'I'm a beauty writer in my 50s. These are the best lip products for mature lips.'

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Here's the truth: lips age just like the rest of us.

Mine are thinner now, slightly asymmetrical (one side always wants to do its own thing), and they get dry if I even look at a matte lipstick the wrong way.

I used to be able to swipe on any old colour and go. These days? Lipstick can bleed into fine lines, glosses slide around, and sometimes I just want something comfy that doesn't make me feel like I've got a layer of glue on my mouth.

But I'm not about to give up lip products, and neither should you. The trick is finding formulas that work with our lips now, not against them.

These are the products I've personally tried, tested, and actually love on my 50+ lips — no matter your concern.

Watch: The viral lipstick hack that promises flawless application every single time. Post continues below.

Concern 1: Fading lip lines and lack of definition.

One of the first things I noticed, even before I hit my 50s, was that my lip line started to fade. It's like the border just… disappeared. And when your lips are already on the thin side, that's not ideal.

The fix? A good liner. But not the harsh, brown-on-pink look from the '90s. I'm talking creamy, blendable pencils that add definition without screaming lip liner.

Holme Beauty Alignment Lip Liner.

Image: Supplied.

This quickly became a staple for me upon release. The bigger wooden pencil gives so much control, and the creamy texture means I can feather it in softly for a natural frame, rather than a harsh outline. These pencils will LAST YOU FOREVER!

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat.

Image: Supplied.

If there's one liner that gets constant buzz, it's this one. The formula is creamy enough to glide on but stiff enough to hold its shape, and it really does make lips look fuller. The shade I keep going back to (and have repurchased more than once) is Iconic Nude. It just works with everything. I'm down to a stub, and I have my backup already to go.

Maybelline Lifter Lip Liner.

The Maybelline Lifter Lip Liner. Image: Supplied.

A newer launch, and honestly, I'm impressed. It's affordable, but it feels luxe because of the hyaluronic acid. It defines my lips while keeping them comfortable, which is a combo I didn't know I needed until now.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned from Hilary Holmes is that our lips actually finish beyond the pigment line we see in the mirror. Once I started taking my liner to the real lip boundary, not just where the colour stops, my lips instantly looked fuller and more balanced.

Concern 2: Lipstick bleeding into fine lines.

Ah, the dreaded feathering. Nothing makes me feel older than when I see lipstick bleeding into the fine lines around my mouth.

That's why I now reach for formulas that stay put but don't feel like cement. These are the ones that tick both boxes.

Holme Beauty Stay Glaze Lipstick.

Image: Holme Beauty.

These are my new "holy grail" products. When this launched, it had just two shades, and now there are five more (which makes choosing a favourite almost impossible). If you're scared of red but secretly want to wear one, the new shade Cheri might be the one that changes your mind. It's a juicy tomato red that lasts through meals, drinks, and yes, even kissing your partner (yes, I tested it, all for research on your behalf).

The formula itself is the magic. Creamy, hydrating, and somehow long-lasting without feeling heavy.  Your biggest problem is going to be deciding which shade to pick.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick.

Image: Supplied.

I've been wearing this one on and off for years. It's creamy enough to be comfortable, but it doesn't slide around. Plus, the price means I don't feel guilty about owning multiple shades.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick.

Image: Supplied.

This creamy, hydrating formula just makes lips look better. It gives a plump, luminous finish, glides on smoothly without bleeding, and the colours are creamy. Pillow Talk is legendary for a reason, but don't overlook other shades in the range.

Concern 3: Dry, uncomfortable lips.

This one is personal. My lips get dry no matter what I do, so I've tested a lot of formulas. These three are my ride-or-dies for hydration with colour payoff.

L'Oreal Paris Plump Ambition Lip Oil.

Image: Supplied.

Lightweight and hydrating, this is the one I throw in my bag for on-the-go. It feels like skincare but makes my lips look instantly fresher. The hydration lasts for hours after the oil has disappeared from your lips.

Maybelline Lifter Gloss.

Image: Supplied.

This has become a cult product for a reason. It's shiny but never sticky, and honestly, it could pass for a high-end gloss. I love the cushy feel.

Lük Beautifood Lip NoTurish Butter Balms.

Image: Luk Beautifood.

These feel like a treat for my lips. They're natural, nourishing, and perfect for days when I want something that feels like self-care but still gives me that healthy, subtle colour. I stumbled across this brand in a little gift store, literally in the middle of Tasmania. I've now stopped here a few times when driving through to grab a coffee and another shade.

Concern 4: Wanting colour without the "done" look.

There are plenty of days when I don't want my lipstick to announce itself. I just want a hint of colour, so I look a little more awake. These three products have already been mentioned, but they deserve another mention here. 

Holme Beauty Stay Glaze Lipstick.

Wearing the Holme Beauty Stay Glaze Lipstick. Image: Supplied.

I love that this can be worn bold or barely there. A light dab gives that "just-bitten" tint that looks effortless.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick.

Image: Supplied.

The beauty of this one is that it can go sheer or full depending on how you apply it.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick.

This is my shortcut to looking put-together without trying too hard. One swipe, and it's like, "Oh, she's awake and polished."

Quick fixes vs. long-term habits.

Even the best lipstick won't look good if your lips are struggling. Here's what works for me:

Quick fixes:

A gentle buff with a scrub or damp cloth before applying lipstick.

A touch of concealer around the lip line to sharpen everything up (Another Hilary Holmes tip).

Long-term habits:

SPF balm every day (seriously, sun damage ages lips fast).

Overnight lip masks for soft lips in the morning. It's not an overnight product, BUT I keep The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm next to my bed. It's simple, nourishing, and I wake up with softer lips every time (it's also multi-use and can be used on any dry skin patches and your cuticles).

Staying hydrated (boring, I know, but my lips show it first when I don't).

The takeaway.

Lips may change with age, but that doesn't mean we have to give up colour, gloss, or a bold lip when we feel like it. With the right products and a few simple habits, we can have lips that look defined, feel hydrated, and stay comfortable all day.

And honestly? If these work on my thin, slightly lopsided, often-dry lips, they'll work for yours too.

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Feature image: Supplied.