Princess Kate and Queen Elizabeth may have had very different approaches to beauty, but when it comes to lip colour, both royals had their trusted go-tos.
While lipstick might seem like a small detail, in the royal world, it’s anything but with strict protocols often steering senior royals toward safe, neutral tones to avoid unwanted smudges or slip ups during official duties.
But not all royals play it safe. The late Queen Elizabeth was known for her love of bright, bold lipstick, regularly choosing vibrant pinks and reds that stood out from the crowd.
And she wasn’t alone. Over time, royal women have started experimenting with shades like glossy finishes, bold berry tones, and even the occasional matte red.
Princess Kate remains loyal to her soft pink and nude staples, always polished and camera ready, while Lady Kitty Spencer prefers to mix things up with custom lip blends.
From timeless neutrals to daring swipes of colour, we’ve delved into the lipsticks hiding in the royal beauty bags – and you just might find your next go-to shade.
Kate is known to be a loyal fan of Clarins Natural Lip Perfector in Rose Shimmer (£25 / $30), a shea butter-infused gloss that delivers just the right hint of shine and colour.
She was even spotted applying the rosy pink favourite courtside at Wimbledon.
The soft, hydrating formula has a subtle plumping effect that’s perfect for summer touch-ups or adding a glow during chillier months.
HELLO!'s own Karen Silas swears by it too: “In the summer it’s the perfect hint of colour with a gentle plumping effect (nothing tingly, which is great for my sensitive skin). In winter, it’s a go-to for keeping lips soft and nourished.”
As for Queen Elizabeth, bold lips were part of her signature look. While she famously had a custom-made Clarins red lipstick to match her ceremonial robes, beauty insiders say she also favoured Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Color Lipsticks, priced at £25.
