Did you know that the average North American woman owns about 40 makeup products? While that statistic takes into account everything from eye products to foundation to concealer, it’s reasonable to assume that out of that 40, at least a handful are lipsticks. In fact, a different study revealed that women will own around 300 lipsticks in their lifetime.
With all of the lipstick options available to us each and every morning, it can be easy to rotate through a different shade every day of the week. And for celebrities, things like constant travel, public appearances and access to the best makeup artists in the world, surely contribute to added pressure to constantly switch things up and experiment with new looks.
And while there certainly is nothing wrong with remaining open-minded and trying out trends, there’s something we just love about a celebrity with a signature look. We dug into the celebrity makeup archives to round up some of the most iconic signature shades adored by celebrities, past and present.
Audrey Hepburn
Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in “Pink in the Afternoon”
The soft pink shade beloved by the actress is also the one she can be seen applying in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Madonna
M.A.C Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in “Russian Red”
Even the queen of reinvention has a signature shade. In fact, M.A.C Cosmetics’ iconic red shade was created for her Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990.
Angelina Jolie
M.A.C Cosmetics Retro Matte Lipstick in “Ruby Woo”
The brand’s director of makeup artistry, Gregory Arlt, has often used the shade on Jolie for some of her most memorable red lipstick moments.
Marilyn Monroe
Guerlain Rouge Diabolique Lipstick
The actress favoured Guerlain’s glamorous, now-discontinued true-red shade—but we’re told the brand’s KissKiss Creamy Satin Finish Lipstick in 320 Red Insolence is a good dupe.
Taylor Swift
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Dragon Girl”
The singer’s red lip is certainly her signature, and her preferred shade is Nars’ Dragon Girl. There’s even photographic evidence.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Beso”
Never forget.
Meghan Markle
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in “Very Victoria”
Meghan can always be seen wearing nude lipstick, and rumour has it that this Charlotte Tilbury shade, which was inspired by Victoria Beckham, is her go-to.
Elizabeth Taylor
Max Factor Lipstick in “Clear Red No. 3”
Really, truly, honestly iconic.
