Best lipstick for older women to hydrate and moisturise lips – tested by a beauty editor

We’re huge fans of Elizabeth Arden’s eight-hour lip protectant, so it’s no surprise we love the tinted version. It relieves chapping and protects our lips from the sun with SPF 15, to prevent signs of ageing.. It’s available in four different sheer shades, but we love the warmth in this honey shade. Thanks to how moisturising it is, it's an ideal lipstick for older women, who may find that their lips become dyer as a result of the menopause.

Reviewers have commented that it's an ideal daytime solution to dry and cracked lips. They comment that it's long lasting and has a nice citrusy scent. It's worth noting that the formula contains lanolin, which some people may be allergic to.

For an extra long-lasting best lipstick for older women option, try Maybelline’s SuperStay 24hr Dual Lipstick. The Micro-Flex formula glides on effortlessly and is designed to not crumble, fade or transfer throughout the day. Start by applying the colour, then leave for two minutes to dry, then apply the conditioning balm to seal in the moisture. This application process may take a while but it's worth it for the end result.

This creamy, natural formula is designed to glide smoothly onto the lips' surface with ease for a long-lasting and hydrating finish which is ideal for everyday wear. Our reviewer Suzanne Baum (age 51) said, "This vegan lipstick comes in so many shades, but Balance is my favourite as I love a nude lip". As an 'earthy' nude "it has a peach beige undertone", which looks lovely if you have sun-kissed skin. We particularly love that this lipstick is designed to nourish your lips while you wear it, thanks to its range of minerals, vitamins, omegas, and antioxidants. It’s also cruelty-free, and vegan.

In just one swipe, it gives "full, long-lasting coverage," so if you have fine lines on your lips, it covers them up. Suzanne says that it "stays on a long time and didn’t come off when I ate, but it wasn't as long-lasting as some of the other lipsticks I've tried." However, her lips felt "nourished and moisturised", thanks to the abundance of omega-packed ingredients that help seal in moisture.

You don’t have to spend a lot to find a luscious lippie to add to your makeup collection. This nude shade from Max Factor provides rich colour with one sweep and a lightweight finish. It is full of vitamin E, shea, avocado, and aloe butter to keep your lips moisturised. Our reviewer, Beauty Editor Suzanne Baum, said that this 'Sunbronze' shade is "perfect for summer skin."

Vitamin E is known for adding nourishment to your skin. It plays a crucial role in helping lock in moisture and preventing your lips from chapping, but Suzanne says this may make the formula "not matte enough for some". The lightweight concoction glides effortlessly, onto the lips and "feels as soft as butter", thanks to its blend of shea, avocado and aloe butter. "Normally, my lipstick comes off when I drink", Suzanne says, "but this stayed put all day", adding that her "lips felt a tiny bit wet but more like a silky feel, more than a greasy one."

For those of us with a paler complexion, many lipsticks can make us look washed out or be far too overpowering against our skin. For everyday wear, you’ll want to find something to emphasise the natural shade of your lips, like the MACXimal Sleek Satin Lipstick in the shade Brave.

This creamy formula is buildable and long-wearing, feeling comfortable on the lips throughout the day. Some reviewers do say that some of the shades in this Satin range can look darker in person than they do in images online.

A liquid lipstick is ideal for longer-lasting wear and is highly pigmented. It’s perfect for staying on while you eat and drink, making it a great choice for weddings but you may find that you need to reapply it as you head into the evening. While many liquid lipsticks can by drying, this formula hydrates with Hyaluronic Acid and works to smooth and blur fine lines.

Sometimes, nothing beats a classic red lip to make you feel like a million dollars. Our reviewer, Suzanne Baum, a beauty editor, said that "red lipsticks can be tricky to use as we get older, particularly if your face suffers from dry patches and wrinkles". However, bright pops of colour draw the eye to the face, "so the lips also need to be well-nourished to carry them off". She tried the Peppermint satin shade of this Clinique Pop™ Reds Lip Colour range, "as it is less intense than a bright red lip".

Clinique’s iconic shades of red are richly pigmented and can also be used as a blush on the cheeks. Each shade has been designed to compliment a range of skin tones and undertones, and the formula is designed for a non-bleeding, feather-resistant application. This is a primer and lipstick in one "which helps it stay in place without any smudging". It is quite a thick and creamy lipstick and "does what it says on the packaging in lasting all day, without the need to top up". Some reviewers online found the shades a little too bright but we think they're great.

The Just Joyous Subtle Shine Lipstick comes with buildable colour and a formula that is enriched with triple-action hyaluronic acid, keeping your lips moisturised for up to 24 hours. It also contains peptide to give your lips a plumper look along with moringa and maracuja oil that nourishes. The product gives you a shiny finish that looks bold and elegant. However, some reviewers have shared that the product wears off quickly.

