From Audrey Hepburn to Jennifer Aniston: 6 lipsticks from iconic films and TV shows you can still buy

Certain film roles never stop occupying our thoughts. Sometimes because of a fantastic performance, and sometimes because of extraordinarily imaginative costume design. Still, there are characters who continue to be discussed because of their makeup as well. Makeup, and lipsticks in particular, often carries the same narrative weight as costumes or set design. From subtle nude tones to bold red shades, the lipsticks worn by film and television heroines have become cultural references in their own right.

What is especially interesting is that many of these lipsticks are still available to purchase today, allowing audiences to literally “wear” a piece of film history in their everyday lives. Below, we bring an overview of iconic lipsticks worn by some of our favorite film and television heroines.

Iconic lipsticks of film and television heroines

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Wears: Revlon “Pink in the Afternoon”

Photo: Getty Images

Few film looks are as iconic as Audrey Hepburn’s in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Alongside the black Givenchy dress and pearls, her lipstick became part of the legend. The soft shade Revlon “Pink in the Afternoon” has been associated with this film for years and, fortunately for us, is still available today. It is an elegant, muted pink that embodies the timeless sophistication of old Hollywood.

Wynona Ryder in Girl, Interrupted
Wears: Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres in the shade “Nude/Brown”

Photo: Getty Images

In Girl, Interrupted, Winona Ryder embodies a heroine with the iconic late-1960s aesthetic, defined by natural yet precisely outlined lips. For this look, lipstick was not used, but rather Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer in the shade “Nude/Brown”, a lip pencil that allows for subtle contour definition without an overemphasized effect. This minimalist approach to makeup contributes to the character’s authenticity and easily translates into a contemporary daytime makeup look that is easy to wear.

Jennifer Aniston in the series Friends
Wears: MAC Lustre Lipstick in the shade “Touch”

Photo: Getty Images

The television series Friends defined the 1990s, and Rachel Green’s style became a global phenomenon, primarily because of her hairstyle. Still, her lips also drew attention. Among the beauty favorites of that era, MAC Lustre Lipstick in the shade “Touch” is often mentioned. This neutral, subtly glossy color perfectly matches the “less is more” aesthetic that dominated the 1990s and is still considered an ideal choice for an everyday look.

Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada
Wears: MAC Macximal Matte Lipstick in the shade “Russian Red”

Courtesy of Fox Pictures

The transformation of Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada is visually emphasized through makeup as well. One of the most striking details is the classic red lipstick she wears in Paris, namely MAC Cosmetics “Russian Red”. This powerful, cool-toned red shade symbolizes confidence, authority, and entry into the world of high fashion, while remaining one of the most recognizable red lipsticks on the market.

Liv Tyler in The Lord of the Rings
Wears: Clinique Almost Lipstick in the shade “Black Honey”

Courtesy of New Line Cinemas

The role of Arwen in The Lord of the Rings trilogy required an ethereal, almost otherworldly beauty. Nothing less transformative could be expected on her lips. To achieve softness while also evoking mystery, Clinique Almost Lipstick in the shade “Black Honey” was used. This cult balm-lipstick adapts to the natural color of the lips, creating a subtle, translucent effect that perfectly suits the character’s romantic and gentle aesthetic.

Margot Robbie in Barbie
Wears: Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lipgloss in the shade “Velvet Petal”

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

With her leading role in Barbie, Margot Robbie sparked a new wave of popularity not only for the iconic doll but also for the Lisa Eldridge brand. To give her lips the perfect pink shade worthy of the Barbie character, Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Gloss in the shade “Velvet Petal” was used, featuring a perfectly soft pink tone and glamorous shine.