We’ve all been there. It’s a Friday night and you’re dressed up for an evening out. The finishing touch? You swoosh on your favorite shade of lipstick and feel good to go. One last look in the mirror and you smile back at yourself, happy with what you see.

After a fabulous night out, you get home, take your makeup off and settle in to look at the photos your friend just sent you of the night via WhatsApp. Your smile freezes on your lips. What is this?! Why is your lipstick feathering out all over the place? How to prevent this horror from happening again? Is it time for a new lipstick? Or maybe you’re going to have to be one of those people who has to abstain from wearing lipstick forever? Before you swear off lipstick for good, let’s look into a way to make sure this scenario never has a repeat. One that not only has you primed for the perfect lipstick finish, but one that also stays smack on your lips all the livelong night.

Once women hit age 50, a lot of things change. Health is higher on the priority list, the color and texture of our hair changes, our skincare products need to be targeted more to fine lines and wrinkles—but changing our lipstick is one of those things that falls under the radar.

If your lipstick doesn’t seem to be working for you anymore, your age might have something to do with it. Read on to learn about all the ways that your lipstick may not be living up to its “fullest” potential.

That signature lipstick color you have sworn by for decades might be what’s making you look off-color.

That’s because as we mature, our own coloring and complexion has changed, say makeup artists. Bright, dark, and red lipstick isn’t the best color for mature lips.

Yes, there are times that a fabulous woman is rocking a red lipstick, or equally bold color, but this isn’t the norm. The truth of the matter is that a bright, dark, or deep red lipstick can attract attention for all the wrong reasons.

We’re talking about fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and any discoloration of the teeth. What’s worse is if the dark lipstick bleeds out, it will be very obvious.

By the time we reach 50, skincare experts say that generally, our lips have lost a certain degree of collagen which is what keeps lips—and skin—plump. 

Feathering is another lipstick woe that many women deal with and it’s one of the biggest lipstick problems women over 50 have to deal with. 

We know that feathering is not our friend, but what is it exactly, and why does lipstick feather? Lipstick feathering is when it looks like the lipstick is creeping its way out of your natural lip line.

Feathering has a habit of happening from the composition of some lipsticks because not all lipsticks are made equal, say makeup artists.

While our lips look perfect upon lipstick application, as our lips move from talking, drinking coffee, and the like, slippery formulas can slide right off. Waxy formulas and glossy finishes are the main culprit and should be avoided. 

But can you avoid feathering for the perfect pout? Of course:

A lip liner can keep your lipstick in its tracks and prevent it from bleeding out. Outline your lips with a liner that is one or two shades darker than your natural lip color or one that matches the shade of your lipstick. Then, simply fill in the rest of your lips with the liner.

Lipstick sealers can seal your lipstick in place and make it stay that way. 

Lipstick sealers often come in liquid form but you can get spray versions as well. Apply a little with a brush and layer it on top of your lip primer for longer-lasting lipstick. 

Make sure these sealers are not chemical laden though… since this will have an adverse effect on your sensitive lips. Opt for serum based sealants - ones that moisturize while keeping bleeding in check.