The Lip Liner Mistake That’s Aging Your Lips Fast

Avoid this common lip liner mistake to keep lips looking youthful — tips from celebrity makeup artist Christina Flach

Whether going for a gothic vibe or matching the evening sky, dark lipstick colors can look stunning, bold and powerful. For beauties over 40, this is still the case, but lip products that are too dark for someone’s skin tone can have the reverse effect, highlighting more of what someone might be trying to conceal.

After moisturizing with balms, lip liner is often the next step before lipstick in a beauty routine. Christina Flach explains that the key is matching the lip liner to the lipstick or choosing a lighter one, since a common mistake is using a lip liner darker than the actual lipstick.

Flach says that anyone over 40 “should not use a darker lip liner” than the lipstick or lip gloss being used. “Using a lip pencil that is a shade lighter is a good rule of thumb,” she says.

She also notes that keeping the lip liner “close to the actual lip line” and avoiding making the lips look “unnaturally larger” than their natural shape will give a more youthful appearance overall. Lip gloss is the best for making lips appear fuller. The shine of the gloss gives the illusion of bigger lips as apposed to a matte lip will shrink your lips.

Ultimately, using too much product, over-lining natural lip lines, and choosing the incorrect shade can draw more attention to fine lines near the mouth. With this expert-approved advice, mastering lip liner application becomes simple, highlighting timeless beauty at any age.

Ready to master your own lip liner routine, or want expert guidance tailored to your features?

Book a private makeup lesson or photo shoot session with Christina Flach, available throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Carmel, and Cabo San Lucas. Visit christinaflach.com to check availability and book your session.

For more beauty tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and expert advice, subscribe to Christina Flach’s YouTube channel, “I’m Too Busy TV,” for new episodes covering makeup, beauty, and self-care.