Get Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Signature Makeup Look

The master of ’90s cool.

Jessica Fields
Jessica Fields
Instagram
About NewBeauty

Published: Oct 17, 2024

We may earn commission from links on this page. Each product featured has been vetted and chosen by our editors.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy at the 1998 Fire and Ice Ball in Los Angeles. — Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/ Getty Images

Effortless, confident, polished, refined and easy-going are the words that come to mind when thinking about style and fashion icon Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The fashion publicist, wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. and daughter-in-law to Jackie O was the epitome of cool during the 90s. Her pared down approach to fashion was more than just a signature look. It personified the minimalist mood that ruled the era. But her beauty looks were just as iconic, and they have been quietly inspiring trends, from celebrity looks to TikTok trends.

Loading TikTok...

Take Kendell Jenner’s golden straw-colored hair, which debuted during New York Fashion Week. The colorist behind the look counted Bessette-Kennedy as the sole inspiration for the shade. Easy-going blonde hair and wide headbands aside, Bessette-Kennedy’s simplistic makeup look is also trending. On TikTok, fans are praising her effortlessly flawless makeup style. From her smooth skin, which falls somewhere between a soft matte and satin finish, to her wispy brows and brick red lips, her aesthetic is a masterclass in ‘90s cool. Ahead, we’ve gathered six makeup products to help you recreate her signature look.

1 / 6

Dior Forever Skin Perfect 24H Multi-Use Foundation Stick ($52)

A foundation stick makes creating a natural finish and flawless-looking skin a breeze. Dior's multi-use formula can be used as concealer for a lightweight look or be layered for full coverage. It also blurs imperfections to give your skin a radiant, smooth appearance.

BUY ON SEPHORA - $52

BUY ON ULTA - $52

Dior Forever Skin Perfect 24H Multi-Use Foundation Stick

2 / 6

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick ($48)

To mimic Bessette-Kennedy's light flush, reach for this creamy blush stick. It melts into the skin and leaves you looking naturally flushed. Blending it in with your fingers only adds to the effortless finish.

BUY ON WESTMAN ATELIER - $48

BUY ON CREDO BEAUTY - $48

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick ($48)

Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Lip and Cheek Cream Blush Stick

3 / 6

MAC Lip Pencil in Spice ($25)

It's hard to think about '90s makeup without mentioning one of MAC's iconic brown lip liners. Spice teeters the line between cinnamon bark and nude, making it the perfect shade for a muted lip color.

BUY ON NORDSTROM - $25

BUY ON ULTA - $25

mac lip pencil in spice

4 / 6

Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Ruby ($33)

A deep dive into the CBK makeup trend on TikTok revealed that this is the exact bullet Bessette-Kennedy relied on for her signature red lip. The balmy consistency and satin finish are the perfect combination for an easy-going red lip.

BUY ON NORDSTROM - $33

BUY ON SEPHORA - $33

Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Ruby

5 / 6

Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals ($50)

This cool-toned eyeshadow palette is ideal for enhancing the shape of your eyes. Choose a color closest to your skin tone for a natural look, then add a deeper shade for a bit of edge.

BUY NOW- $50