Dakota Johnson’s signature look in A24’s latest rom-com isn’t just about fringe and designer coats—it’s all about the perfect lip. The good news? You can copy her iconic beauty moment with one cult-favorite MAC pencil, no scissors required.
How a lip liner became the beauty icon of a rom-com
Dakota Johnson may be known for her cool-girl fringe and effortless sense of style, but in Materialists—A24’s buzz-worthy new romantic comedy from Past Lives director Celine Song—it’s her lip liner that’s quietly stealing the show.
In the film, Johnson plays Lucy, a New York City matchmaker who finds herself in a love triangle with her ex (played by Chris Evans) and a charming billionaire client (Pedro Pascal). The film has barely been out a week, and yet social media is already flooded with recreations of Lucy’s look—most notably, her understated, ’90s-inspired makeup.
TikTok is teeming with women debating whether to cut their own version of Dakota’s bangs, but there’s a far more accessible route to channeling her beauty vibe: lip liner. And not just any liner. According to early fan sleuthing (and now confirmed by makeup insiders), the exact product Johnson wears in the film is none other than MAC’s Lip Pencil in the shade Oak—a beige-brown staple that’s quietly dominated beauty bags for decades.
Why MAC’s Oak is Hollywood-approved
If you’re even a casual beauty lover, you’ve probably heard of MAC’s iconic lip liner lineup. From Whirl to Spice to Chestnut, the brand has been defining lips—and trends—for years. But Oak has remained a bit of a sleeper hit, beloved by makeup artists and stars alike for its versatility.
The shade itself is a warm beige with cool undertones, offering just enough contrast for a subtle, contoured lip that looks polished but not overdone. It’s what many pros refer to as the ultimate “your lips but better” color—perfect for everyday wear, red carpets, or, as Materialists proves, movie magic.
Amelia Gray Hamlin, a rising model and modern-day style icon, recently revealed to Harper’s Bazaar that Oak is a staple in her own routine. “You can just always play around with Oak and put it anywhere. These [liners] are my life. I do not go anywhere without all of those,” she said. If you’re someone who likes a low-maintenance lip with maximum payoff, Oak is the liner to invest in
The return of the ’90s lip—and why it works now
The rise of ’90s-inspired makeup is no secret. Matte skin, brown-toned shadows, and lined, defined lips are having a full-circle comeback—just scroll through Instagram or TikTok and you’ll find no shortage of celebs leaning into retro glam with a modern twist.
What makes Oak—and Dakota’s look in Materialists—so timely is how it blends this nostalgia with wearability. There’s no harsh contrast, no overly drawn lines. Instead, the look is soft, natural, and a little undone, exactly what you’d expect from a character who’s too busy curating other people’s relationships to fuss over her own reflection.
In fact, one of the most iconic beauty moments in the film comes in the opening credits, when Lucy appears in a clean, minimal outfit with nothing but her lip liner and a touch of balm. It’s a lesson in restraint: with the right lip, you don’t need much else.
How to recreate Dakota Johnson’s look from Materialists
Want to channel Lucy’s understated cool without diving into a full fringe commitment? Here’s how to recreate the beauty moment at home:
Start with a clean, moisturized base. Johnson’s look is all about healthy skin—light foundation or even just concealer where needed is enough.
Line your lips with MAC Lip Pencil in Oak, slightly overlining the cupid’s bow and bottom lip if you want a fuller effect. The pencil’s creamy texture glides on but stays put.
Blend the liner inward with your fingertip or a lip brush to soften the edges. You’re not going for sharp contrast; think “woke up like this” definition.
Finish with a hydrating balm or gloss. In the film, Lucy’s lips never look overly matte or dry. Try MAC’s Clear Lipglass or a light nude balm to lock in moisture and add dimension.
Optional: pair with brushed brows, a touch of mascara, and a lived-in hairstyle. Voilà—instant rom-com lead energy.
Beauty on a budget, approved by A-listers
At just $20, MAC’s Oak Lip Pencil delivers serious star power without the Hollywood price tag. And it’s not just Dakota Johnson giving it her stamp of approval. Makeup artists love it for layering, pairing it with different lipsticks, or even wearing it solo. Its versatility is a big reason it keeps selling out every time a celebrity wears it on screen.
Unlike statement lipstick shades that can be hit-or-miss depending on skin tone, Oak’s neutral base makes it universally flattering. It elevates any lip color without overpowering it—and stands confidently on its own. In a movie filled with designer wardrobes and glossy NYC backdrops, it’s comforting to know that one of the standout beauty moments is accessible to all of us. No bangs required.
