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Lips come in all shapes and sizes. And the more one gently matures, the more difficult it can become to create that perfect pout – especially one that has staying power throughout the day and evening.
Finding this ideal look can be daunting. You want lips that look fresh, with colour that doesn’t bleed into foundation or leave jagged little lines around the lip’s outline, nor rub off the moment you eat or drink anything. As well, mature skin needs a bit more loving care when it comes to lips.
What to do? We asked the experts! Follow these three key steps when planning your next glam look.
How to get the perfect pout
Step one: Prep
Prepping is key, says Shoppers Beauty Pro Katarina Ingratta, of Leamington, Ont. “Lip prep is an important step, (especially) for mature skin,” says Ingratta. “I recommend using a hydrating lip mask or lip conditioner to nourish lips and prevent dryness.”
Lip prep should be part of one’s overall beauty routine, adds Jessica Wattier, a Shoppers Beauty Pro from Montreal, Que. “To avoid dry and dehydrated lips, I recommend regular lip exfoliation and hydration.”
Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm
Ingratta recommends this nourishing balm. “Apply and let it sit for a few minutes before adding lip colour – it instantly nourishes and moisturizes dry lips while peptides help restore a plumped appearance to your lips, so they look full and smooth. You can also apply this balm before bed to hydrate and repair your lips while you sleep.”
Price: $35
Where to buy: Clarins | Shoppers Drug Mart
Madeup Beauty Lush Lip Oil
Wattier recommends caring for lips before applying any liner or colour. This balm formulated with rosehip oil helps to soothe and hydrate.
Price: $21
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart
Scentuals Coconut Lip Balm, set of 3
This coconut-scented balm is all-natural and made with shea butter, cocoa butter, castor, avocado and jojoba oils, along with a touch of beeswax. It glides on gently and leaves a luscious finish. Comes in a set of three.
Price: $17
Where to buy: Amazon
Flexitol Lip Balm
It’s the perfect antidote for cold Canadian winters, when chapped lips are the norm. Flexitol alleviates discomfort due to dryness and you can see visible results in just one day. Apply daily; perfect for under your fave lip colour.
Price: $5
Where to buy: Amazon
Step two: Line
“For my clients with more mature skin, I recommend using a lip liner. Lipstick tends to bleed into fine lines on the skin, and a lip liner will help to keep lip colour in place while defining the lips,” says Ingratta, suggesting creamier options that are highly pigmented and help prevent feathering.
“Use a lip liner over the entire lip – not just to contour,” says Wattier. “Since creamy lipsticks may tend to migrate or feather on more mature skin, try applying your lip liner over the whole lip as a base to ensure longer-lasting colour that won’t budge.”
You can also apply a lip oil over top to fill in any lines and create a smoother, full look.
Milani Understatement Lipliner
This highly-pigmented lip liner uses an ultra-creamy formula that helps perfectly define, reshape and resize lips. Plus it’s not tested on animals and is made with natural ingredients.
Price: $14
Where to buy: Milani | Shoppers Drug Mart
e.l.f. Cream Glide Lip Liner
This liner is a highly-pigmented pencil perfect for shaping and sculpting lips. It has a semi-matte finish and is vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, its ultra-affordable price tag doesn’t hurt.
Price: $3
Where to buy: Amazon | e.l.f.
Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner with Sharpener
This lip liner shapes and defines your smile beautifully, plus it sets in minutes for hours of wear. Fights against bleeding or feathering, contains Vitamin E and aloe to condition your lips while you wear it. Bonus: it includes a built-in sharpener.
Price: $11
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart
Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick
This matte lip crayon comes with a precision tip and a built-in sharpener, and has staying power for up to eight hours. Draws on smoothly and effortlessly.
Price: $10
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart
Step three: Fill
“I find my clients with more mature skin tend to shy away from colour and stay with nudes and more neutral shades,” says Ingratta, who suggests the opposite: “Don’t be afraid to explore vivid colours – just be sure to choose a shade that’s complementary to your skin tone.”
“We’re seeing more interest from our mature clients in matching their blush and lip colour, with a preference for matte nude, soft berry and pink colours,” adds Wattier. Look for products that not only offer beautiful colour payoff, but also hydrate and nourish the lips. They include:
Jason Wu Hot Fluff
The colour is long-lasting and comfortable on the lips with a beautifully soft matte finish – and it can also be used on cheeks, so it’s the perfect trick to create a monochromatic beauty look.
Price: $18
Where to buy: Shoppers Drug Mart
Covergirl Clean Lip Colour
Covergirl’s Clean Lip Colour is infused with squalane, avocado and aloe for smooth and supple lips. Plus, it’s made with minimal ingredients, so you get a clean, lightweight look that also delivers on moisture.
Price: $12
Where to buy: Amazon | Shoppers Drug Mart
Armani Beauty Lip Power Long Lasting Lipstick
This luxe lipstick is infused with jojoba and organic leccino oils that nourish the lips and deliver all-day comfort. Formulated with a unique soft-glide technology for plush and creamy application, this long-lasting matte lipstick instantly delivers colour impact in a single swipe.
Price: $56
Where to buy: Armani Beauty | Holt Renfrew
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor Lipstick
Lightweight with a lovely velvety matte finish, the Revlon Lipcolor in a variety of shades glides on smoothly over penciled-in lips, giving a flawless finish.
Price: $20
Where to buy:Amazon
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