Can You Wear Red Lipstick at 40, 50 and Beyond?

Bold, red lips look radiant this fall on the runway and popping out at us from beauty ads. But let’s face it,  the red lips we see all belong to fresh-faced twenty-somethings!

Can you wear red lips at 40, 50, or older without looking haggard and harsh? I checked in with celebrity make-up artist Sana Young to find out.

Q. Sana, I love red lips and remember wearing them in the ’80s. Can I still wear them, or are red lips too painful past a certain age?

A. Red lips after 40 depend on a few things.

1. The Size of Your Lips

If you have tiny lips, red can be harsh and creepy, so try wearing a deep matte red instead. If your lips are thin or shrinking and you want to wear red, try using a warmer, lighter shade of red with a hint of shine. On the other hand, if you are blessed with full lips, I would suggest trying a more matte look, as matte is definitely in.

2. Your Personality

The stronger your persona, the brighter you can go. It’s a confidence thing. Low-key classic types can also wear red. Just be gentle with the rest of your makeup.

For example, keep your skin looking fresh by applying blush softly, not in harsh, straight lines along your cheekbones, but gently, as you would naturally “blush.” Additionally, you can use eyeliner, but use it sparingly. I have used Urban Decay 24/7 on my celebrity clients and find it to be long-lasting and available in great colors. Go easy with mascara, too. Apply on the top only. Overall, minimal eye makeup works best with a bold red lip.

3. Your Outfit

Specific red lip looks go better, with some looking more than others. If you are wearing something more formal, such as a business suit or a little black dress, you want a classic, feminine look: ivory skin, matte lips, and more formal, coiffed hair.

You can wear less matte red lipstick for everyday, casual looks, such as pairing it with jeans. In this case, go a little warmer with your makeup and let your hair relax. If you aren’t naturally warm-skinned, olive, or sun-kissed, you can use a self-tanner like St. Tropez.

Q. What are your favorite reds?

Most of you will remember wearing Russian Red lipstick, made by MAC in the early 90s, a color made famous by Madonna. Well, it’s just as popular now as it was then and still looks great on women with excellent or neutral skin undertones. If you have ivory skin, regardless of hair color, try using this red shade with blue undertones.

If your skin has olive undertones, try Dior Rouge Blazing Red or MAC Red.

If you have peach or warm (yellow) undertones, try MAC True Red.

A. Some of my favorite long-lasting lipsticks include Clinique Long Last Soft Shine lipstick. It comes in several fantastic colors, such as Merlot or All Heart.

Q. What’s the best way to apply red lipstick and ensure it stays put?

It’s best to apply your lipstick with a brush; it helps you apply just the right amount, not too much, and gives you an even coat. If you use a primer to fill in any fine lines surrounding your lips, you can help prevent bleeding. Ones I like are Make-up Forever Lip Line Perfector or Urban Decay Lip Primer.

Q. Any last tips?

A. Yes, I think everyone should have a red lip color for the holidays… With all the functions coming up, try it at one of your events!! Maybe start with a luncheon with your girlfriends. See their response before trying it at a work party or a more significant family event where many pictures will be taken.

Thanks, Sana. Sana is a celebrity make-up artist.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

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