Since her engagement to William, Kate Middleton has been known for her effortlessly chic beauty looks. Her trademark? Glowy nude hair, perfectly defined eyebrows, and plump lips. Yet, before her wedding with the future King of England, the Duchess of Cambridge favored a decidedly bolder makeup look, which she sacrificed in favor of a more sober, natural look.
Kate Middleton's Style
Kate Middleton is a champion of natural beauty. Prince William's wife has never made a faux pas when it comes to style, and we're not just talking about clothes. In her public appearances, the Princess always shows off a soft blow-dry that gives her a very glamorous look, and luminous, nude shades for makeup. Yet many are unaware that before becoming a mother to George, Louis, and Charlotte, Kate indulged in much less minimal looks, especially when it came to her beauty look.
Before she was even a full-fledged member of the Royal Family, Catherine loved experimenting with smoky eye shades. As Hello magazine revealed, when she was just a student at Saint Andrews, she sported an almost "gothic" style, characterized by very dark colors. Indeed, dusting off some old photos, the Duchess of Cambridge often appears with quite heavy eye makeup: eyeliner, heavy mascara, and dark eyeshadow gave her an almost feline look. Today, however, the Princess of Wales prefers a lighter, more natural look for her daily routines. Eyeliner? Only and exclusively for important engagements.
The Princess's Evolution
It's clear that Kate Middleton's style choices are meticulously considered, and that they must adhere to certain unwritten rules imposed on members of the Royal Family. Aristocratic elegance has always required understated and natural looks, which convey a fresh yet polished image. A gothic makeup look, like the one the Princess loved in her youth, would not be compatible with the image currently imposed on her by etiquette. The future Queen of England is expected to be elegant and glamorous, but never over the top.
A task that Kate Middleton achieves to perfection, likely thanks in part to the help of skilled stylists, who fully enhance the features and complexion of William's wife. Today, both the Princess's outfits and beauty looks are admired by millions of women around the world: thanks to her, recycling has almost become "normalized," and Jenny Pakham has become one of the most beloved stylists on the international scene.
Kate Middleton's beauty look is synonymous with simplicity: nude and matte lipsticks, lip gloss, peach blush, and subtle eye shadows are a true trademark. And it seems the credit doesn't go to any expert makeup artist: between one commitment and another, the Duchess would love to take some time for herself, experimenting with makeup. A truly resourceful woman.
