The Definitive Guide to Taylor Swift’s Iconic Red Lipsticks (2025 Update)
From the “Eras Tour” smudge-proof miracle to the drugstore dupes you can actually afford. Here is every confirmed red lipstick worn by the music industry’s biggest star.
There are few things in pop culture as instantly recognizable as Taylor Swift’s red lip. It is more than just makeup; it is a trademark, a shield, and a symbol of power. Whether she is singing in the pouring rain at Gillette Stadium or cheering for Travis Kelce at a Chiefs game, her red lip famously never moves.
This has led to one of the most enduring mysteries in the beauty community: What exact red lipstick does Taylor Swift wear? The answer isn’t a single product, but a carefully curated rotation of specific shades for specific eras. Thanks to confirmations from her makeup artist Lorrie Turk and keen-eyed fans, we have the definitive list.
1. The Eras Tour Proof: Pat McGrath “Elson 4”
If you attended the Eras Tour or watched the movie, you noticed that despite three hours of singing, dancing, and sweating, Taylor’s lips remained flawlessly matte. This is not magic; it is Pat McGrath Labs.
It has been confirmed that for the Midnights era and the Eras Tour, Taylor wears Pat McGrath LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in the shade “Elson 4.” This was first confirmed when she wore it in the “Bejeweled” music video. It is a blue-based red that makes teeth look whiter and dries down to a velvety finish that is virtually indestructible.
Makeup artist Pat McGrath herself has hinted at this collaboration multiple times. The formula is lightweight but highly pigmented, allowing it to withstand the rigors of a stadium tour. This choice aligns with Taylor’s current status as a billionaire mogul—using high-end, high-performance artistry brands. For more on her current lifestyle, check out the latest on Taylor Swift’s latest news today.
The exact shade worn on the Eras Tour. A vivid, blue-red matte liquid lipstick that lasts for 12+ hours without smudging or transferring.
Check Availability2. The Original Icon: MAC Ruby Woo
Before the Pat McGrath era, there was MAC Ruby Woo. This is arguably the most famous red lipstick in the world, and Taylor Swift is largely responsible for its modern cult status. She confirmed in interviews years ago that this was her “staple” red.
Ruby Woo is a “Retro Matte” formula. It is notoriously dry, which is exactly why it stays on so well. The color is a vivid, very matte blue-red. It was her go-to during the Red (2012) and 1989 eras. If you are looking for that classic, 2014-style Taylor look, this is the tube you buy.
Interestingly, this “staple” status compares to other celeb favorites, like the skincare routines detailed in Kim Kardashian’s skincare routine, where classic products often reign supreme.
The classic. It’s dry, it’s matte, and it doesn’t move. The universal red that suits almost every skin tone.
Buy The Classic3. The Cult Favorite: NARS Dragon Girl
Another confirmed favorite in Taylor’s arsenal is the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Dragon Girl.”. This product differs from the others because it is a pencil, making it incredibly easy to apply with precision.
Dragon Girl is slightly brighter and pinker than Ruby Woo. It leans more towards a siren red. Taylor was frequently spotted wearing this during the Speak Now and early Red eras. Because it is a pencil, it doubles as a liner, allowing her to overline slightly—a technique she has perfected over the years. It’s often cited as a more comfortable alternative to the super-dry MAC formula.
It’s worth noting that her best friend often influences trends too—see Selena Gomez’s trending news for how their styles sometimes overlap.
A jumbo crayon design for easy application. Features a vivid siren red hue with a creamy, non-drying matte finish.
Get The Pencil4. The “Chiefs Red” Era: NARS Morocco
Recently, eagle-eyed fans noticed a shift in Taylor’s red. While cheering for Travis Kelce, she sometimes sports a warmer, more cinnamon-toned red. Her makeup artist, Lorrie Turk, recently confirmed on Instagram that Taylor has been wearing NARS Lipstick in the shade “Morocco”.
This is a departure from the blue-reds of the past. “Morocco” is a warm, matte cinnamon red that pairs perfectly with the autumn vibes of football season and her cozy game-day outfits. It highlights how her style evolves with her life phases, much like the speculation surrounding her gifts to Travis Kelce.
The “Game Day” shade. A warm, matte cinnamon red confirmed by Lorrie Turk. Perfect for warmer skin tones or fall looks.
Shop This Shade5. Application Secrets: How It Stays On
Buying the lipstick is only half the battle. How does it stay on through rain, humidity, and microphone friction? The secret lies in the layering technique used by professionals.
- Blotting is Key: Apply one layer of lipstick, blot it with a tissue, then apply a second layer. This pushes the pigment into the lips.
- The Tissue Trick: Place a single ply of tissue over the lips and dust translucent powder over it. This sets the cream without dulling the color.
- Lipliner as Base: Fill in the entire lip with a matching liner (like MAC Cherry or NARS Jungle Red) before applying lipstick. This acts as a primer.
This meticulous attention to detail is why Taylor never has lipstick on her teeth.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Taylor Swift wears Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in the shade Elson 4 for the Eras Tour. It is known for its incredible staying power and transfer-proof finish.
While she has experimented with newer formulas like Pat McGrath recently, MAC Ruby Woo remains one of her all-time “staple” favorites, particularly associated with her 1989 and Red eras.
Her makeup artist, Lorrie Turk, confirmed that the warm, cinnamon-red shade Taylor has been wearing recently is NARS Lipstick in the shade Morocco.
She uses long-wear matte formulas (like LiquiLUST) and utilizes layering techniques: applying liner all over the lip, blotting with tissue, applying powder through the tissue, and then reapplying lipstick.
She often pairs her lipsticks with matching liners. For Ruby Woo, she uses MAC ‘Cherry’ or ‘Ruby Woo’ liner. For the Pat McGrath look, she uses the Pat McGrath PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in ‘Blood Lust’ or ‘Deep Dive’.