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Like everything else on our faces, our lips naturally change as we age. The best lipsticks for older women—thanks to their moisturizing, feather-proof formulas—can help mitigate concerns we may have, like volume loss and fine lines. "As we mature, we tend to lose collagen production, which causes our skin to become thinner and result in volume reduction," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Elaina Badro. "Mature skin also produces less oil, which leads to dryness." silver bottle mascara
The following makeup artist-approved lipsticks have one important aspect in common: They're all enriched with ingredients like plumping hyaluronic acid and emollient shea butter to smooth and plump while providing rich, vibrant pigment. Learn more about the best lipsticks for mature skin to soften the effects of dryness, thinness, and accentuated fine lines.
Why it's worth it: Recommended by Los Angeles-based makeup artist Erin B. Guth, Chanel's Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour has a lustrous finish that won't exacerbate dryness. On second thought, forget about dryness altogether, since this formula is packed with a trio of plant-based waxes (mimosa, jojoba, and sunflower) to help your lips stay moisturized and comfortable. If you want extra precision, use a Chanel lip brush to ensure super-fine lining.
Allure's tester after applying Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick in Suzanne
Allure's tester applying Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick in Suzanne
Key ingredients: jojoba butter, mimosa butter, sunflower wax | Finish: satin | Shades: 19
Why it's worth it: Clinique's Almost Lipstick, a.k.a. the beloved brand's version of a tinted lip balm that debuted in 1971, has become a Gen-Z-driven TikTok hit. It comes in two shades: the iconic 2023 Best of Beauty Award-winning deep berry shade Black Honey and the true-mauve Pink Honey. It's no wonder one tube of Black Honey sells every four minutes worldwide: Its sheer coverage and an ultra-comfortable formula, packed with emollients like castor seed oil, candelilla wax, and vitamin E, speak for itself.
Tommy Napoli, a New York City-based makeup artist, shared his favorite way to apply this lipstick. "I like to blot a layer of Black Honey with a tissue and reapply for extra color payoff, longevity, and hold," he explained. "I've had clients who wear it alone or under clear gloss."
Allure's tester after applying Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Allure's tester applying Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Key ingredients: castor seed oil, candelilla wax, tocopherol | Finish: satin | Shades: 2
Why it's worth it: You'll always find us saying "YSL yeah" whenever we're swiping on YSL's Best of Beauty-winning Loveshine Lip Oil Stick (formerly known as the Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm). This bad boy is pigmented, hydrating, long-wearing, and sheer without being too subtle—bridging the gap between lipstick and lip oil. The moisturizing formula makes for a juicy pout, minimizing dryness and fine lines. "Despite my best efforts, my lips are no stranger to dryness and fine lines, so this formula works wonders and hugs my lips in a blanket of long-lasting moisture," says commerce editor Sarah Han.
Allure's tester after applying YSL Lip Oil in Electric Love
Allure's tester applying YSL Lip Oil in Electric Love
Key ingredients: 60% YSL signature oil base (contents not disclosed but the ingredient list includes passionfruit oil), fig pulp | Finish: sheer and shiny | Shades: 17
Why it's worth it: Take it from bicoastal makeup artist Nick Barose, whose clients include the fabulous Kim Cattrall, and names the Lisa Eldridge Rouge Experience Lipstick as his top lipstick for older women. "It's the perfect texture for mature lips because it’s neither too matte nor too shiny," he attests. "It has blurring qualities and the cream-gel texture slightly fills and plumps the lines of the lips." The luxurious gold aluminum packaging is just the lip-illuminating cherry on top—and you can buy lipstick refills for $28 a pop. Plus, if you're looking for a cute gift for your mom, aunt, or grandma, you can have their initials engraved for an extra $4 (only on Lisa Eldridge's website).
Key ingredients: N/A | Finish: satin, luminous | Shades: 8
Why it's worth it: Armani makes excellent lipsticks, we're not surprised the brand has a mature-lip-friendly option—and a long-lasting one, at that. "If you have a long day in the boardroom, a late night dinner followed by dancing, or just anytime you want your lip color to really last, this is the perfect formula," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Robin Black. "It's intensely pigmented with a lightweight feel and a smooth satin finish that stays put for six to hours. I've even worn it through a client lunch, straight into a meeting without a touch-up in between!" The ultimate test of a long-wearing lipstick is how it wears through a meal, so consider us totally sold.
Key ingredients: N/A | Finish: satin | Shades: 15
Why it's worth it Anastasia Beverly Hills Satin Lipstick distributes color evenly for immaculate application every time. In this long-wearing, highly-pigmented formula, you'll find moisturizing vitamin E and an ester complex that conditions and hydrates with each swipe. Los Angeles-based makeup artist Chloe Majdipour confirms lipsticks with satin finishes have more slip than matte formulas, making them easier to apply—a significant bonus for people with dry lips.
Key ingredients: capric triglyceride (a combination of emollient fatty acids like coconut oil and glycerin), vitamin E, microcrystalline wax | Finish: satin | Shades: 24
Why it's worth it: If you're all about the mattes, you know that many formulas can highlight fine lines rather than disguise them. So why settle for less when Merit's Signature Matte Lip exists? This hydrating matte goes on sans shine but looks lived-in right away. The key is a soft matte, bridging the gap between a balm and an indulgent velvety finish—you can thank the formula's hyaluronic acid and sesame seed extract for that. "This long-lasting lipstick is surprisingly very moisturizing while still managing to read matte, which is a feat," says Allure creative director Amber Venerable. "My favorite shade in the line is Vermillion, which is a true red. It's so good!"
