Mastering Red Lipstick at 50+: Tips from a Beauty Editor
Red lipstick remains one of the most luxurious makeup choices available. It evokes the glamour of classic Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. So elegant and timeless, it gives you an instant polished look. I must admit, I don’t often opt for red lipstick, but when I do, I feel like I’m dressed up—like I’ve gone the extra mile compared to my usual nude, ’90s-inspired look.
A kind reader reached out in my ‘Ask Laura’ inbox, asking: “Does red lipstick make women look significantly older?”
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I firmly believe that red lipstick does not age you—in fact, it can create a more youthful appearance when applied correctly. Just last week, the stunning Pamela Anderson wore a bold red lip at 57.
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Susan Sarandon is never without her iconic red lipstick, even in her 70s. We must also celebrate Helen Mirren, who is almost 80 and is rarely seen without her vibrant red pout.
Red lipstick can create the illusion of whiter teeth and make your skin appear radiant due to its bold pigment. It’s like an instant facelift without the need for injections.
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When applying red lipstick, it’s essential to keep the rest of your makeup simple. If you choose a bold lip, avoid heavy lashes, smoky eyes, and excessive blush, which can come across as too much and can age you. Simplify your look and let your lips be the star.
Like many beauty trends, preparation is key. Red lipstick is highly pigmented and can cling to your lips, so it’s crucial to ensure a smooth base before application.
Lip Preparation
Start by exfoliating your lips to remove any dry skin, especially during the cold months when central heating can exacerbate this. A few days before you intend to wear red lipstick, I recommend using the Refy ‘Lip Buff’.
This product is innovative and features a built-in applicator that helps remove dead skin, while the serum hydrates your lips, leaving them incredibly soft. For added pampering, consider using the La Mer ‘Lip Balm’ for an extra moisturizing touch.
Yes, it is quite pricey, but a tiny bit goes a long way and offers impressive longevity, leaving your lips feeling smooth. Plus, it has a delightful minty fragrance.
Use Lip Liner
A quality lip liner is essential when applying red lipstick as it prevents the color from feathering beyond your natural lip line, keeping everything in place. Eating, drinking, or even conversing can cause lipstick to smudge, but a lip liner will save the day. I’d suggest the ‘Cream Glide Lip Liner’ from ELF, an affordable choice that comes in a universally flattering shade. It has rich pigmentation with a semi-matte finish.
Careful Application
While many makeup artists recommend using a lip brush for precise application of red lipstick, I trust you can apply it directly from the tube, provided you do so with careful attention.
It’s best to apply in front of a mirror. Follow your natural lip line, and gently blot any excess oil with tissue. A red lipstick that I consider versatile and flattering across skin tones is the Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in ‘Love Bite’. The warm hue suits a variety of undertones and provides a light-medium red that isn’t overwhelming. Additionally, it offers a youthful, radiant finish.
Gloss It Up
If you’re hesitant about bold red lipstick and prefer a more understated tone, a gloss-like formula usually provides a softer look. The added shine can impart a more youthful vibe.
The Trinny London Just Joyous High Shine Lipstick in ‘Poppy’ allows for buildable coverage, letting you tailor the color intensity to your preference. The YSL‘Loveshine’ lipstick in Glowing Lava provides excellent hydration and good opacity, making it a perfect choice for “no makeup” days when you want a touch of glam with little effort.
I also adore the high-shine finish of the Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in ‘Crushed Berry’. It’s sheer but buildable, allowing you to enhance your look while nourishing your lips at the same time. Pair it with a lip liner for a bolder appearance.
