The domed tip is equally important. “A traditional pencil is sharpened to a point so the line you produce is very clean and sharp,” says Stiles. The rounded shape creates a softer edge, which can make lips look subtly fuller and more naturally contoured. In other words, it’s an especially good choice when you want definition without drawing attention to your lip lines, or the areas where your lip line has become less defined.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should you apply lip liner on mature lips?
Start with hydration. “Make sure you prep your lips before you get your pencil ready,” says Bhatty. She likes to prep lips with a thick hydrating lip balm. Her favorite? Sisley. “It’s fancy but worth it.” She also recommends applying moisturizer around the mouth so the surrounding skin is smooth and plump. “I’ll apply eye cream to the lips and around the mouth, your lip skin is similar to eye skin. That will help the lip liner go on smoothly.”
Just be sure to remove excess product before reaching for your liner. “Tissue off the excess balm so it won’t slide and I’ll use micellar water or a skin mist so it won’t be extra emollient,” says Bhatty. From there, she applies lip liner just outside the natural lip line to subtly maximize volume.
Rather than tracing one continuous line, use short strokes from the center of the mouth outward, stopping before you reach the corners. “Going to the edge can make the mouth look a little droopy as you get older,” says Bhatty. Finish by using a lip brush or your finger to gently diffuse any harsh edges.
How do you keep lipstick from bleeding on older skin?
Fine lines around the mouth can turn a precise lip into a smeared one surprisingly quickly. “If feathering is an issue, then I would lean more towards long-wearing formulas as they have better staying power,” says Stiles.
She also recommends using a clear lip liner slightly outside the natural lip line. “Those are made to function as a barrier and prevent feathering,” says Stiles. A clear liner can create a subtle boundary without introducing another color that might compete with your lipstick.
Overlining also requires a light touch. You can slightly exaggerate the cupid’s bow, but keep the liner close to your natural shape around the outer corners, where feathering can be more noticeable. A softly blended edge will generally look more natural than a sharply drawn line.
Is lip liner good for mature lips?
Absolutely, and it can be one of the most useful tools in your lip makeup routine as your lips change with age. A well-chosen liner can bring back definition as the natural lip border becomes less distinct, help keep lipstick from feathering, and subtly enhance your shape. The key is choosing a formula that works with drier lips rather than against them. Look for a creamy, comfortable lip pencils, and always give lips a quick hit of hydration first; a swipe of lip balm can make all the difference before you pick up your lip liner.
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