AS it’s revealed 50-plus women are shunning the statement bright shade, we asked the experts for advice on how to achieve the perfect pout
FROM the silver screen to the catwalks of London Fashion Week, there is one beauty look that is always on trend: red lips. Worn by actresses including Helen Mirren, 71, and Susan Sarandon, 69, time and time again red lipstick is the trend of choice for the A-list on the red carpet.
So it may come as a surprise to hear that in a recent study by beauty firm Avon, 35 per cent of women said they wouldn’t wear it. The company discovered that figure rose to nearly half of women in the 56 to 65 age bracket, with most giving the reason that red lipstick simply didn’t suit them. Yet by avoiding the shade completely, are older women missing out? Poppy King, creator of beauty brand Lipstick Queen, says yes. “Red lipstick is a source of strength,” says Poppy. “You put it on and suddenly you feel more capable than you did without it. It’s a show of female strength and a symbol of prowess.”
Avon’s study supports this, with 40 per cent agreeing that the colour implies confidence. “A red lipstick can make you feel amazing. Don’t be afraid of it, give it a go,” says celebrity make-up artist Lisa Potter-Dixon.
LOOK AT YOUR LIPS
The first step is to choose a shade that suits the shape of your lips. “For smaller lips I would stick to a warmer lighter shade of red,” says celebrity make-up artist Gemma Aldous. “If you have fuller lips you can play around with most shades, depending on your skin tone.”
Gemma recommends those with fuller lips to keep the rest of their make-up simple so their pout is the stand-out feature. Choosing the right texture of lipstick is important too.
“Try to use cream and gloss finishes for small lips. Matte lipsticks, which are on trend right now, look best on a more pronounced pout,” says Gemma.
FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH
Avon’s survey found that one in three women believed there wasn’t a single shade of red that suited them. However Lisa insists that there is a red for everyone – and every age. “Different reds suit different skin tones and it can be a case of trial and error to find what looks good,” she says.
Lisa says it is essential to try the product on your lips rather than the back of your hand. “Your lips are a totally different colour to your hand, so it’s not a good way to judge the colour,” she says. “Try it on, go outside into the natural light and take a photo. Does it make you look washed out? Does it suit your skin tone?”
If you have fair skin and red hair, go for reds that have orange, coral and blue undertones. A light complexion suits a more pinkish red. Those with medium and olive skin can try warm orange, golden and caramel undertones. Blue undertones and plum reds also look good. Darker skin tone looks great with luscious, deep berry and ruby red tones.
GET IT RIGHT
Once you have found a red shade to suit you, application is the key to perfecting your pout. “For a smooth base, moisturise your lips half an hour before you start,” says Gemma. To begin, sweep a little concealer across your lips to neutralise their natural colour.
Draw around the outline of your lips with a red lip pencil. If your lips are small, drawing slightly above the lip line creates the illusion of fuller lips. “If you don’t like the defined look of lip liner, soften it with a cotton bud,” advises Gemma.
Next, fill in the rest of your lips with the lip pencil to boost staying power. Now apply your chosen lipstick with a brush. Blot with a tissue, reapply and blot again.
“Finally take a small brush and concealer and dab around the lip line correcting any slips that may have happened along the way,” says Gemma.
BETWEEN THE LINES
Many women are put off bold lip colours because of the risk of colour bleeding around their mouth. This is especially the case for older women, when fine lines and wrinkles around the lip area are more common. “Your secret weapon is a clear lip liner,” says Lisa.
A wax-based lip liner acts as a barrier, stopping the colour seeping into lines while the mouth moves. Try Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner in Clear, £16 (smashbox.co.uk). This sturdy, translucent liner works on all skin tones to hold lipstick in place.
“Put your lipstick on first, then draw the clear liner around the outside,” says Lisa. “Your lipstick will stay put all day.”