Over 40? Avoid These Worst Lipstick Shades & Formulas That Make You ‘Look Older Than You Are’: ‘Never Helps Anyone Look Younger’
February 23, 2025 by Mariam Qayum
Lipstick is a makeup essential that can enhance your features and complete any look, but as you age, certain formulas and shades may emphasize fine lines, dryness, or uneven texture, making you appear older than you are. For women over 40, choosing the right lipstick is key to achieving a youthful, fresh look. Some formulas can settle into lip lines, while certain shades can make lips appear thinner and less vibrant.
We checked in with Kerrin Jackson, celebrity, film and television makeup artist and creator of The Makeup Refinery blog and Margina Dennis, celebrity MUA, to discover two lipstick shades and formulas you should avoid because they can age you. Read on to discover all their insights!
4. Lining the Lips All Around
Lip liner is a secret makeup weapon we love for boosting the outline of your lips and making them appear fuller. We can’t be blamed for going overboard at times, though — it’s so common to take the liner and use it to fill in the entire lip area, including the corners of our lips. But Taylor explains that this application technique can actually backfire and make the lips look older and more droopy. To avoid this, use lip liner in the cupid’s bow and along the center of your bottom lip line and then apply a lighter lipstick or gloss on top. This creates a pouty, youthful look.
2. Wearing Matte Lipsticks
Matte lipsticks often have a dry finish, which can make lips appear chapped or flaky, highlighting any texture irregularities. As skin loses moisture with age, matte formulas can exacerbate these issues. One that are opaque, tend to settle into lip lines, making them more noticeable. Matte lipsticks also lack the shine or gloss that can give lips a fuller appearance.
To prevent further damage, Dennis says to avoid both matte and dark lipsticks. "Too dry of a formula of lipstick can emphasize wrinkles and dryness," she warns. Instead of a matte lipstick, Dennis advises selecting a "moisturizing and balm lipstick" in shades that "emulate a youthful flush."
She also suggests "a clear lip liner or one that matches the lip color that will keep the color from feathering and look more natural." Noted!