We Think We’ve Found The Exact Red Lipstick Behind Taylor Swift’s Viral Kiss Moment

Plus, the best red lipsticks of all time, according to team Grazia.

red lipstick

by Rachael Martin |
Updated on

Here at Grazia, we believe there is a red lipstick for everyone; it's just a case of finding which shades suit you. Considering just about every beauty brand has a red lipstick (or, multiple), we recognise that this is no mean feat. In our opinion, every make-up vanity must contain at least one perfect red to wear out to those bars, parties and date nights.

One red lip we haven't been able to take our eyes off of? Taylor Swift's. Her recent viral kiss with boyfriend Travis Kelce saw her don a rich, pillar box red that that remained flawless post-smooch. Even better, we think we can make an educated guess as to what the exact lipstick behind the now iconic look really is.

Swiftie's will want to add the Taylor Made Lip-Kit by Pat McGrath, £47 to their kit. As the name would suggest, it's a highly-pigmented red lipstick and liner combination that was inspired by Midnights, her 2022 studio album. The kit comprises of the MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson 2 and the PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in Structure and, after trying the combination ourselves, we can confirm that the results are almost identical to Swift's recent look. Just a swipe reveals a creamy, matte texture that never feels sticky - there's the oil-infused formula to thank for that. If this is the lipstick the star opted for, we wouldn't be surprised.

While Swift rocks a vibrant lip effortlessly, we appreciate that it's a bold look for many. 'A red lip can be an intimidating move,' confirms celebrity make-up artist Enya Sullivan. 'But actually, you can choose specific tones and formulations to flatter your own unique lip shade and texture. Those with cool under-tones tend to look great with a more blue red, while warmer tones look stunning with a warmer red. That said, there are no rules. The joy of a red lip is in the creativity. With the right red, teeth look whiter and skin looks brighter, so don't be afraid to swatch and swipe to see what shade you prefer.'

Dry lips? There's a formulation for that. 'Look to nourishing lipsticks made with ceramides or oils, and use a lip scrub first to slough away dead skin' says Sullivan. 'Those with oilier lips can afford to reach for mattifying numbers that will soak up excess moisture. New innovations ensure these offerings are matte, but never chalky.'

Of course, so much of the allure of the red lip is in its versatility. It's no longer reserved exclusively for a special occasion; blot it down with tissue, or apply it with your finger, for a thoroughly modern and wearable feel. 'While a sharp red lip always has its place, a blurred-out, feathered version feels very modern,' suggests Sullivan.

With the right red, teeth look whiter, skin looks brighter, and you stand a little taller. That said, here is our edit of the best red lipsticks to know for 2024. We've got some new contenders from the likes of Hermès, who sure do know their way around a lipstick formula; as well cult classics from Mac. And you can rest assured knowing that these are lipsticks we've personally tried and tested on the Grazia beauty team.

Jump in. We hope you'll love them as much as we do.

SHOP: The Best Red Lipsticks Including Taylor Swift's Favourite

Taylor Swift's Favourite Red Lipstick

Description

Beloved by Taylor Swift, expect a nourishing lipstick that boasts an oil-infused powder formula while delivering a beautiful, matte finish. One reviewer says: 'I’ve wanted to buy Pat McGrath for a while and finally caved. I can’t even explain how beautiful this colour is and the texture is amazing. I use it as an every day lipstick but can still smarten it up with one of the darker lip liners.' High praise indeed.

Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'As soon as I heard Taylor was a fan I rushed to get my hands on a sample - and luckily, it arrived on my desk the next day. The first thing I was struck by was the packaging - what luxury! The glinting black and gold case make this one a welcome addition to my handbag, while the formula was everything I hoped. My lips are dry, so a scrub was necessary for a smooth application (my first attempt was a no go) but after thoroughly exfoliating my lips and going in for a second go the results were gorgeous - think a velvety finish that didn't bleed or feather.' Sold.

Pros

  • Infused with oil so never drying
  • Luxury packaging
  • Applies beautifully

Cons

  • Has form for selling out
  • Dry lips should exfoliate first

Best for a luminous finish

Description

This nourishing Chanel lipstick lends itself well to those with cooler skin tones or fair skin. It's this shade that makes teeth look impressively whiter, The Rouge Allure Luminous formula has a - you guessed it - luminous finish, that feels comfortable and easy to wear.

Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'There's something that feels so special about owning a Chanel lipstick, never mind this stunning red which ups the glamour factor even more. When I whip this one from my handbag the compliments come pouring in before I even reveal the shade - and you best believe that this particular red is met with awe too. It's my go-to when I want to take my make-up application up a notch, and it never disappoints.'

