Mastering Red Lips in Your 40s | A Simple, Chic Guide

If you’ve hit your 40s and started to wonder if your favorite bold lipstick is still a good idea, we’ve got great news: red lipstick is timeless. It’s all about how you wear it. 

Life gets better for women in their 40’s and your appearance should reflect this. 

Many women wonder exactly how to wear red lipstick in your 40s – and the answer is simple: confidently and with just a few strategic tweaks.

As we age, our makeup techniques naturally evolve with the times. The red lipstick look you rocked at 25 might feel different now, and that’s perfectly okay. Here’s your straightforward guide on mastering red lipstick and enhancing your overall makeup over 40.

How to Wear Red Lipstick in Your 40s

• Choose the right shade for your undertone.
• Prep lips with exfoliation and hydration.
• Use lip liner to prevent feathering.
• Apply lipstick with a brush, then blot and layer.
• Keep other makeup subtle for a balanced look.
• Opt for creamy or satin finishes.
• Wear it with total confidence!

In more detail:

1. Choose the Right Shade 

When it comes to makeup over 40, the right shade of red lipstick can brighten your entire face.

• Cool undertones: Opt for blue-based reds.
• Warm undertones: Choose reds with orange or coral bases.
• Neutral undertones: Lucky you – almost any red works!

If your skin tone has changed slightly over the years, reassessing your best shades is a good idea.

2. Prep Your Lips

One big secret to pulling off red lips confidently as part of your makeup over 40 routine is to prep your lips properly:

• Exfoliate gently: Use a soft lip scrub or toothbrush to gently remove dry skin.
• Hydrate your lips: Apply a moisturizing lip balm and let it soak in before you put on your lipstick.

This step ensures your lipstick goes on smoothly, without settling into lines.

3. Don’t Skip the Lip Liner

Many women ask about how to wear red lipstick in your 40s without bleeding or feathering. Lip liner is your answer:

• Choose a liner that closely matches your lipstick shade.
• Line your lips and fill them in slightly to create a smooth, even base.

Lip liner prevents lipstick from feathering into fine lines around your lips – a common issue with makeup over 40.

4. Apply Red Lipstick Strategically

Less can be more with red lipstick as you age:

• Apply with a brush: A precise application helps lipstick stay in place.
• Blot and layer: After applying one thin coat, blot gently with a tissue, then add another thin layer.

This technique ensures long-lasting color without excessive product that can highlight lip lines.

5. Balance Your Look

When learning how to wear red lipstick in your 40s, balance is key. Since red lips are bold, keep the rest of your makeup subtle:

• Natural foundation: Use lightweight, hydrating foundations to enhance skin without emphasizing lines.
• Soft eyes: Neutral eye shadow shades and subtle mascara enhance your eyes without competing with your lips.
• Gentle blush: A soft blush color balances the vibrancy of red lips beautifully.

6. Consider a Satin or Cream Finish

Skin gets drier over 30, so matte lipstick can sometimes highlight fine lines. Instead, opt for satin or creamy textures, which give lips a fuller, hydrated appearance – a helpful trick for successful makeup over 40.

7. Own It with Confidence

Here’s the most important tip on how to wear red lipstick in your 40s: confidence. Rocking red lips is all about attitude. Wearing bold lipstick at any age is empowering and classic.

Makeup Over 40 Can Absolutely Include Bold Lips

Age shouldn’t dictate what makeup makes you feel beautiful. With these tips, red lipstick can (and should!) be a staple of your makeup over 40 toolkit.

So yes, go ahead and wear that bold red lipstick. You’ve earned it, and we promise – it still looks fabulous on you.