5 secrets we’ve learned from Kate’s makeover

From her swishy hairdo to her glowing skin, beauty tweaks have given the Duchess of Cambridge a new look. Here’s how they could work for you, too...

1 LIGHTEN UP!

KATE’S NEW TAKE ‘Honey-blonde lights are a great example of how darker shades can be refreshed without having to undergo a colour overhaul,’ says Ken O’Rourke, brand ambassador for Charles Worthington. ‘Warm shades flatter Kate’s skin tone, while lighter pieces around her hairline frame her face.’

MAKE IT YOURS When you can go back to the salon, ask your colourist for a sprinkling of face-framing highlights. At home, a sulphate-free shampoo, such as Herbal Essences bio:renew Potent Aloe + Mango Shampoo, £3, keeps colour vibrant.

2 GET LIPPY

KATE’S NEW TAKE For years, Kate’s used matte lippy Bobbi Brown Lip Colour in Sandwash Pink, £24.50,

but she appears to have a new contender. Some matte formulas accentuate creases and lines, which could be why Kate’s chosen a balm as well. She’s been spotted using Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Rose Shimmer, £18.50, which has a pretty gleam and also adds a subtle fullness. MAKE IT YOURS A gentle exfoliator, such as Lanolips Lemonaid Scrubba-Balm, £13,

sloughs off dead, dry skin and helps any colour applied go on smoothly and last longer.

3 POWER BROWS AND PENCILS

KATE’S NEW TAKE ‘The sharp black lines encircling her eyes have been replaced with a hint of delicate taupe-brown or grey-coloured pencil, lightly smudged into the bottom lash line,’ says make-up artist Ciona Johnson-King. Kate’s brows are still bold, but by shortening their length and using a warmer shade to lightly fill them in, they have a more refined look. MAKE IT YOURS Try a thickening gel, such as L’Oréal Paris Brow Artist Plumper, £6.99. On thinner areas, brush the wand backwards through the hairs to add volume and then smooth over in the right direction with a clean spoolie.

4 GOOD-TO-GLOW BLUSHER

KATE’S NEW TAKE Swapping powder formulas for creams breathes new life into one of Kate’s favourite beauty buys. According to MAC’s senior artist Debbie Finnegan, ‘The round circles of colour on Kate’s cheeks have been replaced with subtle sweeps blended up along the cheekbones.’ Soft peach and bronze tones are Kate’s new hues, and they add warmth to her skin.

MAKE IT YOURS Try a lighter approach for a natural lit-from-within glow. Use your fingers to blend products, building up to the desired colour. We love Iconic London Sheer Blush in Cheeky Coral, £18.

5 THE ‘ TAKESOFF-YEARS’ TRIM

KATE’S NEW TAKE

A shorter style and loose-textured waves have given Kate’s locks a boost, says Ken O’Rourke. ‘By using large-barrelled hot tongs to make a soft bend in the hair, instead of a tight curl, it creates a more relaxed style. Graduated layers around her face and a grown-out, cheekbone-skimming fringe directs the eye to her best features.’ The shorter ‘lob’ (long bob) length gives a healthy finish. MAKE IT YOURS Spritz on Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray, £6.99, and rake fingers through hair to add a tousled texture and stop curls looking too ‘done’.