No beauty product can pull a look together quite like a good lipstick. However, the definition of a ‘good lipstick’ may change as we age. It becomes essential to look for a hydrating formula that doesn’t settle into lip lines nor look overly harsh. “There are so many benefits to wearing lipstick, especially for older women!” says celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder, cofounder of Monika Blunder Beauty. “Adding color to your lips is important since our natural lip color tends to fade with age. A touch of lipstick also brightens the face and enhances the overall complexion, bringing back a youthful radiance.”
To separate the so-so from the stunning, we analyzed the best options available while speaking with top beauty experts on what formula qualities are most important to look for in lipsticks for older women. Here are the best picks that will smooth over fine lines, polish off your makeup look, and sustain a seductive pout.
Why do older women need a special lipstick?
“As lips mature, they can become drier and lose moisture over time—so it’s crucial to choose lipsticks with hydrating ingredients. Look for options that contain hyaluronic acid or shea butter, as both help lock in moisture and prevent cracking. Creamy textures, like those in balms or moisturizing lipsticks, glide on smoothly, minimizing the appearance of fine lines while making the lips look fuller and softer.” —Monika Blunder, celebrity makeup artist and cofounder of Monika Blunder Beauty
Our Top Picks
Why We Love It: Simply taking this lipstick out of the box will hint to you that you’re in for a treat—the beautiful rose gold and retro-inspired fluted tube is like jewelry for your makeup bag. And what’s inside is even nicer: A lipstick with a uniquely sculpted tip that makes it easy to define the edges of your lips, especially if you’re not a big fan of lip liners. Plus, the lipstick formula is long-lasting, and if you aren’t sure which shade to choose, you’ll have no trouble with the most iconic hue, Pillow Talk (a fave of Amal Clooney’s).
Who It’s For: Every single shade in this collection is designed to flatter all skin tones. While the formula is described as matte, we’d call it more of a satin-matte hybrid, which is a good thing in our opinion. Many of today’s mattes are ultra-flat, giving mature lips a dry and crinkly look, but this one feels silky with plenty of depth, thanks to hydrating vitamin E and orchid extracts, along with light-reflecting pigments that create an optical plumpness without showing any sheen or sparkle. This soft texture fills in fine lines without calling attention to them or feathering with wear.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 17｜Key Ingredients: Orchid extract, vitamin E
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![A close up of the Charlotte Tilbury lipstick head and lipstick smear on a napkin]()
PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson
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![A close up of the Charlotte Tilbury lipstick head and lipstick smear on a napkin]()
PHOTO: InStyle / Jhett Thompson
Why We Love It: If you’re balking at the idea of shelling out over $30 for one of Charlotte Tilbury’s lipsticks, consider this collection from L’Oréal Paris. As an extension of the Color Riche line, Les Nus Intense offers a range of full-coverage neutral lipsticks across the color spectrum, from light peachy pinks to deep orange browns.
Who It’s For: This lipstick feels buttery and hydrating, courtesy of argan oil, making it especially comfy on dry, mature lips. Do note that it may be hard for some to get past the scent, which is a strong floral aroma.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 12｜Key Ingredients: Argan oil
Why We Love It: Inspired by the French concept of bouche mordue, or “just bitten lips,” this quartet of matte lipstick shades offer an instant flush to the lips, creating a put-together look that goes with any makeup or outfit with a quick swipe.
Who It’s For: Though it’s matte, the lipstick’s velvety texture doesn’t enhance rough texture for those who struggle with it, but rather sits on top of the lips to deliver a sheer wash of color as well as light nourishment from rapeseed oil and pau d’arco. Using it is seriously foolproof—instead of creating harsh lines, Bisou Balm offers blurred edges that look effortless, not sloppy, regardless of which color you use. We’re partial to Rose Latte, a warm mauve, but all the shades are beautiful.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 8｜Key Ingredients: Rapeseed oil, pau d’arco
Why We Love It: There’s a reason that this is the only liquid lipstick formula to make the cut on this list—this is one of the very, very rare few that doesn’t strip the lips, flake, crack, or feather—and even better, you can snag it at a drugstore price. It features a high-shine finish in a comfortable, flexible texture and a shade range that includes everyday neutrals and “fashion” colors, like neon fuchsia and true orange.
Who It’s For: Anyone with a penchant for liquid lipsticks will appreciate this long-wearing formula. However, those who just dive into the tube and apply with abandon may not instantly like this product—the key to a successful application starts with wiping excess formula off the wand before applying thin coats and letting it fully set. With this technique, you’ll get up to 16 hours (!) of wear. Otherwise, the product will move and feel tacky on the lips.
