CBK wears her signature berry-red lipstick to attend a party with JFK Jr. in 1997.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Thanks to Ryan Murphy’s Love Story, the internet is revisiting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s best style moments. The Calvin Klein stylist epitomized ’90s minimalism and was known for smart-looking sweaters, mid-length skirts, silky button-ups, and her iconic tortoiseshell headband. Her outfits were undeniably chic, but I’m a beauty editor, so naturally, I think her hair and makeup looks deserve more attention—notably, her go-to berry-red lipstick.
After conducting some research, I discovered that CBK reportedly used a since-discontinued product from the brand Face Stockholm, called Cranberry Veil. While my dreams of owning her exact shade were dashed, I remained undeterred in my search for the perfect dupe. Spoiler alert: I found five. In my opinion, the following products and shades offer the same ’90s cool-girl energy as CBK’s original shade.
CBK attends the Municipal Art Society Gala at Grand Central Terminal in 1998.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Bobbi Brown
Crushed Lip Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Ruby
This mid-toned red mimics CBK’s go-to shade, which is why I assume it’s sold out at Sephora right now. (I recommend acting fast if you want to secure a tube.) It has a moisturizing formula that delivers a “just-kissed” lip stain effect.
Revlon
Super Lustrous Lipstick in Uncut Ruby
As Who What Wear’s self-appointed drugstore beauty expert, I had to include an affordable option. This one fits the chic, ’90s aesthetic perfectly, IMO. Not too warm and not too cool, it has just the right amount of berry tones to it.
Tom Ford Beauty
Lip Color Matte in Ruby Rush
While it appears as if CBK preferred a satin-finish lipstick, this luxurious matte formula gets my seal of approval thanks to its rich, velvety ruby pigment.
westman atelier
HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick in Glögg
This one is the opposite of the previous Tom Ford pick. I consider that one to be a good event or date-night lipstick, whereas this one feels like a good daily option. It has a sheer formula, a shiny finish, and a hydrating, balm-like texture.
Charlotte Tilbury
Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Walk of No Shame
Charlotte Tilbury’s Walk of No Shame is described as a “berry rose.”
Glossier
Ultralip in Cranberry
I feel like Glossier’s Ultralip in Cranberry nails the ’90s shade and suits a CBK-inspired sense of minimalism. The three-in-one formula is designed to offer the moisture of a lip balm, the shine of a gloss, and the long-wearing color of a lip tint.
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