizing lipsticks

Look for lipsticks with hydrating, skin-caring ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, or natural oils like jojoba or almond oil.

These ingredients can help moisturize your lips and prevent further dryness.

Avoid matte, long-wearing lipsticks.

Matte and long-wearing lipsticks can often dry, as they are designed to stay put and not transfer. Instead, choose lipsticks with a satin, cream, or gloss finish that provides hydration and a more comfortable feel.

Use lip balm underneath. 

Applying a hydrating lip balm before your lipstick can help create a protective barrier and lock in moisture. Look for balms with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or petrolatum.

Exfoliate your lips gently.

Regularly exfoliating your lips can help remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother surface for lipstick application.

Use a gentle lip scrub or a soft toothbrush to exfoliate your lips several times a week.

Keep your lips hydrated throughout the day.

Even when you’re not wearing lipstick, it’s crucial to maintain your lips’ hydration. Reapply a nourishing lip balm throughout the day to keep your lips soft and moisturized.

Related Article: Lip Balm Vs. Chapstick Which one is best?

Protect your lips from the elements.

Extreme weather conditions like cold temperatures or strong winds can contribute to dry and chapped lips.

Wear a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from the sun, and use a thicker, more protective balm during colder months.

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Wrinkles and Fine lines  (Lipstick bleeding)

The delicate skin around the lips is prone to developing fine lines and wrinkles, which can make lipstick application more challenging.  many older ladies start to experience lipstick bleeding or feathering into the fine lines and wrinkles around their lips.

Tips to help prevent lipstick bleeding and ensure a flawless application:

Opt for lipsticks with a non-bleeding formula

Look for lipsticks specifically designed to resist bleeding or feathering. These products often have a thicker, creamier texture and provide long-lasting wear without settling into fine lines.

Use a lip primer

Applying a lip primer before your lipstick makes all the difference in the world! It creates a smooth, even base for your lipstick that helps prevent bleeding.

The primer acts as a barrier between your skin and the lipstick, keeping it in place throughout the day.

This is the lip primer I use: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Primer

Apply a lip liner

Using a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade or is slightly darker can help create a defined lip border and prevent the lipstick from bleeding into fine lines.

Outline your lips, focusing on the Cupid’s bow and the center of your bottom lip, and fill in the entire lip area with the liner for a long-lasting base.

Choose lipsticks with a matte or satin finish.

Glossy lipsticks can be more prone to bleeding due to their slick texture.

Opting for a matte or satin finish can provide better staying power and reduce the chances of lipstick bleeding.

Blot and set your lipstick.

After applying your lipstick, gently blot your lips with a tissue to remove any excess product. This will help set the lipstick and prevent it from smudging or bleeding.

You can also dust a small amount of translucent powder over your lips to set the lipstick further.

Related article: The Best Powders for Mature Skin

Keep your skin well-hydrated

Moisturizing the dry skin around your lips can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Use a nourishing facial moisturizer and apply a targeted lip treatment or anti-aging cream around the lip area.

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Lipstick Formulations for Mature Lips:

Now that we’ve touched base on the concerns let’s discuss the solutions. There are several different formulations of lipstick to consider when shopping for the perfect lipstick. 

Here are the different formulations available to consider:

Matte Lipsticks 

Matte lipsticks are my least favorite for my mature lips.

Matte formulas have a flat, non-shiny finish and provide full coverage with intense color.

They tend to have a longer staying power but can be drying for some people, so they may not be the best choice for those with chapped or dry lips.

Satin Lipstick

Satin lipsticks strike a balance between matte and glossy finishes.

This soft matte finish offers a velvety finish with a slight shine and medium to full coverage.

I find that satin lipsticks are generally more comfortable to wear than full-fledged matte finishes and can be suitable for various lip concerns, including dryness and fine lines.

Creamy Lipsticks

Cream formulation lipsticks have a higher wax content, giving them a creamy and moisturizing texture.

