Dark lips are dramatically in style. And I was thrilled to learn that something I wear every day—dark lipstick—is trending again.
I want my lips to stand out, just as I want to stand out. I don’t shrink back and become invisible because of age. Darling, I consider age only a number. But let’s have a quick reality check for a moment. Will women over 50 really be rocking black lipstick? Most decidedly we will not. But there are many shades this side of the Goth-inspired onyx and black cherry that are appropriate for women 50 and over.
My Personal Favorite
I feel very feminine in dark lips, and my own go-to shade, Tom Ford’s Black Dahlia, is smooth, silky, sexy, and stays on my lips. Of course, wearing dark lips comes with its own particular challenges: namely getting it applied appropriately and then getting it to stay put – especially if you’re as fond of wearing white shirts as I am.
Tips For Wearing Dark Lipstick Over 50
Here are five tips I can share with you, as someone who wears dark lipstick daily.
1. Exfoliate and moisturize
Chapped lips are much more noticeable with dark shades, and in addition, for whatever reason, dark lipsticks seem to be a bit more drying. A gentle exfoliation and thorough moisturizing will go a long way towards smoothing your look.
2. Lip liner is your friend
When dark lipstick starts to wander, it’s far more noticeable than lighter shades, so lining is a crucial step. After lining the natural contours of your mouth, proceed to fill in your entire lip; it anchors the color to come and helps it stay put.
3. Apply to taut lips
Again, because it’s so dramatic, you don’t want to risk the possibility you miss creases on your lips (otherwise known as wrinkles, dear readers!). So hold them taut to apply across the entire surface of the lip.
4. Check your teeth
Sometimes color transfers to your teeth, and when it’s dark, it really shows. Keep your tissues handy and be ready to wipe those pearly whites off.
5. Be bold
Dark lips are bold and sensual. Always wear them with confidence. You can afford to be bold, darling. You have no reason not to be! Live life to the absolute fullest and if dark lipstick makes you feel sexy, utilize it.
5 Shades Of Dark Lipstick For Women Over 50
Tom Ford Rouge a Levres in Black Dahlia —I wear this bold matte shade from Tom Ford nearly every day. It’s luxurious and velvety, and most importantly, it stays with me through what are some very busy workdays. Buy it HERE.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Matte in Trust Issues —This goes on liquid and dries matte, though with a light sheen that adds dimension to every shade. Buy it HERE.
Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Eton Moi —Even before you even get to the lipstick, take a good look at this particular tube. It’s a little piece of art you can carry with you throughout the day! Luxe in the extreme, it’s super pigmented in a plum shade for less frequent re-application. Buy it HERE.
Dolce & Gabbana’s Dolce Matte Lipstick in Magnetic — This goes on super lightweight for a feathery feel in a seductive, rich purple shade that they claim is “sex in a tube.” Buy it HERE.
Gucci’s Rouges a Levres Satin Lipstick —Retro-inspired but formulated with a modern feel, this one really grips the lips with bold, saturated color. It’s made with a mix of waxes and resin for a sophisticated, weightless finish. Buy it HERE.
These colors are so beautiful, and as you can see, there is no reason to shirk from dark lipstick if you are over 50. Be adventurous and try it out! You can always go back to another color if you do not like it. That’s the beauty of makeup.
What bold and beautiful lipstick shades have you tried, or would you like to try? Please let me know the brands in the comments at the bottom of this page.
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I like Black Honey by Clinique – been my go-to for dark lips for a decade! It’s sheer-dark and moisturizing!