Red lipstick is my signature, darling. It lifts me up every time I wear it!
*Affiliate disclosure.
Red-y to embrace red lipstick after 50? Some say people our age should eschew red lipstick but I say women over 50 should eschew being told what to do! Guidelines are fine but rules are meant to be broken, darlings!
When it comes to selecting the right red lipstick shade that suits you, nothing is more important than feeling good. Red lipstick makes me feel bold and visible. Whether that’s the popular Mac Ruby Woo or a light lip tint, there’s a red for you.
My editor recently told me that, while she thinks I look fabulous and can pull off the red, she has never owned any red lipstick of her own. So, I challenged her to go out and get some and report back on how it made her feel. I know she’s going to love it!
I’m challenging you right now, darlings! Go out and get some red! Be bold. Stand out, be visible, and be you!
Read more on Why I Wear Red Lipstick here (I’m very passionate about this topic!).
Pucker Up and Get Your Lips Ready
Red lipstick after 50 is empowering and every woman should make a statement with red lips!
No matter what color lipstick you wear, you must prep your lips and keep them hydrated. Nothing is flattering about red lipstick after 50 if it is flaking off.
It’s a good idea to exfoliate lips to remove dry skin and moisturizing with an emollient lip balm. Swiping on a quick slick of balm before bedtime is a great way to keep lips prepped and pretty for the morning.
I like this Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm by Fresh. It’s a lip balm that provides 24-hour moisture. Not to mention, it smells divine and comes in caramel, lemon, and an addictive coconut cream flavor. It has a subtle shine but with no sticky after feel. Grab your hydrating lip balm here.
Sugar Hydrating Lip Balm
I also love ILLA’s hydrating lip balm in a Heartbeats. It is nourishing while adding just a flush of a warm red color. You can get it here. While I know that age should not dictate the hue of your lipstick, I also know that, as we age, fine lines and hyper-pigmentation begin to show around the mouth.
Hydrating Lip Balm
Bionova makes a product called Anti Aging Upper Lip Treatment with Uv Chromophores. It aims to reduce all the signs of upper-lip aging, including softening vertical lines: get it here!
Anti Aging Upper Lip Treatment With UV Chromophores
Prepping Your Lips for Color After 50
In the morning, or anytime you are ready to apply lipstick, start by treating lips to a layer of foundation. Next, apply lipstick and blot it with a cotton ball dusted in face powder. After that, (and never before) apply lip liner to the lip line and then fill in the remainder of the lips. Now you’ll have a red lipstick that lasts all day and doesn’t feather into fine lines.
Still Not Sure You’re Ready for Red Lipstick After 50?
Here are some shades that help “real women” just like us look stunning in red at every age!
Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Satin Lipstick Shade
Guerlain is my new favorite red lipstick after 50. Not only are the shades gorgeous, but their lipstick is enriched with jojoba, mango butter and hyaluronic acid. The satin formula offers intense, luminous, long-lasting color while nourishing and helping to smooth lips.
I also just love my glamorous refillable cases! Check out my Instagram reel here where I show them off.
I also love this KissKiss Shine Bloom Lipstick Balm which feels silky on my lips.
You can find the matte lipstick refills, here and the satin finish lipstick here — in any shade that tickles your fancy (my favorites are shown above).
Check out some of the corresponding gorgeous, refillable lipstick cases such as mine at Sephora. They’re the cat’s meow, darling!
Tom Ford Lipstick
I sometimes soften my red lipstick shade with Tom Ford’s Casablanca. It is one of my favorite staples. I know it is a Tom Ford customer’s favorite staple in their makeup routine because it has not been discontinued. Personally, I have been wearing this color for years. I never leave on a trip without a tube of Casablanca. It is a beautiful neutral with color. For a brilliant cherry red, try Tom Ford Scarlet Rouge.
Get your own Tom Ford Casablanca here at Bergdorf Goodman.
