Taylor Swift’s Beauty Evolution, From Curly-Haired Country Teen to Red-Lipped Pop Queen
See the 'Evermore' star's best beauty looks, from 2008 until now.
Taylor Swift stepped into the spotlight in the late 2000s as a doe-eyed country singer, releasing woeful tracks like “Teardrops on my Guitar.” But now Swift is a global pop star who’s currently high off of her two smash-hit surprise albums: Folklore and Evermore. When mulling over the contrast between her eponymous debut album in 2006; her 2017 Grammy-nominated album, Reputation; and her wistful quarantine albums, Folklore and Evermore, it’s clear that Tay has undergone a huge musical transformation. Simultaneously, we’ve watched the star transform her look, shedding her youthful curls for a mature image.
In honor of Swift’s birthday, December 13th, we’re walking down memory lane and looking back on the star’s best beauty looks. From her Country Music Award debut to that iconic Met Gala appearance (you know the one) to her new cottagecore look, join us as we walk through the superstar’s ever-changing style. The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now.
2006
At the 40th annual Country Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, a “Teardrops On My Guitar”-era Swift donned her signature blonde curls with a light pink lip.
2008
During New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly in December 2008, a baby-faced Swift opted for a shorter (and slightly darker) blonde ‘do paired with rosy cheeks and lips.
2009
During Z100’s Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden in December 2009, the Speak Now singer experimented with shimmering eyeshadow to match her bedazzled outfit and guitar.
2012
At a taping for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in February 2012, the Red songstress pulled a major beauty 180 and abandoned her classic curly locks—ushering in an era of straight blonde hair and bangs.
2013
During the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2013, Swift opted for an elegant updo and minimal makeup.
2014
At the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards in January 2014, the “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” singer effused old Hollywood glam with a neck-length cut and bold red lip.
2014
Following her short-hair debut at the Golden Globes, Swift kicked off her 1989 World Tour with her most adult look to date: a darkened brown cut that sits above her shoulders and her now-signature red lip.
2015
At the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, the 1989 singer debuted her boldest eye makeup look yet: a dramatic cat eye—complete with her bangs slicked to the side.
2016
At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in February 2016, Swift made old new again with her signature bangs and a sleek bob in a darker shade of blonde, serving Anna Wintour regalness.
2016
At the Met Gala in May 2016, Swift showed off her bold platinum-blonde bob (which debuted on the cover of Vogue just one month prior) and oxblood lips, a much darker shade than her signature red.
2017
During her appearance on Saturday Night Live in November 2017 (alongside host Tiffany Haddish), Swift showcased her grown-out, dark-blonde bob and bangs. She kept her makeup simple, letting her Reputation-esque black outfit and snake jewelry do the talking.
2018
At the American Music Awards in October 2018, the Reputation singer looked like the pop princess she is with smoky eyes, bold eyeliner, and a messy updo complete with her signature bangs.
2019
In 2019, Tay was often spotted fresh-faced and rosy-cheeked, fitting for her Lover era. Meanwhile, Swift’s hairstyles leaned toward romantic looks, like this relaxed updo complete with a whimsical headband.
2020
Early in 2020, when Swift was still making appearances pre-COVID, she channeled her Miss Americana persona: messy waves, natural face and eye makeup, and a bold red lip, which she’ll never ditch.
2020
Fresh off of her Folklore release, Swift performed her harmonica-heavy hit “Betty” at the Academy of Country Music Awards during her first public appearance sporting her new, fresh-faced look. The star did her own hair and makeup, opting for her natural curls in a loose updo and minimal makeup.