Type: Liquid｜Shades: 20｜Key Ingredients: Black currant seed oil, vitamin E
Why We Love It: This lipstick’s elongated, slender, and refillable tube reminds us of the cigarette holders used in Old Hollywood, but more luxe—after all, this one is gold and houses a fabulous and creamy lipstick. The bullet is one of the narrowest we’ve ever seen, which is great not just for aesthetics but for function too—lip contouring requires a controlled application and this makes it a breeze.
Who It’s For: This moisturizing formula comes in a delightful array of shades that won’t feather or smear. While the initial investment may be on the higher side, keep in mind that this tube is refillable, so once you’ve used up the first insert, subsequent purchases of your fave shade will be $24.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 40｜Key Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil
Why We Love It: Urban Decay has been a favorite of ours for years. While we were wary when the brand discontinued its former lipstick formula in favor of this one, we’re big enough to admit when we’re wrong: This comfortable lipstick delivers the hydration of a lip balm in a smooth, silky texture that’s a pleasure to apply. The spread of shades includes some eye-popping brights, like the “punk pink” shade Hollyweird, as well as plenty of mauves, dusty pinks and taupes. Bonus: The mirrored sculpted tube feels great in the hand (and makes it easy to find in a dark purse).
Who It’s For: This lipstick lives up to its name—it’s truly hydrating for those who need a bit of extra moisture. There are only two detractors, in our opinion: The formula does transfer, so if your date doesn’t like wearing your lipstick, save this one for another time, and the scent is fairly potent. However, we’d rather smell this base odor than a powerful fake fragrance.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 35｜Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, avocado oil
Why We Love It: Every time we use this YSL lipstick, we’re surprised by how weightless it feels, yet how moisturizing and intensely pigmented the formula is. There are plenty of wearable neutrals and punchy, poppy shades to choose from. “They have never disappointed me in terms of performance and they always deliver a high concentration of pigment with a luxurious feel,” says celebrity makeup artist Natalia Thomas.
Who It’s For: Despite the light and delicate feel of this formula, it delivers serious pigment payoff for those seeking a bold look. We also love that when you order directly from the brand, you get your tube engraved with a custom message or monogram. As chic as the product is, though, we’d love a few skin-loving ingredients to be incorporated into the formula for added nourishment.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 27｜Key Ingredients: Glycerin
Why We Love It: Both Thomas and Brittany Lo, celebrity makeup artist and founder of skin care line Beia, cited this Dior pick as a favorite of theirs, and it’s one of ours, too. It feels incredibly comfortable, even for all-day wear, while moisturizing jasmine wax and plum oil allow the formula to melt into lips, creating a glaze-like finish.
Who It’s For: This formula feels more like a hydrating glossy balm than a lipstick for those who prefer more lightweight products. As you might imagine, like most shiny formulas, this one doesn’t offer long-wear benefits—you’ll get about four hours at most. However, the tubes are refillable, which does defray some cost overtime, and for an added fee, you can also get a “couture lipstick case” in the brand’s signature packaging (a pink patent leather-like tube with the stitching you’d see on Lady Dior bags) or ‘00s denim.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 25｜Key Ingredients: Jasmine wax, plum oil
Why We Love It: We’ve been hooked on this formula since we first tried it, due to its super soft texture and sheer, lip-enhancing shades. It’s loaded with nourishing oils and fruit extracts that help boost collagen, seal in moisture, and fight signs of aging. The high sheen finish and cream base smooth out fine lines while adding major dimension to lips.
Who It’s For: This cushy gloss-balm-lipstick blend delivers a seriously shiny finish while making lips look fuller. Be careful with this one in warmer weather, though—the very, very soft bullet gets even softer in high temps and may deposit chunks of pigment or even snap off. We also think that soft texture may contribute to the dysfunctional mechanism responsible for pushing out the product.
Type: Push-up bullet｜Shades: 8｜Key Ingredients: Maracuja oil, grapeseed oil, goji berry
Why We Love It: When asked for her perfect red for mature lips, this was Thomas’s pick by a landslide. “It wears like a dream, doesn’t feel overly dry, lasts quite a long time, and is a classic red,” she shares, adding that this formula is one of her top picks in the matte category, too. While it’s not massively drying like most other matte formulas we’ve tried, it shouldn’t be confused for a hydrating or moisturizing option; still, it won’t exacerbate fine lines or feather, so if you can handle a little dryness in exchange for a seriously killer red, Obsessed! is it.
