Fans of the hit BBC show The Traitors were left stunned during Friday night's dramatic episode, but not just by the on-screen deception. In a major departure from her iconic beauty look, host Claudia Winkleman swapped her trademark nude lipstick for a vivid shade of bright pink.
A Bold Beauty Move During High Drama
The style shift occurred during the particularly tense round table scene on the episode aired 12 January 2026, which also saw the spectacular banishment of secret traitor Fiona. Claudia, known for her heavy black eyeliner and nude lip, made a deliberate and noticeable change that immediately captured viewers' attention.
Social media erupted with comments as audiences took to platforms like Instagram and X to express their surprise. One user posted, "@claudiawinkle in pink lip shocker!" while another declared their love for the new look. Some fans even speculated that the bold choice was a signal from Claudia herself, with one suggesting: "Claudia wore that lipstick because she knew this was going down in history."
The Exact Lipstick Revealed
The mystery shade was quickly identified by renowned celebrity makeup artist Lisa Eldridge. She confirmed Claudia was wearing a lipstick from her own line: the Insanely Saturated Lip Colour in the shade New Wave. This bold magenta lipstick with a semi-matte finish retails for £27.
Due to high demand potentially spurred by the 'Claudia effect', the product swiftly sold out on Space NK. However, it remains available for purchase from Selfridges and the Lisa Eldridge website. The shade has garnered dozens of five-star reviews, with shoppers praising its comfort and vibrant colour payoff.
Fan Reaction and Shopping Alternatives
While many adored the new look, the reveal also prompted discussions about makeup choices. One reviewer noted the colour can look different in real life versus online, advising potential buyers to try swatching it in-store first if possible.
For those who prefer Claudia's classic nude aesthetic, there's good news. Her forever favourite, MAC Fleshpot, is currently on sale. Claudia once told Good Housekeeping she "would marry a MAC Fleshpot if I could." Thanks to a sale on Lookfantastic, the usually £25 lipstick has dropped to just £20, offering fans a chance to emulate her signature style for less.
Whether a one-off statement or a hint of a new beauty chapter, Claudia Winkleman's pink lipstick moment has proven that even the smallest detail on The Traitors can become a major talking point, blending reality TV drama with real-world beauty trends.
