Can we still rock red lipstick over 40? Of course! It’s just a matter of application and formulas, says founder of Studio10, Grace Fodor, who shares her favourite products to prep the perfect pout
Words: Grace Fodor Images: Shutterstock
Smooth your pout
A gentle exfoliator will remove any dead skin and build-up, leaving a smooth and hydrated base for your lip products, and ensuring that the colour stays put and lasts longer. My current favourite is the Sugar, Sugar 100% Natural Lip Scrub by NCLA. With organic and moisturising ingredients, it eliminates irritation and leaves lips feeling hydrated and smooth.
Sugar, Sugar 100% Natural Lip Scrub
Top Sante verdict
Gently exfoliates, cleanses, hydrates and brightens lips. Formulated with Organic Beet Sugar, Cocoa Butter and Agave Nectar to gently exfoliate, while Vitamins C & E hydrate and brighten- In Pink Champagne – natural flavor
- Formulated with non-GMO and organic ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Go for a good balm
It’s important to choose a lip balm with a nourishing formula, and my personal recommendation is one that contains hyaluronic acid (HA). BIOSSANCE Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm contains hero ingredients squalane and hyaluronic acid to ensure long-lasting hydration and create a non-smudge base.
Biossance Squalane and Rose Vegan Lip Balm
Top Sante verdict
An intensely moisturising formula that supports a smooth, irresistibly soft pout, with a hydrating blend of ceramides, hyaluronic acid and sugarcane-derived squalane- Squalane to plump the lips with moisture
- Wakame algae lends hydrating benefits while encouraging a plumper-looking finish
- Ceramides and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and hydrate the skin
Ace your liner
Using a lip liner is one of the best ways to ensure lipstick stays put and doesn’t bleed into fine lines. It can also enhance lip shape, definition and add fullness. The Refy Blur Liner creates a naturally fuller lip, with a hydrating matte formula that hugs your lip line and blurs as you apply in one simple step. It can be used as a base for any lipstick or paired with a neutral colour for a volumised and plumped-up pout.
Refy Blur Liner
Top Sante verdict
Refy’s new and improved hydrating matte lip liner for fuller-looking lips. Designed to be applied in one simple step with a no-need-to-blend diffused soft matte finish- Unique domed applicator that hugs your lip line
- Creamy, non-drying formula with an optimised wax and emollient blend for improved strength
- Available in 8 true-to-tone shades
Choose the right shade
Red lips are timeless, but if you are struggling to make them work for you, you may want to consider the undertones in your skin. For warm undertones, opt for a warmer red lipstick with orange undertones. If you have cooler undertones, blue-toned reds will work better. When in doubt, choose a true red shade, with equal amounts of blue and orange, as it looks good with all skin tones.
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Find a flattering formula
Mature lips need a moisturising lipstick formula – avoid ones that are too matte as these are drying. Instead, opt for a more wearable, satin finish. The Studio10 Wake Up & Glow Lip & Cheek Tint in Poppy has a hydrating HA balm at its core, while Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Balm in Wild Cherry gives a wash of colour.
Pat McGrath Labs Lip Fetish Sheer Colour Lip Balm
Top Sante verdict
A divine balm to leave lips sensually smooth. Adds a dewy, hydrating finish and lavish colour tint in one single swipe- Primes lips with a mix of emollients, antioxidants and vitamins
- Revives dry, chapped lips while smoothing and softening in an instant
