A Brief History of Taylor Swift's Favorite Lipsticks
- Victoria Lyn
- Aug 27
- 4 min read
Dear reader, it’s no secret that Taylor Swift has carried on a passionate love affair with the red lip for well over a decade. From casual outings to commanding the stage on her Eras Tour, her crimson smile has become nothing short of iconic. Much like Marilyn Monroe immortalized her beauty with a signature red, Taylor has stamped hers into pop culture history! I have to say, I am a little obsessed with decoding what shade she is wearing currently. It's like I am a little makeup detective here to save the day for all of you reading :) On the heels of her recent engagement to Travis Kelce and her 12th awaited album "The Life Of A Showgirl" dropping in October - Let’s take a look back at the lipsticks that have defined her eras and shaped her timeless look.
1. The Beginning: First Red Lip in 2009
Taylor Swift’s love affair with red lipstick began during her very first Allure cover shoot in April 2009, when makeup artist Gucci Westman convinced her mother to let the then-teen try a bold red—sparking a signature look that would define her image for years to come. Andrea Swift initially objected, saying Taylor “doesn’t wear red,” but eventually gave in. Taylor loved it so much that she left the shoot with the tube in hand. The shade that was used is still a mystery, but Gucci Westman says the closest you’ll get is a mixture of two red shades you can find in the Lip Suede Palette by Westman Atelier.
2. Early Favourite: CoverGirl Exhibitionist Lipstick in “Hot”
Before her high-end lipstick obsessions, Taylor, during her early CoverGirl days, revealed that she wore CoverGirl Exhibitionist Lipstick in Hot, a vivid, cherry-red shade with an orange undertone. It was one of her go-to red lippies and part of her early beauty identity.
3. Becoming a Red Lip Icon
Since that pivotal Allure shoot, Taylor has rarely deviated from her red lip look. The bold pout became a constant on red carpets, magazine covers, and in her music— even lyrically. Songs like “Style” reference her signature look: “I got that red lip, classic thing that you like.”
4. Spotlight on the Stunners: Her Most Famous Red Lipsticks
Here’s a curated breakdown of the most talked-about red shades Taylor has worn:
Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLust Matte Lipstick in “Elson 4”Her go-to for dramatic events like the “Bejeweled” video and even NFL games—celebrated for its longevity and matte finish.
NARS Powermatte (Velvet Matte Lip Pencil) in “Dragon Girl”A beloved red pencil for its vibrant cherry tone and easy application.
MAC Ruby WooThe classic blue-red that Taylor mentioned discovering around her 1989 era. Universally flattering with rich pigment.
NARS Air Matte Color in “Morocco”
A favorite for daily wear—weightless, sophisticated, and confirmed by her makeup artist as a longtime staple.
Rare Beauty Lip Soufflé (Red)Believed to show up during Kansas City Chiefs games—a nod to Selena Gomez’s brand and team spirit.
Dior Rouge Dior Forever LiquidReserved for elegant events, this true‑red liquid delivers a luxurious, transfer‑proof finish.
Fenty Stunna Lip Paint in “Underdawg”A darker, burgundy-toned shade reminiscent of the deeper, moody looks Taylor embraced during her Reputation era.
Let's not forget Bleachella
“Bleachella” was the nickname fans gave Taylor Swift’s platinum-blonde era, which debuted at Coachella 2016. With icy white-blonde hair, choppy bangs, and a grunge-inspired style, the look marked a bold departure from her signature polished red-lip glamour. This edgy transformation became a cultural moment, signaling her Reputation chapter to come and showing fans a darker, more rebellious side of Taylor’s evolving image. During her Bleachella era, Taylor’s lips often contrasted her icy platinum hair—swapping her classic bright reds for deeper, moodier shades that hinted at the rebellious Reputation chapter ahead! This lip shade in particular has remained a mystery. It could only be answered by the one and only, Lorie Turk her MUA. Fans have tried and tested various shades but the closest match is Dior Beauty’s “Forever Night” lipstick. The perfect deep plum.
Another honorable mention and my personal FAV - Patmcgrath Fembot :) This is the nude she wears in the Bejeweled music video!
The Timeline: A Quick Glance
Year | Red Lip Moment |
2009 | First-ever red lip experience at Allure cover (by Gucci Westman), later kept the tube |
Early 2010s | Frequent use of CoverGirl Exhibitionist Lipstick in Hot during her CoverGirl era |
2012–2015 | Ruby Woo* (1989 era), then Dragon Girl, and continued red lip prominence |
Mid–late 2010s | Embraced Pat McGrath Elson 4 extensively—for red carpets, videos, and the Eras Tour |
Now | A mix of luxury, sporty, and everyday red lip picks depending on occasion |
Why Taylor’s Red Lip Matters
Her bold lip is more than makeup—it’s a trademark, a storytelling cue, and a cultural touchstone. Taylor’s red lip has:
Marked every career chapter visually—from country sweetheart to pop powerhouse.
Inspired fans to follow her red lip routine (tissue & powder prep tip included).
Fueled sales and trends; her lipstick choices often sell out fast and become iconic!
A quick breakdown of her recent lip combo:
In Summary
2009: Taylor’s red lip journey begins with a daring Allure shoot—she loves it, and the look is born.
Early days: She rocks CoverGirl Hot as part of her beauty branding.
Over the years: She transitions to luxury, classic, and everyday red lip shades that suit each era she enters.
Today: Her red lip remains as powerful and recognizable as ever. She often sports NARS Morocco as her everyday nude.
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