The 1 rare moment Princess Kate was caught applying lip gloss on camera


The wife of Prince William has only been spotted tending to her face once during her career as a working royal


Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales attends the Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on April 25, 2026 in London, England. © Getty Images
Laura Sutcliffe
Laura SutcliffeFashion and Beauty News Editor
7 minutes ago

Royal ladies often practice precise forms of etiquette when it comes to being seen in public. As there's no official document for the public to see, we take our information from experts and from studying the formal rules the royal family publicly adheres to.

Touching up makeup is seen as something that should be done in private, which is why you rarely see royal ladies powdering their noses or applying lipstick.

Queen Elizabeth applying lipstick© Getty Images
The late Queen broke the occasional royal rule

However, in 2019, the Princess of Wales was spotted with a tube of lip gloss! The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis accidentally revealed her favourite Clarins lip balm after she applied the brand's 'Lip Perfector' gloss while in the stands watching a tennis match at Wimbledon. 

 kate middleton favourite clarins lip gloss
Kate was seen applying the Clarins 'Lip Perfector' gloss in 2019

Kate is known for her natural-looking face, and this tinted lip product in 'Rose Shimmer' is ideal for giving that barely there look. It comes in a "melting gel" formula. The gloss gives lips just a hint of subtle natural colour, so it can be easily swiped on anywhere at any moment and promises to nourish and protect one's pout. Royal beauty fans were overjoyed to see Kate with the gloss - after all, Kate has never been seen publicly with a beauty product before.

What makeup products does the Princess of Wales use?

Princess Kate has never personally name-checked the beauty items she regularly reaches for. However, we have some clues. 

TRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smile following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England. © Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Kate reportedly used a Bobbi Brown foundation on her wedding day

In an official statement released on Facebook after Kate married William in 2011, Bobbi Brown confirmed that the brand's makeup artist Hannah Martin had provided makeup artistry assistance to members of the bridal party for the royal wedding. Several reports have also credited the 'Long-Wear Weightless Foundation' for creating Kate's flawless complexion on her big day.

Princess Kate holding the programme at her royal wedding© WPA Pool
Princess Kate chose nude nails on her wedding day

Also on her wedding day, it was reported worldwide that her nails were painted with a combination of Essie nail polish in 'Allure' and Bourjois' 'So Laque' ultra-shine nail enamel. 

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser © Laura Mercier
Kate picked up a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in 2011

The royal was also spotted indulging in a spot of retail therapy in 2011 at the Peter Jones department store in Chelsea. Onlookers revealed she had purchased the iconic Laura Mercier 'Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser', famed for its lightweight coverage.

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