Lip gloss has made a triumphant comeback, with sales increasing 48% over the past year according to beauty industry reports. And it’s no wonder – today’s formulas offer gorgeous shine without the sticky mess we endured in the past.
- ULTRA-GLOSSY TINTED LIP OIL: Drench lips in an addictive sheer wash of ultra-glossy color with this revitalizing tinted lip oil.
- NON-STICKY FORMULA: The ultra-plush, XXL applicator slicks on a comfortable, non-sticky formula with a fresh minty scent.
- INFUSED WITH NOURISHING INGREDIENTS: Infused with nourishing oils such as apricot oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil and pomegranate oil.
For those of us over 50, finding the right lip gloss is especially important. As we age, our lips naturally lose volume and moisture. The right gloss can add youthful fullness while delivering much-needed hydration to mature lips.
I’ve tested dozens of the latest formulas to find the best options for women who want sophisticated shine without settling into fine lines. Here’s my guide to the most popular lip gloss shades that work beautifully for everyday wear in 2025.
Table of Contents
Hydrating Clear Glosses for Mature Lips
Clear glosses have evolved from simple shine to treatment-level products that address the specific needs of aging lips. According to dermatologists, women over 50 lose approximately 30% of natural lip volume, making hydrating formulas essential.
- A high-shine finish lip oil that visibly plumps lips with a hint of color in one swipe. Each shade contains 98% skincare ingredients and 93% ingredients of natural origin.
- Apply this lip oil alone or on top of lipstick for extra shine to soothe, comfort, hydrate and protect lips.
- Prime: Use to prep lips for flawless lipstick application. Comfort: Wear alone to keep lips soft and hydrated. Shine: Top off Water Lip Stain for extra shine. Smooth: Apply before bed as a soothing overnight lip treatment.
Clarins Lip Comfort Oil offers intense moisture with a glass-like finish. Its plant-based formula includes jojoba and hazelnut oils that nourish dry, thinning lips while creating natural-looking shine. Unlike many glosses, it won’t feather into the fine lines around your mouth.
Kiehl’s Love Oil for Lips combines five essential oils in a non-sticky formula that deeply hydrates while providing a subtle sheen. I’ve found it perfect for days when my lips feel particularly parched – it’s like a treatment and gloss in one.
- IT’S BALM 2-IN-1 LIP BALM + BUILDABLE LIPSTICK: Cashmere Nude – A perfect versatile neutral lip gloss, this shade is a warm pinky-brown.
- FULL COVERAGE LIP BALM CRAYON: Full coverage, rich color, a hint of gloss, and ultra-smooth application. This tinted lip balm has it all, making it a makeup bag essential. Choose from wear-with-everything neutrals, playful pinks, and sultry berry shades…or collect them all!
- FORMULATED WITH NATURALLY EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS: Formulated with Sunflower Butter, Vitamin E, and extra-finely milled pigments, this natural lip balm delivers on color and healthy hydration. The Sunflower Butter is high in antioxidants and Omega-6 fatty acids, locking in moisture for hours. Meanwhile, the Vitamin E core protects against dehydration and free radical damage. Both keep your lips extra soft, while the fine pigments ensure color goes on smooth and makes a statement.
Julep It’s Balm Tint of Color Lip Balm is a budget-friendly option formulated with natural ingredients including Sunflower butter, and Vitamin E – the same ingredients in the brand’s popular facial moisturizers. For under $12, it delivers serious moisture and protection without any medicinal taste or feel.
Anti-Aging Nude Lip Glosses
Nude glosses remain the most versatile choice for everyday wear, especially for mature women who want subtle enhancement without drawing attention to lip lines. Studies show 78% of women over 45 prefer nude tones for daily makeup.
- JELLY BALM HYDRATING LIP COLOR: Make ‘em jelly with one swipe! Jelly Balm Hydrating Lip Color’s unique cushiony texture coats lips with the juicy color of a lipstick and the hydration of your favorite lip balm.
- IN THE BUFF: In the Buff is a neutral pink shade.
- SEMI-SHINE FINISH: Delivers cushiony soft, smooth and hydrate lips. Semi-shine finish and ultra lighweight application that doesn’t feather or bleed off the lips.
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Jelly Balm delivers juicy, semi-shine color with the hydration of a lip balm, infusing lips with nourishing Squalane and Vitamin E in a cushiony formula that won’t feather or bleed. The In the Buff shade offers a neutral pink tint that applies smoothly without requiring a mirror, making it perfect for busy women seeking both lip care and subtle color in one swipe.
