From Kate and Meghan to the late Queen — the royal lip colors we love
Princess Kate’s go-to lipstick has officially taken the crown in royal beauty circles, topping the charts with its perfect blend of elegance and everyday charm. While beauty routines may differ across the royal family, one thing is clear — when it comes to lip colour, each royal woman has a favourite that speaks to her unique style.
Though Princess Kate and Queen Elizabeth II had very different beauty philosophies, both were known for their signature lip looks. Royal protocol often encourages soft, neutral tones for public appearances to avoid smudges or distractions. Still, not every royal follows the rulebook to the letter.
Queen Elizabeth embraced vivid colour throughout her reign, often spotted wearing bright pinks and bold reds. Her love for statement lips became a defining part of her style, and she famously commissioned a custom Clarins red lipstick to match her ceremonial robes. She also frequently turned to Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Color Lipsticks (£25) for her signature touch.
Princess Kate, on the other hand, consistently favours subtlety. Her go-to? Clarins Natural Lip Perfector in Rose Shimmer (£25 / $30). This hydrating, shea butter-infused gloss delivers a soft pink sheen with a barely-there plumping effect — making it the perfect multitasker for both summer radiance and winter nourishment. Kate was even seen touching it up courtside at Wimbledon, a rare glimpse into her effortless beauty routine.
Beauty editor Karen Silas from HELLO! raved about the royal-approved gloss: “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.”
Other royals have their own takes on lip colour. Meghan Markle is known to favour creamy nudes and subtle berry tones that complement her natural style, while Lady Kitty Spencer often experiments with custom lip blends for a more fashion-forward look.
From timeless neutrals to bold, regal reds, royal beauty bags are filled with inspiration. Whether you prefer Kate’s polished pinks or the Queen’s vibrant shades, there’s a royal-approved lipstick for every occasion.
