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Original poster

Is it ageing to wear bright lipstick when you're over 40?

20 replies

HouseOfBambooootiful · 26/12/2011 14:26

I'm not keen on bright lipsticks (on me) anyway - they never look right.
But now I'm over 40 I just look in the mirror and see Barbara Cartland Xmas Sad

I keep trying though as I feel I look a bit monochrome at the moment.

I should just give up and concentrate on covering up broken veins and use good eye make-up, shouldn't I? And maybe some Abba-blue eyeshadow?

OP posts:
FootballFriendSays · 26/12/2011 15:03

I don't think it's ageing.

Gillybobs · 26/12/2011 17:07

I think the key is to wear colour on one feature at a time. Either bright lips OR bright cheeks (a fave of mine) OR coloured eye-makeup. Its when you do more than one at a time it give the Barbara Cartland effect. So give bright lips a try but stick with just mascara/bit of eyeliner and bronzer on cheeks for warmth.

I also really like a fairly bright blusher but again Id pair it with a simple eye liner and neutral lipgloss

HTH

lurkinginthebackground · 26/12/2011 17:30

Could you go to a store and ask them to do a make-over. Ask them about bright lipstick and try various shades.
Some bright colours might suit whilst others won't.
I think pure red is difficult to wear as an example, whilst a more pinky tone might be ok.

Mrsrobertduvall · 26/12/2011 18:15

I like bright lips but keep eyes simple...and don't use a matte lipstick. I use a Clinique moisture colour thing which is a bright coral but doesn't crack.

Mrsrobertduvall · 26/12/2011 18:15

Oh and have laser treatment on red veins...saves a fortune on concealer!!!

OnemorningXmasCockMonkey · 26/12/2011 18:22

I'm 40 and love bright lipstick, but stick to either full-on lip or eye make up, as suggested above.

I wear red, but as lurking said it's about finding the right one.

lou33 · 26/12/2011 18:44

I wear bright lippy a lot and I am 45 next week. In fact I have a pic on my profile that input on wrt another thread about red lipstick. I wear bright pink too. It depends on my mood though as I often wear nudes browns as well.

It is definitely a good idea to stick to the eyes or lips rule though, or you can look a bit scary.

lou33 · 26/12/2011 18:45
  • I put
MrsCampbellBlack · 26/12/2011 18:45

Get some mac lip prime too to stop feathering.

And agree that a glossier finish works well.

talkingnonsense · 26/12/2011 18:46

When I was younger I felt lipstick made me look ridiculous and clown like. Now I'm 40 I realise my lips have faded and a little bit of colour makes me look more me, iyswim. But it might be a slippery slope towards barbaraville.

brandrethmupp · 26/12/2011 18:52

It depends on whether it suits you and that applies any age. I am a freckle face and it's never suited me. Someone like Magenta Devine who is now probably in her 50s has always suited bright red lip stick and probably still does.

Kristingle · 26/12/2011 19:09

No, as long as its the right colour

Its easier to get away with the wrong colour when you are young.

ZZZenAgain · 26/12/2011 19:11

no, I don't think so. It is only bad IMO if your skin shade won't carry it off or if you are framing yellow teeth with it, but that is not related to age

DonaAna · 26/12/2011 21:00

Get the undertones right, keep the rest of your makeup subtle and a good dose of color can really look good - I just saw a very elegant hostess at a coctail party who wore bright poppy red - lovely! But ask to try the color first at the counter.

Original poster
HouseOfBambooootiful · 26/12/2011 21:18

Thanks for all the replies Xmas Smile

I hadn't factored in blusher at all tbh, I've got such hideous broken veins. But it might be a cunning disguise for them, ha. I'm really tempted by the laser zapping (apart from the price) - I reckon it would be TRANSFORMATIONAL.

It's been years since I've properly done eyeshadow - used to do the three colour thing with pearly on the lids and smoky round the edges, maybe I'll get hold of one of those and give it another go. I always wear eyeliner and mascara anyway.

Lou - your red lippy looks great and v stylish Xmas Envy Your colouring looks very different to mine though - I've got v dark hair, pale freckly skin and grey eyes.

I know I can't wear any lipstick with orange tones in, it's got to be bluey red or it's very bad indeed. I used to be able to get away with fuschias and purples, but now it seems to be Babsville all the way. I'll dig out the liquid eyeliner as a backup!

OP posts:
lou33 · 27/12/2011 16:27

I think the picture might not show my real skin tone, as i have the palest of pale skin (the lightest shade is what i usually buy) and i do have freckles too, though with brown eyes :)

lou33 · 27/12/2011 16:28

orangey reds look crap on me too, but i have found a good alternative is hot pink, if i dont fancy red

ameliagrey · 27/12/2011 17:01

Think:

Jerry Hall
Madonna
Kristen Scott Thomas

and a million other over 50s who look great with red lippie.

kylietokaren · 27/12/2011 17:04

Lip gloss on its own takes years off you. Bobbi Brown do some beautiful colours and, as it's only gloss, you can go crazy with colours.

Original poster
HouseOfBambooootiful · 27/12/2011 17:10

I think (having thought about it a bit more) it's more to do with how good a 'feature' your lips are on your face than how old you are. If you have well-shaped lips and good teeth then lippy, as long as it's in a flattering colour, will always be good.

My mouth is definitely not my best feature so maybe that's why bright lipstick is so difficult.

OP posts:
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