Kate Middleton Did Her Own Wedding Makeup After Bad
The Duchess of Cambridge applied her own makeup for her 2011 royal wedding, a decision reportedly made after a negative experience with a professional for
Kate Middleton applied her own makeup when she married Prince William in April 2011, a fact that surprised many given the global audience of 162 million television viewers. The decision, according to the source One Fab Day, stemmed from a prior bad experience with professional makeup for her engagement portraits.
Leading royals are expected to learn grooming for public duties, and Kate took private lessons ahead of the wedding. Makeup artist Arabella Preston, who later founded the skincare brand Votary, was the professional who taught her, the source confirms. Preston was on standby on the wedding day but was not needed.
The Wedding Beauty Timeline
Kate Middleton's approach highlights a key planning consideration: the trial run. Her reported dissatisfaction with her engagement photo makeup led her to take control for the main event. Brides often schedule makeup trials months in advance to test looks and build confidence with their artist, or in Kate's case, with their own skills.
The Products Behind the Look
Kate used a combination of Bobbi Brown and Lancôme products to achieve her wedding day look, which has influenced bridal beauty for years. The specific items she chose are detailed below.
Her eye look, which featured a heavily lined lid, was created using the original Urban Decay Naked Palette for shadow alongside the Lancôme liner and mascara.
Why DIY Makeup Can Work
Taking a DIY route requires preparation. Kate's private lessons were essential. The source notes that being able to do her own makeup is part of the preparation for royal duty, but it also ensured she felt like herself on the day. For any bride considering this, thorough practice and selecting long-wear, trusted products are key steps in the timeline.
The Supporting Beauty Team
While Kate did her own makeup, professional artist Hannah Martin was present to make up members of the bridal party, likely including her sister Pippa and mother Carole. This distinction clarifies the long-running speculation about who was responsible for the bride's look. The wedding's scent, provided by Jo Malone London candles, started a lasting trend for scented ceremonies.