Who It’s For: The intense and rich red color of Obsessed! delivers on drama for anyone seeking it. It should come as no surprise that the lipsticks from iconic makeup artist Pat McGrath are seriously pigmented, but for the amount of color payoff, the formulas feel surprisingly light on the lips. Once they’re on, they’re on — you can expect to get a full day of even wear out of this lipstick, so long as you don’t consume overly greasy foods, which can cause the pigment to break down.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 34｜Key Ingredients: Squalane
Why We Love It: While there are hundreds of red lipsticks to suit a variety of skin tones, it’s not so easy to find a pink that is universally flattering. “It’s all about how soft or bold you want your lip color and knowing which colors play best with your skin tone to achieve that look,” says celebrity makeup artist Terri Bryant, who recommends the cream palettes from Danessa Myricks Beauty to customize your perfect shade of pink. While it’s not exactly purse friendly, it’s great for travel—you’ll be packing 12 lipsticks in one easy palette—and they can be used on cheeks too, cutting down makeup bag bulk even further.
Who It’s For: This palette contains four pink-toned shades that make it easy to create a custom lip color for anyone wanting their own unique look—and the formula can be used on cheeks, too. Keep in mind that Danessa Myricks is an artistry brand, meaning pigment payoff is strong, so start with a light application first and layer from there. We recommend practicing using this palette on a day spent at home to really master your shade and application process.
Type: Palette｜Shades: 12｜Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E
Why We Love It: This vegan lipstick is very moisturizing—the brand refers to it as a “color balm”—and that’s thanks to an infusion of plant-derived ingredients, including nourishing avocado oil, plumping pomegranate, and cushiony candelilla wax. The curated collection of shades largely consists of neutrals (think Victoria’s signature lip during her Posh Spice years), though you’ll find a few vibrant shades in there. The formula also sheers out easily, so if the color is too intense for your liking, you can bring it down, and the slim bullet makes for easy targeted application, especially on thinner or aging lips.
Who It’s For: The tortoiseshell packaging is totally stunning for anyone who appreciates aesthetically pleasing products, as is the formula inside. In addition to the bullet being thinner than most, the (truly beautiful!) tube is on the petite side of average, which makes it great for slipping into a tight pocket or a tiny purse, but if you’re looking for value in your lipstick purchase, this may not be your first choice.
Type: Bullet｜Shades: 15｜Key Ingredients: Rosehip, coconut, avocado oils
What to Keep in Mind
- Formula + Finish: Wearability and comfort are the most important qualities in a lipstick, bar none. To enhance the look of your lips without exacerbating the texture caused by fine lines and wrinkles, choose a creamy lipstick formula with a satin finish and a nude color. “I would steer clear of anything too slippery or too matte,” warns celebrity makeup artist Nick Lujan, adding that they feel great on lips, but can slide around and get messy, while ultra-matte lipsticks will make lips look and feel parched.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: “For mature lips, I love using lipsticks that have any type of butter, emollient, or waxy base,” says Lujan. “They tend to wear well and help repel water.” More specifically, Lo recommends shea butter, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid, all ingredients that help nourish and lock water into the skin.
- Application Is Key: Not all lipstick formulas are long-wear, and depending on the type you choose, you may have to put a little more elbow grease into your look. To lock a satin or hydrating formula down, try Thomas’s technique: “Hydrating and nourishing the lip is a super important first step,” says Lujan. “The more hydrated the lips, the better lipstick will look and wear throughout the day.” After a lip scrub and conditioning treatment, trace a lip liner around the perimeter of your lip, then swipe on a light layer of lipstick, and blot your lips until you see zero color on the tissue.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you make mature lips look fuller?
“Lipstick helps define the lips, which naturally lose their shape as we get older. By applying lipstick, you can create the appearance of fuller, more youthful lips,” says Blunder. “It also boosts confidence by pulling your whole makeup look together and adding a polished finish. Plus, many lipsticks today are hydrating, which helps keep your lips soft and healthy.”
What ingredients should those with mature lips look for in a lipstick?
“I personally prefer creamy or satin finishes, as they’re more flattering and comfortable than matte options, which can often emphasize fine lines,” Blunder adds. She also recommends opting for a light coverage or buildable formulas. “These can create a more natural look and are generally less drying on the lips. Smooth application is key—look for lipsticks that glide on easily to avoid tugging or pulling on delicate lips.”
As for ingredients, Blunder says hyaluronic acid is fantastic for locking in moisture and keeping the lips plump and hydrated while shea butter has softening and moisturizing properties. “Additionally, meadowfoam seed oil is a great antioxidant that seals in moisture and keeps your lips looking soft,” she says.
Why Shop With Us
Emily Orofino is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. She tried her first lipstick at four years old and has been chasing that high ever since—though she easily has several hundred lipsticks at this point, she will never stop trying new formulas. Allison Lax is a commerce updates writer for InStyle who loves a good rose-colored lip. For this piece, they interviewed celebrity makeup artists Monika Blunder, Natalia Thomas, Brittany Lo, Terri Bryant, and Nick Lujan.
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