Top Makeup Tips from Kate Middleton's Makeup Tutor

By: Anne Chertoff


You'd think with billions of people around the world tuning in to watch her wedding, Kate Middleton would hire a team of beauty experts to make her picture perfect. Instead, the future Queen of England applied her own makeup on her big day.


It's gotta make you hate her and love her at the same time, huh?


After deciding that she didn't like the professional makeup applied for her official engagement portraits -- apparently she washed it off and re-applied herself -- Kate decided that for her wedding day, she would go the DIY route. Friends recommended she hire London makeup artist Arabella Preston to give her private makeup lessons.


The world saw how well those lessons paid off. Kate went for an understated look with a soft, smoky eye, pink blush, and light pink lipstick. If you're also planning to go the DIY route, read on. These tips from Preston are the next best thing to a one-on-one with her.


Practice when you know you'll be photographed
About two months before your wedding, start trying your wedding makeup at suitable occasions, such as your shower and bachelorette party, suggests Preston. Basically any event where you will have your picture taken is a good opportunity to determine if the makeup shades and application you tried are working.


Buy new brushes
It's important to use good brushes when applying your makeup -- never use the ones that come with eyeshadow kits, or the puffs with powder. Preston says a good eyeblender brush is a must, and her favorite is MAC 217, $22.50. "Good blending is key to a pro-finish and this can only be achieved with good quality brushes," she says. "Also a good soft blusher brush and powder brush will give a lighter, more professional finish."


Choose your shades well
When it comes to picking your makeup colors, Preston suggests thinking about your personal style and the style of your wedding and dress. For most brides, she recommends natural earth-tones with a pop of something brighter on the cheeks and lips.


Get in the zone
On the morning of your wedding, your mom and bridesmaids will be close by to help you with any and every detail. But when it comes to applying your makeup, you need some solo time. "Lock yourself in a bathroom if you have to, but take time to pamper yourself and apply your makeup in a calm environment where you don't feel rushed or have people constantly interrupting you," advises Preston.


Prep your face with the basics
It's important to begin by cleansing thoroughly and moisturizing. "Allow your moisturizer five to 10 minutes to sink in before you apply foundation to stop it from slipping," she says.


Ditch the waterproof mascara
You may not think you're the type of bride who will cry on her wedding day, but do you really want to take a chance that your makeup will run? However, Preston doesn't recommend waterproof mascara (it can be drying) and instead suggests applying a regular mascara, like Max Factor False Lash Effect, $16.91, to your top lashes only. "Softly define the lower lash line with a smudged liner or eye shadow instead of applying mascara to your lower lashes." This way, even if you do tear up, you won't have mascara running down your cheeks.


Make your lip color last
"A liner will last longer than any lipstick," she explains. To ensure that your lip color lasts as long as possible, fill in your entire lip with a lip liner, then blend with a balm. Blot and reapply. To finish add your lipstick or gloss on top.


Avoid this common mistake
Be careful not to use too much foundation. "It's nice to see skin," says Preston. "Most brides don't need a thick layer [of foundation]. I prefer to use a light foundation like Chanel Vitalumiere, $55, then a thicker concealer like Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, $28, just where it's needed, like on any blemishes."


Pack your handbag must-haves
Make sure you (or better yet, your maid of honor!) keeps pressed powder or blotting sheets and whatever you're wearing on your lips in a small handbag. "It's really important to address shine just before any formal photographs are taken -- but don't cover the whole face in powder. I like to leave the cheeks with a dewiness as it's more youthful," says Preston.


And remember ...
"Brides always look their best when they stay true to their natural style but up the ante slightly," says Preston. "Whether this is by investing in an amazing foundation or having semi-permanent eyelashes applied, subtle improvements can make all the difference."