Dark lipsticks are always a timeless staple for autumn, and as seen with current TikTok beauty trends, this fall is no exception. We checked in with a professional makeup artist for two common mistakes to avoid with dark lipstick, and other helpful tips and hacks for mature beauties when it comes to lip products. Read on for suggestions and insight from Mandie Brice, professional makeup artist and author. “I always make the disclaimer that makeup is (for many) a form of self-expression, and if you love something, you should do it regardless of rules,” Brice says, but adds, “that said, there are a few things that can make people look older in terms of lipstick and liner.”
Error #1— Using The Wrong Shade For Your Skin Tones
The most common mistake when it comes to dark lipsticks is using a shade that doesn't highlight or emphasize your best features. Brice notes that many lipstick colors are designed for either warm, cool or neutral skin undertones. "One mistake is [choosing] a color that is very contrasting with skin tone, so for fair-skinned people that's [too] dark colors, and for dark-complected people, [too] light colors." The greater the contrast between the lip color and the skin, Brice warns, "the more apparent the wrinkles will be."
"I think the best choice for lip color is sticking with your undertone," Brice explains. She says that if you are a "warm," to choose a warm-toned lip color, and if you are a "cool" or "neutral," to pick one of those respectively. "You can find your undertone easily by looking at the veins on the inside of your forearm," she continues. If they are blueish, Brice says that you have a cooler undertone, and if they are greenish, you can go for a warmer color. Another pro tip that she offers is "if silver jewelry looks better on you, you’re more suited to cooler tones, but if gold is better, you have a warm undertone."
There’s also the possibility that you’re neutral, "which is if gold and silver are equally flattering," she adds. Sometimes, Brice points out, lip colors will have a "W," "C," or "N" in their color name, "but usually not." Ultimately, she reassures, "identifying undertones" and finding the right lipstick color for you is "something that gets better with practice," (and can be fun to experiment with!)
#2— Using A Matte Lipstick
As we age, we naturally lose moisture in our skin and lips. Many dark lipsticks come in matte liquid forms, and while this can be great for younger users, Brice notes that makeup enthusiasts with mature skin might find these products to be drying and uncomfortable. "Another way you can inadvertently look older [with dark lipstick] would be to use a product that's super drying," she says.
"Our skin naturally produces less moisture as we age," she reiterates, and using something like a matte liquid lipstick could "exaggerate texture, especially if you end up with your lips flaking." This, she concludes, is a "great reason to make sure you're including your lips in your skincare routine as well, exfoliating with a scrub, and ensuring they're properly moisturized."
