The 5 Rules of Red Lips Over 50

Following the rule of 'lead by example', we've offered lots of ways to wear red lips over 40 and 50. But some readers just want their information quick & dirty.

So herewith the fast track to wearing red lipstick without feathering, faltering, or  falling into any of the makeup traps that have given red lips over 50 a bad rap.

That concept came from old lipstick that was very dry and cakey, worn by older women with lots of lip lines and no tools to control them.

Hence, the Norma Desmond and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? idelible impression of red lipstick-as-horror story.

But now that "rule" can be broken forever.

1. Bold Brow – Strong brows are always important, especially over 50, but they are particularly important for balancing a bold red lip. Otherwise you could look like just a red mouth floating in space.
2. Make It Matte– Too much shine on the face competes for attention. Let those lips have center stage.
3. Exfoliate – keeping lips smooth and moisturized is a key to keeping that cakey look at bay. There are numerous products available to exfoliate your lips but a cheapie that's just as effective:  Just take an old toothbrush and run it across your lips, then moisturize with a good lip balm.
4. Liner and Base – Lip liner is especially important for keeping lipstick from bleeding into lines or onto the upper lip and chin. It's like a lasso that corrals the color in place. Choose a liner close to your own li shade or neutral hue. Do not let lip liner show around lipstick. Use a lipstick brush to cover liner if you need to. Base helps too, to plump, smooth and even out lips, and  but it's a step you can ski if you want to.  It does help keep the color in place though and lasting longer. Powdering over lips just runs the risk of that cakey look again.
5. Choosing the Right Hue – This is important too but far more subject to your discretion. See Susan Sarandon or Gayle King for colors you'd think would clash, but don't. Basically try a few hues to see what makes your skin look alive – that the color for you.

Other tips:

• Always carry a little makeup mirror to check for smears of lipstick on your teeth.
• A good way to avoid the latter: after you've applied lipstick, put your finger in your mouth and pull it out. That way you'll "pull" out any lipstick residue that that's too far on the inside of the lip – thereby avoiding the dreaded lipstick-on-the-teeth.
• Then run your tongue over your teeth for extra insurance.
• Also always check corners of the mouth where extra lipstick can collect, especially if it's the extra creamy kind.

Added bonus: Red lipstick (with a blue undertone) makes teeth look whiter.

See: Hot Lips Over 40: How to Wear Red Lipstick

Other helpful makeup hints:
Getting Picture Perfect
How To Care for Your Eye Lashes
Shampoo Your Eyes? Yes!
Makeup Tips for a Quick Eye Lift
Makeup Pro Sandy Linter Gives Her #1 Tip for Youthful Eyes