Looking for a lip care solution that works? IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Serum Lip Gloss delivers 8-hour hydration with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin E while providing high shine with a sheer, non-sticky finish.
- Age Perfect Hydrating Lipstick: Formulated with Nourishing Serum and Pro Vitamin B5, this lipstick delivers 9-hour hydration and doesn’t feather into lines; Over time, lips look smoother and feel more supple
- Color Meets Care: Formulated with 45 percent caring ingredients, this lipstick goes beyond color to nourish lips; Available in 10 hydrating shades – find your favorites
- Age Perfect: Finally a makeup line specially designed for mature skin; Over 100 items including smoothing foundations, serum concealer, satin blush, caring mascara and hydrating lipsticks
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Luminous Hydrating Lip Gloss in “Neutral Beige” was specifically formulated for women over 50. It combines a flattering neutral shade with pro-vitamin B5 and nourishing oils that prevent the color from settling into lip lines.
Plumping Formulas That Actually Work
Plumping lip glosses offer a non-invasive alternative to fillers, with the latest formulas providing visible results. Clinical studies show some new plumping ingredients can increase lip volume by up to 40% temporarily.
- Reduces the appearance of fine vertical lines and wrinkles around the mouth
- Instantly plumps and hydrates lips
- Hydrates & enhances natural lip color
StriVectin Double Fix for Lips Plumping & Vertical Line Treatment takes a dual approach with immediate plumping while targeting long-term improvements in lip volume and vertical lines. The subtle pink tint works beautifully on all skin tones.
- City Lips contains ingredients that may cause a tingling, cooling, or stinging sensation. This is to help enhance blood flow to the lips and create a temporary swelling effect that leaves you with that fuller, plumper appearance. If you experience persistent discomfort or irritation, we recommend discontinuing use.
- FULLER, HEALTHIER LIPS: Instant results after just one use! Experience the immediate and long-term benefits of City Lips plumping lip gloss. Our most popular ultra high-shine clear gloss is formulated to deliver deep hydration, instantly plumping your lips and smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- POWERFUL HYDRATION: Our lip plumper is infused with Hyaluronic Acid Spheres, providing intense hydration to help restore the look of healthy lips. This hydrator penetrates deep to deliver long-lasting moisture and visible plumping effects, ensuring your lips stay hydrated and comfortable all day.
City Beauty City Lips in “Clear” uses oligopeptides and hyaluronic acid for dramatic plumping without the burning sensation of older formulas. I’ve found it particularly effective on the thinning upper lip that often comes with age.
- Helps replenish the appearance of youthful lip volume and contour while enhancing lip definition
- An immediate moisture boost visibly plumps lips and smooths lines and wrinkles
- Long-lasting hydration calms and soothes dry, dehydrated lips
Looking for a powerful lip treatment that delivers both immediate and long-term results? Revision Skincare YouthFull Lip Replenisher is my go-to volumizing lip plumper that combines hyaluronic acid with nine potent moisturizers to visibly reduce lip lines while creating fuller, more defined lips with anti-aging benefits.
Soft Pinks and Mauves for Brightening Mature Complexions
Soft pink and mauve tones instantly brighten aging complexions by adding a youthful flush of color. These shades are particularly flattering on women over 50, as they counteract the natural loss of color in maturing skin.
- Provides lips with a hint of color and shine.
- Helps to reduce vertical lip lines and dry, rough texture and discoloration.
- Improves loss of lip volume.
Perricone MD No Makeup Lipgloss in “Original Pink” provides a universally flattering rosy tint with neuropeptides that improve lip softness and fullness over time. The subtle shine makes lips look instantly more youthful without appearing too “done.”
Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in “Pillow Talk” combines the iconic pinky-mauve shade with mustard sprout extract that makes lips appear fuller. The cushiony formula doesn’t settle into lines, making it ideal for women concerned about lip wrinkles.
- 0.10-ounce tube of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Tinted Lip Gloss in color Berry Brown, for a boost of hydration, available in a variety of vibrant and luminous lip colors
- Long-lasting lip shine instantly quenches, conditions and soothes even dry lips leaving them feeling and looking hydrated for a full 24 hours while also improving the softness and condition of your lips over time
- Versatile lip moisturizer combines the vibrant color of a lipstick with the shine of a lip gloss and the conditioning effect of a lip balm by plumping the look of lips and keeping them looking more supple
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine in “Berry Brown” offers a soft mauve with hyaluronic acid for serious moisture. At under $10, it’s an affordable option that performs like a luxury product on mature lips.
