When it comes to making mature lips look fuller, a tweakment isn't the only answer. Sometimes, it’s simply about pairing the right products, and Kristin Scott Thomas’ latest makeup look is proof.
The 66-year-old actress looked incredible last night, attending the after-party for The Cherry Orchard, the West End production she's currently starring in. Her complexion was radiant, and softly smudged black liner made her eyes pop, but it was her defined, high-shine lip that took centre stage.
Kristin looked incredible last night, with softly smudged liner and ultra-glossy lips
It all comes down to two products: lip liner and a brilliant, light-catching gloss. Used together, they create what experts call the 'plump and reflect' effect, making lips appear fuller, smoother and more youthful.
Breaking it down for us, top makeup artist and brand founder Ruby Hammer explains, ‘it’s a brilliant technique. The lip liner is great for bringing back definition and structure to the mouth. Meanwhile, the shine of the gloss will catch the light, creating the impression of softness and fullness.’
According to celebrity makeup artist Mira Parmar, that's exactly what makes it such a flattering combination for mature lips. ‘As you get older, you're obviously losing your hyaluronic acid, you're losing collagen. Your lips aren't as full. Even the shape can change. You can use the liner to rebalance the shape, while the gloss will help to disguise dryness and fine lines.’
When it comes to choosing the right products, Ruby tells us texture is key. ‘You want products that move beautifully with the lips rather than anything dry or severe. Age is not a skin type; it is about looking at what your lips need now and adapting accordingly.’
All it takes is a glance of Kristin’s look last night to convince up to pick up the gloss
As a universal first step, she explains that prep is key. ‘Start with a lightweight balm for moisture, then blot away any excess so the pencil still has something to hold onto.’ Her own Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm is her brilliant go-to here.
When it comes to lining mature lips, precision and subtlety beat exaggeration. ‘Choose a liner close to your natural lip colour, or a fraction deeper, and use small, soft strokes rather than one hard line. I also like taking the liner slightly across the lip and softening it with a fingertip so there is no obvious edge,’ says Ruby. Some favourites from her kit include Merit, Lisa Eldridge and Westman Atelier.
Once the lip edge is lined, Mira recommends taking the pencil across the rest of your lips too. ‘This is such an easy trick. It instantly creates a fuller-looking effect and acts almost like a primer. If you want a little more dimension, layer a lipstick that's slightly lighter than your liner on top. With the liner underneath, you'll get double the staying power.’
As for the gloss, Ruby’s top tip is to focus the product on the centre of the lips, as opposed to taking lots of shine right over the lip line. Here, Mira loves to reach for a clear gloss, her top pick being Huda Beauty's Faux Filler Extra Shine Gloss.
The result? Lips like Kristin’s: fuller-looking, smooth and youthful, all without straying too far from the products already in your makeup bag.