3 Lipstick Mistakes That Age You Instantly, According To Celebrity MUAs

Lipstick is one of the most fool-proof cosmetics to apply that can instantly make you look more refreshed and radiant. And, unlike foundation, we tend to think of lipstick as a product that doesn’t require a lot of prep or much thought — simply find a shade you love at the store, apply a layer of lip balm first to hydrate lips, then a layer or two of lipstick or gloss and you’re done, right? But as we age, our lips and the skin around our lips age as well. This can mean that the way you’ve been applying lipstick for years (and the type and shade of lipstick you use) may benefit from a few good tips that can update your look. Check out these three lipstick mistakes that age you instantly, according to celebrity makeup artists. 

You may already know that applying layers of foundation without first applying a hydrating primer can leave you with makeup that smears faster, flakes, and looks less blended. We tend to forget that the lips require some prepping too in order to allow lipstick to settle and look its best.

“Exfoliating and making sure that your lips are moisturized can help plump them, and avoid flaky dry skin or extra texture,” said Mandie Brice, a makeup artist, author of a makeup book, and creator of an online makeup course. “Choosing the right formula can make a huge difference too. Matte lipsticks will cause the aforementioned drying and make texture more obvious, which makes wrinkles more noticeable.”

There are a number of lip exfoliants on the market that gently slough away dry skin. Or you can save money and make your own by combining brown sugar and olive oil or coconut oil to create a natural scrub that feels amazing, smells great, and will leave your lips softer and ready for balm and lipstick application. 

There are trends and then there are lipstick mistakes — and it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart. Even if makeup editorials show a much darker lip liner and lighter lipstick on models, this look doesn’t always translate well to real-life lips. 

“Lining your lips in a color that’s darker than your lipstick can age you and look very harsh,” said Global Makeup Artist Natasha Moor, founder and chief empowerment officer of Natasha Moor Cosmetics. “Better: Match your lip liner to either your lipstick or your natural lip color. Or for a very modern look, try using a light brown lip pencil shade. You can also use a light brown brow pencil. Just make sure to blend it well.”

Before you protest and insist that red is your color, the point of this tip isn’t to keep dark or bright colors out of your makeup kit — it’s a reminder to make sure those hues aren’t too dark for your skin tone. Your complexion may have changed over the years, so changing your lipstick is a good idea as well. “For example, your complexion might be ruddier, which a dark lipstick will emphasize,” Moor said. “A dark shade will also ensure that your lips are the first thing other people notice about you. You’ll look younger when your features all complement one another, so people see your entire face at once.”

Moor’s solution? “Try pinks or neutral tones that complement your skin tone that will define and enhance your lips without screaming,” she said. And be cautious when it comes to matte lipsticks as well. “Wearing your favorite matte formulas from 10 years ago can be drying, and as a result, aging,” Moor said. “Choose a more modern matte lipstick that’s hydrating. My Natasha Moor Molten Matte Liquid Lipsticks are power-packed with vitamin E for hydration. PLUS, this moisturizing, pigmented liquid lipstick has 12 hours of staying power.” 

Lipstick can be a powerful tool that lifts your appearance and spirits — keeping a few of these tips in mind will help you achieve the look you want at any age.