Although you might not see her wearing a bold lipstick colour or a sculptural eyeliner look, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, knows her way around the beauty block
Since stepping onto the royal scene with her now-iconic glossy blow-out and subtle smoky eye in 2010, Kate has made an art out of her signature makeup look, always looking put-together at events.
Pairing glowing skin (courtesy of a strict skincare routine, regular facials and a healthy diet) with a low-key beauty look and bouncy hair, the mother-of-three ensures she always looks flawless, whether she’s on a tennis court or in Buckingham Palace.
And, thankfully for those wanting a slice of that duchess-glow, a few of her favourite products have been revealed over the years.
From her go-to brands (hello, Bobbi Brown and Lancôme) to her preferred skincare products, these are the 20 items Kate’s been known to favour.
Naked Palette by Urban Decay
Wondering about the shades behind that classic smoky eye? According to reports, Kate loves Urban Decay’s ‘Naked Smoky’ palette so much that she recommended it to Michelle Obama. But in a sad turn of events, the much-loved palette has been discontinued. If you’re on the hunt for something similar, opt for Smashbox’s Cover Shot eye palette for it’s incredibly similar shades.
Cover Shot Eye Palette by Smashbox, $43 at MECCA.
Beauty Sleep Elixir by Beuti Skincare
After being given the line in 2016, Kate reportedly keeps this boutique beauty collection on her bedside table and has even recommended it to her sister-in-law, Meghan.
“We have an inside source at the palace who confirmed that Kate Middleton received the Beauty Sleep Elixir in 2016 and keeps a stash of Beuti on her nightstand,” the line’s founder told Bustle. “We were also told by the same source that Kate indeed gifted the Beauty Sleep Elixir to Meghan Markle and we are told she has been using the line since.”
Beauty Sleep Elixir by Beuti Skincare, $83 at Beuti Skincare.
Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector by Clarins
Unlike her other recommendations, there are no insider reports needed this time. Back in 2019, Kate whipped out a tube of Clarins’ Instant Light lip gloss while watching a tennis match at Wimbledon, sending women scrambling to grab a tube of their own.
Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector by Clarins, $35 at Adore Beauty.
White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum
According to the Daily Mail, Kate picked ‘White Gardenia Petals’ perfume by British boutique Illuminum for her wedding day. So, if that’s not her tick of approval, then we don’t know what is. Unfortunately, it’s not available to purchase in Australia, but not all hope is lost. Diptyque’s Ofrèsia EDT is a very fitting substitute until you can get your hands on the real deal.
Ofrèsia Eau de Toilette by Diptyque, $207 at MECCA.
Skincare by Karin Herzog
Back in 2015, AOL reported that Kate is loyal to Karin Herzog’s oxygen-infused skincare line. Her favourite products include the Vita-A-Kombi moisturising cream, Professional Cleanser, and the Oxygen Face cream.
Essential Mask by Karin Herzog, $85 at Vital Skincare.
Cleanse & Condition Shampoo by Richard Ward
To keep her hair shiny and bouncy, Kate turns to a product made by her go-to hairdresser, Richard Ward. Sadly, Richard Ward’s beloved shampoo is not currently available in Australia. However, in the meantime, you can clean your locks with Ouai’s Detox Shampoo for a similar, Duchess-approved mane.
Detox Shampoo by Ouai, $28.51 at Cult Beauty.
Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation by Bobbi Brown
Although she did her own makeup on her wedding day, Kate received “make-up artistry assistance” from a Bobbi Brown makeup artist. Since then, she’s used the brand’s “Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation” consistently.
Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation by Bobbi Brown, $72 at Bobbi Brown.
Blush by Bobbi Brown
With a clear love for Bobbi Brown, the Duchess of Cambridge even opts for the brand when looking for a cheek flush. Apparently, ‘Pale pink’ is Kate’s preferred shade of this soft matte blush.
Blush in ‘Pale Pink’ by Bobbi Brown, $53 at Bobbi Brown.
Certified Organic Rosehip Oil by Trilogy
During each of her pregnancies, it has been reported that Kate’s most trusted stretch mark prevention method was to use Trilogy’s soft oil.
Certified Organic Rosehip Oil by Trilogy, $26.99 at Priceline.
Dark Brow Kit by Bobbi Brown
For her classic brown brows, Kate turns back to one of her favourites to get the job done—Bobbi Brown’s DIY kit. Take one look at her stellar brows, and you’ll be adding this product to your cart ASAP.
Brow kit by Bobbi Brown, $79 at Adore Beauty.
Touche Éclat Concealer by Yves Saint Laurent
To brighten up her under eye—after all, she has got three kids, you know!—Kate reaches for YSL’s famous Touche Éclat. Plus, if this concealer can keep the Duchess looking fresh enough to complete an entire day of royal duties, then it’s one to consider.
Touche Éclat Radiant Touch by Yves Saint Laurent, $72 at Adore Beauty.
Lip Colour by Bobbi Brown
Ready to fall in love with a new lipstick? Well, it’d be easy to do that with the barely-there pink lipstick Kate wore on her wedding day—insiders revealed it was Bobbi Brown’s ‘Sandwash Pink’.
Lip Colour in ‘Sandwash Pink’ by Bobbi Brown, $50 at Bobbi Brown.
Enamel by Essie
Since royals generally avoid bright nail polish colours in favour of natural pinks and nudes, Kate’s manicurist mixed Essie’s “Allure” with Bourjois’ “Rose Lounge” to achieve the perfect barely-there nude shade.
Nail Polish Enamel in ‘Allure’ by Essie, $12.50 at Chemist Warehouse.
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner by Bobbi Brown
For when you’re looking to elevate your eye look, take a leaf out of Kate’s book. Reportedly, the Duchess used this ultra-long-wear eyeliner in her wedding-day smoky eye.
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner by Bobbi Brown, $45 at Bobbi Brown.
Creme With Silk Groom by Kiehl’s
When Kate’s on-the-road makeup artist shared a snap of the products she brought with her, this Kiehl’s styling aid was among the product packed.
Creme With Silk Groom by Kiehl’s, $54 at Myer.
Elnett Satin Normal Strength Hairspray by L’Oreal
But the styling cream wasn’t the only must-have on board, so was the Elnett Satin Normal Strength Hairspray by L’Oreal.
Elnett Satin Normal Strength Hairspray by L’Oreal, $10.99 at Priceline.
Hypnôse Mascara by Lancôme
If you’re searching for your own set of long, black lashes, then do as a Duchess does. For Kate, she turns to Lancôme’s famous Hypnôse formula for her enviable lashes.
Hypnôse Mascara by Lancôme, $58 at Lancôme.
Eyeshadow by Bobbi Brown
For her day-to-day eye looks, Kate reportedly uses these shadow pans in ‘Ivory’, ‘Rockstar’ and ‘Slate’.
Eyeshadow by Bobbi Brown, $45 at Bobbi Brown.
Shimmer Brick Compact by Bobbi Brown
For an added dose of shimmer, Kate uses—you guessed it!—a Bobbi Brown compact called ‘Bronze Shimmer Brick’.
Shimmer Brick Compact by Bobbi Brown, $81 at Adore Beauty.
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