When Betsey Johnson steps onto the runway or into a studio, her style is unmistakable. The legendary designer, who opened her first New York City boutique in 1969, has become a household name not only for her whimsical dresses but also for a bold, rock\u2011and\u2011roll beauty routine that has earned her a devoted following among stars like Olivia Rodrigo, Julia Fox, and Margaret Qualley. At 83, Johnson still refuses to let age dim her flair, and her secret weapon? A single, perfect red lip.<\/p>\n
In a recent interview with Page Six Style at her \u201cArt of Betsey\u201d pop\u2011up in New York, the designer revealed her minimalist approach to makeup. \u201cI only wear makeup when someone else does it; otherwise it\u2019s just strip lashes, mascara, and a red lip,\u201d she said, a statement that encapsulates her effortless yet striking aesthetic. Johnson\u2019s routine is a testament to the idea that less can be more, especially when the right shade of red can turn an ordinary day into a runway moment.<\/p>\n
Her love for the classic red lip runs so deep that she jokes she sleeps in it. \u201cThere are husbands of mine who never saw me without a red lip \u2014 and they never will!\u201d she laughed. This devotion to a single shade has become a hallmark of her brand, echoing the playful, unapologetic spirit that defines her fashion line.<\/p>\n
Behind every flawless look is a carefully curated set of products. Johnson\u2019s makeup artist, Kristin Gallegos, keeps a few key items on hand at all times. Below is a snapshot of the essentials that help the designer maintain her signature glam, whether she\u2019s on the set of a music video or attending a fashion event.<\/p>\n