How to Wear Red Lipstick at Any Age

Gorgeous red lips are a must-have every season. 10 Years Younger make-up artist Lisa Eldridge talks us through how to adapt the red lipstick look for any age.

20s

In your 20s you've got great skin and none of the problems associated with ageing, so go wild and experiment. To get a really glossy, bright mouth, start off by using a lip stain and blending it in. Once the colour is on, apply a high-shine lip gloss over the top.

30s

In your 30s you want to look a little more sophisticated and the classic Hollywood red, velvety matt mouth is the perfect look. The problem with red lipstick is that you leave the whole thing on your morning cuppa. To ensure your pillar-box pout lasts, first use a lip liner to create the shape and then apply the colour using a lip brush, working it carefully over the lip.

40s

By the time you're in your 40s, you're starting to lose a little bit of the natural plumpness from your lips. Strong bright colours can make lips look thinner, so it's best to avoid them. The best product to use is a lip stain as it allows the natural texture of the lips to show through. It's a little bit more forgiving, incredibly quick to apply and you won't get any harsh lines, which can be ageing.

50s

Getting into your 50s, you want to avoid blocks of colour - sheer lipsticks are much better. The great thing about them is that they are incredibly moisturising, so good for older lips that may be dryer. They leave no harsh lines, they're quick and they're low maintenance.