Taylor Swift’s Red Lip Was Shockingly Kiss-Proof with Travis Kelce at AFC Championship— How? A PEOPLE Investigation
We’ve spent the past 6 months carefully decoding Taylor Swift’s game day style. Whether she’s turning up in a Stella McCartney teddy coat, wearing sentimental jewelry or repping boyfriend Travis Kelce’s number on her puffer, Swift has brought WAG dressing to the forefront of pop culture.
But in all this research, one thing has stumped us: The secret behind her smudge-proof red lip. It’s survived swag surfin’, chicken fingers (with “seemingly” ranch dip!) and several pink beverages. But on Sunday, she put it to the ultimate test.
Following the Kansas City Chiefs AFC Championship win against the Baltimore Ravens, Swift shared a passionate on-field kiss with Kelce. Once again, her red lip color did not smear, let alone budge. Not only did her lips remain flawless, but his beard emerged lipstick free.
What kind of beauty sorcery is at play here? We have our theories, which we’ve outlined below.
Theory 1: The Powder Trick
In a 2011 interview with Allure (unearthed by Elana Fishman at Page Six), Swift revealed the professional tip she picked up for keeping a red lip color intact.
“There are tricks I’ve learned from makeup artists on shoots. They put on the red lipstick, then blot it with a tissue, then they put powder over the tissue and sort of press it onto your lips. Then re-apply,” she shared at the time. “It turns it into a stain that lasts much longer.”
Is Swift moonlighting as her own makeup artist and building the perfect, smudge proof pout? This woman caused a literal earthquake on tour so it’s possible she has unlocked the secret to everlasting lip color.
Theory 2: It’s Mother McGrath, Baby!
It’s likely that Swift has a number of red lipsticks in her rotation. Top of her list: Pat McGrath’s best-selling Labs MatteTrance Lipstick in shade Elson.
According to the brand, the shade is “a creamy, smudge-proof, formula that is flexible on the lips and stays on all night long.” But does “all night long” include a makeout moment? Even the best lipsticks struggle to stay strong when faced with another set of lips.
6 Editor-Approved Red Lipstick Shades for When We’re Having a ‘Taylor Swift in the Stands’ Moment
Another recent Swift favorite is Pat McGrath Labs LiquiLUST Legendary Wear Lipstick in ELSON 4 — the same one she wore in the “Bejeweled” music video and at the 2022 MTV VMAs.
Swift’s loyalty to the brand led to McGrath creating a ‘Taylor-Made Midnights muse majorness with TS’ lip duo featuring a lipstick and pencil inspired by the star’s go-tos.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Theory 3: She’s Superhuman
If Swift attends the Super Bowl on Feb. 11 (which is possible despite her Tokyo concert the night before), it would be her 13th (!) Chiefs Game. For those who don’t speak Swiftie, 13 is the Grammy winner’s lucky number. Besides her birthday (Dec. 13), Swift has noted how her first album went gold in 13 weeks and her first No. 1 song had a 13-second introduction. And that’s just a few examples.
More proof that stars are alining and the girl math, is mathing:
The Super Bowl is 2/11 and 2 + 11 = 13.
It also happens to be Super Bowl 58. And 5 + 8 = (all together now!) 13.
Basically, it’s Swift’s simulation and we’re all living in it.
