Princess Diana’s Makeup Artist Shares Tips for a Royally Flawless Look
She helped another royal look her best on a big day, too.
There’s no denying that Princess Diana was one of the most naturally beautiful women on the planet. She didn’t need much to highlight her already gorgeous features, but her former makeup artist is sharing the tips they relied on to maintain the royal’s flawless face.
“It’s about creating a polished, timeless look,” Mary Greenwell explained to Daily Mail. “Using buildable formulas, sheer colors and products you can layer work best to create a seamless finish that looks fabulous on and off camera.”
She began working for Diana in 1991, but says prepping for the 1996 Met Gala is one of her favorite memories of their time together. “We were so happy to be in New York, getting ready around the corner at the Carlyle. Everything about the look came together so beautifully — the navy blue dress (by John Galliano for Dior) paired with the soft eyeshadow and lip looked so glamorous. She looked divine.”
Let us refresh your memory with a snap of the whole ensemble:
We have to agree with Greenwell — Diana looked absolutely stunning!
The makeup artist was kind enough to share a few specific tips she recommends for anyone trying to replicate the classic look:
- A flexible concealer like to build coverage only where needed. Use one perfectly matched shade for blemishes and another slightly lighter shade to brighten under the eyes.
- A soft, buildable blush to add a soft-focus color and warmth to the face.
- And mascara, always!
Greenwell also explained that she doesn’t immediately apply any product to her clients’ faces, but blends them on her hand first to help create a “second-skin finish.”
Diana wasn’t the only royal that benefited from the makeup artist’s expertise — she also helped Meghan Markle shine her brightest for her Vanity Fair engagement photos with Prince Harry. Like Diana, Greenwell said it was “all about keeping her makeup as natural as possible.”
That’s obviously a lot easier to do for clients like Diana and Meghan who are already so lovely, but we appreciate the royal beauty tips!