“My Lips But Better” Tinted Formulas
MLBB (My Lips But Better) shades remain the most searched-for lip category for women over 45, offering natural enhancement that works for every occasion. These subtle tints mimic your natural lip color but better.
- Helps condition lips with a nourishing blend of oils: safflower oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, and castor oil.
- Soft, tapered applicator delivers the perfect slip of color to lips.
- Oil formula slips on to cheeks with ease—just swipe and blend into skin with your fingertips.
Clinique Almost Lipstick in “Black Honey” has been a cult favorite for decades because it adapts to your natural lip color. The sheer berry tint now comes in a glossier formula that’s perfect for mature lips that need moisture.
Merit Shade Slick in “Au Naturel” is a minimalist’s dream – a barely-there tint that enhances your natural lip color while smoothing the appearance of fine lines. The clean formula excludes potential irritants that can cause problems for sensitive mature skin.
- PUCKER UP BABES: Nourishing, vegan, Tinted Lip Balm moisturizes lips all day and provides fresh color
- ALL DAY MOISTURE: Infused with Avocado Oil and Antioxidant-rich Acai Extracts, this paraben-free formula helps keep lips smooth and moisturized all day. The creamy texture glides on dry lips and leaves lasting hydration
- DERMATOLOGIST TESTED: This vegan, paraben-free formula is Dermatologist Tested, Physician Tested, Cruelty Free, and EWG Verified and works for all skin types
Honest Beauty Gloss-C Lip Gloss in “Deep Rose” combines vitamin C with a subtle rosy tint that adds life to paling mature lips. The antioxidant formula helps protect delicate lip skin from environmental damage.
Shimmer and Pearl Finishes for Women Over 50
Contrary to outdated beauty “rules,” subtle shimmer can be incredibly flattering on mature lips, creating the illusion of fullness. The key is choosing sophisticated formulas with fine pearl particles rather than chunky glitter.
- JUICY TUBES IS BACK! The original Juicy lip gloss with ultra high shine and 4-hours of lasting hydration.
- LONG-LASTING HYDRATION. Lips feel lusciously juicy and cushioned with 4-hours of lasting hydration.
- PRESS, SHINE & REPEAT. Every press of the tube tip applicator delivers ultra-glossy shine and the perfect amount of “sticky” texture you’ll want to apply on repeat.
Lancôme Juicy Tubes in “Shimmer” has returned with an improved formula featuring fine pearl particles that reflect light without emphasizing lines. The cushiony texture plumps while delivering a sophisticated gleam.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in “Free Spirit” contains subtle gold shimmer in a nourishing oil base that won’t dry out mature lips. The warm golden tone brightens the complexion and makes teeth appear whiter.
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Lip Cream in “Brazilian Sunset” offers a budget-friendly option with moisturizing murumuru butter and subtle rosy shimmer that’s flattering on aging skin.
Clean Beauty Options for Sensitive Mature Skin
Sensitivity often increases with age, with studies showing that 65% of women over 50 report more reactive skin than in their younger years. These clean formulas eliminate potential irritants while delivering beautiful shine.
- WHAT IT IS: A Cushiony, Tinted Lip Oil Packed With Plumping Hyaluronic Acid + Major Moisturizing Properties That Leaves Lips Soft, Smooth + Anything But Sticky.
- WHAT IT DOES: Drench Your Lips In Moisture, Cushion Them In Comfort With This Tinted Lip Gloss.
- BENEFITS: Lips Instantly Feel Fuller, Smoother, + Softer With A Natural, Glossy Sheen That Blends To A Wash Of Color. Experience A Surge Of Smooth With ILIA Balmy Gloss.
ILIA Balmy Gloss in “Only You” is formulated without potential allergens like synthetic fragrances. The soft pink shade contains hyaluronic acid for plumping and sea succulent for lasting hydration.
Tower 28 ShineOn Lip Jelly in “Chill” was developed for extremely sensitive skin and is the only gloss that carries the National Eczema Association’s seal of acceptance. The neutral beige shade works beautifully on mature lips.
- The slip of a lip oil meets the high-shine of a tinted lip gloss. Glossybounce™ is a high-shine lip gloss-oil hybrid with a plush, cushiony feel that’s never sticky or tacky.
- Available in six, sheer your-lips-but-better shades. Get a Glossybounce™ for every bag!