They typically provide medium to full coverage with a subtle shine.

Cream lipsticks can be an excellent choice if you’ve got dry or chapped lips, as they offer hydration and a comfortable feel.

Lip Gloss

Glossy lipsticks or lip gloss have a high shine finish and can range from sheer to full coverage.

They can make lips appear fuller and more plump but might be more prone to smudging and bleeding.

The best Lip Gloss I’ve found is: HOURGLASS Unreal High Shine Volumizing Lip Gloss

Sheer Lipstick

​I love, love, love me a nice sheer lipstick!

Sheer lipsticks provide a hint of color with a transparent finish, allowing your natural lip color to show through.

They are lightweight, moisturizing, and offer a subtle shine. Sheer lipsticks can be ideal for those who prefer a more natural look.

Liquid Lipstick

Liquid lipsticks come in a liquid form and typically dry to a matte or satin finish. They are known for their long-lasting wear and highly pigmented color.

The Best Liquid Lipstick I’ve found is: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick (I love “Perla”)

Lip Stains

Lip stains or lip tints provide a long-lasting tint of color without the weight or texture of traditional lipsticks.

They can range from matte to glossy finishes and are typically transfer-proof. 

Lip stains can be suitable for those who prefer a low-maintenance lip color that lasts all day.

Organic Lipstick

Organic lipsticks are made from natural and organic ingredients, free of synthetic chemicals, artificial dyes, or preservatives.

They often contain nourishing and eco-friendly components like plant-based oils, natural waxes, and mineral pigments. 

Organic lipsticks are a great idea for those with sensitive skin or allergies or who prefer clean beauty products that prioritize using sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients. 

These lipsticks can come in various finishes and coverage levels, providing a healthier and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional lipsticks.

Lip Liner

Lip liners are pencil-like products specifically designed to outline and define the lips.

They come in various shades to match or complement your lipstick color and can have a matte or creamy finish.

Lip liners help create a crisp lip border, prevent lipstick from bleeding into fine lines, and enhance the overall appearance of your lip color. 

Some lip liners can also fill in the entire lip area, providing a long-lasting base for your lipstick. 

Adding lip liners to your makeup routine can be particularly beneficial for those seeking a more defined lip shape or wanting to prevent lipstick bleeding.

the best lipsticks for older women

​How to Choose the Right Shade of Lipstick

Choosing the right shade of lipstick can enhance your natural beauty, complement your skin tone, and make you feel confident. 

Here’s a simple guide to help you find the perfect lipstick color for you:

Determine your skin’s undertone.

Understanding your skin’s undertone is crucial for selecting the most flattering lipstick shades. 

Skin undertones can be categorized as cool, warm, or neutral:

Cool undertones

Cool undertones  This means your skin may have a has a pink, red, or blue undertone. Your veins appear blue or purple.

Warm undertones

Warm skin tones have a slight yellow, gold, or olive hue. Your veins may appear green.

Neutral undertones

Your skin has a mix of both cool and warm hues, and your veins may appear blue-green.

Select lipstick shades based on your undertone.

Once you know your skin’s undertone, you can choose lipstick colors that complement it:

Cool undertones: Gals with cooler undertones should consider pink, berry, plum, or blue-based reds.

Warm undertones: You can easily pull off bright colors if you’ve got warmer undertones.  Look for shades of coral, peach, orange-based reds, or warm-toned nudes.

Neutral undertones: Most lipstick shades will suit you, so feel free to experiment!

Determine your skin undertones

Consider your complexion

Your complexion, or the overall lightness or darkness of your skin, can also impact which lipstick shades are most flattering:

Fair skin

Lighter shades like soft pinks, peaches, and nude colors will complement your complexion. You can also rock berries or red lipstick or a more dramatic look.

Medium skin

 Rich shades like mauve rose, and berry will work well. You can also experiment with a broad range of shades. Think deep reds, oranges, and corals.

