Beauty Advice

Think you can’t wear red lipstick in midlife? Think again…

There’s no need to opt for barely-there makeup in later life – and who says we shouldn’t embrace a bold red lip?

Here makeup artist, Naomi Lake, shares her top tips for applying red lipstick in midlife and beyond.

How to wear red lipstick in midlife

Lips can get thinner and dryer with passing years, but no one can pull off an elegant red lip quite like a woman in mid and later life. Just look at Helen Mirren.

Prepare your lips

The key to this look is putting in the prep.

Start by buffing away any dry patches with a sugar scrub before applying a thick coat of lip balm. I recommend the clean and tasty scrubs from Lush and wouldn’t be caught without my Avène Cicalfate Repair Balm.

How to choose the perfect shade

When it comes to picking your red, opt for a hydrating formula. I often use Tropic Kiss Me Quick Lipstick in the shade Hot Poppy. It’s a classic matte red that suits everyone and is enriched with shea, mango and jojoba oils.

Define your lips

If you want a crisp and defined lip, take a matching lip liner and gently outline the desired shape in short, light strokes. Alternatively, dab colour onto the centre of the lip and blend out for a modern, diffused style.

Consider the rest of your look

Take care to balance your red lip with the rest of your makeup. I tend to keep cheeks warm so the pop of red doesn’t look so stark. Pearl Beauty’s Cream Bronzer, applied to the high points of the face, adds colour without too much shimmer. And, as a rule of thumb, keep eyes neutral.

Ready to embrace a red lip? Liz shares her favourite lipsticks below:

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