How to Wear Red Lipstick at Any Age

With ruby lip color, age is nothing but a number.

By NewBeauty Editors · Mar 6, 2015

When it comes to rocking a ruby lip, age isn’t anything but a number. If you’re looking for cosmetic inspiration by the numbers, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our favorite celebs donning red lipstick, and making it look good no matter their age!

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Emma Stone

In your 20s, almost anything goes. The trick is to keep that mentality in check. At the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Emma Stone did just that by toning down her cheeks and eyes to let her ruby-red lips speak for themselves.

Tip: Use lip liner to keep lip color from smudging or fading throughout the day.

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Lupita Nyong’o

Yes, this actress can get away with pretty much any look, but her 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards pout is a prime example of how to go red in your 30s: make it your own. It’s the decade of figuring it all out, and that applies to your makeup, too. Lupita teamed her lips with a shimmery eye shadow that complements her complexion and gives the look a signature style.

Tip: To add a little shine to your red lip, dab a bit of clear gloss in the middle of your pout.

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Jennifer Lopez

For a woman in her 40s, a red lip is all about the glam. While Jennifer isn’t a typical working mom, but she’s a working mom nonetheless. Rocking a red lip is a great way to stand out and feel special. Jennifer paired hers with some major eye makeup for an event, but a rosy stain looks just as fab with nothing more than a little mascara when you’re running out the door.

Tip: Tinted lip balms are also perfect for women on the go, as they moisturize lips while delivering great color.

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Julianne Moore

Not only does Julianne’s style prove that women over 50 can pull off a daring red lip, but it also proves that redheads can rock the look, too. Julianne went red on red on red with her matching scarlet gown, but she kept each rosy shade a little different to keep from matching too much. Making a bold makeup statement in your 50s should be about having fun, and that’s exactly what Julianne is doing with this combo.

Tip: Exfoliating your lips regularly keeps them smooth and ready for that red lipstick.

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Susan Sarandon

As we get older, our lips thin. Donning a bold color can make them stand out…no needles needed! Susan Sarandon took this advice to heart when she puckered her cherry pout at the Time 100 Gala. All natural and all about a bold lip. We love it!

Tip: The right lip plumper can make even the thinnest lips stand out!

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Helen Mirren

This almost 70-year-old actress (she’ll hit the mark in July) proves there is nothing like a Dame at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards. At 70, a woman is comfortable in her own skin and embraces her signature style. Helen’s ultraglam, red-carpet lips say it all: She’s happy and she knows it. (And so do we!)

Tip: To keep you lips looking as young as you feel, keep them protected with products packed with SPF protection.