Taylor Swift Gives Us a New Era of Beauty at the VMAs

Tonight, Taylor Swift attended the MTV Video Music Award as the most-nominated artist of the evening. But, to all of our confusion, the queen of subtle messaging walked the pink carpet with a beauty look that didn’t recall a single Era that we saw this summer on tour. 

Most noticeably, her lips are without her signature beauty statement—ruby red lipstick. Swift has been working with star makeup artist Pat McGrath recently, who revealed she wears LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in shade Elson. Instead, her lips are natural and bare, with just a hint of shine that likely comes from a balm, and her hair wavy and natural. These aspects are pure Folklore and Evermore.  

There’s also touches of Reputation present. Swift has a storied past with the VMAs (who could forget that thirteen years ago on this very award show, Ye interrupted her acceptance speech… a sign of later things to come, clearly), so it’d only make sense she’d want to channel her most self-protective Era for this event. Her cat eye is dark and sharp, smoked out on the lower lashes for a bit of edge. She’s also confidently baring her leg through her dress’s slit, recalling another famous red carpet rebel, Angelina Jolie. 

It’s surprising Swift isn’t giving us baby blue and red lips at the VMAs since 1989 (Taylor’s Version) will be dropping on October 27th. Perhaps, after sending a summer cycling through the Eras individually, she’s ready to just be the product of them all—herself.