How to Wear Red Lipstick Over 50: A Comprehensive Guide

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Red-y to embrace red lipstick after 50? Some say people our age should eschew red lipstick but I say women over 50 should eschew being told what to do! Guidelines are fine but rules are meant to be broken, darlings!

When it comes to selecting the right red lipstick shade that suits you, nothing is more important than feeling good. Red lipstick makes me feel bold and visible. Whether that’s the popular Mac Ruby Woo or a light lip tint, there’s a red for you.

My editor recently told me that, while she thinks I look fabulous and can pull off the red, she has never owned any red lipstick of her own. So, I challenged her to go out and get some and report back on how it made her feel. I know she’s going to love it! Many women over 50 report feeling empowered and glamorous when they rock a red lip, even if it comes with a few challenges.

I’m challenging you right now, darlings! Go out and get some red! Be bold. Stand out, be visible, and be you! Wearing red lipstick can bring back a sense of nostalgia and help reclaim a bit of youthfulness. Of course, I know some women feel frustrated when red lipstick no longer seems to suit them as they age, but you are not alone.

Read more on Why I Wear Red Lipstick here (I’m very passionate about this topic!).

And remember, red lipstick can even enhance the appearance of your teeth and make your skin look more luminous—just another reason to rock this classic look at any age!

Pucker Up and Get Your Lips Ready

No matter what color lipstick you wear, you must prep your lips and keep them hydrated. Nothing is flattering about red lipstick after 50 if it is flaking off.

It’s a good idea to exfoliate lips to remove dry skin and moisturizing with an emollient lip balm. To get rid of dead skin, gently exfoliate your lips with a scrub or a warm washcloth before applying lipstick. Swiping on a quick slick of balm before bedtime is a great way to keep lips prepped and pretty for the morning.

Before applying lipstick, dab a small amount of hydrating lip conditioner onto your lips for a smooth texture. You can also dab a bit of foundation or concealer to cover your natural lip color and create a blank canvas for the red lipstick.

I like this Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm by Fresh. It’s a lip balm that provides 24-hour moisture. Not to mention, it smells divine and comes in caramel, lemon, and an addictive coconut cream flavor. It has a subtle shine but with no sticky after feel. Grab your hydrating lip balm here.

I also love ILLA’s hydrating lip balm in a Heartbeats. It is nourishing while adding just a flush of a warm red color. You can get it here. While I know that age should not dictate the hue of your lipstick, I also know that, as we age, fine lines and hyper-pigmentation begin to show around the mouth.

Bionova makes a product called Anti Aging Upper Lip Treatment with Uv Chromophores. It aims to reduce all the signs of upper-lip aging, including softening vertical lines: get it here!

Prepping Your Lips for Color After 50

In the morning, or anytime you are ready to apply lipstick, start by prepping your lips with a lip primer or a dab of foundation over the lips—this helps the colour grip and prevents feathering. After applying foundation, use a concealer to cover your natural lip colour and create a blank canvas for a more vibrant result.

Next, outline your lips with a good quality lip liner in the same shade as your lipstick, paying special attention to defining the cupid’s bow. This step helps prevent the colour from bleeding and gives a crisp, clean edge. Filling in the rest of the lips with the liner also helps seal in the shade and prevents the colour from bleeding over the natural lip line.

For application, use a lip brush for more control and precision, which is especially important to avoid a smear and achieve a polished look. Apply your chosen rich red lipstick—satin or creamy matte finishes are most flattering for mature lips. After the first coat, blot with a tissue, then apply a second coat to lock the colour in place.

If you prefer long-lasting options, consider lip stains or a dual-ended stick for convenience and all-day wear. Carry a lip pencil for touch-ups to maintain your lipstick’s appearance throughout the day, as long-wear formulas minimize the need for frequent reapplication.

Remember, achieving the perfect red lip may take a little extra rest and patience, but mastering these steps helps prevent bleed, feathering, and fading—common concerns for women over 50. With the right techniques and products, you can enjoy a bold, confident look that lasts.

Choosing the Right Shade of Red Lipstick After 50

Finding the perfect red lipstick after 50 can feel like a bold adventure, but with a few expert tips and tricks, you’ll discover a shade that truly flatters your unique beauty. As our skin tone and lips evolve over time, it’s important to select a red lip that enhances your natural features and makes you feel absolutely radiant.

