The 1 rare moment Kate Middleton was caught applying lip gloss on camera

Royal ladies often practice precise forms of etiquette when it comes to being seen in public. As there’s no official document for the public to see, we take our information from experts and from studying the formal rules the royal family publicly adheres to.

Touching up makeup is seen as something that should be done in private, which is why you rarely see royal ladies powdering their noses or applying lipstick.

However, in 2019, the Princess of Wales was spotted with a tube of lip gloss! The mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis accidentally revealed her favourite Clarins lip balm after she applied the brand’s ‘Lip Perfector’ gloss while in the stands watching a tennis match at Wimbledon. 

Kate is known for her natural-looking face, and this tinted lip product in ‘Rose Shimmer’ is ideal for giving that barely there look. It comes in a “melting gel” formula. The gloss gives lips just a hint of subtle natural colour, so it can be easily swiped on anywhere at any moment and promises to nourish and protect one’s pout. Royal beauty fans were overjoyed to see Kate with the gloss – after all, Kate has never been seen publicly with a beauty product before.

What makeup products does the Princess of Wales use?

Princess Kate has never personally name-checked the beauty items she regularly reaches for. However, we have some clues. 

© Chris Jackson/Getty Images

In an official statement released on Facebook after Kate married William in 2011, Bobbi Brown confirmed that the brand’s makeup artist Hannah Martin had provided makeup artistry assistance to members of the bridal party for the royal wedding. Several reports have also credited the ‘Long-Wear Weightless Foundation’ for creating Kate’s flawless complexion on her big day.

© WPA Pool

Also on her wedding day, it was reported worldwide that her nails were painted with a combination of Essie nail polish in ‘Allure’ and Bourjois’ ‘So Laque’ ultra-shine nail enamel. 

© Laura Mercier

The royal was also spotted indulging in a spot of retail therapy in 2011 at the Peter Jones department store in Chelsea. Onlookers revealed she had purchased the iconic Laura Mercier ‘Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser’, famed for its lightweight coverage.