11 Best Lipsticks for Mature Skin 2023, According to Makeup Artists

Aug 08, 2023

By Michelle Rostamian

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but just like your face, the skin on your lips is susceptible to a few age-related changes. Over time, full, plump lips can take on a flatter appearance; fine lines can become more visible; and that once pillowy soft surface begs for moisture (fun times, we know). The truth is, all of these changes are inevitable. "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." What does this mean for your lippie stash? While hydrating lip balms, lip oils, and lip masks will always treat your lips right, it's understandable if you don't want to sacrifice bold pops of red, pink, and fuschia in the name of hydration. As such, you'll want to seek out lipsticks that are thoughtfully formulated with hydrating ingredients, so that they apply smoothly and manage to not settle into fine lines on the lips.

An ingredient that's exceptionally helpful for those with mature lips is one that your skin-care lineup may already be familiar with: hyaluronic acid. "Hyaluronic acid provides hydration and plumpness — it also helps fill in the cracks on the surface of the lips by drawing in moisture, also known as a humectant," says Badro. Other heavy hitters in the world of moisturizing ingredients are emollients like shea butter and cocoa butter, which both work to soften dry cracks and blur the appearance of fine lines. These ingredients are also responsible for giving your lipstick formulas that easy-gliding application. In terms of what to avoid, Los Angeles-based makeup artist Erin B. Guth recommends steering clear of super matte formulas, as they're drier in consistency and may highlight fine lines.

Aside from seeking out more nourishing ingredients for your maturing lips, your application technique plays a role. To enhance the look of your lips, Guth says to 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," she says. After 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 (try the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner for this step). Fill in your lips with your lipstick of choice, pop a bit of a lighter shade to the middle of the lips to highlight, and voilà! Instantly plump-looking lips.

Ahead, we spoke to our makeup artist friends to find out the best lipsticks for mature skin.

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Chanel's Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Color will set you up for ultimate success. The lipstick (pictured here in 434 Mademoiselle), which comes recommended by Guth, has a luminous finish that won't accentuate any dryness. Not that you'll have to worry about that since this is packed with a trio of plant-based waxes (mimosa, jojoba, and sunflower) to guarantee your lips stay hydrated and comfortable from application to removal. On top of that, silicone wax blurs away fine lines for a smoother look.

Forget everything you know (and loathe) about liquid lipstick formulas of the past. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur has a glide-on texture that smooths and blurs the lips for an airbrushed finish, says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Chloe Majdipour. It's also laced with hyaluronic acid to keep lips hydrated for up to 24 hours — perfect for occasions where you need your lipstick to take you through meals, drinks, and everything in between. For a classic hue, look no further than Pillow Talk Blur (pictured here).

The only thing better than the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm's slim packaging (it'll take up virtually no real estate in your purse) is the intensely hydrating formula. It's a favorite for Guth, and it's easy to see why. The lip-plumping ingredients that remain hard at work are avocado and argan oil. What's more, the editor-beloved formula includes shea and mango seed butter (common ingredients you'll find in a lip balm) to nourish chapped lips. For an everyday mauve, Slip (pictured here) is your girl.

A satin formula like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Satin Lipstick has all of the essential characteristics for the times you don't have a mirror handy. According to Majdipour, satin finishes are creamier than mattes and have more slip to them, which makes them easier to apply. And, unlike lipsticks with a glossy finish, you'll get more pigment per swipe without running the risk of feathering. For a wearable everyday color, try this nude option in the shade Honey Taupe.

Forget the lip fillers — the Buxom Cosmetics Full Force Plumping Lipstick injects lips with all the good stuff: hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, and peptides to hydrate and smooth. Badro says you'll get high-coverage pigment with this formula — great for occasions you're donning a full face of makeup. This is available in 16 shades ranging from wearable neutrals to unconventional purples. Another plus: It features a tip that's slightly more indented than traditional lipsticks, making it easier to achieve a more precise application.

If the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lipstick is involved, dry lips are not. The drugstore formula is a crossover between a lip balm and a lipstick, with a lightweight moisturizer on its center that includes panthenol (also known as provitamin B5) to ensure seamless application and zero flaking.

You know those lipstick formulas that deliver an impressive color payoff upon initial application but then fade gracefully throughout the day? That's exactly what the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Crème (seen here in Deep Pink) manages to do — and then some. "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."

When it comes to the By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Balm (Sexy Nude shown here), it's a toss-up between what we love most: its balm-like hydration or how versatile it wears. While the pigmentation isn't as intense as a traditional lipstick, it's the perfect formula to keep in your purse to apply on an as-needed basis when you need a hint of color and a lot of moisture. Badro praises how comfortable it sits on the lips — likely thanks to the formula's "water gloss complex" which delivers a juicy-looking finish.

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For Guth, a product like the Revlon Colorstay Overtime Liquid Lipstick (pictured here in Constantly Coral) accomplishes the difficult task of long-lasting color and hydration. "This stays put and won't dry out the lips because of the dual-ended gloss that moisturizes the lips with vitamin E, chamomile, and soy extract," she says. And, it's a steal at under $10.

While the Urban Decay Vice Hydrating Lipstick is available in a matte finish, we're partial to the satin iteration 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. Ravenwood, pictured here, is a lovely dusty rose you'll love pulling out for any occasion. Looking for something more sheer? This also comes in a high-shine finish for a light wash of color.

Fine lines, who? ColourPop's Lux Lipstick comes in two finishes (blur and crème), with the former expertly diffusing any uneven texture on the lips for a soft-focus effect. Good luck choosing amongst 30 gorgeous shades — Solo, a classic, blue-based red is shown here for inspiration — all of which feature stars imprinted along the bullet if you're into the celestial vibe.

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