Since joining the British royal family, the Princess of Wales has asserted her role, defined her style, and established the rules of a fascinating beauty guide.
This guide is built on small, consistent elements, but also on her signature waves, the most followed in the kingdom. To solidify her status as a full-fledged member of the British royal family, the future queen has adhered to these carefully developed choices over the years, never wavering. This includes her penchant for nude tones and soft nail polish shades.
Whether it's a strict adherence to protocol—which requires women in the royal family to follow specific rules regarding beauty and fashion—or simply the result of her personal taste, the fact remains that the details highlighted by her beauty looks have remained unchanged over the years. Here, then, is the princess's guide.
Since Kate Middleton joined the British royal family, the Princess of Wales has asserted her role, defined her style, and established the rules of a captivating beauty ritual.
This ritual is built on small, consistent elements, but also on her signature waves, the most followed in the kingdom. To solidify her status as a full-fledged member of the British royal family, the future sovereign has remained steadfast in these choices developed over the years, never wavering. This includes her penchant for nude tones and soft nail polish shades.
Whether it's a strict adherence to protocol—which requires women in the royal family to follow specific rules regarding beauty and fashion—or simply a matter of personal taste, the details highlighted by her beauty looks have remained unchanged over the years. Here's a summary of the Princess's style.
1. Nude Manicures
It's hard to imagine the Princess of Wales with brightly colored nails. Her choices all focus on a sheer effect, pink, nude, and flesh tones—ultra-soft, delicate shades that are never exaggerated. One of the rare exceptions to these rules occurred at Easter 2023, where the Princess sported vibrant red nails to contrast with her electric blue outfit.
If she has a preference for nude manicures, it's probably to respect the unspoken rule of Queen Elizabeth II, who so cherished a very particular shade of nude nail polish, dubbed "Ballet Slippers," that she reportedly wrote to Essie, the brand that manufactured it, in 1989.
2. Soft Lip Colors
Unlike Queen Elizabeth II, who often appeared with red lips and for whom lipstick was much more than just makeup, the Princess of Wales is more nuanced. Pinkish lipsticks, paired with clear glosses, are undoubtedly Kate Middleton's beauty allies (with the exception of certain more intense shades, approaching raspberry). This choice also has the advantage of practicality, avoiding stains on teeth and clothes, and it suits all the colors she wears.
3. Understated Makeup
Mascara, a touch of black eyeliner, eyelids with a subtle blend at the outer corner, and nude lips: these are the cornerstones of Kate Middleton's usual makeup look. To this, she adds blush and a discreet touch of foundation. The princess is rarely seen in public with overly dramatic makeup. The only exceptions are glamorous events, such as a Tom Cruise film premiere or a more formal state dinner, where she might opt for a slightly bolder smoky eye, but without going overboard.
Among those who favor this understated yet flawless makeup look, the princess can count on her sister, Pippa Middleton.
4. Perfect Hairstyles
It's virtually impossible to see Kate Middleton in an eccentric hat. Her slightly wavy hair, with a more contemporary feel than her previous curls, is always perfectly styled. Her hair is carefully gathered into buns or even more elaborate updos. Whether her hair is up or down, her perfect curls also allow glimpses of her earrings, which come from the royal vault or from one of her favorite brands – such as the French label Sézane, from which she has worn several pieces in recent years.
In 2017, the supposed beautician of the then Duchess of Cambridge revealed the secret to her radiant hair: a homemade recipe using just three ingredients: chocolate spread for antioxidants, sugar for exfoliation, and lip balm for hydration. Not a word from Buckingham Palace to confirm this; we remain skeptical.
5. Naturally Shaded Hair
Since moving into the Palace, Kate Middleton has remained true to her natural shade, a deep chestnut brown, which over the years has been illuminated and softened by caramel and honey highlights. A radical color change seems impossible for the Princess. Her hair has exceptional consistency and is regularly maintained.
6. Never Touching Up Her Makeup or Hair in Public
Unlike Queen Elizabeth II, who was often seen with her lipstick in hand at official events, the Princess of Wales has never been caught touching up her hair or makeup. This suggests that her makeup artist uses a good setting spray to ensure that nothing moves for several hours. The same goes for her hair products, which protect her waves in all circumstances: rain, wind, or snow, Kate Middleton never has a hair out of place or mascara smudged.
7. Radiant Skin
Her charm undoubtedly stems from good makeup, but since it's never heavy, it's clear that the Princess of Wales takes care of her skin, using carefully selected products. Her face thus appears naturally luminous.
And to ensure a fresh complexion in all seasons, Kate Middleton can count on a traditional trip to the sun – to Mustique, a favorite destination of Princess Margaret and the Middleton family, in particular – in the middle of winter. The secret to a refreshed look as the London gloom begins to fade and give way to spring.
