Tuesday night saw Princess Kate return to the red carpet, attending the premiere for Tom Cruise's new film, Digger.
As always, the royal looked picture-perfect, with her hair tonged into princess waves, complemented by volume around the face for extra glamour. Makeup-wise, the Princess of Wales went for her trademark eyeliner and slightly smokey shadow.
© Samir Hussein/WireImageThough she's been (unfairly) criticised in the past for her commitment to heavy eyeliner, dark eye makeup isn't against the much-talked-about 'beauty rules' the royals are subject to. Remind yourself of the makeup and hair rules the royals are reportedly required to follow, and I'll share how I, as a beauty editor, would find my way around these rules…
1. No bright lipstick
The royal ladies are reportedly told not to wear bright lipstick. Though this has never been publicly confirmed, a look at the women in the family over the last few decades and you'll notice that Princess Kate, Duchess Sophie, Zara Tindall and co have never worn anything more dramatic than a plum shade of lipstick.
© Getty ImagesIf I were in the royal family, I'd find my way around the no-bright lipstick rule by using one of the sheer wash lipsticks that are popular for an easy-going take on coloured lips. I like Morphe's Liplock Glossy Lipstick, £14. It glides on, leaves a hint of colour and is comfortable to wear. Plus, if Princess Kate were to wear it at an engagement, if it wore off, it wouldn't look obvious.
2. Subtle base face makeup
If you've ever been on a photoshoot (or indeed got married), you'll know that a lot of makeup is often applied for it to show up looking natural on camera, so it's impressive that the Princess of Wales always looks so flawless given her foundation always appears to be minimal.
© WireImageThe royals are rarelyseen with heavy, full coverage foundation (in fact, Prince Harry wrote in Spare: "Pa didn't approve of women who wore a lot [of makeup].") but for the covered up look, while still appearing fresh, I recommend SUQQU's Foundation E, £81. It's buildable and the glow evolves as you wear, for a base that covers imperfections while still giving the natural look required of the royals. Read my thoughts on the foundation - and see how it wears over the course of a day.
3. No heavy contour
Along the same lines as the subtle base makeup, the royals are reportedly dissuaded from Kardashian-style heavy contour, as this could look obvious on camera – not the natural vibe they normally have.
If the Princess of Wales desires the sculpted look without the strong definition related to the look, I'd recommend using Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Liquid Contour, £28. It gives a naturally sculpted look that’s never cakey, patchy, or greasy, and layers well under even lightweight bases.
4. No heavy eye makeup
This is one rule I question, because the Princess of Wales appears to favour eye makeup that leans on the heavier side… and she seems to have been getting away with it for years!
© GettyWhen I want a heavy look that isn't quite so dramatic, I use brown eyeliner and mascara. Sculpted by Aimee do the best ones.
5. Hair must be well-kept
One look at Princess Kate and you know she adheres religiously to this rule, with her hair always looking beautifully coiffed.
© Getty ImagesIf she ever finds herself away from her hairdresser and in need of a quick fix, my solution is Michael Van Clarke's LifeSaver Pre-wash Treatment, from £11. I apply it to my hair overnight before wash day and it keeps it smooth, shiny and free from split ends.
6. Never be seen touching up makeup
The late Queen Elizabeth frequented flouted this rule, reapplying her lipstick out and about, but in my memory, I've never seen the Princess of Wales touching hers up.
© Getty ImagesMy advice for making makeup (lipstick, in particular) is to line your lips with the matching liner; colour in your whole lip, then apply the corresponding shade on top. That way, even if the lipstick wears off, the liner remains beneath.
As for ensuring her base lasts, beauty editors rely on One Size's Secure the Sweat Primer, £34. "This is a great primer to secure your makeup," says celebrity makeup artist Caroline Barnes.
