Taylor Swift’s Favorite Red Lipstick Remains a Holiday Staple, Tested on Various Skin Tones
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Even as beauty trends evolve toward more understated looks, a classic red lipstick has proven its staying power, especially during the holiday season. Pat McGrath Labs’ LiquiLust Matte Lipstick in Elson 4, famously worn by pop icon Taylor Swift throughout her Eras Tour, remains a coveted product, selling out year after year. The shade is a bright, blue-based red that has become synonymous with Swift’s signature style since fans discovered the exact lipstick she used back in 2023. Despite shifts in makeup preferences, this lipstick continues to fly off shelves, particularly at major retailers like Sephora and the brand’s official site, where it retails for $34.
BuzzFeed recently conducted an in-house test of Elson 4, examining how the lipstick performs across different skin undertones without the use of its matching liner. The results highlighted the lipstick’s intense pigmentation and the confidence boost it provides. Testers with neutral undertones, who typically shy away from bold reds, found the shade surprisingly flattering. Siena, one of the reviewers, noted that the blue undertone softened the punchy color, making it more wearable than a traditional candy-apple red. Another tester, Melissa, compared it favorably to MAC’s iconic Ruby Woo but appreciated Elson 4’s easier application and less drying formula.
Those with cool undertones, like Shelby, also praised the lipstick’s rich, almost paint-like texture and its comfortable wear throughout the day. Megan, who usually prefers neutral lip balms, found the lipstick fun and empowering, though she questioned the price point. Meanwhile, testers with warmer or darker complexions, such as Alana and Bella, felt the shade was less complementary to their skin tones but still enjoyed the product’s comfortable formula.
The lipstick is not without its quirks. Reviewers observed that Elson 4 is not fully transfer-proof and requires setting techniques to maximize longevity. Taylor Swift herself reportedly uses powder-setting through a tissue to lock in the color, a trick that helps the lipstick approach its advertised 12-hour wear time. Despite some fading and transfer during the day, the color remained vibrant and non-patchy by evening. Additionally, while some dryness was noted after a few hours, it was less severe than with other liquid mattes, and a hydrating balm or gloss could easily mitigate this.
Pat McGrath Labs also offers a “Taylor-Made Lip Kit,” which includes Elson 4 and a matching liner, catering to fans seeking a complete red-lip experience. The lipstick’s enduring popularity underscores the timeless appeal of a bold red lip as an instant confidence booster, especially during festive occasions.
For those interested in exploring the lipstick or its holiday set, it is currently available through Sephora and directly from Pat McGrath Beauty. Beauty enthusiasts can also find insights on makeup trends and product reviews on platforms like FDA Cosmetics and Federal Trade Commission’s cosmetics guide, which provide guidelines on product safety and labeling. As the holiday season approaches, Elson 4 remains a sought-after gift for fans of bold, classic beauty.
In a world where makeup trends come and go, the enduring success of Pat McGrath’s Elson 4 highlights the power of a well-crafted red lipstick to transcend time and complexion, uniting fans and newcomers alike in a shared love for a statement lip.
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