Through an unexpected turn of events, the 18-year-old University of Otago music and pharmacology student has had a shade of Karen Murrell lipstick named after her — simply called Rachael’s Lipstick.
It happened after Miss Cox applied to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to see a make-up factory.
She qualified for the special activity because she has cystic fibrosis — a genetic disorder mainly affecting the lungs and digestive system, which leaves people with an average life expectancy of about 37 years.
Miss Cox said she was delighted to visit the Melbourne factory where Karen Murrell products are made, and was astounded when Ms Murrell sent a bunch of colour samples and told her to pick her favourite.
"Due to Karen’s generosity, it escalated to the point of me having my own lipstick.
"It’s quite honouring. It’s like, oh my gosh, me?"
Miss Cox said she fell in love with the pinky-purplish colour after looking at lipsticks in different lights and deciding it was "absolutely my colour".
"I like that you can wear it more naturally or you can build it up for a slightly bold, more purple colour.
"For me, this is an everyday colour and the sort of purple that will be really flattering and something everyone can wear."
In another surprise for Miss Cox, the limited-edition lipstick is now on shop shelves around New Zealand, and profits from sales are going directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand.
Karen Murrell brand ambassador and educator Diane Malcolm said 2000 Rachael’s Lipsticks were manufactured initially, but they sold so quickly, another run was now being made.
"It will be in the marketplace for a little while yet, but it won’t be an ongoing product."
Miss Cox was delighted with its popularity."Sometimes I feel quite undeserving," she said.
"In some ways, I see the making of my wish as a bit of a self-indulgent thing.
"For me to be able to do something that’s so incredibly special to me, and for that to be shared with others to help benefit others, is incredible, amazing, magical.
"It’s such a good feeling."