I wish I could say there is a definitive answer to the question, "What color lipstick should an older woman wear?" The truth is, different colors can flatter different skin tones. What looks good on one woman may not look good on another.

However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you choose the right lipstick color for you.

And I'm including 10 lipstick shades that are absolutely perfect for mature lips.

What Defines Aging Lips?

This answer varies for everyone. Generally, I would define mature lips as beginning around age 50 and up, although some may be interested in looking youthful in their 40s. By 50, some collagen may have left the lips, fine lines may have begun, and smokers might see effects on their lips. By age 70, lips may appear more wrinkled.

Now that you have mature skin and lips, your entire makeup routine has likely changed. Your lipstick shade is only one part of your makeup routine.

Do You Wear Lipstick Alone or as Part of Your Makeup Routine?

If your goal is to look younger and more youthful, think of your lipstick shade as only a part of the whole.

Using a good quality foundation that matches your skin tone is step 1. Foundation is going to help smooth and blend, covering dark spots and circles. The List says a quality foundation is what you want, or no foundation at all, in their list of makeup mistakes. Just don't use a bad foundation.

A good quality concealer will help smooth over the more brown or red spots, and around the corners of the nose. Don't forget to use it on the circles under your eyes.

For eyeshadow, it's best to stick with neutrals and browns. And now, let's talk about lipstick shades for older women.

Bright, Dark, or Red Lipstick Can Be Aging

Bright, dark, or red lipstick is not the best lipstick for mature lips. There are exceptions to this generalization. Sometimes I see a fabulous older woman who pulls off a bright red lip or a bold color, and yes, it makes a statement.

BUT the bad news is that bright, dark or very red lipstick can attract more unwanted attention to your mouth, wrinkles, teeth, and jawline than you might like. And if there is any color bleeding it will be very obvious.

A softer lip color will look more youthful - when combined with good face makeup.

A Soft Lip Color Is Best for Mature Lips

You may think, "AGHHH no... I look terrible in pale or soft lipsticks," and this might be true if lipstick is the only makeup you're wearing. But when combined with foundation, concealer, and neutral eye makeup, a soft creamy lipstick color gives a more feminine, youthful look.

If you're wearing good foundation, concealer, and neutral eye makeup, the soft creamy texture of a neutral lip color gives a youthful look.

Softer lip colors let your eyes take the spotlight, and they won’t draw unwanted attention to mature lips.

Featuring Lipstick Shade VOGUE

Keep Your Lips Moisturized and Use Hydrating Lipsticks, Such As Red Apple Lipstick.

To help maintain a fresh appearance keep a quality lip care routine. A quality gluten-free lip balm that contains ingredients like Shea Butter and Vitamin E will work wonders at keeping lips soft and supple. A good lip care routine can help give the appearance of fuller lips; something most mature women want.

The look of dry lips is not what you're going for. When you apply lipstick, especially dark lipstick color, over dry lips more attention will be drawn to the fact that your lips are dry.

Hydrating lipsticks with ingredients like castor seed oil and Vitamin E provide the best balance between coverage and moisture, making them ideal for older women.

Use Creme or Slightly Matte Lipsticks

Frosted, luminous, and liquid lipsticks can emphasize lip wrinkles. A creme lipstick is typically more hydrating, and Red Apple Lipstick makes some hydrating soft matte lipsticks.

A creme lipstick has the best chance of being a hydrating lipstick. Red Apple Lipstick makes some soft matte finish lipsticks that are very hydrating (see below).

Say YES to Lip Liner

Perfect lip lining creates beautiful shaping. Use a lip liner just outside the natural lip line, especially if your lips or skin are pale, for extra contrast. You can blend lip liner into lipstick with a lip brush for a perfect finish.

If your lips or skin is more on the pale side, use a slightly darker lip liner to give a little extra contrast. A liner of the same tone can disappear.

If your bottom lip turns downward, don't fill in the whole lower lips. Instead, lift the lower lip by not painting to the corners.

You can blend a lip liner into lipstick with a lip brush for a perfect finish.

Does Skin Tone Matter When Choosing Lipstick for Older Women?

If you're after a more youthful appearance, then your lip color may matter more than skin tone. You won't want a lipstick that turns hot pink, or navy blue. Your skin's undertone may be different than your lip undertone.

While there is no way to know if a lipstick is going to turn colors on your lips, you may study your lips in a mirror and decide if they are more red undertones, neutral undertones, warmer undertones, or cooler undertones. Use good light or daylight. There's no need to go too deep with this, it's more just for fun.

And if a lipstick tone turns on you, you'll know to avoid that tone in the future - but you should be safe with the top 10 lipstick colors for older women below.

Top 10 Best Lipstick Colors for Older Women

LIPSTICK SHADE: AUDREY - Adds a touch of red to pink with a neutral undertone, suitable for a wide range of skin tones.

LIPSTICK SHADE: VOGUE - A perfect berry shade, great for mature lips and wardrobes with similar tones.

LIPSTICK SHADE: PETAL TO THE METAL - Adds a soft mauve, great for pairing with gold jewelry.

LIPSTICK SHADE: NEW YORK - A buildable nude with a hint of pink, very hydrating and great for mature skin.

Add a Little Gloss or Frosted Lipstick to the Center of Your Lips for a Youthful Look

Adding a small amount of clear or lighter color lip gloss to the center of your lips will reflect more light and give the appearance of plumper lips.

Here are 4 great glosses that are hydrating and not too bright

Final Thoughts

• Give your mature lips a hydration boost often.
• The right lipstick might not be bold but even.
• Avoid extremely pigmented lipsticks and drying mineral oil.
• Older women can still rock great lipstick shades!
• If your bottom lip turns downward, lift it by avoiding the bottom corners with color. A concealer can help lift.
• Skin tone matters less now; lip color matters more.
• Use a lip primer if you have one.
• Lining your lips after applying lipstick can help keep edges in place.