The Timeless Beauty Lessons We Learned From Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

1. Subtle Red Lip

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy knew that a statement could be done simply, like wearing a red lip and not much else. For the 1998 Fire & Ice Ball, she opted for an understated orange-red lipstick, pairing it with a hint of mascara and thin ’90s brows. To make your lip look just as subtle, try using something like the LAURA MERCIER Petal Soft Lip Crayon in shade “Amelie.” The sheer (and hydrating!) formula will soften your pout and give it that effortless feel. Alternatively, grab the DOMINIQUE COSMETICS Pillow Soft Hydrating Lip & Cheek Stain in shade “Tangerine Dreams” to make your lip combo last longer. If you find the shade of your lip product is too saturated, try taking a tissue and gently blotting it over your lips for a more blurred effect.

2. Tortoiseshell Headband

This polished updo was Bessette-Kennedy’s signature look long before the slick-back became popular. It’s proof that a good headband comes in handy (especially if you’ve run out of hair gel). Start by sweeping your hair up into a ponytail or bun, using a boar-bristle brush to smooth everything back. Secure with an elastic, and if you’d like, use gel and a clean toothbrush to lay any flyaways down. Finish off with a thick headband of your choice—extra points if it’s tortoiseshell. 

3. Lived-In Locks

There’s no shame in rocking your second-day hair, according to Bessette-Kennedy. Her lived-in look is perfect for days you want to look effortlessly put-together, and while you could roll out of bed like this, a little styling doesn’t hurt. You’ll want to start off with mostly straightened hair, so grab a heat protectant and a straightener and get to work. Then, grab a texturizing product like the NELSON J BEVERLY HILLS Surf Spray to give your hair a little volume and movement. Scrunch the product into your hair to create that slightly windswept look. 

4. Minimalist Makeup

Nineties makeup was all about minimalism, and no one embraced the look more than CBK. At the 1996 Cartier Tank watch launch reception in Switzerland, she proved all you need in your makeup kit is a little concealer, mascara, a brow pencil, and a barely-there lipstick. For skin-like coverage, we love using the ICONIC LONDON Radiant Concealer & Brightening Duo—it’s like IRL retouching. Paired with a touch of mascara and a skinny swipe of a brow pencil, you’ve got the ideal no-makeup makeup look. Top it all off with a delicate cool-toned lipstick, like this LAURA MERCIER Caviar Matte Lipstick in “Brown Suede.”

5. Soft Low Bun

Bessette-Kennedy wore this soft and sophisticated bun everywhere from charity galas to walks around NYC, and it probably took her only a few minutes to achieve. Sweep your hair—styled or not—into a low bun, bringing the hair just below the ears. If you’d like, use a molding paste like this one from KMS HAIRPLAY to smooth down your hair and prevent anything from poking out. Wrap your hair around itself to create your bun, and secure with an elastic. That’s it! You can always pull a few pieces of hair out for a “messier” look.

6. Tousled Waves

CBK’s beauty routine kept things as natural as she could, including her hair texture. All you need to get her tousled waves is a quick scrunch of a texturizing product, like the IGK HAIR Beach Club High-Shine Texture Foam. If your hair is stick-straight or super curly, however, you can fake the look by using something like the MERMADE HAIR Double Waver, which creates medium-sized waves that still look organic. Gently run your hands through your hair for a more diffused style.

7. Soft Flush

It’s safe to say Bessette-Kennedy never suffered from blush blindness. A light dusting of blush—just enough to create a soft flush—was her go-to. We love using the ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS Blurring Serum Blush in shade “Plum” for a flushed-from-within effect, but if you really want to strip back your routine, try the ILIA BEAUTY Multi Stick in shade “Dreamer.” Given Bessette-Kennedy’s love of an uncomplicated makeup look, she probably used only one product anyway, applying it with her hand. Do the same by warming up the multi stick on the back of your hand, then use your fingers to gently pat the product into your skin. Swipe the remaining product onto your lips and you’ll have a minimal monochromatic glam.

8. Deep Side Part

In case you missed it, the side part is officially back. We’re not talking about a simple sweep to the side, either—per Bessette-Kennedy, the deeper the side part, the better. Use a rat-tail comb to part your hair precisely, using your eye as a guide on where to part. Then, work a volumizing product like the PACIFICA BEAUTY Vanilla Oat Milk Volumizing Mousse into your hair from roots to ends. For an extra bit of shine, finish off with the MALINA Protective Frizz Control Styling Spray to tame flyaways and smooth your style.