- Glossybounce™’s cushiony, vegan formula is packed with superhero ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and Jojoba Oil that coat lips and work to hydrate and nourish.
Saie Glossybounce in “Neutral3” combines a flattering neutral shade with clean ingredients and sustainable packaging. The high-shine formula contains barrier-supporting fatty acids that help aging lips retain moisture.
How to Choose the Right Shade for Mature Skin Tones
As we age, our skin tone often shifts, becoming warmer or cooler depending on hormonal changes. Here’s how to choose the most flattering shade based on your current complexion:
For fair mature skin with cool undertones, light pinks and mauves like Clinique’s “Black Honey” or StriVectin’s plumping treatment add youthful color without overwhelming.
For medium skin with warm undertones, peachy nudes and warm rose shades like Charlotte Tilbury’s “Pillow Talk” or L’Oreal’s “Neutral Beige” enhance your natural color.
For olive skin that’s becoming more golden with age, terracotta-tinted glosses like Bobbi Brown’s “Free Spirit” complement the warmth in your complexion.
For deeper skin tones, rich berry and plum glosses like Honest Beauty’s “Plum Drop” add dimension and prevent the ashy appearance that can occur with lighter shades on mature darker skin.
Always test lip colors in natural light rather than store lighting, which can distort how the shade will actually look in daily wear.
Application Tips for Women Over 50
As we age, precise application becomes even more important for a polished look. Here are techniques specifically for mature lips:
- Prime with a lip-specific primer to prevent feathering into fine lines. Elizabeth Arden’s Advanced Lip-Fix Cream creates a smooth base that extends wear time by up to 65%.
- Define your lip border first with a clear or neutral pencil. As we age, lip borders often become less defined, so this step is crucial for a polished look.
- Apply gloss to the center of lips only and press together, rather than coating the entire lip. This prevents product from migrating into lines around the mouth.
- Layer strategically – a thin layer of matte lipstick under gloss can provide color staying power while the gloss adds youthful shine.
- Set the perimeter of your lips with a tiny amount of translucent powder to create a barrier that prevents gloss from traveling beyond your lip line.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lip Gloss for Mature Lips
How can I prevent lip gloss from bleeding into fine lines?
Use a clear lip liner around your lip perimeter and apply a tiny amount of eye primer to the skin surrounding your lips. This creates an invisible barrier that prevents migration. Products like Urban Decay’s Anti-Aging Eyeshadow Primer work wonderfully for this purpose.
What ingredients should mature women look for in lip glosses?
Prioritize hyaluronic acid for hydration, peptides for collagen stimulation, ceramides for barrier repair, and plant oils like jojoba and avocado for long-lasting moisture. Avoid menthol and cinnamon oil, which can irritate sensitive mature lips.
How can I make my lip color last longer without drying out my lips?
Layer products strategically – apply a hydrating lip treatment, blot, follow with a lip stain or long-wear lipstick in a similar shade to your gloss, blot again, then top with your gloss. This creates lasting color underneath while maintaining shine on top.
Are plumping glosses safe for sensitive mature lips?
Modern plumping formulas like City Beauty and StriVectin use peptide technology rather than irritating ingredients like capsaicin (from peppers). These newer formulas are generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin and provide cumulative benefits with regular use.
How can I prevent lipstick and gloss from settling into vertical lip lines?
Start with a silicone-based primer specifically for lips, fill in deep lines with a clear pencil before applying color, and choose glosses with “blurring” technology like IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips or L’Oreal Age Perfect formulas.
Final Thoughts: Building Your Perfect Lip Gloss Wardrobe After 50
The right lip gloss can be transformative for mature women, adding youthful fullness and hydration while enhancing your natural beauty. Based on my testing, I recommend having three essential glosses in your makeup bag:
- A treatment-level clear gloss like Clarins Lip Comfort Oil for serious hydration on no-makeup days or as a topper for lipstick
- A nude shade with anti-aging benefits like IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips or L’Oreal Age Perfect for everyday polish
- A soft pink or mauve like Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk or Perricone MD’s No Makeup Lipgloss for instantly brightening your complexion
These three versatile options will cover all your bases while delivering the benefits that mature lips need most – hydration, subtle color enhancement, and youthful shine without emphasizing lines.
Remember that beautiful lips at any age come down to health first, color second. Incorporate regular gentle exfoliation and nightly treatment with a dedicated lip mask to keep your lips in optimal condition for gorgeous gloss application.
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.
Last update on 2025-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API