MAC Cosmetics Ruby Woo
One of the classic, bright red lipsticks, MAC Ruby Woo is long-lasting and very nourishing. It also has a slightly more matte finish for a very Hollywood glam appeal. Don’t forget to nab the corresponding Ruby Woo lip liner. For a deeper shade of red lipstick, try MAC Cosmetics Russian Red. It has more of a blue-red undertone.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Next up, make a statement with this super lustrous, yet super affordable, shade by Revlon. I’ve been telling people about it for years. You can’t go wrong with red lipstick after 50, but if you’re afraid to try it, this one won’t set you back. You can get yours for less than $10, here.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
Are you ready to try red lipstick after 50? Please do and tag me on Instagram with a picture of your bold lips. I would love to see them!
Honey Good is a mentor for women, empowering them to live vibrant and visible lives after 50. For more insight into her daily life, plus tips and tricks, follow her on Instagram @iamhoneygood. To inquire about working with Honey, please email her at collabs@honeygood.com.
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The best red lipstick is Lock and Shine. It lasts all day, doesn’t feather and looks great. A few great shades of red to choose from. Doesn’t come off on anything
Thank you for the advice. Warmly, Honey
I love red lipstick. It makes a world of difference and brightens up a smile
And, our lives! There is just something about red lipstick that gives me moxies! You, too? Warmly, Honey
I love Gabriel lipsticks and Kosas lipsticks. They don’t bleed and the colors are beautiful. Plus, they’re healthy!
Thank you for sharing with us. Warmly, Honey
I LOVE red lipstick and have worn “red” for years! I am 75, and I often am asked about what brand of lip color I use. I have used “Maybelline Super Stay 24 Hour Color” for years. They have several “red shades” to choose from!!
Thank you for your suggestion. Women need women! Warmly, Honey
I wear red lipstick daily. I am known for my Red Lipstick Legacy.
And for binking (when Meanie kisses the grands and leaves a red kiss on their faces!)
And on their birthday card envelopes! A big kiss! Warmly, Honey
Guerlein makes an amazing primer called Kiss Kiss that absolutely prevents lip colour from bleeding. It’s a bit pricey but the best of all the varieties I’ve tried. Boomerbroadcast.net
I am buying it today!!! Hope the other girls will, too. Thank you. Warmly, Honey
Loved this encouragement to step out of the box!!! Super!!!
I am so glad!!! Warmly, Honey
I am always amazed that the fashion writers say to not use red lipstick but when you go to purchase it you will find it is the color(s) that are sold out!!! Nice to know that people don’t take their advice!!!
Red lipstick makes you feel even more sunny! Warmly, honey
I recently read this article. While looking up the Guerlain brand, I saw a color named Gladys. My mother’s name! And right next to it was, Geraldine. My grandmother’s name. Yes, I bought both lipsticks. ❤️💄💄❤️
What a fabulous story! Enjoy. Warmly, Honey
I think ALL ladies need a brighter shade of lip color!!! As you age, facial structure lowers, hair color “lightens”, and you need MORE COLOR on your lips.
My Mother wore Revlon Cherries in the Snow, and I do too!
Never go out the door without my eyebrows darkened AND my bright lip!!!!
Both brighten my outlook on my day.
I agree with you 100%!!!!!! Eyebrows are just as important as lipstick. Warmly, Honey
GM again……..
I am once again on a red/coral hunt that does NOT bleed !! I will try your technique… and your color suggestions… Enjoy this beautiful weather !
xo,p
Buy a tube of Kiss Kiss by Guerlain. The bleeding will stop no matter what lipstick brand you purchase. Enjoy the last days of summer,too. Warmly, Honey
I got out the only Tom Ford lipstick I have and it is Casablanca! I found it a number of years ago and when I went to get it again, they said it was discontinued BUT, lo and behold, the sales lady found one. It is a perfect go-to color for every day. I am going to try some red lipstick….at 76 it is hard to go that route, but Honey, you have convinced me!
Razzle your dazzle! Go for it. Age is just a number. I am so glad you found the color. Have a lovely day. Warmly, Honey