Taylor Swift might not be the first celebrity to make red lipstick a staple of her everyday beauty aesthetic, but she does pull it off well. From performing on the Eras Tour stage to exchanging on-field kisses with Travis Kelce, Swift’s red lips are an unmissable fixture within her brand – and remarkably smudge-proof (see literally any photo of her PDA with Kelce for further proof).
While the pop star has sported a number of different red lipsticks over the years, her color of choice these days comes from Pat McGrath Labs – namely the LiquiLust Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick and MatteTrance Lipstick in Elson. Unsurprisingly, these shades are almost always sold out; queries for “what red lipstick does Taylor Swift wear?” have soared since the star kicked off her record-breaking tour.
Fortunately for fans and beauty aficionados alike, Pat McGrath Labs just released an upgraded version of Swift’s favorite lippie, otherwise known as the Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil ($29). Available in 11 shades (including the vibrant Elson red loved by the singer), this beauty essential offers an easy way to replicate Swift’s makeup looks – especially if you’ve been struggling to get your hands on the original version from Pat McGrath.
Eager to see if the product had the same smudge-proof allure of its predecessor, I tested the new Pat McGrath Labs red lip pencil and detailed my experience using the beauty essential below. From its creamy make and smooth application to the red lipstick’s poppy coloring that’s perfect for summer (and achieving that red lip classic thing that Swift likes), here’s what to know about the makeup must have.
About the Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Lip Pencil
- This new lip liner is designed to combine the convenience of a pointed lip pencil with the performance and vibrant pigmentation of a lipstick.
- It’s available in 11 shades, including (among many others): Elson, a vibrant orange-red; Flesh, a warm mahogany; and Divine Rose, a warm mauve.
- It’s more lightweight compared to other Pat McGrath lipsticks.
- With this lipstick, you can create a bold red lip or a blurred matte lip, thanks to its versatile application options.
What I Like About the Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Lip Pencil
As someone with a dry skin type, I tend to gravitate toward lightweight and breathable makeup products that don’t feel too cakey or heavy on my skin. I’ll opt for a putty primer over a liquid one, a skin tint over a proper foundation, and in this case, a lip pencil instead of a traditional lipstick.
Unlike other lip pencils, this Dramatique Lip Pencil from Pat McGrath Labs boasts a surprisingly creamy consistency that goes on smooth and delivers a nourishing layer to my lips. It’s marketed as a matte lip color, but the pencil feels much lighter – almost more like a lip crayon. I love the product’s simple application and bright, orange-red tint, which not only contrasts beautifully against any skin tone but is timeless enough to be worn in a variety of seasons and settings.
Whether you’re packing for a trip to see the Eras Tour or just wondering what to wear for the show once you arrive, this red lip pencil gives users (and concert attendees alike) an easy way to adopt a signature red lip look – even if it’s not normally your style.
How to Use the Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Lip Pencil
This lip pencil is super easy to use, regardless of whether you’re hoping to achieve a bold red lip or a blurred version. Because Swift’s red lips are such a focal point of her beauty aesthetic – and tend to look super saturated and bright – I typically opt for a more statement style. To start, I’ll prep my lips with a gentle exfoliant to ensure any dead skin is removed and that my lips are as smooth as possible. I’ll then remove the lip pencil’s cap, sharpen the tip (if needed), and begin filling in my lips with the pencil.
I like to outline my lips with the pencil, starting with the corners of my mouth and then slowly working my way around my cupid’s bow and lower lip. If I want a more defined look, I might layer a little extra coloring onto the upper and lower corners of my lips. I’ll then purse my lips together to spread the color around and fill in any remaining gaps with the pencil from there.
What to Consider Before Trying the Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Lip Pencil
As someone who has worn Pat McGrath lipsticks for years, I can confirm: this lip pencil is not nearly as smudge-proof as the red lipstick loved by Swift. While the product does provide long-lasting, all-day color that stays on my lips well, it’s not quite as immune to transfer as the Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick; if I rub my finger over my lips, I’ll see a slight reddish hue left on my skin after the fact. And if I drink a cup of coffee, my glass will retain a muted (but still noticeable) red-lip shadow afterward.
Lip liners are typically much creamier than lipsticks (and therefore less matte), so this doesn’t surprise to me. And despite it being slightly more smudge-prone than its lipstick counterpart, I still feel comfortable wearing the Dramatique Lip Pencil all day, even while I’m eating, drinking, or talking. That being said, if you’re looking for something that can withstand contact (including makeout sessions), I’d recommend opting for another red lip product and saving this option for casual everyday wear.
Where the Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Lip Pencil Is Available
This red lip pencil is available at Nordstrom, Ulta, and Sephora.
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.
