Taylor Swift’s Perfect Red Lipstick Lessons
When Taylor Swift brought back her signature red lip this fall after a hiatus from the look, it gave us all the feels. After all, Taylor and red lipstick go together like Taylor and girl squads, or Taylor and cats, or Taylor and world domination. She had her first encounter with it way back in 2009, and has had that “red lip classic thing” that we love ever since then, aside from a few recent switch-ups. But switch-ups or not, there’s no doubt that at this point, Taylor is a red lip role model. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the red lipstick pool or looking for new ways to wear it, take your cues from Taylor, starting with these 13 key lessons.
1/15Click through to see the 13 times Taylor Swift proved red lipstick goes with everything!
Photo: Getty Images2/15You can pair red lips with pretty much any color.
Who said anything about clashing? Taylor’s epic 2016 Grammy Awards look (you know the one: that two-piece, color-blocked ensemble) was made up of the two colors, pink and orange, that theoretically clash the most with red. And yet, she donned her signature lip shade and looked flawless.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@taylorswift3/15She’s also paired red lipstick with a red-topped dress, without it in any way being too much red.
Photo: Getty Images4/15It’s the perfect retro accent.
Taylor absolutely nails retro, 1950s style. And, while much of that can be attributed to her hair and wardrobe choices, whether she’s dressed up or down, it’s clear the red lip adds the final oomph to take the look all the way.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@taylorswift5/15Aiming to go retro yourself? Try adding a swipe of red to finish off your beauty routine.
Photo: Getty Images6/15Switching up the shade, even slightly, can totally change your look.
Over the years, Taylor has donned plenty of different shades of red: The orangey shades, the pinky shades, the darker shades, the lighter shades. And what have we learned? Not all reds are created equal, and each unique option has its own unique effect on your overall look. Rather than sticking to one shade for all of your red-lipstick-wearing moments, keep a few different ones on hand and go with whatever fits your mood, vibe, or desired look in the moment.
Photo: Getty Images7/15But when in doubt, go Ruby Woo.
MAC’s Ruby Woo is something of a cult favorite, and for good reason: It’s a bold, cherry red shade that is completely and utterly classic. Taylor discovered the TeenVogue 2014 Beauty Award winner last year, and touted its merits in an interview with People, calling it a “staple.”
Photo: Getty Images8/15It can be just as pared-down as it can be statement-making.
Red lips pair perfectly with minimal makeup, and we love when Taylor goes the full-on, statement lip route.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@taylorswift9/15One cool route to go is experimenting with a matte finish and bold color. The two balance each other out perfectly.
Photo: Courtesy of instagram/@taylorswift10/15One of Taylor’s faves is the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@taylorswift11/15Red lips can also bring a dreamy vibe to your makeup, something Taylor has proven time and again.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@taylorswift12/15Surprisingly, red lips can also soften your makeup look. Pair it with a pretty updo and pale pink blush for a daytime-perfect take on the trend.
Photo: Getty Images13/15It doesn’t have to be relegated to dressed-up ensembles.
For many of us, the inclination is to only break out the red lipstick when we mean business: It’s perfect if we’re dressed to the nines, making an appearance at a major event, enjoying a full-fledged girls’ night, or celebrating something like Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Other than that, it just seems out of place, right? Wrong. Take it from Taylor, who’s been spotted with red lips in pretty much every type of scenario, including arriving at the gym.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@taylorswift14/15You CAN pull it off.
Taylor has been spotted in red lips tons of times, and she looks fab in every instance. It’s not because she’s a celebrity, or because she has a professional glam squad applying the makeup. (Though we can’t deny that those things are probably nice.) No, it’s all because of the way she carries herself. Confidence is everything. Want to pull off red lipstick? Put it on and tell yourself you look amazing.
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