Choosing a new lip color is the quickest way to update your makeup wardrobe but the right formula can make all the difference. There are no absolute rules, but chances are that if you pick the right product your lips will look their very best. In our teens and 20's gloss rules and with all the fun shimmery formulas and colors, you can wear a new one every day for a year! Steer clear of matte formula lipsticks that can look a little ageing on you now and stick with a sheer swipe of a juicy gloss. Gloss reflects light enhancing your lip shape and the sheer factor allows you to play with colors like deep plum in the fall or winter and hot pinks in the spring or summer. If you are in your 30's, go for sheer lipsticks, tinted lip balms or lip stains. Chances are at this age you are really on the go with kids or a career and maybe both, so time is of the utmost importance. A sheer lipstick allows you the color you want without the commitment of a full-on lipstick. A tinted balm is the quickest way to swipe on color and moisture in one easy application and a lip stain will give you natural looking color and the freedom from touchups throughout the day. Women in their 40's and 50's should choose a moisturizing lipstick that does not contain shimmer. A pearly finish is fine but if you see shimmer particles stay away. A moisture rich lipstick will restore your lips softness and play up your perfect pout. Long wearing lip colors should be avoided because they are moisture-sucking vampires and at this age you need to bring moist radiance back to that delicate skin. When you are in your 60's and 70's line your lips first with a clear or nude colored lip liner and fill in the lips with a matte creamy lipstick of your choice. The lip liner will create a barrier around the lips sealing in color so your favorite lip color won't bleed around your lips and because it is clear or nude you won't wind up with ring around the mouth. Now that you know about the right formulas for your age, don't be afraid to experiment with fun new seasonal colors!

1. Urban Decay XXX Shine Lip Gloss. This is the perfect teenager gloss with a sheer light finish. Available at www.sephora.com.
2. Rimmel London Underground Light Beam After Dark Gloss. A daring nighttime gloss for the feisty 20-something year old. Available at www.drugstore.com.
3. NYC Kiss Gloss. This sheer gloss allows you to play with bursts of color. Available at www.newyorkcolor.com.
4. Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick. The best for a 30’s girl who wants lipstick and gloss combined. Available at www.benefitcosmetics.com
5. Neutrogena Moisture Shine Tinted Lip Balm with SPF 20. This great 3-in-1 product offers quick color, sun protection and moisture so throw it in your bag and go. Available at www.cvs.com
6. Body and Soul Sheer Lipstick. Cool retro packaging and flawless sheer color makes these little tubes the talk of the town. Available at www.bodyandsoul.com
7. Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Cream Lipstick. Creamy smooth and hydrating for the mature sexy lady! Available at www.neimanmarcus.com
8. Lipstick Queen Sinner Opaque Lipstick. This lipstick is the Rolls Royce of lip products and the ultimate for the lipstick addict. Available at www.lipstickqueen.com
9. Sally Hansen Invisible Lip Liner. Feathering and bleeding will be a thing of the past. Available at www.sallyhansen.com
10. Guerlain Lip Pencil. These are the creamiest dreamiest lip pencils around. Available at www.nordstroms.com

Have a question you want Carmindy to answer? Email her at newsletter@carmindy.com

Georgia Sellers writes:
I am 44 years old and whenever I wear lipstick I feel like a clown. How can I apply it so it looks natural and not like I’m in the circus?

Carmindy:
Oh that’s easy! First off choose a moisturizing lipstick that is in a neutral shade. It should look about 1 shade darker than your natural lip color. After applying it from the tube, smooth over top of it with your fingertip to soften the edges. This way it will look like just an enhanced version of your own lips.

Heather Williams writes:
Where do I apply lip liner? Around the lips?

Carmindy:
If you are using a lip liner to seal in color then follow the natural lip line that you have. Draw right on top of it. If your lips are crooked or uneven do not draw them in with a colored liner but instead love them as they are for their uniqueness and quirky adorable appeal!

Lisa Millerson writes:
I am a Chapstick girl but I want to start using color. What should I do?

Carmindy:
You are the perfect candidate for a tinted lip balm. There are so many great ones on the market at every price point. They offer the moisture and protection of a regular Chapstick with the added benefit of light and sheer color.