Top Tips for Mature Lips From Celebrity Makeup Artists

Fuller, more hydrated lips are just a few tips away.

By Allie Hogan, Associate Beauty Editor · Dec 15, 2022

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Our faces shift as we age, growing new lines and deepening existing wrinkles. While it’s nothing to sweat about—it’s natural—there are ways to draw attention away from these signs of aging if you’d like to. “As we age, most commonly our philtrum (the space between our nose and lips) gets longer, and the lips themselves thin out, leaving us with increased lines and wrinkles around the mouth,” explains mature skin makeup expert Amanda Hill. Experts shared tips with us on how to make mature lips look younger.

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Use primer

Like any other part of the face, lips could benefit from a layer of primer ahead of makeup application. While you can use a lip primer or traditional face primer, former celebrity makeup artist and founder of eponymous makeup line Laura Geller says she likes “to use an eye primer around the edges of the lips before applying lipstick to prevent lipstick feathering.” She suggests the Spackle Waterproof Eye Primer and Concealer ($16).

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Don’t forget lip liner

In addition to priming the lips, celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal and founder of Mally Beauty also advises using lip liner “to help keep lip product from traveling.” She recommends using the Perfect Prep Lip Sculpting Pencil Duo ($30) to line and fill in lips.

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Wear lip balm or gloss

Celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon explains that “keeping mature lips hydrated with balm or gloss can create the illusion of volume that can be lost with age.” She adds that these products can also “help to smooth lips and fill fine lines.” Aharon has a few personal favorites she recommends, including St. Jane Luxury Lip Oil ($28) and Soshe Ceramide Lip Silk ($26).

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Opt for creamy formulas over matte

Roncal advises against matte formulas and recommends opting for creamier lipsticks “to help make your lips look smoother and plumper.”

Geller agrees, noting that “hydrating lip formulas will help keep your lips from splitting.” A product like Jelly Balm Hydrating Lip Colors ($21) that includes squalane and vitamin E to help smooth and plump your lips while providing color and shine is a good choice, says Geller.

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Try overnight lip-slugging

“Dry lips will add years to any age,” Hill points out. She suggests trying lip-slugging before bed for a surge of overnight hydration. Layer on moisturizing lip products and seal them in with a thick ointment—Hill suggests CeraVe Healing Ointment ($11).

Aharon says mature lips can benefit from treatment “that replenishes lips with moisture while you sleep, helping to decrease the appearance of fine lines.” She recommends Jouer Overnight Conditioning and Repairing Lip Mask ($24).