Royal, bridal makeup may seem like a strange topic to most students. But, with Prince Harry now married, contemporary royal brides have embraced a wearable tradition of simple feature-enhancing makeup. This fresh and feminine look can be tailored to suit every skin tone and easily recreated with a range of products, making it perfect for graduation ceremonies and interviews.
There was not a glitter highlight nor a cut crease in sight when Castle Leazes alumni Princess Eugenie of York wed Jack Brooksbank earlier this month. Instead Eugenie opted for a classic look updated with bold brows, which has since been labelled ‘a masterclass in bridal makeup’ by Harper’s Bazaar. Glimpses of Eugenie’s glowing makeup were revealed as she journeyed to the chapel without a veil, a bold decision she made to show off her scoliosis surgery scar, a large focus of the ensemble. The Princess is rumoured to have achieved her makeup look with Bobbi Brown’s Hannah Martin, the artist who was on hand to help Kate on her big day in 2011. As is the usual practice, the exact products used to create the bridal look are a closely guarded secret, however, Eugenie has previously expressed her affection for the luxury beauty brands Charlotte Tilbury and Bobbi Brown. Working as an associate gallery director and an ambassador for Project 0, Eugenie told Harper’s Bazaar that she often applies her makeup on the go using a few staple products such as Bobbi Brown’s bronzing powder, which retails for £32. The radiant nature of the bridal look makes it fair to assume that the bronzer was used on the day, showcasing the versatility of the product which can be applied minimally for day to day or amped up for a special event.
[pullquote]Each royal bride showcased a different yet timeless style[/pullquote]The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May was watched by almost two-thirds of British television viewers; putting a lot of pressure on Meghan’s makeup artist and close friend Daniel Martin. Daniel reportedly met Meghan on the set of Suits and their long-standing friendship made him the perfect candidate for the role, telling Glamour that his aim was for the bride to ‘look like her best self’. The sheer foundation showcased Markle’s trademark freckles, features which have given rise to the so-called ‘Meghan effect’: a sharp increase in demand for faux freckle tattoos. To achieve a subtle glow Daniel revealed that he applied a soft luminizing product to the highlights of Meghan’s face and body rather than using an intense strobing product. One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony - for Twitter - was when the bride’s veil was lifted and she looked up at the royal groom with big, bright eyes. As a Dior ambassador it is rumoured that Daniel used their Diorshow On Stage Liner in Matte Black to create the fluttery doe-eyed effect, a product which retails for £26. Whilst in black the liner can be used to achieve a range of looks from simple definition to a bold cat eye the liner also comes in a rainbow of 14 vibrant shades great for Halloween and quirky evening looks.
Kate and Will’s nuptials captured the world and gave the British public a day off back in 2011. Styling herself as a more modern addition to the Royal family Kate Middleton famously did her own makeup under the guidance of Hannah Martin. Kate’s beige-nude lipstick Bobbi Brown’s semi-matte lipcolor in Sandwash Pink, retailing at £24.50, is today a more popular look than celebrity styles at the time, such as applying foundation to the lips. Kate’s look is more characteristic of the recent trend for ‘my lips but better’ lipsticks which are low maintenance requiring fewer top-ups and allow the wearer to achieve subtle shape and definition without the need for a liner.
Each royal bride showcased a different yet timeless style. We can learn lots from them and their well-skilled makeup artists. These looks are subtle but each have their own quirks - so can be applied to makeup routines every day - in addition to more special occasions.
