We Tried the New Rare Beauty Lipsticks Worn at Taylor Swift’s Wedding

3 min read

While anxiously awaiting a peek at Taylor Swift’s wedding dress, floral arrangements, and beauty look—anything, really—her longtime bestie Selena Gomez gave us a reveal of her own: the lip product she wore to the event. In an Instagram Story just before the wedding, Gomez teased Rare Beauty’s new Soft Pinch Lip Oil Stick, which officially launched just a few days later. The juicy hybrid product combines the pigment and packaging of a lipstick with the shine and nourishment of an oil, promising up to eight hours of wear. With eight vibrant shades ranging from a bright coral to a deep, cool-toned brown, the picky ELLE beauty team couldn’t wait to test out this wedding-guest-worthy lip product. Below, check out all our thoughts on the lip oil sticks.

Kathleen Hou, Beauty Director

“I thought this was going to be a mirror-less lip product, one you could apply with your eyes closed because Selena made it look so easy. You definitely need your eyes and a mirror for this, because it is not a sheer, tinted lip balm—don’t be confused by the chubby size! Also, true to the Soft Pinch franchise and its famous hero blush product, this is very pigmented. My first application looked like a child putting on her mother’s lipstick, but the color is flattering, the finish is silky and shiny (but not glossy), and it leaves behind a pretty stain-like effect after you blot. I do wish that the applicator for this was different, because the slanted, flat tip made it difficult to apply over lip curves, but it has a nice brightening effect.”

Katie Berohn, Beauty Editor

“I did not expect this lip oil to be as pigmented as it is—it honestly goes on like a lipstick. I like the finish and how moisturizing it was, but I do kind of wish the colors were sheerer. I used the shade Muse, which went on a bit too mauvey for my taste, but as I wore it throughout the day it settled into a pretty, pale pink lip stain finish. After I put it on, my lips felt hydrated for hours, so I will definitely continue to reach for it, even if I wish the color was a little less high-impact.”

Emma Aerin Becker, Associate Beauty Commerce Writer

“I’ve actually been on the hunt for a new lipstick and gloss combo to keep in my purse, so this launch couldn’t have come at a better time. I was immediately impressed by the color payoff. If you’re looking for a sheer tint, this isn’t it. Despite its lightweight feel and hydrating formula, the pigment is rich and vibrant, making shade selection especially important. After a little trial and error, I fell in love with Dream. It’s the perfect everyday mauve, but it’s also buildable enough for a bolder look. Even after the glossy finish fades, the color lingers like a stain. The Soft Pinch Lip Oil Stick has officially earned a permanent spot in my bag.”

Tasha Smith, Beauty Assistant

“As a true lip gloss loyalist, I have never been one to reach for a lipstick, so I had a bit of a bias before trying this product. Usually, my biggest gripe with lipstick formulas is the drying, matte finish, so I’m happy to say that this lip oil stick was neither of those things. I immediately felt the hydration the second the stick glided onto my lips, which is a major plus. The formula is also quite pigmented, so if you’re looking for a sheer finish, this product might not be the one for you. I used the lip oil stick in the shade Dream paired with my staple dark brown lip liner to diffuse the color a bit. Although I still don’t think I’ve found a stick formula that leaves my lips looking or feeling as good as a gloss, this product is definitely worth a try if you want the moisture of a balm and the pigment of a lipstick.”