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, sesame oil | Finish: soft matte | Shades: 8
Why it's worth it: Mirrorless application doesn't get easier than with Monika Blunder's soft-gliding, buttery Kissen Lush Lipstick Crayon. You can apply to the center of your lips and blot with your fingers for a low-key look, or line your lips and go all in. "This hydrating, super-soft formula glides on and is the perfect go-to for everyday life. It doesn't settle into creases and the satin finish is flattering on everyone," shares Black. "The small crayon style of packaging also makes it easy to tuck into a bag or pocket for quick touch-ups. And right now, I'm loving the 90s-inspired brick red shade Magdalena." Speaking of reds, we think Matilda (a true neutral red) and Charlotte (a warm coral red) are gorgeous, too. "One of my favorite things to do is to wear red lips during the day, casually, with a white T-shirt—it's like so French girl–inspired," says founder and makeup artist Monika Blunder in a video found on the product page. Ooh la la, we have to agree.
Key ingredients: castor seed oil, rice bran extract, shea butter | Finish: satin | Shades: 9
Why it's worth it: We love a lipstick formula that delivers impressive color payoff upon initial application and fades gracefully to an effortless, lived-in look. Tarte's Maracuja Juicy Lip Crème? It does exactly that. "This multipurpose lipstick contains a maracuja superfruit complex, which helps hydrate the lips for several hours," says Guth. "It also has a satin-gloss finish and medium coverage." It's one of Tarte's many viral products for its high-shine finish and a gorgeous lineup of 15 nudes and pinks.
Key ingredients: maracuja oil, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil, goji berry, açai | Finish: glossy | Shades: 15
Why it's worth it: In many cases, your lipstick is only as good as the condition of the lips beneath it all. Sarah Creal's Lip Grip Line Filler is "a must for more mature lips," according to Black. "It's a peptide priming treatment that smooths and blurs lip lines while keeping your lipstick in place for longer. Lactic acid gently exfoliates any texture, helping the other actives (like peptides) to penetrate more effectively. You can even dab some around your lips to soften any lines.
Key ingredients: peptides, lactic acid, blurring optics | Finish: hydrating, smoothing | Shades: 1
Why it's worth it: While the Urban Decay Vice Hydrating Lipstick is sold in both matte and cream finishes, we're partial towards the latter for mature lips. "The super creamy formula is infused with aloe vera and avocado oil so the lips will feel nourished and hydrated," says Majdipour. The wide shade range makes it easy to find the right color for your undertones. Looking for something more sheer? Certain shades come in a high-shine finish, like the warm pink Weho for a light wash of color.
Editor's tip: For softer color distribution, gently dab the product across your lips and blend by rubbing your lips together.
Key ingredients: aloe vera, avocado oil, sesame seed oil | Finish: matte, satin | Shades: 35 (13 satin, 15 matte, 6 high-shine finish)
While moisturizing lip products like balms, oils, and masks deeply condition your lips, it's understandable if you don't want to sacrifice your favorite red lipstick in the name of hydration. Thankfully, you can achieve the pigmentation you desire and still reap the benefits of lip-loving, texture-blurring ingredients, thanks to the abundance of hydrating and conditioning oils. In case you aren't aware, moisture replenishment is especially important for diminishing the look of volume loss and fine lines, two key concerns that tend to pop up around the mouth as we get older. "As we age, our capacity to retain water in the skin diminishes, so skin becomes drier," Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. "Dry skin can appear dull and make fine lines more noticeable."
Cosmetic chemist Ginger King says taking this extra step to find a hydrating lipstick is worthwhile. "For mature women, the selection of lipstick is trickier because they tend to have thinner and drier lips." A safe bet, King says, is to "choose a more muted tone" or springing a tinted lip balm may be more suitable than a fully pigmented lipstick."
In case it wasn't evident, hyaluronic acid is a beneficial ingredient for all, but especially for older women. According to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, this hydrating humectant is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness." Los Angeles-based makeup artist Elaina Badro adds that hyaluronic acid's plumping properties help "fill in the cracks on the surface of the lips," creating a smoother look to your lips.
Other moisturizing heavy hitters are emollients like shea butter and cocoa butter, which soften dry cracks and blur the appearance of fine lines. These ingredients are also responsible for giving your lipstick formulas that easy-gliding feeling. As for what to avoid? Guth recommends generally steering clear of matte lipsticks, as they have drier finishes that may highlight fine lines.
Aside from seeking more nourishing ingredients for your maturing lips, your application technique plays a vital role in your finished look. To enhance the look of your lips, start with a clear lip balm to prime and prep the area. "Primers are a great way to ensure that the products stay in place and can prevent feathering, which can draw attention to fine lines," Guth says.
After lip primer, she recommends using a lip pencil one to two shades darker than your natural lip color to slightly overdraw and give the illusion of bigger lips. Fill in your lips with your lipstick of choice, pop a bit of a lighter shade to the middle of the lips to highlight, et voilà! Instantly plump-looking lips.
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best lipsticks for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, makeup artists, and cosmetic chemists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, demographics, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, efficacy, and hydration. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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