Whether you love either Kate Middleton‘s rosy cheeks or Meghan Markle’s clear complexion, the Royal women certainly have some beauty tips and tricks up their sleeves.
And as for Princess Diana, her signature makeup moments were actually much more accessible than one would think for a regal family member.
The late Princess’ longtime friend and makeup artist, Mary Greenwell, has revealed Diana’s favourite beauty must-haves, and which looks she opted for whenever the pair worked together.
As Royal fans most likely recall, Diana had a penchant for experimenting with cosmetics, particularly blue eyeliner, which had a tendency to make her eyes look even more cobalt. But according to Greenwell, Diana also loved trying to achieve neutral and glowy looks, and leaned more toward “beiges and browns” because they were “just so much prettier,” she explained in an interview.
“[Diana] felt no need to be showy, so she kept her makeup subtle and appropriate for the occasion.”
While, yes, there are a selection of Diana’s most-cherished beauty favourites that have sadly been discontinued, there are plenty more still available to purchase, which means mastering a look à la Diana is far from difficult.
Below, we’ve rounded up Princess Diana’s favourite beauty products that are not only affordable, but that you can still buy today.
By Terry Baume de Rose
Greenwell used this “nourishing lip balm” on Diana to avoid the Princess having dry lips. “I always do this, whoever it is, whatever time or year,” she told Good Housekeeping. “Wherever I am because by the time you get to the mouth later, you don’t want it to be dry.”
Baume de Rose by By Terry, $91 at MECCA.
Yves Saint Laurent Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation SPF23
According to Greenwell, Diana’s go-to foundation was Max Factor’s Sheer Genius Foundation in the shade ‘Honey Touch’, which was actually used for her engagement photo. However, the product has since been discontinued. Aside from the Max Factor foundation, Yves Saint Laurent’s Fusion Ink Cushion Foundation was apparently Diana’s favourite runner-up. This product is designed for on-the-go use and offers a “cool, fresh sensation when applied” through its sponge applicator.
Le Cushion Encre de Peau in shade ’10’ by Yves Saint Laurent, $110 at MECCA.
Lancôme Hypnôse L’Absolu De Noir Mascara
To accentuate Diana’s already beautiful lashes, Greenwell would use multiple products. In an interview with Lisa Eldridge, Greenwell reveals that she would prep Diana’s lashes with Sensai’s Eyelash Base, followed by Sensai’s black Mascara to reach the roots. And then as a final touch and to bring Diana’s lashes “up and out”, the makeup artist would finish with Lancome’s Hypnose L’Absolu De Noir Mascara.
Hypnôse L’Absolu De Noir Mascara by Lancôme, $56 at Lancôme.
Tom Ford Brow Sculpt
After applying a primer, Greenwell would often use Tom Ford’s brow sculptor to ensure the best brow shape possible. Before she would do so, she’d make sure to brush Diana’s brows upwards to act as a guide, and would then reach for her Tom Ford favourite to ensure the look remained natural.
Brow Sculpt by Tom Ford, $94 at Myer.
Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation
According to Greenwell, Diana was a big fan of Clarins, in fact, her absolute must-have was their Satin Finish Foundation. As of now, the product no longer exists, however their Skin Illusion foundation has an incredibly similar ‘your skin but better’ formula. But that’s not all, apparently Diana enjoyed using the brand’s Chamomile Toning Lotion, as well as their eye gel and multi-active day cream.
Skin Illusion Foundation by Clarins, $52 at Clarins.
Quelques Fleurs L’Original Eau de Parfum
Her go-to fragrance choice on her wedding day to Prince Charles, Diana’s favourite was Quelques Fleus’ L’Original which had “floral scent featuring notes of tuberose, rose and jasmine”.
L’Original Eau de Parfum by Quelques Fleurs, $94.95 at Feeling Sexy.
Penhaligon Bluebell Eau de Toilette
Penhaligon’s Bluebell Eau de Toilette was yet another fragrance favoured by the Princess. As for this scent, it was a “citrus floral with notes of lily of the valley, rose, jasmine and a touch of clove.” And it turns out, Diana isn’t the only royal who’s a fan of those notes, so too is Megan Markle, whose favourite perfume is Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell which has a very similar scent.
Bluebell Eau de Toilette perfume by Penhaligon, $111.95 at Amazon.
Sebastian Professional Moulding Mud
As for Diana’s hair, her stylist Sam McKnight knew exactly how to create the perfect amount of volume for the Princess. To do so, he would opt for Sebastian Professional’s Moulding Mud for a “super-strength” hold to keep each strand in place. The product would be applied after a blow-dry and a decent spritz of hairspray.
Moulding Mud by Sebastian Professional, $39.95 at Hairhouse.
