Taylor Swift is known for her signature red lipstick look. As one of the world’s biggest pop stars, her makeup style is closely watched by fans and regularly discussed in the media. So what lipstick does Taylor Swift wear to get that perfect bold red pout? Let’s take a closer look at the details behind her go-to lip color.
The History of Taylor’s Red Lip
Taylor has been rocking the red lip since the early days of her career. She has credited the influence of 1950s glamorous movie stars like Marilyn Monroe for inspiring her love of the classic red lipstick look. Back in 2008 during her early country music days, Taylor was often photographed wearing L’Oréal Colour Riche in True Red. This bright shade became a staple in her early career.
As Taylor’s star rose over the years and she became known for her red lip, she started collaborating with brands to create her own signature shades. In 2011, she teamed up with CoverGirl to create two custom reds: Kiss Me and Ruby Roses. Then in 2012, MAC Cosmetics launched the Viva Glam Taylor collection featuring a blue-red lipstick that quickly sold out.
Most recently, Taylor has turned to luxury brands for her custom reds. In 2015, she worked with Estée Lauder on her own Pure Color Envy shade called Taylor’s Red. Then in 2016, she became a global brand ambassador for Dior and the face of their iconic red lipstick, Dior Addict Lipstick in 999.
Taylor’s Current Go-To: Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour
These days, Taylor’s signature lipstick has been Christian Louboutin’s Velvet Matte Lip Colour in the shade Miss Loubi. This is a highly-pigmented matte red. Taylor has raved about the velvety formula of this lipstick, saying “This lipstick has turned into my daily go-to.” She loves that it stays put all day and keeps her lips feeling moisturized.
Some key facts about Christian Louboutin’s Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Miss Loubi:
- Deep blue-red shade
- Matte velvet finish
- Highly pigmented – opaque coverage
- Moisturizing vitamin E and seed oils
- Rose scented
- Paraben free
- Retails for $90
Taylor calls Miss Loubi the perfect shade of crimson red. It brightens up her complexion and gives her that glamorous pop of color.
How Taylor Applies Her Red Lip
Achieving Taylor’s flawless red lip requires some careful application techniques. Here are some tips on how Taylor puts on her signature lip look:
- She exfoliates and moisturizes her lips first to prep them for lipstick.
- She outlines and fills in her lip area completely with a red lip liner. This helps the color last longer.
- She then uses a lip brush to apply the lipstick, following the lines of the lip liner.
- She blotts on a tissue and reapplies for full, even coverage.
- She finishes with powder or translucent powder to set the lipstick and stop feathering.
Using lip liner as a base and a brush for application allows Taylor to apply multiple coats and touch up her lipstick without it looking messy or uneven throughout the day.
Taylor’s Lipstick Tips
As a lipstick pro, Taylor has shared some of her best tips for rocking a red lip:
- Prep lips – exfoliate and use balm before application.
- Use a lip liner to fill in lips and create a base.
- Apply lipstick straight from the bullet for the first coat.
- Use a lip brush for touch ups and precision.
- Blot and reapply for longer wear.
- Choose blue-red shades to brighten the face.
- Use powder to set the lipstick and prevent smudging.
- Carry lipstick for easy touch ups during wear.
Taylor emphasizes choosing a blue-red with cool undertones rather than an orange-red to light up your complexion. She also swears by blotting and reapplying for extended wear time.
Taylor’s Lipstick Collaborations
As one of the world’s biggest celebrities, Taylor has had the opportunity to collaborate with top beauty brands on her own signature lipsticks. Here is an overview of the custom reds she has launched over the years:
| Brand | Lipstick Name | Year |
|---|---|---|
| CoverGirl | Kiss Me & Ruby Roses | 2011 |
| MAC | Viva Glam Taylor | 2012 |
| Estée Lauder | Taylor’s Red | 2015 |
| Dior | Dior Addict Lipstick 999 | 2016-Present |
Taylor’s custom reds with CoverGirl, MAC, and Estée Lauder have all sold out quickly after launching. Her partnership with Dior as a brand ambassador from 2016 onward has made Dior Addict Lipstick in 999 her current go-to red lipstick for public appearances and performances.
Taylor’s Red Lip Evolution
While Taylor’s signature lip may have remained a bright poppy red over the years, the textures and formulas she opts for have evolved:
- Early days: Creamy reds and lip glosses like L’Oréal Colour Riche Lipcolour in True Red.
- Mid career: Matte retro reds like MAC Viva Glam Taylor.
- Current: Velvet matte formulas like Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Miss Loubi.
As she has matured, Taylor’s red lips have become bolder and more matte. She favors velvet textures over cream finishes for maximum color payoff. While her go-to shades and products have changed over the years, Taylor’s signature red lip remains a staple in her glamorous beauty look.
Copy Taylor’s Look
Want to copy Taylor’s red lip look? Here are some drugstore lipstick options that can help you recreate her signature style on a budget:
| Brand | Lipstick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| L’Oréal | Color Riche Matte Lipstick in Blake’s Red | $8.97 |
| Maybelline | SuperStay Matte Ink in Pioneer | $8.49 |
| NYX | Matte Lipstick in Alabama | $6.50 |
| Revlon | Matte Lipstick in Really Red | $8.49 |
These budget-friendly matte lipsticks provide opaque color payoff in blue-toned reds reminiscent of Taylor’s lipstick shades. Using a lip liner and applying multiple layers can help you mimic her bold matte lip on a day-to-day basis.
Conclusion
From her early days up until now, Taylor Swift’s signature lipstick shade has remained a blue-red that flatters her complexion. While she has worn creamy finishes in the past, matte textures are now her preference for maximum color impact. Her current favorite is Christian Louboutin’s Velvet Matte Lip Colour in Miss Loubi. With careful prep and application using lip liner and a brush, Taylor is able to wear her bold red lip all day long. Her custom collaborations with brands like CoverGirl, MAC, Estée Lauder and Dior reflect her status as a beauty icon. While high-end lipsticks might be outside of most budgets, there are plenty of drugstore dupes that allow fans to copy Taylor’s timeless red lip look.