Over the years, we’ve come to expect a certain level of perfection from royals. Their hair is always neatly in place, skirts and dresses are always at the right length, hats sit perfectly, and legs are elegantly crossed. Catherine, Princess of Wales, is frequently in the spotlight for her flawless style and taste. However, now and then, we’re reminded that royals are human too. Occasionally, even royal mascara can smudge, and unfortunately, there are times when a royal’s bronzer is a bit too heavy-handed. When these rare slip-ups occur, you can count on the media to be right there, ready to capture and highlight the moment.
From Kate Middleton’s timeless makeup slip-up to Queen Elizabeth II’s fondness for white powder, these royal beauty mistakes aren’t easily erased. A picture lasts a lifetime, and these missteps offer a valuable lesson to us all: no one, not even the Queen of England, is immune to the occasional cosmetic blunder!
Queen Camilla’s No-Makeup Look Missed the Mark in 2000
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It feels like a lifetime ago, but in 2000, Queen Camilla was still known as Camilla Parker-Bowles, the longtime partner and love interest of King Charles III, who was then the Prince of Wales. Despite their lengthy relationship, Camilla hadn’t yet been recognized as an official member of the royal family, and she wouldn’t officially marry Charles until 2005. That said, she wasn’t sitting at home feeling sorry for herself—though her makeup at the Prince’s Foundation Gala in 2000 might suggest otherwise. Camilla donned a pale pink, embellished gown for the semi-formal event in London, which she co-hosted with Charles. Unfortunately, the delicate pastel outfit did little to complement her makeup choices, and the reverse was equally true.
Camilla’s signature blonde hair was styled as usual, brushed away from her face in a familiar look she’s worn for years. However, her makeup didn’t quite complement her gown or her complexion. The translucent face powder and shimmery under-eye makeup left her looking washed out and a bit lackluster. While a natural, glowing look can be beautiful, the lack of brow definition and subdued lipstick made it appear as though she had rushed out the door. A deeper lipstick and more defined eye makeup would have elevated the look, offering a striking contrast to the muted tones of her dress instead of creating a lackluster effect.
Princess Catherine’s Over-Contoured Look During Her Return to Duties
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There’s no denying that Kate Middleton’s most stunning outfits will forever be etched in the royal fashion legacy. More often than not, Catherine, Princess of Wales, is flawless from head to toe, but makeup can be a tricky challenge. What appears perfect under soft, indoor lighting can look entirely different in the harsh light of day. For example, in 2024, Catherine wore a gorgeous maroon coat dress and matching hat to greet the Amir of the State of Qatar in London. While the ensemble likely earned high praise, her makeup didn’t quite hit the mark.
While her brows and eye makeup were flawless, Catherine’s contour appeared excessively heavy. The harsh bronzer line across her cheek overshadowed the rest of her makeup, as did the deep shading beneath her jawline. Not only did it seem overdone, but the stark contrast also made her neck and chest appear unusually pale.
Though this makeup misstep was hard to miss, it wasn’t the focal point. Instead, fans were thrilled to see the cherished princess back to some of her royal duties, as royal observers knew that 2024 had been a tough year for Catherine due to her preventive cancer treatment.
Princess Catherine’s Bold Eyeliner Look Was Too Harsh
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Let’s take a trip back to 2011, when Catherine, Princess of Wales, had just married the world’s most sought-after bachelor, Prince William. By then, Catherine had already spent years in the spotlight, having started her relationship with William during their university days. As she navigated the expectations of royal fashion and beauty, she made a few missteps that remain memorable. At the time, Kate was particularly fond of applying black eyeliner to both her upper and lower lash lines. While this was a popular trend back then, it didn’t flatter her features, instead making her eyes appear smaller and less striking.
The look became such a topic of conversation that renowned British designer Vivienne Westwood shared her thoughts with The Sunday Times, saying, “I think she’s got a problem with eye makeup! The sharp line around her eyes makes her look hard. Either she should go for a smudged look or wear none at all.” Eventually, Catherine did abandon the heavy eyeliner, so it seems she may have taken Westwood’s advice to heart.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Missed the Mark with Her Makeup in 2018
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Unfortunately, some of Meghan Markle’s most notable makeup missteps are likely to stick with her. In 2018, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was on her way to what should have been a glowing newlywed look. Her engagement to Prince Harry was relatively brief, with their betrothal announced in the fall of 2017. It’s well known that Meghan faced challenges adjusting to royal life, which was reflected somewhat in her fashion choices. During a visit to Wales with her then-fiancé, Meghan spent the day meeting well-wishers and chatting with local children. While she wore a simple black coat and scarf, it was her makeup that caught everyone’s attention — and not in the best way.