The L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Satin Smooth Lipstick in the shade 303 Rose Tendre is brilliant product that works as a daily wear lipstick with a satin smooth finish that feels light and comfortable on your lips. The formula is creamy and enriched with Omega 3 and Vitamin E that keeps your lips moisturised and nourished. But when it comes to shade matching, some reviewers have shared that the colour they received was lighter or darker than they expected. So, it might be safer to test the shade out before at a store if you are expecting an exact match. Some users have also mentioned that the lipstick has a distinct fragrance, so this is also something to keep in mind while considering this product.

The Max Factor Lipfinity Long-Lasting Two Step Lipstick comes in a pack containing a lipstick and lip-gloss as a 2-step formula that ensures long-lasting pigment. The rich colour stays on for up to 24 hours and the lip-gloss gives you a subtle sheen that stays on for just as long. However, some reviewers have shared that the shade match was not as precise as they expected.

If you prefer a matte finish on your lips, Charlotte Tilbury’s award-winning lipstick is formulated to be long-lasting, hydrating and moisturising. Enriched with nourishing minerals and light-reflecting pigments, it’s specifically designed to make lips appear more youthful, making it ideal for more mature lips.

Our reviewer Suzanne Baum told us that "the iconic pillow talk shade (which is a matte nude/pink lipstick) is her favourite". The angle-squared tip of the lipstick is cleverly designed to enable "an easy application that fills in the lips". Enriched with soothing orchid and Lipstick Tree extracts, "lips feel so hydrated and soft" and using 3D glowing pigments, the makeup "creates the illusion of lit-from-within lips" that appear wider and fuller. Suzanne "did need to reapply after drinking and eating", but is eager to add that "the pout effect this lipstick gives is worth it."

Warmer skin tones are complimented beautifully by brown and orange undertones, which is why this Elizabeth Arden lippy is ideal for more olive skin tones. Suzanne Baum says, "There’s a huge variety of colours in this range, and my favourite shade is Be Bare as I love a nude lip". She noticed during application that "it feels so soft on the lips". With an anti-ageing formula enriched with Advanced Ceramide Complex, Vitamin E and Maracuja Oil, the ingredients help support the lip barrier, meaning "the colour doesn’t bleed but I did find that thee colour wore off easily". Also, this lipstick "actually helps plump the mouth area" and makes it appear fuller, "which is great if you have thin lips".

We love how the Elizabeth Arden lipsticks are designed to condition your lips as you wear it with an anti-ageing formula enriched with Advanced Ceramide Complex, Vitamin E and Maracuja Oil for soft, supple and youthful lips. Overall, they have "a lovely creamy texture that softens the lips and goes to work all day".

They may be affordable, but these satin finish lipsticks from Revolution are lightweight on the lips, and the subtle shades are ideal for everyday wear. Our reviewer, Suzanne Baum, says, "I am wearing Lover Nude, which is a couple of shades lighter than my actual lips". On application, it does "feel a bit dry, but once on, the 'silky' feel emerges" due to the combination of its blend of waxes. The natural oils, vitamin E and sodium hyaluronate work together to hydrate lips, making it the best lipstick for older women.

The formula is nicely pigmented, which helps the colour and opacity shine. There’s something about this lipstick that made me want to lick my lips as they felt like satin but I was able to resist. An excellent buy if you are on a budget".

This warm red shade from ILIA is ideal for darker skin tones. Full of moisture-boosting ingredients it’s sheer on first application but easily buildable. Perfect for lips that can gradually get drier throughout the day, it’s easy to apply and top-up and helps lips appear more plump.

Our reviewer Suzanne Baum, age 51 said: "Out of all the eight shades my favourite one is Memoir as it looks nice on my slightly bronzed skin. This product has a hydrated formula containing the key ingredients of Sea Succulent, Rosehip Oil, and Shea Butter, meaning lips feel instantly smoother on application. And because it is a balm, not a lipstick, it comes with all the skincare properties we need to help hydrate, moisturise, and protect lips. I think it is the best lip balm I have ever used and even though it is not as long-lasting as the other products I have featured here, it didn’t matter as it felt that applying a second time during the day was helping add nourishment to my lips."

If you fancy splurging on something a little more luxurious, then Victoria Beckham’s Posh Lipstick is a real treat for the lips. Available in 13 different shades, it’s super hydrating and nourishing on the lips for a medium coverage, making it ideal if you’re not all that confident wearing lipstick or want something more subtle. This medium coverage may mean it doesn't last as long as others.

It’s a firm favourite of our Senior Digital Writer, Lorna White: "This is the perfect everyday lipstick for me. My lips tend to get very dry during the day, and this lippy really helps them feel hydrated all day long. As someone who is very pale, I find the pout shade compliments my skin tone perfectly, and although I’ve worn it most days since having it, it’s showing no signs of running out, so it's well worth the money, in my opinion."

If you prefer a glossy, high-shine finish on the lips, then you might prefer a gloss. This can be worn by itself or over the top of lipstick to add some shine. The Dior Lip Maximizer is one of the best lipgloss for older women options as it's ideal if you want to plump your lips up, and you can immediately feel the lip plumping effect as you apply it.

