Taylor Swift's VMAs 2023 Makeup Is Giving "Reputation" Energy

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 13 September 2023

If Taylor Swift loves one thing in this world (aside from her fans, of course), it’s easter eggs. She’s a mastermind (pun intended) and has been known to drop (Taylor’s Version) hints with her manicures, her clothing choices, and her makeup aesthetics. So, when she showed up to the 2023 VMAs in a black dress and with an eyeliner wing sharp enough to be considered a weapon, Swifties instantly lost their minds.

Why? It’s a clear nod to her “Reputation” album, which is rumored to be the next re-release following 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in October. Could she be announcing the drop later tonight? It remains to be seen, but a quick scan of social media proves that fans certainly think so.

And, while I’m the last person that wants to put a damper on Swiftie excitement, I can’t help but call out that we’re missing a key “Reputation” era factor: The red lip. For those not familiar with Taylor’s beauty back-log, allow me to explain. The singer-songwriter loves a ruby lip. Her go-to is Pat McGrath’s LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Matte Lipstick in Elson 4. It’s been a staple on her Era’s tour and has been by her side for a large portion of her career. The red lip was especially relevant in her life during her "Reputation" era.

Despite the missing feature, fans were quick to point out other outfit easter eggs. She wore a handful of necklaces to the music’s biggest night (five to be exact), which appears to be eerily similar to the “Reputation” album cover art.

While rumors and hopes swirl among fans, it’s safe to say that the singer-songwriter has already had a successful night. She’s taken home the VMA for Song of the Year and Best Music Video of the Year, both for Anti-Hero. The song was featured on the Midnights album.

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Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.