Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Go-To Red Lipstick is Back in Stock and Perfect for Your Timeless Look
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Iconic Lip Color Returns
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, celebrated for her refined fashion sense, is remembered not only for her stylish ensembles but also for her signature crimson lip color. Known for pairing everything from classic Levi’s to chic Prada pieces, Bessette Kennedy consistently complemented her elegant looks with Face Stockholm Veil Lipstick in Cranberry, a versatile shade that embodies her effortless sophistication.
The lipstick, discovered by Bessette Kennedy while strolling the cobblestone streets of SoHo, quickly became a staple in her beauty routine. “She visited our store quite often,” recalled Martina Arfwidson, CEO and co-founder of the Swedish makeup brand. “We were very much part of that neighborhood at the time, and SoHo was such an exciting place to be. It was her neighborhood, and she found us there.”
Arfwidson describes the shade as an exceptional warm red—bold without being overwhelming. “Cranberry really is a very special shade. It is warm, but not too bold and not too sheer. What made it so right for Carolyn is that it matched her effortless style.” She noted that the formula’s transparent nature allows for easy application without the need for a mirror, and has been referred to in the media as “freakishly flattering.”
Reflecting the lipstick’s wide appeal, Arfwidson remarked that its charm seems to resonate with nearly everyone who tries it. “The formula is transparent, so you can swipe it on without a mirror, and it just works,” she stated.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy wasn’t just a fan of the lipstick; she also favored the brand’s creamy Highliter in Dignity, perfectly described as “the ideal candlelight shade.” “Straight from the bullet is the way Carolyn wore it,” Arfwidson said, emphasizing Bessette Kennedy’s instinctive understanding of beauty.
The recent response to Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story” series has been profound, according to Arfwidson, who expressed her excitement to witness a new generation discovering Bessette Kennedy’s legacy: “It has been really extraordinary.”
Face Stockholm, founded by Arfwidson’s mother, Gun Nowak, in 1982, continues to thrive, now with a presence in Hudson, New York, alongside its original Stockholm base. As Arfwidson reminisced about the journey, she affirmed that the brand’s lasting relevance amidst the ever-evolving beauty landscape is a noteworthy accomplishment.
Bessette Kennedy’s elegant aesthetic, which drew admiration from the likes of the Swedish royal family, underscores the brand’s enduring appeal. “We have been fortunate to have many remarkable people find their way to us over the years,” Arfwidson proudly remarked.
With the coveted Face Stockholm Veil Lipstick in Cranberry making a comeback, fans of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy can once again channel her iconic style.