Pros

  • A second-skin feel
  • Reels in compliments
  • Beautiful packaging
  • Makes for a great gift

Cons

  • Some might need regular reapplication after eating

Best for mimicking Marilyn Monroe's red lipstick

Description

This lipstick was originally called 'So Marylin', for the way it resembled Monroe's infamous scarlet red hue. In our experience, this shade sits on the deeper end of the red spectrum (especially on fairer skin tones). After swatching this one in the office, we compared the shade to a lighter red wine. Rather handily, Charlotte Tilbury's website has a tool where you can see how the red lipstick will look on your skin tone. You can view it here, and, in our experience, it's pretty accurate.

Pros

  • 'If I want to look seductive and sexy I'll reach for this,' says one reviewer.

Cons

  • Some reviewers have said it doesn't last as long as they'd like.

Best matte red lipstick

Description

'The word "iconic" gets bandied around all too often, but after I wore this one at a recent work event I decided that Dior's 999 is worthy of such high praise,' says Rachael. 'For me, the magic is in the shade - it's a neutral-toned bright red that enhanced my complexion with just a swipe. I applied the lipstick with an angled brush to aid precision, but as someone with a pretty shaky hand I did need to clean up my many wobbles with a concealer. The dry-down time was a speedy one, so I had to work fast to ensure a flawless finish. But I got there, and the end results are beautiful.'

Pros

  • Just a slick reveals a heavily pigmented matte finish
  • Flattering shade for most skin tones

Cons

  • Dries down quickly, so working fast is a must to prevent a messy finish

Best for all-skin tones

Description

If you're unsure which red will suit you, one with neutral undertones - like this one - tends to be most universally flattering. It's neither warm nor cool, so wears well with all skin tones - we're quite a diverse bunch on the Grazia beauty desk, and found that this one suited us all. For colour that truly packs a punch but doesn't feel dry, we loved this formula from Gucci. It's packed with emollients to keep lips feeling hydrated, and leaves a pretty satin sheen on the lips. Rachael says, 'I blotted down with a tissue for a more translucent finish and it gave me more of a minimalist look, but Sameeha went full-force with a double layer of the stuff for a full-glam lip look.'

Pros

  • Packed with nourishing emollients

Cons

  • Plays best with a liner, so consider investing

Best for dry lips

Description

Victoria Beckham chose this bright morello cherry shade to be red in her lipstick lineup, and we. are. glad. One swipe and it is instantly prettifying, making teeth look whiter and lips look fuller (thanks to the creamy, luminous finish). We particularly love the shape of this lipstick - small and rounded - as it allows for easy and precise application, without necessarily needing a lip liner.

Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says: 'This lipstick is my go-to for adding a vibrant wash of red to my lips. I'm usually a nude lipstick gal, but this red feels like a 'safe' option. It's not overwhelming and doesn't feel like too much. I adore it and have used it twice this week alone to take me from the office to a press dinner.'

Pros

  • Shape aids precision
  • Luxurious packaging

Cons

  • VB products sell-out

Best for long wear

Description

Grazia's Acting Head of Beauty Cassie says, 'As an OG MAC Ruby Woo devotee, I’ve been swayed by the pigment payoff of this liquid iteration. The 8 hour hold promise totally stands up and despite being matte, the Colour-Flex technology means my lips still feel like my own. “Feels So Grand’ is a universal crowd-pleaser and it's a constant in my make-up bag.'

Pros

  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Quick dry down time - work quickly

Best luxury red lipstick

Description

If you're going to wear red as the weather gets warmer, make it this one. It's instantly cheering - and not just because of its sophisticated embossed packaging. This red is one we'd define as a cherry red, with a subtle pink undertone. The finish is completely matte and one swipe deposits a healthy amount of colour.

Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'I bought this one for my Mum's birthday and she was delighted. While it's certainly expensive, she loves to use it for special occasions making it the perfect gift for beauty lovers. She'll also use a touch on her cheeks, which leaves behind a gorgeous, healthy flush.'

Pros

  • Feels luxurious, from packaging through to formulation.

Cons

  • A considerable investment

Best for a velvety texture

Description

Purchase this one if you're after a no-nonsense, fail-safe red liquid lipstick that won't break the bank.

Grazia's Acting Beauty Director Verity says, ‘I’ve been using the Huda liquid lipsticks for years, I apply this over a bullet lipstick to add definition. The bold red is really punchy and honestly, it does not budge.’

Pros

  • Contains vitamins A & E for nourishment

Cons

  • Some have claimed it errs on the drier side

Rachael Martin is Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor. You'll find her writing about beauty, health and wellbeing.

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