Love Story on Disney+, the biopic charting the courtship of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette in 90s New York, has sparked a renewed fascination with her quietly exacting style. As 90s minimalism edges back into view, searches for ‘90s Calvin Klein’ have surged, while sales of Carolyn’s signature tortoiseshell hairband – still stocked at Greenwich Village pharmacy C.O. Bigelow – have climbed sharply.
The nineties wardrobe is easy to trace: slip dresses, oval sunglasses, sleek rollnecks. But her beauty look was just as considered. Understated and precise, it remains surprisingly relevant – and, crucially, entirely achievable today.
Love Story: How To Get Carolyn Bessette’s 90s Beauty Look In 2026
The pared-back polish of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s 90s beauty look is having a resurgence – here’s how to recreate her signature minimalism now.
The Base
Carolyn's complexion was the definition of 90s minimalism; not dewy, not glassy, but a cool, semi-matte finish that looked natural rather than made-up. The secret was a light-coverage foundation or tinted moisturiser, buffed seamlessly into the skin and set with a translucent pressed powder to eliminate any shine without looking flat or cakey. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation remains the modern gold standard for this effect, while Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder - a make-up institution since the 90s - is still the finisher of choice. Concealer was used sparingly, only where needed, and blush was near-invisible: a whisper of soft peach or nude-pink along the cheekbones, blended to a soft focus.
The Brows and Eyes
Carolyn's brows were full, brushed-up and natural, a look that feels entirely contemporary today. Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel keeps them groomed without overworking them. Eyes were deliberately understated: a soft smudge of brown or taupe shadow along the lash line in place of liner (Ilia have a great range of brown neutrals), a single coat of black mascara focused on the upper lashes - try Merit Clean Lash for a minimal lash tint look - and nothing more. It was the kind of eye make-up that made you think she wasn't wearing any at all.
The Signature Red Lip
The one moment of drama in Carolyn's beauty edit was her lip. A true blue-red - cool-toned, matte, and precise - worn with an otherwise bare face for maximum impact. Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution in Red Carpet Red or MAC's iconic Russian Red deliver that same refined, unfussy boldness. The key is crisp application with a lip brush and clean edges; no overlined contour, no gloss. Classic, considered, and completely timeless. Just like Ms Bessette herself.
FAQs: Carolyn Bessette Beauty
What defines Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s beauty look?
A restrained, minimalist approach: softly matte skin, barely-there eyes, natural brows and a precise red lip. The focus is on polish rather than obvious product.
How do you get the 90s semi-matte complexion today?
Use a light-coverage foundation or tinted moisturiser, buffed well into the skin, then set selectively with translucent powder to remove shine without flattening the complexion.
What eye make-up did Carolyn Bessette typically wear?
Very little. A soft brown or taupe smudged along the lash line, minimal mascara on the top lashes, and otherwise clean lids to keep the look understated.
How should brows be styled for this look?
Full, natural and brushed up rather than sculpted. The aim is groomed but not overly defined.
What is the key to her signature red lip?
A cool-toned, matte red applied precisely. Keep the rest of the face minimal so the lip stands out, and avoid gloss or heavy lining for a more authentic finish.
By
Lydia Mansi
·
Published April 2026
Lydia is an all-round lifestyle guru, tireless champion of women in business and our resident expert on beauty.
