Last week we eagerly anticipated, as did many beauty junkies, the unveiling (hee hee) of Kate Middleton’s wedding makeup at the biggest nuptials in recent memory. Prince William’s new bride has been much emulated in her understated and elegant yet youthful style, and speculation about her makeup and dress on perhaps the most photographed day of her life was rife on the internet.
It’s said that Middleton took the brave step of doing her own makeup for the event, a choice that paid off in a graceful and flawless look:
“She’s had about three or four lessons with Kate at her private flat in Chelsea and has also gone, very privately to Clarence House. Arabella was [supposed] to be coming on the day as well but now she isn’t, because Kate’s comfortable and confident in doing it herself.”
Many commoner brides fear the prospect of doing bridal makeup without professional assistance, despite the lack of paparazzi at most weddings. But if you’d like to get a look like Kate’s, here are some key pointers:
1.) Eyes: If there’s one area Kate’s look is really bold, it’s her daytime smoky eyes. Relatively heavy liner was a huge component- Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner stays put but gives eyes dramatic definition. A slate-y violet like Mac Eyeshadow in Crystal is similar to Kate’s choice. Definitely curl lashes to get this look, and a mascara like Lancôme’s Définicils will define and hold a curl without smudging.
2.) Cheeks and Base: Kate’s matte skin finish didn’t rely heavily on bronzer or tanner, and just looked fresh. Clinique’s Superfit is both dewy and long-lasting, and Clinique Blushwear in Rosy Blush lends the same pinky, petal-bright finish. Blend mainly on apples of the cheeks without contouring for a similar healthy glow.
3.) Lips: The lip component is probably the most subtle of all in Kate’s wedding day look, with no reliance on super-pigmented color or thick gloss. The royal bride selected a pale pink (rumored to be Bobbi Brown Sandwashed Pink lip colour) that allowed her eyes to take center stage without washing out the rest of her face- a difficult balance to strike. Choose a creamy yet long wearing creme formulation to get this look, like Yves Saint Laurent Pur Couture in Beige Tribute. For longevity, line lips and fill in the entire lip area with a nude-pink liner like Chanel’s Aqua Colour Lip Crayon in Spice.
Did you get out of bed early to watch the wedding live? Were you impressed by Kate’s look?