Kate Middleton has undergone many different phases with her makeup over the years. From her pre-royal days to her iconic wedding look and her beauty choices after she became a mother, the evolution has been marked by different moments in the royal family. However, Kate Middleton has effortlessly adapted to all of these changes, and today, her appearance is both professional and elegant. Here’s how Kate Middleton’s beauty has transformed over the years.
Minimal makeup and kohl-lined eyes
Before fame, Middleton had a relaxed look with minimal foundation and a subtle amount of blush. She became known for her intense, kohl-lined eyes and has never been shy about applying eye makeup. At this time, Middleton wasn’t as much of a public figure as she is today, since she was only dating William and not married into the royal family.
She did her makeup on her wedding day
It’s often unheard of for celebrities to do their own makeup for their wedding day, but she broke a rare royal rule when she acted as her glam squad for the 2011 nuptials. She consulted makeup artist Arabella Preston to thicken her brows for a more dramatic look, apply eye makeup, and put on pink lips, finishing with fresh and dewy skin.
She moved on from heavy eyeliner
After receiving criticism for her heavy and sharp use of eyeliner on the lash lines, she moved on to a less severe look. She listened to the feedback and opted for a more natural look, applying her eyeliner with a lighter hand and smudging it lightly so it didn’t look so intense. It made her look more youthful and also more approachable.
She was once a big fan of bronzer
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a healthy tan, but there was once a time when Middleton went a bit overboard with her sunless tanners and bronzers. Suddenly, in 2012, she had a golden look everywhere she went. Fortunately, she let it fade naturally rather than putting on more and more. This was necessary, since her fair skin meant that fake tanner and bronzer had a dramatic effect on her.
She was pretty in pink as a new mother
As usual, she switched up her look every time she reached a new chapter. During her pregnancy, she was pretty in pink. She cancelled the spray tans and instead opted for rosy blush and pink-hued lips, embracing her pale complexion more than she had in the past.
Her brows got bolder, and she even tried laminating them
While she used to have ultra-skinny brows, Middleton thickened them up in 2015, which was a controversial choice, as many thought it made her look older. Brow brand founder Natalie Plain said she used excessive brow makeup without blending properly. At a movie premiere in 2021, she even achieved a lamination effect with pencil and powder, which was a much better look.
When she hit her 40s, she opted for a more elegant look
When she turned 40 in 2022, Catherine opted for old-world glamour. It was sophisticated and chic, complete with light foundations, flawless eye makeup, and bronzer or blush as needed. Based on hearsay, her mascara of choice is Lancôme Hypnose Mascara, which she uses regularly. She doesn’t get spray tans anymore or wear lipstick.
In 2023, she went more modest for charitable events
When promoting causes that she’s passionate about, she opts for a more demure aesthetic. For instance, in September 2023, she introduced her Shaping US program to the National Portage Association, giving a speech about early childhood development. Her hair was worn pinned back, and she donned flats instead of heels, paired with plain black pants and a red blazer. Her makeup was equally professional to match with lighter-than-usual eye makeup and a pale pink blush with just a touch of foundation and eye pencil.
In 2025, Kate Middleton’s makeup shows that this princess is ready to be queen
Today, Kate Middleton looks more regal than ever. Her looks at both the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Commonwealth Day Service were flattering, self-assured, and regal. She’s introduced delicate, peachy lip colors into her look and, as always, applies a healthy amount of mascara and rich eyeshadow. Style expert Miranda Holder told Hello! that this 2025 evolution foreshadows her future role in the British monarchy, especially since her style and hair have undergone a makeover as well.
