Best Lipstick Tricks For Thinning Lips

As we age, thinning lips are completely natural. Collagen production begins to slow as early as our twenties, and that includes the collagen that keeps lips looking smooth, defined, and full. While you can’t stop the aging process, the right lipstick techniques can make thinning lips look fuller, softer, and more youthful—without fillers or invasive treatments.

Rose-Marie Swift, master makeup artist and founder of RMS Beauty, has spent decades perfecting makeup techniques for mature skin. Recently, she shared her go-to approach for lipstick on aging lips—a method she’s relied on both professionally and personally.

Her philosophy is simple: work with the lips you have, not against them.

The Best Lipstick Technique for Thinning Lips

1. Redefine the Lip Shape (Without Overlining)

One of Rose-Marie’s most effective tricks for thinning lips starts with lip pencil—but not in the way you might expect. Instead of emphasizing the cupid’s bow, she softens it slightly. By minimizing the sharp peaks at the center of the upper lip, the lips instantly appear fuller and more balanced.

This subtle reshaping creates the illusion of volume without looking overdrawn or artificial—an essential technique when choosing lipstick for thinning lips.

2. Set the Edges to Prevent Lipstick from Settling

Fine lines around the mouth can cause lipstick to feather or sink into creases. Rose-Marie recommends lightly tapping a talc-free powder just along the outer edge of the lips before applying lipstick. This step helps set the area and smooth texture without drying the lips—especially important for aging skin.

Avoid heavy powders or matte formulas, which can exaggerate dryness and make lips look thinner.

3. Apply Lipstick with a Firm Lip Brush

When it comes to lipstick for aging lips, application matters as much as formula. Rose-Marie uses a firm, angled lip brush, like the one on the Go Nude Lip Pencil, rather than a soft one. The slightly stiffer brush helps work pigment into the lips, smoothing over fine lines and creating a more even surface.

This technique allows color to sit beautifully on the lips instead of catching on texture.

4. Choose Rich, Confident Color

Contrary to popular belief, muted or pale lip colors aren’t always the most flattering on mature lips. Rose-Marie encourages using strong, well-balanced shades that bring life back to the face. Thoughtful color choice can instantly make lips—and the entire complexion—look fresher and more youthful.

The key is hydration and pigment, not flat matte finishes.

The Takeaway: Lipstick for Aging Lips Is All About Technique

The best lipstick tricks for aging lips don’t involve chasing volume—they focus on shape, hydration, and strategic application. With the right tools and techniques, thinning lips can look softer, fuller, and beautifully defined at any age.

For more customized tips and advice for your lips and beyond, book a free Artist Advice consultation.