Lips that feel persistently dry (no matter how much balm we apply) can become more common as we age. During midlife, our skin’s ability to hold onto moisture naturally shifts – and the lips tend to feel these changes first.
Unlike the rest of our skin, our lips don’t have oil glands or a strong natural barrier to help retain moisture. Combine this with the natural dip in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that occurs over time, and it’s little wonder they can feel thinner, drier and more easily chapped.
A tinted balm or gloss can offer instant comfort and a flattering wash of colour, but when we want richer pigment, a longer-lasting finish or a chic matte look, lipstick becomes the go-to.
But where to begin? The key is choosing formulas enriched with ingredients that truly support midlife lips from within, as our experts here reveal…
The best hydrating ingredients for lips
Barrier-building butters and waxes
These help provide a protective layer that our lips naturally lack, forming a soft, breathable seal that slows moisture loss.
“Ingredients like waxes, butters and certain silicones, which help to trap moisture, are so important,” explains Rupert Kingston, Co-Founder and Creative Director of delilah.
This barrier support is essential for supporting midlife lips, which lose water more quickly.
Hydrating heroes: hyaluronic acid and glycerin
Humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin act like microscopic sponges, drawing moisture into the lips and holding it there. With natural hyaluronic acid levels declining over time, these can offer immediate plumping and smoothing benefits.
“As we get older, natural collagen and elastin production slows, and hyaluronic acid levels decline; these are key in maintaining hydration and plumpness,” says Anushka Patel, Head of et al. “To counter this, we need ingredients that help stimulate synthesis.”
Hyaluronic acid helps restore that cushion-like feel, offering both instant and longer-term hydration.
Lip-loving botanical oils
Botanical oils nourish the surface of the lips, replenishing fatty acids and antioxidants that help restore suppleness and softness.
“For our lipstick, Colour Intense, buriti oil was chosen for its conditioning benefits and silky texture,” shares Rupert. “We use synthetic waxes (as part of our commitment to being 100% vegan), which are excellent for locking in moisture, but also give the lipstick structure.”
Founder of VIEVE, Jamie Genevieve, took a skincare-first approach to her Satin Slip formulation.
“Ingredients we apply to keep the skin, nails or hair hydrated – I thought, ‘Why wouldn’t these work on the lips?!’,” she says. “Including shea butter meant that the lips would be smooth and soothed, while jojoba seed oil, with high levels of vitamin E, protects the skin barrier.
“The hero ingredient, hyaluronic acid, cements ultimate hydration too.”
Peptides for firmness and resilience
Peptides act as gentle messengers, helping support collagen and elastin – both crucial for maintaining the structure and bounce of midlife lips.
“These help to strengthen the skin barrier, locking in moisture while also encouraging collagen and elastin production,” says Tennesha Vanterpool, Education Manager at BY TERRY. “Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or natural oils indicate a hydrating formula too.”
Formulas combining peptides and humectants offer both softness now, and resilience over time.
What about lip liners?
Lip liners pose a formulation challenge, particularly when aiming for glide, precision and longevity.
“Our goal was to create a liner that offered a gel-like glide, maintained its integrity when sharpened, and stayed fresh over time,” explains Anushka.
“Our Line + Define Lip Liner formula blends naturally derived waxes with a plant-based oil for smooth, long-lasting application, with marula oil for added nourishment.”
Choosing your colour and finish
The shade and finish can subtly influence how a lipstick feels. Deeper, richer colours require higher pigment loads to achieve that saturated look.
“While not directly drying, deeper, more opaque shades – especially reds – often require a higher pigment concentration to achieve that even, saturated look, absorbing more of the oils and emollients in the base,” Rupert explains.
But finish needn’t mean discomfort.
“Rouge Opulent has a velvet matte finish,” says Tennesha, “With the help of ingredients like glycerin, the finish sits comfortably.”
10 of the best hydrating lipsticks (and a liner) we love…
delilah Colour Intense Cream Lipstick
We love ‘Sienna’, a deep coral rose, for a go-to neutral tone that’s a little more than natural.
Kjaer Weis Lipstick
We love ‘Believe’, a warm nude with a touch of plum, a year-round handbag staple tone. Pick up their eco-friendly refill when you repurchase.
Et Al Beauty Collective Line + Define Lip Liner
We love ‘Fawn’, a warm, true-tone neutral, and a most-reached-for shade.
Jones Road The Classic Lip
We love ‘Rosewood’, a reddish brown with a hint of berry, a playful tone for the winter season.
Studio 10 Wake Up & Glow Lip Tint
We love ‘Roseberry’. Formulated for mature skin and enriched with a deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid balm running through its core.
Vieve Satin Slip
We love ‘Deep Love’, a cool-toned berry in a soft satin finish, for a winter seasonal update, or a candle-lit date night.
Lisa Eldridge Luxuriously Lucent
We love ‘Le Mépris’, a cool beige peach in a buildable formula, to channel French off-duty chic.
Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick
We love ‘Girl’, a neutral light pink with a gentle sheen, an excellent suits-all shade for every season.
By Terry Rouge Opulent
We love ‘Coral Crush’, a brickish orange red with a velvet finish, to brighten a neutral outfit or complete a dressed up moment.
Vieve Modern Matte
We love ‘Promise’, a dusky rose for all skintones, with a natural matte finish.
Charlotte Tilbury – K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
We love ‘90s Pink’, a warm rose pink, with a natural satin sheen finish.
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