A few weeks ago, as the U.S. leg of Taylor Swift’s 2023 Eras Tour was coming to an end (culminating in a highly successful Eras Tour movie) and the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce relationship was gaining momentum, I received a message from a friend: “I need to know which lipstick Taylor Swift is wearing ASAP.” My friend wasn’t alone in this quest, as fans had been searching for the official Taylor Swift Eras Tour red lipstick for months. Pat McGrath’s ‘Taylor Made’ Lip Kit had already sold out, along with McGrath’s LiquiLUST, rumored to be another Eras Tour choice. But fear not, the internet has taken up the challenge. As I write this, the hashtag #taylorswiftlipstick has over 1.3 million TikTok views, with many users suggesting NARS Dragon Girl and MAC Ruby Woo as viable alternatives.
NARS Pencil
Although it’s not officially endorsed as the Taylor Swift Eras Tour lipstick, this NARS pencil is a clear favorite. The singer posted a photo of herself applying this shade before the Met Gala in 2014, and with good reason. It’s precise, moisturizing, and leaves behind a vibrant red hue. You can find it for $30 at Ulta Beauty, $26 at Nordstrom, and $30 at Kohl’s.
MAC
Red lipstick is nothing new in the world of makeup. Historians believe that ancient Sumerians crushed red rocks and gems to tint their lips as early as 3500 BC. The practice of red-lip painting can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra’s servants reportedly created red waxes out of insect parts to shade her pout. Elizabeth Taylor rocked the red lipstick look in 1960, and even Rosie the Riveter wore red lipstick in 1940. Over time, red lipstick has become a symbol of glamour, confidence, and French-girl chic. However, there is one lingering stigma surrounding this classic makeup trend: the belief that older women shouldn’t wear it.
According to celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, this belief is entirely false. Greenberg, whose clients include Kaley Cuoco, Rashida Jones, Kristen Stewart, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Judith Light, states, “Adding a pop of color to your makeup routine is a great way to brighten your features. And when it comes to lipstick, red can definitely be worn at any age.” With the right information and a few professional tricks, Greenberg believes women can confidently wear red lipstick in middle age and beyond.
Finding the right red lipstick for your skin tone is key. “Red lipstick has the potential to suit any skin tone, hair color, and eye color,” says Greenberg. “The key is to find a product with the undertone that works best for your skin.” It may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. If you have warm undertones, choose a warmer red lipstick with orange tones. If you have cooler tones, opt for blue-toned reds. The formula roughly breaks down as follows:
– Deeper skin tones suit all reds.
– Olive skin tones suit warm reds.
– Light, ruddy skin tones suit warm reds.
– Fair, pale skin suits cool reds.
Some recommended products include:
– MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in the shade You’re Buggin, Lady. This blue-undertone pick is ultra-moisturizing and costs $25 at MAC Cosmetics and $26 at Belk.
– LYS Beauty, which offers a vibrant color and is formulated with chia seed oil and hyaluronic acid. It costs $20 at Sephora.
– Urban Decay, Maybelline, and KIKO Milano also have great options.
When it comes to application, Greenberg advises using a lip liner of a similar shade to your lipstick. This creates a barrier to prevent the color from spreading beyond the lip lines. NYX lip liners are affordable and highly recommended.
Finally, keep these three tips in mind:
1. Start with moisturized lips. Apply lip color over chapped lips won’t produce the desired result.
2. Less can be more. If you’re using a highly pigmented lipstick, start with a light hand and build up the intensity as preferred. If it’s too much, you can always blot your lips on a tissue for a more subtle look.
3. Apply with precision. Greenberg suggests starting the application towards the center of the lips and blending towards the outer edges for a blurred, undone look. Softening the lip line and blending well is key, especially for older lips with more creases and lines.
By following these tips and tricks, anyone can confidently rock red lipstick, regardless of age.
