5 Lipstick Mistakes That Make You Look Older

Who doesn't love a good lipstick? A splash of lippie can do wonders for your face, adding warmth and giving your overall makeup look a chic, polished feel in seconds.

eauty vlogger and founder of Look Fabulous Forever Tricia Cusden says lipstick is particularly important for mature women, as it adds much-needed colour to pale lips and gives definition back to the mouth. 'If your lips have become thin you can also make them appear plumper with careful application' says Tricia.

However, while lipstick can make you look lovely, if applied incorrectly it can also be ageing – the opposite effect to what most of us are trying to achieve.With that in mind, we asked Tricia to talk us through the main lipstick mistakes she sees older women make – plus what to do instead!

1. Applying makeup over dry, flaky lips

Dry lips are never a good look, but in middle age and beyond dry skin can cause lipstick to set in the cracks around your mouth, which is extremely ageing. Tricia recommends using a very gentle exfoliator to lightly buff your lips, removing dead skin. 'Make sure you buff the outer edge of your lips too' she advises.

Another tip to ensure your lips are in tip-top condition is always to wear protection on them when you go outside.

2. Not using lip primer

'Lip primers prevent feathering and bleeding of lipstick into the lines around your mouth' explains Tricia. 'Older mouths can look "fuzzy" when wearing lipstick because the product migrates over the edge of the lipline'. Lip primer will stop this smudging in its tracks.

3. Applying the lipstick straight from the bullet

en you're older, lipstick application is all about precision and sharp lines, which is why you need to use the right tools. 'Start by using a lip liner to create a defined line around the edge of your lips, then fill in with colour' advises Tricia. 'I recommend using a brush for this; it allows greater accuracy and means you can build up the colour gradually'.

4. Letting your lipstick fade in the middle

A harsh lipline around the outer edge of the lips and disappearing colour in the middle is often associated with fashion trends of a bygone era, so make sure you avoid this so people don't see you as a throwback! 'To make colour last longer, build up your lipstick with a brush then blot with a tissue – this will push the lipstick into the lips' says Tricia. 'Then apply a second coat and, if you want it to be really long-lasting, repeat a third time.'

5. Using a colour that is too nude

Nude lip colours are all the rage, but if you go too pale with your shade it will mean losing your natural lipline; a feature key to younger-looking lips.

Go for tones similar to the darkest part of your lips, or better still, go bold – bright lipsticks aren't just for those in their twenties! 'Helen Mirren is the perfect example of someone who looks amazing with a coat of strong lipstick' says Tricia. 'I love fushcia lip colour in the summer sunshine, and for winter parties I always reach for a bright red, which is wonderful to brighten up a black outfit.'

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