EXCLUSIVE: Kate Middleton’s beauty transformation through the years – and why she ditched her signature kohl eyeliner

 

The Princess of Wales‘s make-up regime has undergone a noticeable transformation.

Kate was once known for her heavily kohl-lined eyes, rich tanned skin and defined brows – which quickly became her signature look.

On her wedding day, she created a ‘young and fresh’ appearance, incorporating structured eyebrows and soft pink lipstick.

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Celebrity make-up artist Oonagh Connor told MailOnline: ‘Kate bravely did her own make-up on her wedding day. She created the perfect balance between a natural base and striking eyes.

‘She added a hint of sheen on the eyelids to catch the light and used varying hues of pink for the blusher and lips.’

During her university years – when she first met Prince William – Kate’s beauty look featured a bold smoky eye with dark eyeliner, something Oonagh describes as ‘super confident and sexy’.

At the time, Kate was reportedly a fan of St Tropez spray tanning sessions, but there’s little sign of that now.

A key turning point came in 2018 when she softened her eye make-up, swapping her trademark black kohl liner for a more blended effect.

The Princess of Wales' make-up regime has undergone a noticeable transformation over the years
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The Princess of Wales’ make-up regime has undergone a noticeable transformation over the years

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‘There has definitely been a shift in Kate’s look. She seems to favour a lighter eyeliner, choosing brown over black, and blends more to create softer edges,’ Oonagh explained.

‘This taupe colour palette is a sophisticated and timeless look that will suit the majority of women as they embrace their forties and beyond.’

Keeping in line with beauty trends, in 2019, Kate began sporting fuller brows, which gradually became lighter and more natural by 2021.

Her overall aesthetic is now more understated – her complexion appears fairer, bronzer is used sparingly, and she enhances her complexion with a subtle peach-toned blush.

‘Her palette features less pink and more brown and bronze shades,’ Oonagh noted.

Even Kate’s hair has changed – her signature chestnut brown waves are now longer and no longer layered.

She has fully embraced ‘less is more’, preferring a refined, low-maintenance approach that enhances her natural beauty – one that is flattering for most women.

Let’s take a closer look at the Princess’s make-up evolution…

2010: Kate showcased her signature look during her and William's engagement announcement at St James's Palace in November
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2010: Kate showcased her signature look during her and William’s engagement announcement at St James’s Palace in November

2011: Kate sported heavy kohl eyeliner and striking bronzer on her wedding day
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2011: Kate sported heavy kohl eyeliner and striking bronzer on her wedding day

2012: The royal highlighted her eyes with dark make-up for the premiere of War Horse in January
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2012: The royal highlighted her eyes with dark make-up for the premiere of War Horse in January

2013: Kate opted for striking eye make-up and curled hair while visiting a children's hospice in April
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2013: Kate opted for striking eye make-up and curled hair while visiting a children’s hospice in April

2014: Kate showcased her signature look, featuring lashings of kohl eyeliner, on Easter Sunday in
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2014: Kate showcased her signature look, featuring lashings of kohl eyeliner, on Easter Sunday in

2015: The Princess appeared sun-kissed on a visit to Portsmouth in February
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2015: The Princess appeared sun-kissed on a visit to Portsmouth in February

2016: Kate's eyes were the focal point of her beauty look on Commonwealth Observance Day in March
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2016: Kate’s eyes were the focal point of her beauty look on Commonwealth Observance Day in March

2017: She appeared to be wearing multiple coats of mascara and black eyeliner while visiting Berlin in July
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2017: She appeared to be wearing multiple coats of mascara and black eyeliner while visiting Berlin in July

2018: Kate showcased a glamorous make-up look and an immaculate hairstyle for a trip to the Imperial War Museum in October
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2018: Kate showcased a glamorous make-up look and an immaculate hairstyle for a trip to the Imperial War Museum in October

2019: At Royal Ascot in June, Kate opted for her trademark smoky eye and nude lipstick
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2019: At Royal Ascot in June, Kate opted for her trademark smoky eye and nude lipstick

2020: While visiting Dublin in March, she showcased a fairer complexion and rosy cheeks, complete with a swipe of dark eyeliner across her lower and upper lashes
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2020: While visiting Dublin in March, she showcased a fairer complexion and rosy cheeks, complete with a swipe of dark eyeliner across her lower and upper lashes

2021: Kate dazzled in a sequinned gown and shimmering smoky eye at the James Bond: No Time To Die premiere in September
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2021: Kate dazzled in a sequinned gown and shimmering smoky eye at the James Bond: No Time To Die premiere in September

2022: During a trip to Massachusetts in December, the royal sported brushed-up brows and soft pink lipstick
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2022: During a trip to Massachusetts in December, the royal sported brushed-up brows and soft pink lipstick

2023: Kate opted for a natural make-up look and wore her long hair loose for a trip to Wales in February
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2023: Kate opted for a natural make-up look and wore her long hair loose for a trip to Wales in February

2024: She applied a striking eye look for her much anticipated return to Wimbledon in June
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2024: She applied a striking eye look for her much anticipated return to Wimbledon in June

2025: Kate appeared fresh-faced and confident for a visit to the National Portrait Gallery in February
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2025: Kate appeared fresh-faced and confident for a visit to the National Portrait Gallery in February