Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie re-living the magic of catching the songstress on stage last weekend. Or, the newest cardholder of team “We Heart Tay Tay” , there’s no denying that part of the fun of the Eras extravaganza was the pre-show prep. From clothes to hair, we’ve covered all the ways you can channel your inner Taylor so far. And, in our latest installment, we touch base with Melbourne-based MUA Holly Harnwell (who has worked on Australian Fashion Week and campaigns for the likes of David Jones. As well as influencers including Rozalia Russian, Jessie Murphy, Steph Claire Smith and Brooke Hogan) to find out the easiest ways to recreate Taylor Swift’s best makeup looks at home.
The Red Lip
A class red lip has long been one of Taylor Swift’s most popular makeup looks. However, according to Holly, it’s a look that isn’t always easy to execute. So, how do we get the perfect red lip a la Taylor?
“Firstly, the colour and undertone of your red are very important,” says Holly. “Taylor
Swift’s red lip of choice has a cooler neutral undertone that really complements her
complexion. The secret to rocking a red lip is choosing the right shade of red for your
complexion. Furthermore, your application makes a significant difference as any errors can be
very noticeable.”
Below are Holly’s top three tips to get a perfect red lip that you can wear with confidence just like Taylor.
- Make sure your lips are well moisturised and exfoliated before you apply your red lip
so that you are starting with a smooth canvas. Drinking plenty of water helps and using a good lip balm such as the Dermal Therapy lip Balm or the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask will help hydrate your lips and keep them smooth and plump. Apply your balm 30 minutes to an hour before your red lip application then wipe away the balm before completing steps 2 and 3. - Next, always start with a lip liner that is close to the same colour as your red lipstick.
Make sure it is sharp as errors are much easier to notice with a red lip. Start by tracing the
cupid’s bow of your top lip, followed by the middle edge of the bottom lip, then trace the
rest of your lip line to the inner corners of your mouth. Use the lip liner to colour in the rest
of your lips which will help the longevity of your lipstick and stop it from bleeding. - Finally, choose the right lipstick formula. “I always recommend using a matte longwear lipstick as opposed to a cream or gloss finish as cream or gloss are more likely to bleed and smudge, says Holly. ” Taylor has been known to love the MAC matte lipstick in Ruby Woo as one of her staples. But, my top recommendation for a Taylor red with the best staying power is the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in colour Beso.” Use your lipstick to colour in over the lip liner until you have your desired coverage making sure to not go outside the lip line.
“Once this is complete, you are ready to go! I recommend keeping your lip liner and lipstick with you for touch-ups throughout the day,” adds Holly.
GET THE LOOK
- Hollywood Beauty Icons Lipstick in Matte Revolution – Cinematic Red, $54, by Charlotte Tilbury
- Lip Blur in Casual (a Pat McGrath dupe!), $16.95, by Australis
- The Tint Balm, $38, by Balm Beauty
The Smoky Eye
Taylor Swift’s eye makeup looks are always subtle yet striking. “She mostly always does a
winged liner and lashes which creates a romantic finish and elongates her eyes. If she’s
using eyeshadow, she goes for cooler smokey tones or shimmer and sparkles – like gold for example- to match her outfits. With eyeliner along the lash line to frame the eyes,” says Holly.
To DIY an Era’s approved eye, opt for minimal eyeshadow or a tone that is close to your natural skin colour. You can also use concealer over your eyelids and set it with translucent powder to create a flawless base. Focus on a winged eyeliner and lashes that are longer on the outer edges of your lashline to elongate and complement the winged liner.
GET THE LOOK
- Wonderwand Intensely Volumising Mascara, $36, by Ciate London at Mecca
- Wake Up Call Liquid Eye Liner, $22, by The Body Shop
- Gilded Eye Shadow Palette, $21.99, by Milani at Priceline
The flawless base
Taylor Swift’s skin is always pristine. And, according to Holly, the easiest way to create this smooth velvet skin finish, is ultimately about starting with good skin prep.
“Exfoliate to remove any dry skin then use a hydrating cream that isn’t too balmy.
Such as the Embryolisse cream. Make sure your foundation is fuller coverage with a natural
to Matte finish. My favourite foundations to create this look are the Giorgio Armani
Luminous Silk Foundation which is perfect for creating a velvet finish for dry skin types. Or the
Estee Lauder double wear foundation for oilier skin types. Add a cream concealer under the
eyes, around the nose, and a touch in the middle of the forehead and chin, or wherever else
you might need some extra coverage. Finish with a natural bronzer on the cheekbones and
around the hairline to frame the face and then a natural cream blush, such as the Stila
Convertible Color cream in colour Camilla on the apples of the cheeks and above the
cheekbones to bring colour back to the face.”
GET THE LOOK
- Cloud Crush Blurring Blush, $50, by Too Faced at Mecca
- Skinlights Face Glow Illuminator Sunrise Luster, $27.95, by Revlon at Chemist Warehouse
- Body Glow, $39.95., by Salt by Hendrix at Adore Beauty
The perfect tresses
Finally, you didn’t really think Taylor’s tresses could survive the transition from long and curly to pixie platinum and back without a little TLC? Essentially, the pre-show tress treatment is just as important as the styling. Here’s where a good hair mask such as the Deep Conditioning Hair and Scalp Mud, $124, by Sodashi, can help. Another excellent example includes R+Co Hot Spell Thermotech Blow out Balm, $51 at www.roguebeauty.com. Or, finally, we recommend Colorful Glow Beyond Anti-Fade Serum, $34.50, by Joico.