Meghan’s brows appeared sparse and underdone, which was unusual for the duchess, who typically opts for more structured, well-defined arches. While her skin had a solid base, it seemed as though Meghan (or her makeup artist) stopped there. She paired a lackluster lipstick shade with smudged and uneven eyeliner. Additionally, her under-eye area appeared quite creased, indicating it may have been neglected or improperly set. First impressions are key, and although Meghan’s radiant smile helped brighten the look, overall, the style could have been more refined and graceful.
Queen Elizabeth II Frequently Overdid the Powder
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Queen Elizabeth II was undoubtedly a true icon, reigning for an impressive 70 years. She embraced trends, made bold fashion choices that may seem outdated today, and never apologized for it. While we can certainly admire her confidence, it doesn’t mean we can’t acknowledge a few of her missteps. Given her long reign in the public eye, it’s only natural that Elizabeth had her fair share of makeup mishaps. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she fell into a common trap — her heavy use of powder, which likely looked fine under the lights at her Buckingham Palace dressing table, resulted in a white glow whenever she was photographed.
A photo of Elizabeth from a lavish state banquet in Germany in 1992 is just one example of her makeup missteps. Elizabeth was never one for bold eye makeup or red lipstick, often opting for subtle pink shades instead. While these choices generally suited her, the issue with white powder persisted, giving her a harsh, ghostly look instead of a fresh, youthful glow. Thankfully, the powder became a thing of the past, and Elizabeth’s later looks didn’t face the same challenges.
Queen Camilla’s Foundation Shade Missed the Mark
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There’s no question that Queen Camilla’s life changed forever after meeting King Charles III. Their romance turned her into one of Britain’s most disliked public figures during the 1990s, as the nation adored Diana, the late Princess of Wales. Over time, Camilla found her place, marrying Charles in 2005, though she continues to face public scrutiny. In 2018, during a three-day tour of Cornwall with her husband, something about Camilla’s appearance stood out. Her usually fair complexion appeared noticeably darker, giving her an unnatural orange tint, likely the result of a heavy-handed application of mismatched foundation and bronzer.
It was a warm summer day in the U.K., but Camilla’s tan didn’t appear natural, with noticeable streaks around her neckline. The boldness of her skin tone became even more pronounced against her blue and white floral dress, pearl necklace, and shimmery pink lipstick. While her eye makeup was subtle and elegant, it was overshadowed by a heavy application of warm-toned products. These products also settled into the creases of her face, making them more noticeable.
“Sophie Winkleman, Lady Frederick Windsor, Struggles with Her Eyeshadow Choice”
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It’s not just the senior members of the royal family who face makeup challenges. Sophie Winkleman, also known as Lady Frederick Windsor, is married to Lord Frederick Windsor, the son of Prince Michael of Kent, Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin. Interestingly, she is also an actress, best known for her role on the comedy sitcom Peep Show. In 2023, Sophie attended one of the royal family’s biggest events, Royal Ascot. This renowned horse racing occasion sees many royals don their finest attire, complete with hats and fascinators, to enjoy the live sport.
Sophie has attended countless royal events, from weddings to funerals, so she’s well aware of how any makeup misstep can make headlines. Her stunning yellow dress was perfect for Ascot, paired beautifully with a Jackie O-style hat. However, Sophie’s makeup didn’t quite measure up and took attention away from her flawless outfit. Her eyeshadow was poorly blended, creasing and smudging on her upper eyelid, giving her face a messy, disheveled appearance. There was also a noticeable clash in colors, with her gray-mauve eyeshadow competing against the bold pink lipstick. Unfortunately, there was no standout winner in this look.
“Princess Catherine’s Caked-On Coronation Day Makeup: A Look That Aged Her”
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King Charles’ coronation ceremony in 2023 was a monumental event. The last coronation in Britain had taken place 70 years earlier, when Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne. All eyes were on the House of Windsor, particularly the senior royals. Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended alongside her husband, Prince William, and their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The historic occasion demanded ceremonial attire, prompting Kate Middleton to wear significantly more makeup than she typically would for a less formal royal gathering.
Kate’s eyebrows were sharply shaped, and she wore a heavy layer of foundation, complemented by a dark brown smokey eye and rose-toned lipstick. While it wasn’t necessarily a disaster, the amount of makeup she wore made her appear older, adding years to the mother of three. The princess also fell into the trap of harsh contouring once again — a mistake that could only be softened by her custom coronation headband. From certain angles, a thick line of bronzer across her cheek was evident. In contrast to the elegant and regal headpiece, the makeup made Catherine’s resting expression appear more severe, which is unlike her usual soft look. Thankfully, the eyes were mostly drawn to her stunning ivory floral headband.
