Retracing the relationship between Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr., FX’s ‘Love Story’ has made the 90’s minimal beauty look omnipresent across social media feeds.
The Kennedy–Bessette union captivated both political watchers and fashion obsessives alike. Beyond the perfectly tailored minimalism of her wardrobe however, Carolyn’s understated beauty routine quietly cemented her place as one of the most influential style figures of the decade.
Nearly 30 years after her passing, Carolyn’s beauty philosophy still feels strikingly current. The internet’s obsession with “no-makeup makeup” practically reads like her original playbook. Think: fresh skin, barely-there eyes, and a confident swipe of red lipstick. The result? Effortless energy you’d expect from the most stylish woman in ’90s New York.
(Photo: FX)
The once director of publicity for Calvin Klein’s eye makeup was famously minimal, often bordering on none at all. The modern equivalent mirrors the soft, diffused looks trending in K‑Beauty over the past year. For a subtle Carolyn-inspired eye, swipe Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Stick in shade Taupe across the lids and finish with a light coat of mascara—just enough to define without stealing the spotlight.
(Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Stick in shade Taupe)
Carolyn’s complexion, meanwhile, was always luminous but never heavy. A touch of concealer placed strategically where the skin needs brightening recreates that effortless glow. A cult favourite for achieving the effect is YSL Beauty Touche Éclat All‑Over Brightening Concealer Pen.
(Screenshot from The List documentary)
The real Bessette-Kennedy signature, however, was always her lips. The 90’s beauty rarely stepped out without a bold red or berry-toned shade, striking an intentional contrast against her otherwise neutral palette. Beauty fans have long speculated that one of her go-to shades closely resembled Clinique Almost Lipstick, the iconic sheer berry lipstick that has since become a viral staple.
Another rumoured favourite? Face Stockholm’s Cranberry Veil, a deep red that perfectly complements her signature minimalist aesthetic.
(Clinique Almost Lipstick in shade Black Honey; Face Stockholm lipstick in shade Cranberry Veil)
And then, of course, there’s the hair. Carolyn’s buttery blonde, slightly undone blowout became just as iconic as her slip dresses and tailored coats. While her exact shade may be difficult for brunettes to replicate, the vibe is easy to channel: soft volume, natural texture and a simple tortoiseshell headband to tie it all together.
In an era dominated by maximalist beauty trends, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s approach proves that sometimes the most powerful beauty look is also the simplest.