The Lipstick That’s Holding You Back: the Most Unflattering Shade for Women Over 40

Fashion
The Lipstick That’s Holding You Back:  the Most Unflattering Shade for Women Over 40

Lipstick is often the cherry on top of a well-crafted makeup look, but choosing the right shade is essential, especially for women over 40. The first step in finding the ideal lipstick is to consider your skin’s natural undertones – warm, cool, or neutral. This understanding is crucial as the wrong shade can undermine the beauty enhancements achieved through makeup, leaving one looking less radiant.

Warm undertones typically have golden, peachy, or yellow hues. Women with these tones often tan quickly and look fabulous in gold jewelry. Their natural hair colors can include shades like red, brown, black, or strawberry blonde. If you find these characteristics resonate with you, warm reds, peaches, and orange-toned lipsticks are your best allies. However, the most unflattering lipstick for those with warm undertones is a neutral or cool shade. These colors can appear ‘ashy’ and fail to enhance your natural glow.

Women with cool undertones, on the other hand, have blue, red, or pinkish tones to their skin. They tend to burn in the sun and shine in silver jewelry. If your eyes are blue, grey, or green, and your wrist veins appear blue, you likely fall into this category. For these undertones, avoiding very light or dark lipsticks is advised, as these can make you look sickly and unwell.

Neutral undertones, a unique blend of cool and warm, offer the versatility to pull off nearly any lipstick shade. However, mauve, rose, and nude shades work best to highlight the harmonious balance of hues in neutral skin tones. This versatility doesn’t exempt you from the challenges of aging and lipstick wear, as thin lips and decreased collagen production can affect how lipstick appears.

Elegant close-up of pink lipstick on a stylish makeup vanity with reflections.
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels

Product on Amazon: L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Original Creamy, Hydrating Satin Lipstick with Argan Oil and Vitamin E, Fairest Nude, 1 Count
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Aging itself presents unique challenges when it comes to makeup. As women age, their lips tend to thin, and the surrounding muscles lose some elasticity. This can be countered with specific makeup tricks and techniques. A lip primer can prevent lipstick from bleeding, while concealer around the lip line can create the illusion of plumper lips. The strategic use of different lipstick shades can also add depth and dimension – a darker shade on the outer lips and a lighter one in the center can create a fuller, more youthful appearance.

Lipstick is more than just a cosmetic product; it’s a tool that can enhance or detract from one’s appearance based on color choice. For women over 40, understanding undertones and the effects of aging on lipstick application is crucial in choosing the most flattering shades.

The journey of choosing the right lipstick shade for women over 40 is not just about color; it is about understanding the evolution of beauty needs and preferences as we age. While skin undertones provide a foundational guide, there are other critical factors at play that influence why certain lipstick shades might not work as well for women in this age group. Embracing the nuanced interplay between color, texture, and the changing canvas of one’s lips can redefine the makeup experience, bringing about a confidence that transcends mere aesthetics.

As we gracefully transition into our 40s, the textures of our skin change, and so does the texture of our lips. The plump, youthful lips of our 20s naturally become less full, and the skin around them may develop fine lines. This is a perfectly natural progression, yet it requires a shift in the type of makeup products we use. Certain lipstick shades, particularly those that are too matte or overly dark, can accentuate these changes in ways that are not always flattering. Matte lipsticks, while long-lasting, can settle into lines and make lips appear drier and less vibrant. Instead, opting for creamier textures that offer moisture and a hint of sheen can enhance the fullness of lips and complement mature beauty.

lipstick lips
beautiful lips | close shot of beautiful feminine lips with … | Flickr, Photo by staticflickr.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Product on Amazon: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick, Creamy Formula For Soft, Fuller-Looking Lips, Moisturized Feel, 755 Bare It All, 0.15 Oz
Price: $6.48
Rating: 4.5 with 14,244 ratings
Brand: Revlon

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The color spectrum of lipstick plays another pivotal role. It might be better for women over 40 to steer clear of overly dark shades, as these can give the illusion of thinning your lips, which doesn’t contribute to a youthful appearance. This is particularly true for women with cool undertones, as dark shades can create a stark contrast that highlights imperfections rather than blending them harmoniously into the overall look. Instead, shades that offer a pop of color without overpowering the natural lip line, such as soft plums or berry tones, can work wonders. These hues provide a subtle lift, introducing vibrancy and a healthy glow that can rejuvenate the face without the need for heavy application.

Another important consideration is the role of light in highlighting facial features. Shades that are too light or nude can sometimes wash out the complexion, particularly for those with cool undertones. These shades might lack the depth needed to enhance features, leaving the face looking dull and lifeless. Opting for lip colors with a bit of warmth, such as those with pink or rose undertones, can counteract this effect, bringing life and radiance to the face. Women with neutral undertones, blessed with a versatile complexion, can experiment with a range of colors but should always be mindful of how each shade interacts with their unique skin tone.

Product on Amazon: Maybelline Lifter Gloss, Hydrating Lip Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid, Ice, Pink Neutral, 0.18 Ounce
Price: $8.98
Rating: 4.5 with 48,740 ratings
Brand: Maybelline

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The psychological effects of lipstick should not be underestimated. Lipstick is not about the color; it’s about the feeling that it evokes when a woman wears it. A color that builds confidence can be as strong as an accessory and might completely change not only how the woman looks but also how she carries herself. This emotional dimension of choice in lipstick gains special importance at the moment when women over 40 redefine their style and self-expression. The correct shade of lipstick should empower, be in tandem with one’s preference, and be changed according to one’s lifestyle.

The most unflattering lipstick color is not just one color; it’s one that doesn’t agree with one’s confidence and personal style. Beauty at any age is harmony-color and texture in balance with the individual essence of each woman. Understanding this interaction allows women in their 40s and plus to sail with elegance and confidence through the lipstick world, selecting shades that will enhance their natural attributes and rejoice in their continuing life journey.

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Makeup artist shares ‘unflattering’ lipstick colours for women over 40

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