Dark skin: Deeper shades like burgundy, plum, and chocolate will look stunning. Bright, bold shades can also be a gorgeous contrast against your complexion.

Factor in your lip size and shape

Lipstick shades can impact the perceived size and shape of your lips:

Thinning lips

 Lighter, shimmery shades can make your lips appear fuller. Avoid very dark shades, as they can make your lips look smaller.

Full lips

You can rock bold and dark shades beautifully, as they can create a balanced look. Light, frosty shades might make your lips appear too large.

Personal Preference and Occasion 

Finally, take into account the context in which you’ll be wearing the lipstick and your personal style preferences:

Casual or daytime events

Opt for softer, more natural shades for a subtle, understated look. Think tinted lip balm or sheer, moisturizing formulations. 

Formal or evening events

Opt for long-wear color. Think bold color.

Remember: Bold or red lipstick should be balanced with glam eye makeup. 

Personal preference

 Ultimately, the best lipstick shade is the one that makes you feel confident and happy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and embrace the colors you love, regardless of the “rules.”

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My Top Picks: The Best Lipsticks for Older Women

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Lipstick

This lipstick contains conditioners like Omega-3 and vitamin E to hydrate your lips and make them look plumper.

The creamy formula glides on easily and doesn’t settle into fine lines.

Plus, it comes in 48 different shades, so you’ll find the perfect color!

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Shop this lipstick online: Target, Walmart, and Ultra Beauty

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Satin Lipstick

YSL Satin lipstick (Yves Saint Laurent) offers an ultra-rich, full-coverage lip color with hydrospheres and natural extracts that provide all-day comfort and hydration.

This super luminous satin lipstick comes in the most beautiful modern golden case! LOVE IT!

Yves Saint Laurent Pur Couture Satin Lipstick glides on like magic and does not disappoint!

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Shop this lipstick for online: Sephora, Nordstrom, and Macy’s

Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss Lipstick Balm

This yummy lipstick balm with hyaluronic acid provides the hydrating power of a lip balm with the color of lipstick!

It leaves lips looking plumper, smoother, and more hydrated while giving them a happy glow.

The twist of the tube is perfect for flawless application!

This lipstick balm is paraben and sulfate free!

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Shop this lipstick online: Sephora, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue

I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVe the Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick ! This lip gloss is lightweight and ultra-hydrating, with a range of beautiful shades.

IT COSMETICS Pillow Lips Lipstick

This lipstick makes your lips look fuller and plumper while delivering comfortable wear that lasts and lasts!

The Collagen-infused formula delivers high-impact color without drying, feathering, or bleeding on mature skin with fine lines and wrinkles.

Comes in 14 lovely shades in both matte and creamy finishes. (I prefer the creamy finish for my older lips!)

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Shop this lipstick online: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Kohl’s

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick High Impact Lipcolor

Super vibrant, lush, and oh-so-creamy!

This cult-classic lipstick is the perfect combination of high-impact color and super-moisturizing ingredients!

This lipstick from Revlon is enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil to keep your lips feeling soft and hydrated.

Its creamy texture won’t dry out your lips, and it comes in 82 shades so that you can find the perfect color for any occasion!

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Shop this lipstick online: Target, Ulta Beauty, and Walmart

Chanel ROUGE COCO Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick is an iconic lipstick more than worth the spend.

It delivers beautiful color, hydration, and shine to lips all day with hydrating, nourishing ingredients.

I honestly cannot say enough about this bowl and luxurious lipstick for older women.

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Shop this lipstick for online: Sephora, Nordstrom and Ulta Beauty

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick

This award-winning drugstore lipstick for older women comes in universal shades that look sensational on all skin tones, so you can’t go wrong!

Its creamy formulation is made with honey nectar for a smooth, comfortable feel with excellent staying power without drying or a cakey feeling.

And! You can’t beat its price!

