Beauty Diary: How Taylor Swift reignited the magic of make-up

Taylor Swift’s whirlwind trip of Australia is over, but she’s made a lasting effect on our customs, prompting one which disappeared to come back.

Taylor Swift’s whirlwind trip of Australia already feels like a distant memory, but the magic of her visit has reignited a joy I’d long forgotten.

Back when I was a young tweeny bopper, I became mesmerised by make-up, especially the shimmery variety.

There was something enchanting about being able to change the way you feel with the stroke of a brush – and it fast became the highlight of my day.

But when I pulled out my colourful lippie collection and glittery eyeshadow palettes ahead off the Shake It Off singer’s first Sydney show, I realised I’d forgotten about my love of fun make-up when I shoved my stash in a drawer during Covid.

After all, we weren’t going out, so I stopped applying it and just never really started again. Sure, I wore make-up, but it was very natural and “on trend”.

Getting ready for Taylor Swift has reignited my love of make-up which had dulled because of Covid. Picture: Supplied

I’m not alone, with hordes of Aussies all enjoying sparkles and glitter on their faces during the show. Park Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Ben Symons

The singer’s arrival in Australia reminded me of the fun I used to have with bold, colourful beauty products. Picture: Supplied

As I swept a lilac shimmer across my eyelids and swiped my lips with a stunning neon pink gloss, that shimmer of excitement returned.

At the concert, it was clear to see I wasn’t the only one who’d had fun rummaging through their beauty stash, with attendees all awash with similar colourful products on their faces. It was truly incredible – fun make-up is back.

So while the Eras Tour has now been and gone, its spirit is living on in my make-up bag, and my commitment to enjoying bright, bold, and downright bedazzling looks once again.

These are the key products I used while dancing and singing my heart out that night, but it definitely won’t be the last time my face gets to enjoy them.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautyverse Palette

If ever there was a product that was going to turn my head away from the minimalist make-up trend – this is it. Just like Tay Tay, it’s a showstopper. Picture: Supplied

Available at Mecca and charlottetilbury.com.au

Price: $120

If ever there was a product that was going to turn my head away from the minimalist make-up trend – this is it. It contains nine jaw-dropping shades, four mattes and five shimmers. They’re all gorgeous, but the metallic shades are what made me fall in love with this palette, because who doesn’t feel a million bucks when they’re literally drenched in gold (or silver, lilac, or pink for that matter). Admittedly, I won’t be using this every day, but my goodness the flutter of pure happiness I get when I look at this work of art makes it worth every cent.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Stain

Bold, bright and doesn’t budge – just how I like my lip products. Picture: Supplied

Available at Sephora

Price: $34 (but it’s currently half price)

The power a pop of colour brings has no bounds – and I felt pouttastic in this gorgeous hot pink lip stain. Not only is this lippie super pigmented, but it doesn’t shift at all, not even when sipping on a lilac Smirnoff Ice and singing my lungs out during a Tay Tay marathon.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

This liquid blush is in a league of its own. Picture: Supplied

Available at Sephora

Price: $45

I’m yet to meet a Rare Beauty product I don’t like, but this liquid blush is in a league of its own, especially the shade Lucky. Until I indulged my inner Swiftie, I’d been reaching for the more neutral tones of this product, but now I’ve fully embraced this vibrant cheek hue. Be warned though, you don’t need a lot, you honestly only need a small amount.

Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette

Obsessed, it’s the perfect finish to any standout look. Picture: Supplied

Available at Sephora

Price: $86

What ethereal beauty look is complete without a knockout highlight – and this product, specifically in Rose Gold, is leagues above the rest. I swept this across my cheek bones, on the end of my nose and across the arches of my brow, and was OBSESSED with the finish. It was utter perfection, I’ll definitely be using this more often.

Paco Rabanne Fame Eau De Parfum

This scent will forever remind me of that magical night. Picture: Supplied

Available at Sephora

Price: $170 for 50ml (but $129.99 at Chemist Warehouse)

Nothing makes a special moment more memorable better than a fragrance, and this delicate woody scent will forever take me back to that special night. It’s super long-wearing and smells like literal heaven on earth. Fame is now forever one of my favourite fragrances.

GHD Curve Classic Curl Tong

Can’t curl? No problem. This tong is so easy to use and the waves hold. Picture: Supplied

Available at

Price: $280

Curling my hair is probs one of my most loathed beauty tasks. While I LOVE the effect of a soft wave, mastering it has long proved near impossible… until I tried this tool. It’s super easy to use and even in my fine strands holds its shape which is honestly so impressive. I was able to style my hair in about 30 minutes for my Tay Tay look and I didn’t have to use half a can of hairspray to keep the curls in place. Love it!

If you have a question about a beauty product or an item you’d like to see road-tested in The Beauty Diary, jump into our official Facebook group where you can join like-minded beauty junkies. You can also catch me on Instagram and TikTok.