With fewer masks comes more opportunities to rock that lipstick that you haven’t worn in so long. More so than any other cosmetic, lipstick is an instant brightener for your complexion, and it’s one cosmetic tool that can be purchased at an affordable price. If you are excited about wearing lipstick again, but also feel like your look could use a fresh, modern upgrade, there are a few lipstick tricks of the trade to keep in mind. Some lipstick shades and textures can make lips look smoother and more plump, while others actually minimize the look of your lips and can draw attention to complexion issues you may not be wild about. We spoke with beauty experts who agreed: These are the two lipstick shades you should avoid over 40 if you want a fresher, more youthful look.

 

According to Celebrity Makeup Stylist Victoria Stiles at ShikSona Beauty: “The harsh drama of a deep purple or burgundy lip can expose many flaws including fine lines around the lips, making even the whitest teeth look yellow.. Similarly, red-orange hues can have the same effect, exposing imperfections around the mouth and teeth.”