The Duchess of Cambridge (or Kate Middleton as we all used to call her) has always, it seems, been a big fan of make-up. The first pictures the nation ever saw of her when she was first linked to Prince William during her St Andrews University Days were the first example we had of the Duchess' love of eyeliner. Kate's dark eyes and hair mean that she can pull off that dark shade of eyeliner and to great effect. As the nation's obsession with Kate grew, fans the world over began experimenting with eyeliner in much the same way, such was Kate's influence.
So how have we seen Kate's make-up style develop since then? Like any twenty-something it's time and experimentation that eventually inform make-up style. We saw Kate embrace bronzer and blusher in the years leading up to her world-renowned royal wedding to Prince William, and then, on the 29th April 2011, the world watched as Kate appeared from the Goring Hotel in London in that stunner of a dress designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. There were rumours that Kate had applied her make-up herself that day after taking lessons from a Bobbi Brown pro. If that's true the now Duchess did a stellar job. The look was all pretty pink blush, glossed-up pink lips and beautifully defined brown shadowed eyes - the epitome of bridal chic.
Since her wedding day the make-up looks have just got better and better, though it's clear that the Duchess of Cambridge has a comfort zone, one that normally involves brown eyeshadow, a hint of black eyeliner, dusky pink cheeks, a sweep of bronzer and natural-toned lips. You'll see Kate revert to this look time and time again. So have we piqued your nostalgia yet? It's time to rewind right back to the beginning and scroll through the Duchess of Cambridge's make-up evolution in pictures...
Browse: Kate, The Duchess Of Cambridge's Make-Up Evolution In Pictures
Kate Middleton Make-Up Evolution
1 of 13The First Look
Pictured here in 2005 Kate, then Kate Middleton, displays her then trademark look at the wedding of Hugh Van Cutsem and Rose Astor, deep black eyeliner and a natural-look base.
2 of 13That Wedding Guest Glow
In 2006 Kate attended the wedding of Laura Parker-Bowles and Harry Lopes. She opted for her trademark liner and this time matched it with a peach toned lip and a beautiful dose of bronzer.
3 of 13The Engagement Look
Now who could forget this look? Kate paired rosy cheeks, glossy lips and a dewy glow with her Issa dress for the official royal engagement annuncement in 2010.
4 of 13The Royal Wedding
April 2011, the month of the royal wedding, and what a month it was. Kate was rumoured to have done her wedding make-up herself after taking lessons from a Bobbi Brown pro. Kate opted for rose toned blushed and rose toned lipstick, paired with a flattering shade of brown on her eyelids.
5 of 13The Newly Wed Look
This was Kate's first royal engagement after her marriage to William at Kensington Palace and she upped the glam for the occasion. We can't get enough of this shimmering look.
6 of 13Glitzed Up Glam
In 2012 Kate attended the UK's Creative Industries Reception. Her make-up reflected the sparkle of the event itself. Her lips were glossy, her eye make-up dark and defined.
7 of 13New Mum Make-Up
In 2013 Kate gave birth to the adorable Prince George and despite having to face cameras not long after, looked fresh faced and glowing. She chose a more natural look for her eyes and a fresh illuminating base.
8 of 13Burgundy Beauty
In 2015 Kate wore just-bitten berry shades of make-up to match her newly deepend glossy hair colour and burgundy dress.
9 of 13Peony Pinks
Kate opted for peony pinks at the trooping of the colour in 2016. We were head over heels for those pretty, delicate shades of blusher and lip colour.
10 of 13It's All Peachy
2017 saw Kate lighten up her everyday eyemake-up, concentrating her eyeliner on the outer corners and upper lash line instead of the whole way round.
11 of 13BAFTAs Beauty
In 2018 Kate upped the beauty ante for the BAFTAs. Her lips were lined, her eyes were emphasised, her brows defined. This is the definition of a right royal glow up.
12 of 13Business As Usual
Pictured here in Dublin in 2020 Kate seems settled in her new go-to make-up look. We're talking defined brows, delicately lined eyes, a sweep of bronzer and a glow-giving base.
13 of 13Natural History Museum Magic
Appearing in October 2020 on the @kensingtonroyal Instagram page Kate, patron of the Natural History Museum announced the virtual awards ceremony for the Wildlife Photographer of The Year competition, but all we were looking at was her beautifully glossy hair and make-up.
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