Queen Elizabeth II: A Legacy of Loyalty
The late Queen Elizabeth II was a bastion of consistency, and her beauty routine was no exception. For nearly 60 years, she held a Royal Warrant with Elizabeth Arden. She was reportedly a devoted user of the brand’s Eight Hour Cream, a multipurpose balm
known for its intense hydrating properties. This commitment to a trusted product speaks to a core tenet of royal beauty: when you find something that works, you stick with it. Her Majesty was also a fan of Clarins, another brand that earned a Royal Warrant. She reportedly never ran out of their Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, a practical necessity for a monarch who shook countless hands over her 70-year reign. Her lipsticks were often bold, with Clarins even commissioning a custom red shade to match her coronation robes in 1953.
Catherine, Princess of Wales: The Natural Glow
Kate Middleton’s radiant and consistently fresh complexion is one of her beauty signatures. One of her most-discussed secrets is her reported use of Trilogy's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins, this natural oil is known to improve skin hydration, elasticity, and fade fine lines. Sources say she has used it for over a decade, including during her pregnancies, to maintain her skin's suppleness. Rather than harsh methods, the Princess is said to favour a gentle approach to cleansing, often using a muslin cloth for mild daily exfoliation. This method protects the skin’s delicate barrier while ensuring a clean canvas. Her overall approach appears holistic, combining quality products with a healthy, antioxidant-rich diet to achieve that signature 'Kate glow' from the inside out.
Meghan Markle: A Transatlantic Approach
Before and during her time as a working royal, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has always emphasized a glowing, skin-first look. She has spoken about her love for a five-minute face, focusing on a few key products to enhance, not cover. Some of her long-time favourites include Tatcha's Rice Enzyme Powder for gentle exfoliation and Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation for a sheer, dewy finish that lets her freckles show. Her routine blends high-end staples with accessible finds, such as Nivea's Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion. Facials have also been a key part of her regimen, and she has praised the work of facialists like Sarah Chapman. This combination of professional treatments, consistent daily care, and a preference for a natural finish reflects a modern, transatlantic beauty philosophy.
Princess Diana: A Pioneer of Self-Care
Princess Diana’s approach to beauty was transformative for her time. Her makeup artist, Mary Greenwell, revealed that Diana was diligent about her skincare, embracing a routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturising twice daily. She never went to sleep with makeup on and understood the importance of a clean base. Diana was a fan of brands like Clarins and Guerlain, and was known to use glycerine soap and rosewater. She also took a holistic view, understanding the impact of lifestyle on her skin; she avoided excessive drinking and was committed to getting enough sleep. Initially known for her iconic blue eyeliner, she later transitioned to a softer, more neutral palette that enhanced her natural beauty, a testament to her evolving confidence and sophisticated approach to self-presentation.
Ancient Traditions, Enduring Wisdom
While we often focus on modern royals, many of their rituals have ancient roots. The luxurious milk and honey bath, famed for its skin-softening properties, is famously associated with Cleopatra but was also reportedly used by figures like Queen Elizabeth I. The use of fragrant oils is another timeless practice. Queen Victoria was said to perfume her gloves with rose oil, a flower whose essence has been a staple in beauty for centuries. In India, royal beauty secrets included using henna not just for colour but to add lustre and volume to hair, often combined with fragrant herbs. These historical traditions underscore a fundamental truth of regal beauty: the reliance on pure, natural ingredients has been a hallmark of skincare for centuries, proving that the most effective rituals often stand the test of time.
