IF you’re over 50 and you do nothing else when it comes to make-up, wear lipstick. Because next to your eyes, the most powerful asset you have is your lips. And colourful lipsticks for more mature lips will instantly lift and brighten your complexion.

Lipstick is one of the quickest ways to change your look. More importantly, the older you get the more colour you need. However, as you age, your lips thin and lines may develop around your mouth.

If you usually apply the same barely there shade, it’s time to pump up the colour. So what are the best lipsticks for more mature lips?

PRETTY IN PINK

A moisturising pink or coral shade with mid-strength colouring is universally flattering for mature lips and will ensure your lips look fresh and lively without being overpowering.

Generally speaking, cooler pink tones (those on the bluer end of the spectrum) suit fairer skins, while warmer pink tones (those closer to red and orange) are better for darker skins. So if you’re fair skinned, consider pinks and light corals, and stay away from browns. Those with medium skin tones can go a little darker, so try rose, mauve and berry shades. While dark-skinned women look great in reds, browns and deep plums.

NUDE IS NICE

Soft nudes and lighter shade lipsticks on mature lips give the illusion of fuller and poutier lips because there is no defined border.

But beige tones on more mature lips are unforgiving and can make teeth look yellow, while a too-pale shade can make you look as if you’re wearing no lipstick at all. Instead, try nudes in soft, muted rose tones one or two shades darker than your natural lip colour.

GO BOLD

Think a bold or dark lipsticks for more mature lips aren’t for you? Then think again.

As long as you choose the right shade (depending on your skin tone and your lips aren’t too thin as a dark colour can make you look severe) — you CAN wear stronger or darker colours.

My current favourites include two very dark burgundy almost blackberry colours Rouge Noir by Chanel Rouge Allure and Berry Formidable by Bourjois Rouge Velvet The Lipstick; and a strong bold red by Napoleon Devine Goddess Lipstick called Aphrodite.

Bright, bold shades are especially stunning if you wear glasses because a bold lip can balance the heaviness of some frames. Just remember to tone down your eye makeup and blush if you’re going bold on your lips.

WRINKLES BE DAMNED

Got wrinkled or lined lips? Then avoid frosted or shimmery shades as they will only enhance the lines. Instead, try the same colour in a cream formulation or moisturising sheer texture. And avoid matte lipsticks for more mature lips as they can be drying and exacerbate wrinkles.

A thin layer of facial primer on dry lips will also keep your lipstick fresh and bold all day, and prevent it from seeping into the fine lines around your mouth.

A gloss finish or lip oil can also temporarily “plump up” lips. They are great for day, especially in summer when you have a tan. But at night, dab a touch in the middle of your lips over your lipstick to make your lips appear fuller and poutier, and create a subtle shine. However, gloss tends to slip and slide and can settle into any lines around your lips. And if you have long hair and wear it down, getting your strays and flyways stuck on gloss lips can be a pain!

TOP TIPS FOR LUSCIOUS LIPS

1. Thinner or smaller lips look best with brighter, more vivid colours. Brighter colours may take a bit of getting used to, but they make a small mouth or more mature lips more noticeable.

2. Avoid darker colours on thin or more mature lips as they can make the mouth look severe and harsh.

3. Fuller lips can wear just about any colour, but softer shades look better on more mature lips because darker or vivid colours can make large lips look too prominent.

4. Make sure your lipstick colour and blush are the same tone. For example, if you’re wearing a blue-toned blush, wear a blue-toned lipstick.

5. Want long-lasting colour? Fill in your lips with a lip liner then apply a similar-coloured lipstick or gloss. Filling in your whole lip with a lip liner acts like a stain, helping the colour last all day. And remember, “the more on the mouth goes south”. In other words, the more lipstick you put on, the more likely it is to run.

6. Alternatively, apply lipstick, blot your lips, then reapply and blot again. Your lipstick will have twice the staying power.

7. To avoid getting lipstick on your teeth, after you apply lipstick insert your index finger into your mouth, close lips lightly around it, and slowly pull out your finger.

8. Prevent lipstick from bleeding on more mature lips by applying a little foundation around the outside of your lips and set with powder. Then apply colour.

9. As we age, our lips lose natural oils and their plumpness. So to keep more mature lips looking smooth, and to prevent feathering and bleeding, exfoliate your lips as part of your weekly routine. Use an old toothbrush and a dollop of lanolin and gently scrub your lips. Or use a hydrating lip balm under your lipstick if your lips seem dry.