Taylor Swift and her red lipstick are practically a single entity at this point. It’s the visual shorthand for her entire brand. But if you’ve spent any time on the "Swiftie" side of the internet lately, you know the discourse around which exact tube she’s actually swiping on has become a full-blown investigation.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a mess.
For years, everyone pointed to MAC Ruby Woo or NARS Dragon Girl. Then, Dame Pat McGrath entered the chat. The legendary makeup artist didn't just do Taylor’s makeup for a red carpet; she basically reset the entire "Red Lip Classic" lore during the Midnights era. If you’re trying to track down the Pat McGrath Taylor Swift red obsession, you’re usually looking for one specific, elusive bottle: LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4. But here’s the thing. While that shade became the "official" answer after the Bejeweled music video, the truth about what stays on her face during a three-hour rain show is a lot more complicated than a single product link.
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The Bejeweled Breakthrough
In 2022, Pat McGrath made a surprise cameo in the Bejeweled music video as the Queen. It wasn't just a fun easter egg. It was a massive branding moment. McGrath confirmed that Taylor was wearing LiquiLust: Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in shade Elson 4.
This isn't your average drugstore red. It’s a "vivid blue-red." Why does that matter? Blue-based reds make your teeth look whiter and pop against the cool-toned stage lights. Warm, orange-y reds can sometimes look a bit "muddy" or yellowish under stadium LEDs.
The beauty world went feral. The shade sold out instantly. McGrath even leaned into the hype by releasing a "Taylor-Made" Lip Kit, which bundled Elson 4 with the PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in Deep Dive. If you’ve ever wondered how Taylor gets those crisp, sharp edges that don't blur even when she’s sweating through "Shake It Off," the secret is usually that lip pencil. It acts like a literal fence for the color.
Why Elson 4 specifically?
- The Finish: It’s a "blurred matte." It doesn't look dry or crusty; it looks like velvet.
- The Grip: It’s designed to be transfer-proof for up to 12 hours.
- The Pigment: One swipe is usually enough to cover the lip completely.
The Eras Tour Mystery: Is it actually Pat McGrath?
Here is where the experts—and the fans who spend the entire concert through binoculars—start to disagree. While Pat McGrath's team provided the look for the Bejeweled video and the 2022 VMAs, they’ve been surprisingly quiet about the official Eras Tour stage makeup.
Recently, a new contender emerged. In the End of an Era docuseries (released in late 2025/early 2026), eagle-eyed fans spotted Taylor’s longtime makeup artist, Lorrie Turk, using a thin silver bullet. That doesn't look like the Pat McGrath LiquiLust bottle. It looks exactly like the MAC Locked Kiss 24HR Lipstick.
Specifically, the shade Ruby True.
So, did Taylor switch teams? Kinda. It’s common for artists to use different products for a music video (where you can touch up every five minutes) versus a stadium tour (where you need a chemical-grade seal against rain and sweat). Pat McGrath's Elson 4 is legendary for its beauty, but the MAC Locked Kiss formula is notoriously difficult to remove—which is exactly what you want when you're performing in a literal downpour in Foxborough or Nashville.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Taylor-Made Look
You can buy the exact $34 lipstick, but it won't look the same if you just "swipe and go." Professional makeup artists like McGrath use a layering technique that most of us are too lazy to do at home.
- Exfoliation is non-negotiable. Red matte lipstick highlights every single flake of dry skin. If your lips aren't smooth, the Pat McGrath formula will "catch" and look patchy.
- The "Stamp" Method. Instead of drawing a line, pro artists often "stamp" the pigment into the center of the lip and blend outward.
- The Double-Set. Many Swifties who successfully recreated the look for their tour dates reported using a light dusting of translucent powder through a tissue over the first layer of Elson 4, then applying a second layer.
It’s a commitment. You aren't just wearing makeup; you're wearing an architectural project.
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The "Forbidden Love" Alternative
If you can't find Elson 4 (which is basically the "Great War" of restocks), McGrath herself has suggested MatteTrance Lipstick in Forbidden Love. It’s a traditional bullet lipstick rather than a liquid. It's creamier and a bit more comfortable for daily wear, though it lacks the "industrial-strength" staying power of the LiquiLust line.
Finding the Red in 2026
If you're looking for the Pat McGrath Taylor Swift red right now, your best bet is checking the official Pat McGrath Labs site for the restocked "Taylor-Made" eye and lip kits. They tend to drop around tour anniversaries or major award shows.
If it’s sold out? Don't panic.
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored is a near-perfect shade match for Elson 4. It’s also a blue-red and has that same watery-to-matte transition. However, it's a bit "messier" and takes longer to dry down than the McGrath formula.
Another sleeper hit is the Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in 01 Always Red. It's cheap, it's classic, and it has been a staple in Lorrie Turk's kit for years.
Actionable Next Steps for the Perfect Red:
- Check the Undertone: If you have cool-toned skin, stick with Elson 4 or Ruby True. If you're warmer, look for NARS Morocco (a cinnamon red Taylor wore to the 2024 VMAs).
- Invest in a Precision Brush: Don't apply liquid lipstick straight from the wand if you want that sharp "Taylor" cupid's bow. Use a tiny lip brush to map the edges first.
- The Removal Strategy: These lipsticks are designed to survive a breakup and a three-hour set. You cannot remove them with water. You need a dedicated oil-based cleanser or a balm like Clinique Take The Day Off.
Taylor’s red lip isn't just about the brand. It’s about the formula. Whether you're a die-hard Pat McGrath fan or a MAC loyalist, the goal is the same: a red that stays put while you're screaming the bridge to "Cruel Summer."