“Princess Catherine’s Blusher-Free Look Left Her Looking Lifeless”
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Kate Middleton’s style has certainly evolved over the years, as it should. As the Princess of Wales, Catherine must uphold a certain standard, but back in 2014, she was still holding on to her beloved black eyeliner. During a visit to the Northside Center for Child Development in Harlem, New York, Catherine appeared quite pale and gaunt. She wore a stunning black-and-white coat dress, and her brunette hair featured subtle highlights. However, the dark tones of her outfit accentuated her pale complexion, which seemed to be further emphasized by a noticeable lack of blush.
The lack of blush, combined with absent lipstick and bronzer, didn’t do Kate any favors, leaving her looking flat and lifeless. Catherine’s bold eye makeup only accentuated the lack of color on her cheeks. In some photos taken outside the event, Catherine’s skin appeared brighter and healthier, suggesting that good lighting truly plays a crucial role in how makeup looks.
“Meghan Markle Overdid the Bronzer in 2023”
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Meghan Markle’s standout Invictus Games outfits have given us a glimpse into the Duchess of Sussex’s style over the years, with her ensembles often hitting the perfect balance for her husband’s events. Meghan effortlessly elevates smart casual without going overboard. However, in 2023, she experienced a bit of a makeup mishap. Her simple sleeveless top and denim outfit, accessorized with delicate silver jewelry, were overshadowed by a heavy application of bronzer. The uneven blending left noticeable patches on her cheeks, detracting from her otherwise polished look.
Other elements of Meghan’s makeup, like the dusty pink lipstick and well-defined (but not overdone) brows, worked well. Had the bronzer been applied more subtly to create a soft contour, this look could’ve been a guaranteed win for the duchess. Nevertheless, Meghan seemed to be in high spirits throughout the event as she supported competitors alongside the Duke of Sussex.
“Princess Diana’s Lipstick Choice Washed Her Out”
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Princess Diana wasn’t just the “People’s Princess”; she was a fashion trailblazer and a pivotal public figure during a transformative era. The 1990s marked Diana’s divorce from King Charles III and her journey as an independent royal, yet she remained a highly sought-after senior member of the family. Despite being in her mid-30s, Diana often embraced styles that now appear dated and aging, such as short haircuts and pale tones that dulled her natural radiance. For example, in 1997, she sported cropped hair and a light blue skirt suit while opening the Richard Attenborough Center for Disabilities and the Arts in Leicester—a look that, while iconic, didn’t fully highlight her timeless beauty.
For this event, Diana chose to keep her eye makeup relatively subtle, leaving room to experiment with a slightly darker lip to balance the color scheme. Instead, she opted for a barely-there pink shade, which ended up washing out her features. Diana’s foundation also appeared flat and lifeless. A touch of blush and bronzer would have revived her look, adding a more vibrant and youthful energy to the event, potentially transforming this into a timeless style.
“Princess Catherine’s Lipstick Fail: A Rookie Mistake”
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By 2023, Catherine, Princess of Wales, had been an official member of the royal family for over a decade. She consistently showcased her impeccable taste in designer fashion and delivered show-stopping looks that left everyone in awe, making her an expert in the art of public appearances. However, even seasoned professionals can slip up from time to time, no matter how careful they are. When she visited the Bisham Abbey National Sports Center, Kate Middleton appeared a little less vibrant than usual.
Despite rocking a bold blue outfit that complemented her lighter hair, Catherine missed one key detail: a matching lipstick. Her foundation was flawless, giving her a radiant complexion, and her contour was perfectly executed — but the overall look was undermined by a lackluster lip color that drained Kate’s features. A few shades darker, and it could’ve been a completely different vibe. Let this be a lesson: Color matching really matters, folks.
“Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Appeared One-Dimensional”
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Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and the term “one-dimensional” rarely align. The former wife of the controversial Prince Andrew is a dynamic and outspoken figure, known for her infectious energy and candid discussions about royal life with the media. However, there have been moments when her makeup choices didn’t reflect her lively personality, doing her a disservice. For instance, in 2000, Sarah attended the launch of a fundraising campaign for The Motor Neurone Disease Association at the luxurious Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey, England. Her look that day, unfortunately, fell short of capturing her usual vivacity.
While it’s true that Sarah has never been known for having the most polished style, her makeup during this period was especially understated. Her striking blue eyes could have been the focal point, but her dull makeup base lacked the color to complement them. Those with red hair often have pale complexions, which can actually be an advantage when the right shades are chosen to enhance their features. Unfortunately, Sarah’s team missed the mark here, though her more recent looks are much brighter and better suited to her natural beauty.
