Duchesses Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do many things extremely well – one of those things, the ability to look incredibly beautiful yet perfectly natural at the same time.
We don’t mean to suggest that the art of applying makeup is anywhere near as important as the serious work both women do, but let’s face it … the Duchesses are genuine pros when it comes to looking stunning.
Of course, it helps that both are heavenly to look at with gorgeous features, perfect skin and enviably shiny, healthy hair, but there’s no denying that Kate and Meghan are also blessed with an uncanny ability to highlight their most appealing features while downplaying any teeny tiny flaws, without ever appearing overly ‘done’.
Frankly, we’re impressed.
Both women looked particularly angelic when attending formal events on Remembrance Day on Sunday November 11. The events were sombre ones and the Duchesses dressed accordingly. Fashion critics agreed their outfits were deeply stylish and flattering, but it was the Duchesses’ matching dewy-fresh complexions and their subtle yet divine eye makeup that was the hot topic of conversation.
A quick look at the snaps from the day and it’s easy to see why the world (in particular its women) were inspired by their beauty. If you love the way the Duchesses’ look and fancy recreating their style, this is how the women did it.
First, skin must be deeply hydrated with a quality moisturiser. We love Swisse Blood Orange Brightening Daily Moisturiser, $20.99. Next, apply a primer so that skin is smooth and flawless and better able to ‘hold’ any makeup that you apply afterwards. Primers often have extra added such as anti-ageing or oil-reducing ingredients. Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, $13.95, is a great choice if you tend towards shine.
The amount of coverage you choose is up to you. But if you want to replicate this sheer, youthful look you won’t need a great deal of product. The Duchesses wore minimal foundation on their skin, which allowed their perfect complexions to shine. Look closely and you’ll see Meghan’s adorable freckles and even Kate’s laugh lines, both of which are 100 per cent natural and lovely. For just the lightest of coverage try L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Glow, $27.95.
The women kept their brows strong and defined plus added colour. If you’d like to try this, brush your brows into the desired shape first and then colour in any lighter or bare patches using soft, feathery strokes of a brow product. We find the crayon-style versions the easiest to use. Try Benefit Goof Proof Eyebrow Pencil, $43.
Cheeks should be highlighted with a rosy, pink flush. Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm, $42, is super easy to apply. Underneath the cheekbones, a subtle bronzer can be applied – don’t forget to blend. Bronzer here makes cheekbones appear higher and more defined. Models Prefer Bronzer, $12.99, is a great choice.
On the apples of the cheeks (the highest point when you smile), both women added a touch of soft, shimmery highlighter giving a youthful, flattering glow. You can also apply this to the bridge of the nose and even the cupid’s bow – that sweet spot in the middle of the top lip.
A natural, fresh look such as this lends itself beautifully to a dramatic eye look. To do this at home, apply a wash of eye shadow in a neutral colour such as cream or soft brown to the upper eyelid, all the way up to the eyebrow. Next, take a shade that is slightly darker and apply it to the upper eyelid. Blend with a finger tip or a makeup brush. Up to you.
Finally, apply a rich chocolate brown or soft black Kohl liner along the upper lash line from the inside to the eye to the outside corner. Smudge softly. We like La Roche-Posay Respectissime Soft Eye Pencil, $21.95. Next, use an eyelash curler for extra oomph and, apply two to three coats of the blackest black mascara. COVERGIRL Tease Mascara in Very Black, $21.95, works beautifully.
Meghan and Kate applied a swipe of nude, pink lipstick in the shade most flattering for them. To find your perfect nude shade, look for a lipstick that is the same colour as your lips when you’re wearing nothing at all. If you can’t decide try Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk, $49. It suits absolutely everyone!
During the day, Duchess Kate opted for an elaborate braided bun which highlighted her long, elegant neckline perfectly.
We suspect someone created this style for her. Maybe you have a girlfriend who is handy with braids? Otherwise, you might need to visit a salon for this one. Duchess Meghan’s casual, loose side bun is easier to achieve and was every bit as elegant.
Put it all together and you’re a royal! Well, you look like one anyway and that’s what counts.