Start by considering your skin tone. If you have cool undertones, look for a red lipstick with blue or berry hues—these shades will brighten your complexion and give you that classic, polished look. For warm skin tones, orange-based or brick reds are especially flattering, adding warmth and vibrancy to your style. Lucky enough to have a neutral skin tone? You can wear almost any shade of red, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your signature color.

When testing out a new lipstick, always try it directly on your lips rather than your hand. This gives you a true sense of how the shade interacts with your natural lip color and skin. The finish of your lipstick also makes a difference: a matte formula can create a sophisticated, bold lip, while a satin or gloss finish adds a touch of youthful shine. If you prefer a super natural look, opt for a tinted lip balm in a red shade—perfect for a hint of color that’s easy to wear every day.

For a flawless application, start by outlining your lips with a lip pencil or lip liner that matches your chosen shade. This helps define your lip line and prevents feathering, especially around the cupid’s bow and corners. Fill in your entire lip with the pencil for extra staying power, then use a lip brush to apply your lipstick for precise, even coverage. After applying lipstick, gently blot with a tissue and dust a bit of translucent powder over your lips to lock in the color and prevent smudging. For a deeper color and longer wear, repeat with a second coat and blot again.

Don’t forget to prep your lips with a nourishing lip balm and, if needed, a lip primer to smooth the texture and keep your lipstick from bleeding. Carry your favorite balm with you to keep your lips hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re wearing a matte formula. In the summer, you might want to switch to a lighter, more sheer red for a fresh, bright look that feels comfortable in the heat.

Remember, the secret to rocking a red lip at any age is confidence. Whether you choose a bold, classic red or a subtle, super natural tint, the right shade will make you feel polished and ready to wow. So grab your mirror, line those lips, and let your red lipstick be the finishing touch that makes you feel amazing—because you deserve to stand out and shine!

Still Not Sure You’re Ready for Red Lipstick After 50?

Here are some shades that help “real women” just like us look stunning in red at every age!

Here are some shades that help “real women” just like us look stunning in red at every age! When choosing the perfect red lip, it’s important to select a rich, vibrant colour that enhances your features and stays fresh throughout the day. For added convenience, consider a stick format, which makes application and touch-ups easy and practical. For special occasions, Charlotte Tilbury offers a premium, long-wear red lipstick option that delivers a glamorous finish.

Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Satin Lipstick Shade

Guerlain is my new favorite red lipstick after 50. Not only are the shades gorgeous, but their lipstick is enriched with jojoba, mango butter and hyaluronic acid. The satin formula offers a rich, intense, luminous, long-lasting color that helps achieve the perfect red lip while nourishing and helping to smooth lips.

I also just love my glamorous refillable cases! Check out my Instagram reel here where I show them off.

I also love this KissKiss Shine Bloom Lipstick Balm which feels silky on my lips.

You can find the matte lipstick refills, here and the satin finish lipstick here — in any shade that tickles your fancy (my favorites are shown above).

Check out some of the corresponding gorgeous, refillable lipstick cases such as mine at Sephora. They’re the cat’s meow, darling!

Tom Ford Lipstick

I sometimes soften my red lipstick shade with Tom Ford’s Casablanca. It is one of my favorite staples. I know it is a Tom Ford customer’s favorite staple in their makeup routine because it has not been discontinued. Personally, I have been wearing this color for years. I never leave on a trip without a tube of Casablanca. It is a beautiful neutral with color. For a brilliant cherry red, try Tom Ford Scarlet Rouge.

Get your own Tom Ford Casablanca here at Bergdorf Goodman

MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo

One of the classic, bright red lipsticks, MAC Ruby Woo is long-lasting and very nourishing. It also has a slightly more matte finish for a very Hollywood glam appeal. Don’t forget to nab the corresponding Ruby Woo lip liner. For a deeper shade of red lipstick, try MAC Cosmetics Russian Red. It has more of a blue-red undertone.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

Next up, make a statement with this super lustrous, yet super affordable, shade by Revlon. I’ve been telling people about it for years. You can’t go wrong with red lipstick after 50, but if you’re afraid to try it, this one won’t set you back. You can get yours for less than $10, here

Are you ready to try red lipstick after 50? Please do and tag me on Instagram with a picture of your bold lips. I would love to see them!

Honey Good is a mentor for women, empowering them to live vibrant and visible lives after 50. For more insight into her daily life, plus tips and tricks, follow her on Instagram @iamhoneygood. To inquire about working with Honey, please email her at collabs@honeygood.com.

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