Over 40s guide to wearing bright lipstick

If you have ever thought you’re too old to wear a bright lipstick, think again. Priceline Pharmacy Makeup Director Rae Morris believes vibrant lip colours can look fantastic on women in their 40s and beyond – it just comes down to the right colour choice and application technique. Here, she talks you through the ins and outs so you can find your confidence to go bold and bright! 

Bright lipstick basics

When you’re dealing with a few age-acquired lines around the mouth area, you need a slightly different lipstick application technique. Here are Morris’s top tips:

#1 / Ensure that your lips are really clean – no lip balm or errant hairs.
#2 / Use a lip pencil that matches your chosen colour to lightly pencil and fill the mouth shape.
#3 / Apply your lipstick straight from the bullet in a single application – multiple layers are more likely to bleed.

Bold lip colour dos & don’ts

Do: Keep your eye makeup neutral when wearing
 a bright lip.

Don’t: Choose a metallic or frosty lipstick formula, as it draws attention to lines.

Do: Make sure a bright lip colour works with your overall outfit.

Don’t: Be afraid to wipe off your lipstick and start over if it looks tired.

Finding your perfect lipstick shade

Team pink, tangerine or red? Here’s how to find the best bright lipstick to suit you...

Lady in red

“A red lip suits everyone!” Morris says. “You just need to find
 your shade.” The key 
is to choose a red 
with either warm or
cool undertones to 
match your skin tone. 
If you’re not sure
 about yours, try Morris’ 
simple test: “Silver 
jewellery is flattering
 on women with cool
 undertones, while 
women with warm 
undertones are more
 likely to wear gold.”


Red lipsticks we love: Covergirl Outlast Longwear Lipstick in Fireball, Essence Longlasting Lipstick in All You Need Is Red, Natio Lip Colour in Ruby, Revlon Lustrous Matte Lipstick in Retro Red

Pretty in pink

It doesn’t get any prettier than a popping pink lipstick. Women with a cool complexion generally 
suit pink lipstick, as
 the colour is generally cool-based. However,
 Rae advises that when wearing this bright lip 
shade: “Keep blush to a minimum, as you don’t want pink lips and pink cheeks.” 

Pink lipsticks we love: Face Of Australia Lip Quench Moisturising Lipstick in Malibu Barbie, Models Prefer Lipstick in Paparazzi Pink, Rimmel London Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 20

Tangerine dream

Bright orange lippie is
 a guaranteed head-turner 
– and Morris says it should 
be a go-to shade for 
those with warm and olive skin tones. 

Orange lipsticks we love: NYX Butter Lipstick in Hot Tamale, Innoxa Summer Matte Lipstick in Tangerine, Maybelline NY Color Sensational Vivids Lipcolor
in Shocking Coral

Prefer to wear a dark lip colour than a bright one? Read our expert tips for nailing a dark red lip.

Find more beauty inspiration from New Idea at newidea.com.au

Image credits: Getty