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Kate Middleton has been a standout beauty icon from day one. Again and again, the future queen has perfectly paired her exquisite style with on-point makeup.
Here, we've created a visual roundup of the Princess of Wales’ most timeless makeup looks and had pros weigh in on why each one is both effortless and elevated. The experts also shared some IRL intel so you can recreate some of Kate Middleton’s must-try makeup looks, too.
Classic Kate
According to Desirae Cherman, a celebrity makeup artist based in L.A., this is all about “Kate’s signature eye ensemble, a testament to timeless elegance with warm, earth-toned eyeshadows expertly blended to accentuate the allure of her captivating green eyes.” But her skin is also a standout, says Olaf Derlig, a celebrity makeup artist in L.A. with clients including Laura Linney and Amy Ryan. “To recreate her beautifully radiant and dewy skin, prep with an ultra-hydrating mask like my favorite Talika Bio Enzymes Hydrating Mask Hydrant.”
Glow Getter
Nydia Figueroa, a NYC-based celebrity makeup artist, says the beauty of the Princess of Wales’ glow paired with her golden gown is undeniable. To level up your complexion, she recommends using an illuminating moisturizer like LimeLife By Alcone Perfect Glow Drops. “Before applying your foundation, apply the glow drops on your cheek bones, chin, nose and above the arch of your eyebrows—this gives a lifted and youthful glow that looks like it’s coming from within,” she says.
Bright Future
“Kate is known for her beautiful rosy complexion, and the rosy hues on the cheek and lip in this look are perfectly harmonized and balanced with her features and the color of her dress,” explains LA-based makeup artist Aaron Paul, who works with Padma Lakshmi. “Use a two-in-one formula on cheeks and lips like Le Rouge Francaise Cheeks & Lips in Cleopatre. Gently blend this onto the cheeks and lip with your fingers to create this perfect rosy glow.”
The Eyes Have It
Cherman calls out Kate’s astute makeup strategy: “Recognizing the potential shadowing effect of a voluminous hat, she adeptly adapted her approach to enhance rather than contend with it,” she notes. “By skillfully crafting layers of depth, she draws focus irresistibly towards her eyes.”
Fresh Take
“Yet again, Kate shows off a beautifully balanced natural face that is not taking attention away from the ornate earrings,” shares Erica Taylor, a makeup artist for the L’Oreal Paris League of Experts. “There is extra attention to Princess Kate’s lash line with a smoked-out black eyeshadow and a soft, natural lip which can be achieved with a pink nude like L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Satin in Shade Worth It.”
Lit from Within
Derling says the “highlights of this look are the classic smokey eyes and the flawless bronzed skin.” He recommends recreating the sultry eye and fresh-face effect with Patrick Ta Major Dimension III Matte Eyeshadow Palette because of the velvety texture and warm and cool tones. Impart supple skin that allows foundation and bronzer to stay smooth and moisturized 24/7 with Beau Domaine The Cream as well as Embryolisse Radiant Complexion Compact Powder-Bronzing Powder. “This is my go-to when it comes to a bronzed sun kissed look,” he adds.
Stay Cool
“I love that Princess Kate switched up from her traditional brown eyeshadow to a cooler-tone dusty mauve,” says Taylor. “It perfectly balances the soft powder blue dress.”
Smoked-Out Wings
“The star of the show in this look is the eyeliner—a soft, smokey wing which can be easily achieved with a black eyeliner like L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner in Black,” Taylor says. “Start by focusing on the lash base, extending the corner slightly, and using the smudger to extend the corners. But to create a softer bottom liner, place small dots along the lower lash line, then use a smudge applicator to connect.”
Color Theory
“One of the best strategies to maintain a fresh allure is by delving into the realm of color theory,” says Cherman. “Take, for instance, Kate’s stunning ensemble adorned in vibrant blue hues. She artfully elevated her look by accentuating her lips with a perfectly paired shade of pink and harmoniously extends the color palette to her cheeks to seamlessly unify the entirety of her appearance.”
Bright Eyes
Taylor is all about Kate’s “bright illuminated under-eye.” She says you can achieve a similar look by placing a “liquid bronze highlighter in the orbital and cheekbone area, and pat over the new L’Oreal Paris True Match Radiant Concealer for a glowing look.”
Soft Focus
Figueroa calls out Middleton’s soft, smokey eyeshadow and polished complexion. “To create a quick, yet impactful blacked-out smokey eye like hers, try Natasha Denona Mini Xenon Palette using a fluffy tapered blush like Morphe M573 Pointed Deluxe Blender,” she says. First, place the light gray shadow on the lid and blend into the crease, then do the same with the mid-charcoal shade over the gray for a beautiful transition.
Natural Beauty
“I love the soft rosy lip, and here Princess Kate proves that you don’t need to wear a red lip with a red outfit — a beautiful natural rosy lip can match any color,” Taylor notes. “Get this look using a lip brush to lightly sweep on the color, and make sure to blot to keep the look fresh and natural.”
Eye Level
“This was an exceptionally delightful departure for Kate as she opted to forego her customary winged eyeliner in favor of a rounded smokey eye,” explains Cherman. “By layering a deep brown shade on the lid and seamlessly blending it into a lighter tan, the attention is irresistibly drawn to the focal point of her eyes, elevating her entire appearance.” Try Dior Backstage Palette in Warm Neutrals for its versatility and stunning hues, followed by Le Rouge Francais The Mascara in Le Noir Cassiopée.
Lash Out
Figueroa highlights the future queen’s leveled-up lashes. “Her eyes are neutral and framed with soft eyeliner and lots of mascara,” she says. “For this look, mascara cocktailing is the secret to fluffy and defined lashes. First, apply a mascara primer to build color and provide a base like Lancome Cis Booster XL, then create volume with Essence Cosmetics Lash Princess Mascara and finish with a separating mascara like Tarte Cosmetics Tubing Mascara.”
Sultry Eyes
“The Princess is rocking a sultry and smudged eyeliner, which is easy to create with only two products,” says Figueroa. “Use a black eyeliner for the waterline and smudge a warm brown eyeliner under the lash line to create a soft smoke with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner in Zero & Whiskey.”