Our reviewer Suzanne Baum, age 51 said "This is by far the best lip gloss I have used. I don’t have thin lips but it immediately made them look fuller and gave me a really cool pout. It is infused with cherry oil and hyaluronic acid which is a key molecule for hydration, so the result is lips feel moist and smooth. When you first apply it, there is a tiny tingly sensation which doesn’t last long. I had to resist licking my lips as this product is scented with minty notes which brings a refreshing sensation. I am wearing frosted pink which is one of 22 shades available."

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Matte Liquid Lipstick is a great option if you are looking for a long-lasting lipstick. Cigdem Tanrioglu, style content editor for Yours Magazine tested and reviewed this lipstick and she says, “When it comes to longevity, it doesn’t get better than this. After applying at 8am, the transfer-proof lippie lasted all day without the need to re-apply until 6pm. The pigment is rich and worked perfectly against my Middle Eastern skin and didn’t dehydrate my pout like other matte options.”

When it comes to darker shades like reds and browns, you do not want a lipstick that constantly needs reapplication, with colour just around the edges of your lips until you can touch up again. This is a where a good matte lipstick comes in handy for long events, dinners and special occasions. The formula is ultra-matte, ultra-pigmented and transfer-proof. It also promises a 10-hour hold. Plus, the wand applicator helps with super easy, mess-free application.

The Laura Mercier Caviar Smoothing Matte Lipstick is another great matte option which delivers rich colour. This lipstick was tested and reviewed by Emma White, senior life & style writer and she says, “If you’re looking for a high-impact lipstick, Laura Mercier’s velvety matte formula has the most incredible colour pay-off in just one swipe.” It promises a 16-hour wear and the formula is transfer-proof and smoothening which blurs lip lines for an elevated look. 

However, the product does not deliver on hydration as the reviewer also said, “Personally, I did find it a little drying, so would recommend buffing away any dead skin beforehand and combining with a balm for a more comfortable wear.” The lipstick is also refillable and the bullet shape helps with precision to give your lips a sculpted look.

The NARS Powermatte Lipstick is a high-intensity matte lipstick that gives you bold colour in just one swipe. This lipstick was tested and reviewed by Emma Hawkins, life & style writer who says, ‘The vibrant hue is perfect for any occasion, and it glides on smoothly, delivering rich, long-lasting colour without drying my lips. The buttery-soft pigment is so lightweight, it’s like you’re not wearing anything, but equally it didn’t budge when I ate.” However, while it claims to last up to 10 hours, reviewers online shared that they did need to reapply at least once in between. But the formula is transfer-resistant and lightweight for maximum efficiency and comfort.

Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm in Red is a brilliant lipstick if you are looking for a product that not only gives you colour but also nourishes your lips. Helena Holdsworth, life & style writer tested and reviewed this lipstick and found the texture of this product is a cross between a balm and a serum, and it glides on smoothly. “I often struggle with finding reds that aren’t too bright, or too dull, but this rich, soft shade gives just the right pop of colour without feeling too bold. My only issue is the longevity. I found that it rubs off easily, especially after eating or drinking,” she said. The formula is also enriched with liquorice leaf extracts to visibly smooth the skin around your lips and keep them moisturised.

The Avon Ultra Matte lipstick is perfect for a lightweight wear and Louise Bennett, head of life & style, who tested and reviewed this product says, "I was really impressed with how easy it was to apply and it seemed to stay in place with no smears. It dries to an almost slightly matte finish, and I actually forgot I was wearing it after a few minutes.” The formula is also enriched with Sesame, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E and SFF 30 to keep your lips protected and hydrated. However the reviewer found that it didn’t withstand a couple of hours of sipping drinks so it would need regular reapplication.

The Kiko Milano Smart Fusion Lipstick is great pick if you are looking for a long-lasting lipstick and Phoebe Denman, life & style writer who tested and reviewed the product says, "There are few lipsticks I’ve tried that sit as comfortably on lips as this one. It has the staying power to last throughout the day with minimal reapplications.” The formula is lightweight, feels creamy and full coverage and a satin-shine finish.

The L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Lipstick is another brilliant option if you are looking for a trusty red lip that does not budge for a long time. Carly Honeyfield, lifestyle content editor tested and reviewed this lipstick and she said, “I’m not normally a lipstick wearer, so this gel‐like option seemed a great choice. It went on easily, leaving a matte finish which didn’t feel drying. It lasted well and didn’t leave marks, although after about two hours it had worn off on the inside of my lips, so I did need to reapply. Overall, I do like this lipstick and for the price, I would buy again.” The applicator is slim and tapers to a point for precision and the formula is ultra-lightweight and creamy for a comfortable wear.

Charlotte’s Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipstick is a trusty product to go for that adds a touch of colour to your lips while also keeping it nourished. Ella Shire, life & style writer tested and reviewed this lipstick and she says, “As a regular wearer of Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, I had a lot of faith that this classic was going to be a winner. I wore it to a dinner party with a lip liner and only had to reapply once. My lips stayed hydrated minus any bleeding or smudges.” The formula is enriched with natural extracts to help protect your lips from UV damage, leaving them soft and the light-diffusing pigments give you a luminous shine as they capture and reflect light back out.