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Shop this lipstick online: Ulta Beauty, Target, and Walmart

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Glossy Lipstick

Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lipstick is made with natural ingredients such as beeswax, moringa oil, and raspberry seed oil to help keep your lips nourished.

The intense color leaves lips silky smooth with a glossy finish, and the creamy texture comes in 6 shades and is perfect for everyday wear.

100% natural and recycled packaging!

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Shop this lipstick online: Kohl’s, and Walmart

Shop The Best Lipsticks for Older Ladies

The Best Lip Gloss for Mature Women

Laura Mercier Lip Glace – This lip glaze is super hydrating and comes in many beautiful shades.

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss – This lip gloss is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help plump and hydrate your lips.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm – This lip balm is enriched with mango and shea butter for long-lasting hydration.

Nars Afterglow Lip Shine Gloss – This lip gloss is super hydrating and glossy. I love the shade of orgasm! 🙂

Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color – This lipstick has a nice shine with a creamy, non-sticky texture.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick – This lip gloss is lightweight and ultra-hydrating with a range of beautiful shades.

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lip Gloss– 100% natural with a beautiful shine!

Maybelline New York Color Sensational Shine Compulsion Lip Gloss – This gloss is ultra-shiny and boosts hydration.

Shop the Best Lip Gloss for Mature Women

Lipliners for Mature women:

Lipliners are a great way to add definition and shape to your lips. They also help keep lipstick in place all day long.

Some of the best lipliners for older women are:

Some of the Best Lip Liners for Older Women Are:

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Slim Lip Pencil– A pretty darn good lip liner for the price!

Clinique Quickliner for Lips– I’ve used this lip liner from Clinique for years! Try it!

Lancome Le Lipstique Lip Colouring Stick-Waterproof Lipliner pencil with Brush (I love the brush1)

URBAN DECAY 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil- I love this one! It’s waterproof and lasts all day!

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat- I love this liner in the icon shade Pillow Talk!

Shop The Best Lip Liners for Mature Women

Makeup Artist Lipstick Tips for Mature Women

Exfoliate your lips

Exfoliating your lips will help remove dead skin cells and ensure your lipstick goes smoothly and lasts longer.

You can use a lip scrub or make your own with sugar and honey.

Use a lip liner

Using a lip liner before applying lipstick can help to make your lips look fuller, and it also helps the lipstick stay in place.

Wear a lip mask at night.

During the night, keeping your lips nourished and hydrated is essential. A lip mask can help to do that and will also help your lipstick stay on for longer during the day.

I love the Laneige lip mask! I use it every single night without fail for soft, subtle lips.

Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water throughout the day is essential for your overall health, and it can also help to keep your lips looking healthy and hydrated.

This will help your lipstick go on smoothly and stay put for longer.

Related article: How to drink all the water!

Don’t smoke

Smoking creates fine lines around the lips and mouth.

Use a lip primer

A lip primer helps fill fine lines and keep your lipstick in place. It also helps to keep the color vibrant for a more extended period.

the best lipsticks for older women-with dry lips

Conclusion: The Best Lipsticks for Mature Women

In conclusion, finding a good lipstick involves addressing specific lip concerns, such as loss of volume, dryness, and fine lines, while also considering the various formulations available.

From matte and satin lipsticks to organic options and lip liners, a wide range of products suits every preference and need. 

Remember to prioritize lip care, including hydration, exfoliation, and sun protection, to maintain beautiful, smooth lips. 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and finishes to find the perfect match that complements your skin tone and personal style. 

I hope this has helped you in your quest to find the perfect lipstick.  Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

​Good luck!

XO, Christine

christine mathews

I’ve been keeping it real since 1963. 🙂

I’m a child of God, a wifey, mama, grandma, full-time creative, domestic engineer, and self-care enthusiast.

I am obsessed with all things makeup and skincare and love getting my hands dirty out in the garden, my art room, or in the kitchen, whipping up something yummy for the fam.

I’m always down to chat and love collaborating with other creatives and brands alike!

Feel free to reach out anytime!

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