There’s something about Taylor Swift’s red lip that transcends trends. It’s not just a color. It’s not just a look. It’s a declaration—of presence, of power, of purpose. From her earliest album cycles to her record-breaking “Eras Tour,” through love songs, heartbreak anthems, Grammy wins, and rainy stadiums, her red lip has remained—impossibly—perfect. We’ve all seen it: the photos of her dancing in the pouring rain with crimson still clinging to her smile, or locking lips with Travis Kelce post-victory, her lipstick never smudging, never fading.
I’ve spent years searching for that kind of lipstick. Not just any red—that red. The one that looks iconic in daylight, sultry under stadium lights, and unshakeable through a 14-hour day. And at long last, I’ve found the top contenders that truly hold their ground.
If you’re ready to wear a red lip that won’t let you down, keep reading. Here are the four reds worthy of Swift’s signature—and yours.
1. Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4
Price: \$81 (Taylor-made Lip Kit)
Buy at: PatMcGrath.com, Sephora, Amazon
There’s no talking about Taylor’s red lip without starting here. Elson 4 is the heart of her custom Pat McGrath “Taylor-Made” Lip Kit, developed in collaboration with the queen of runway glam herself, Dame Pat McGrath. It made its debut in the shimmering, high-gloss fantasy of the Bejeweled music video—and it hasn’t left the spotlight since.
Design & Aesthetic
Sleek, weighty black tube with gold lips embossed on the cap. Even before you twist it open, it feels special. The applicator is firm and precise, making it easy to outline lips without a separate liner.
Texture & Formula
This is a true matte, but not the kind that flakes or cracks. The formula is whipped and creamy during application, then dries down into a soft, flexible veil. It’s transfer-resistant, kiss-proof, drink-proof, and still doesn’t leave lips feeling parched. Somehow, it locks in without locking you out of comfort.
Wear & Performance
I wore this on a hot July afternoon in New York—coffee, subway rides, a rooftop concert—and when I came home at 2am, my lips still looked freshly painted. No crumbling. No weird ring. No desperate touch-ups. I’ve also tested it through dancing, spicy noodles, and emotional phone calls. It doesn’t budge.
Color Story
Elson 4 is a “blue-red,” which means it leans cool rather than orange. It brightens teeth, flatters all skin tones, and gives off a clean, glamorous edge. It’s bold—but not loud. Powerful—but never overdone.
How I Wear It
I love this one with clean skin, brushed-up brows, and maybe a single swipe of champagne eyeshadow (hello, Pat McGrath Mothership!). It doesn’t need anything else—it carries the whole look. But if I’m going full “Midnights”-era glam, I’ll layer a subtle highlight on my Cupid’s bow and dab a bit of the lipstick on my cheeks as a stain.
2. Dior Rouge Dior Refillable Lipstick in 999 Matte
Price: \$49
Buy at: Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue
This one is an icon in its own right. Rouge Dior 999 is like the little black dress of red lipsticks—timeless, elegant, and endlessly wearable. And in its matte formula? It becomes a Swift-level staple.
Packaging & Luxury Factor
The bullet itself is Dior classic: navy blue with silver detailing, and the brand’s embossed logo on the lipstick. It feels expensive because it is. Plus, it’s refillable, which means less guilt when you inevitably run out and want to repurchase (trust me—you will).
Texture & Finish
It’s a soft matte—not liquid, not drying, and not overly creamy. It glides on smooth like butter, then sets into a satin-matte finish that doesn’t flake. Compared to Elson 4, it’s more traditional in texture—less of a “lockdown” matte, but still beautifully enduring.
Longevity
I’ve worn this during winter cocktail hours where heaters and champagne were battling for my soul. It held up with grace—only needing a gentle touch-up after four hours. It doesn’t stain cups as aggressively, which is a win in my book.
The Color
The 999 shade is balanced perfectly between warm and cool, so it looks equally stunning on golden, olive, or porcelain skin. It has that Old Hollywood drama with modern wearability. There’s a reason this red shows up on red carpets from Paris to LA.
How I Style It
I pair this with soft brown liner, flushed cheeks, and curled lashes. It’s my go-to for dinner dates or when I want to look composed, not overdone. On days when I skip eye makeup, this red does all the heavy lifting.
3. Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Mat Lipstick in Eadie Scarlet
Price: \$47
Buy at: Gucci.com, Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter
This lipstick feels like it was made for someone who wanted to wear red with attitude. There’s an unapologetic boldness to Eadie Scarlet that reminds me of Taylor’s Red album—romantic, sharp, a little vintage.
Aesthetic Appeal
The packaging alone is collectible: a vintage-style gold bullet with delicate floral etching, like something pulled from a 1940s starlet’s vanity. It screams glamour in the best way.
Formula & Texture
Gucci’s matte lipsticks are underrated. They’re richly pigmented, apply smoothly, and have a comfortable powdery finish. It’s not as transfer-proof as Elson 4, but it gives you that plush, almost velvet look. Plus, it wears down gracefully—never patchy, never crumbly.
Staying Power
It holds its own for 5–6 hours, especially if you blot between layers. I often layer this over a pencil (try MAC’s “Cherry” liner) to lock the shape. It’s perfect for when you want your red lip to have a vintage softness, not modern aggression.
Color Description
Eadie Scarlet is a true crimson with slight wine undertones. It feels a touch moodier than firetruck red—making it ideal for autumn, cozy date nights, or full Swiftie concert energy.
Styling Advice
I wear this with a bit of Gucci Westman highlighter on my cheekbones and a sweep of gold eyeshadow. It’s a red lip for romantic rebels.
4. Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored
Price: \$37
Buy at: Sephora, FentyBeauty.com
The name says it all. Uncensored is that wild-card red you wear when you need something indestructible, fierce, and 100% photogenic. It’s Rihanna’s creation—but something tells me Taylor would rock this one too, especially on game day.
Packaging
Modern and eye-catching: a long, glass-tube bottle with a metallic crown cap. The applicator is genius—a doe-foot that holds just the right amount of product to fully paint lips in one stroke.
Formula
This one is a true liquid lipstick—wet on application, then sets into a thin, flexible film that doesn’t budge. Of all the reds here, this one is the most transfer-resistant. I’ve eaten burgers in this. I’ve cried in this. I’ve kissed in this. And it’s still there.
Performance
Once it sets, it’s not going anywhere. No feathering. No smearing. If you have long nights, high humidity, or need to scream in a stadium and still look great afterward—this is the one.
Color Impact
Uncensored is a universal red. Rihanna designed it to suit every skin tone, and she wasn’t kidding. It’s fiery, bold, and just the right amount of drama. The finish is matte but not flat—it gives dimension and depth.
How I Use It
I always prep with balm first, then let it dry completely before applying. I’ll layer it once, blot lightly, then go back in for sharp edges. I don’t pair this with heavy eye makeup—it steals the show on its own.
Red Lip Survival Kit: Insider Tips
1. Always Exfoliate First
Red lipstick shows everything. A gentle sugar scrub or damp toothbrush makes a world of difference.
2. Prime Your Lips
A clear lip primer or concealer around the lip line keeps bold shades from feathering. Fenty makes a great one.
3. Use a Matching Lip Liner
This defines your shape and creates a buffer zone. For Elson 4, try Pat McGrath’s “Blood Lust” liner. For Dior 999, the matching Dior liner is perfect.
4. Blot and Reapply
Layering = longevity. Apply one coat, blot with tissue, then reapply. It makes your color last twice as long.
5. Set with Powder (Taylor’s Trick)
Dusting translucent powder through a tissue over your lips locks everything in. It’s an old-school trick—but if it works for Taylor, it works for me.
Where to Shop (US Only)
You can find all of these iconic reds at trusted retailers:
- Sephora – Wide range, often runs beauty insider sales
- Nordstrom – Carries Gucci, Dior, and Pat McGrath
- PatMcGrath.com – Direct source for Elson 4 and exclusive lip kits
- FentyBeauty.com – Best selection for all Stunna shades
- Saks Fifth Avenue – Luxe beauty shopping experience
Let the red lip speak for you. Whether you’re heading to a date, a boardroom, or an NFL stadium—if it’s good enough for Taylor Swift, it’s good enough for your boldest, most unshakeable self.
