But if you look closer into her ensembles throughout the year, you will notice that the queen's obvious preference for vibrant hues didn't apply to every part of her iconic looks. Take, for example, her nails. Interestingly, the nail polish worn by Queen Elizabeth for over 30 years isn't as bold as some might think.
While there has been previous reporting that the late Queen Elizabeth had a royal protocol when it came to nail polish -the reality is, most royal ladies have forgone the standard 'neutral' tones on occasion, with Catherine, Princess of Wales', featuring red nails in her latest appearance, which came as a surprise to ...
Bright hues are not banned for the royals, but nude colors are a more practical choice for official engagements. Although Princess Kate has occasionally glammed up her toes with a bright pedicure, her bold manicure moment marked a fashion first in public.
Essie Nail Lacquer in Limo-Scene
Meghan is much more prone to experiment with nail polish colors in everyday life; she has even taken husband Prince Harry along for her pedicures.
“She was clearly angry […] She wore bright red nail enamel, which we had never seen her do before. She was saying: 'Let's be wicked tonight. '” The red manicure is an enduring classic, a bold symbol of elegance and power.
It was revealed that Margaret's manicure of choice came courtesy of classic nail polish brand Peggy Sage – which still sells its popular colours today.
And there is one particular - and suitably 'appropriate' - shade that the Queen favours. According to nail care brand Essie, the Queen's hairdresser sent the brand a letter in 1989 requesting a bottle of its cult shade Ballet Slippers; 'the only colour Her Majesty would wear.
Royals like Middleton, Markle, and Queen Camilla often opt for more understated makeup, including nude or light-pink lipstick. But there's no official ban on bright colors like red. It's more about adhering to a level of decorum and avoiding anything too flashy or attention-grabbing.
Kate Middleton has been a style influencer since well before she married Prince William, but her effortless, understated beauty look is equally coveted by fans—and made all the more lovable by the fact that Middleton often does her own makeup, even on her wedding day.
Most royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, Kate Middleton, and Queen Camilla, usually opt for understated looks. That's likely because royals are expected to maintain a more natural and classic style. Their eye makeup is intended to enhance natural beauty rather than add to a look or fit a trend.
Queen Elizabeth II's Evolution From Princess to the Longest-Reigning British Monarch. According to the monarch's long-time dresser, the queen does her own makeup every single day except for one special event: the yearly Christmas speech.
Dior Vernis '999'
For Markle's wedding manicure, DryBy London used one layer of CND Shellac Color Coat in Unmasked, £15.50, a pretty nude pink. They then painted on two coats of CND Shellac Color Coat in Negilgee, £15.95, a sheer opalescent baby pink.
Known for her polished, set style, it's rumoured Her Majesty's early years of beautiful brown locks were the colour 'chocolate kiss' until 1990 when she decided to embrace her natural grey strands.
Aptly named 'Ballet Slippers', this hue was the Queen's go-to colour from 1989 - when Her Majesty's hairdresser penned a letter to brand founder Essie Weingarten to request a bottle of the elegant, best-selling polish.
Princess Margaret's most famous feature was her blue eyes, and there was briefly a discussion of whether the actress should wear colored lenses.
Oscar by Oscar de la Renta was Princess Margaret's fragrance of choice. The musky and floral perfume has notes of orange blossom, ylang-ylang and opoponax and is the perfumer's oldest fragrance.
Kate Middleton's Most Notable Nail Moments - Grazia 2023
Many reported that she wore a mix of Essie's Nail polish in Allure and Bourjois' So Laque Nail Enamel in Rose Lounge, a product that has since been discontinued.
Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan told Allure magazine, “I use RevitaLash on my eyelashes, and I swear they are as long as they could ever be.” Beauty experts agree that it is a star product, and thankfully it's readily available to shop online.
While Kate Middleton did her own makeup for her wedding, Markle brought on Daniel Martin, seasoned makeup pro, to flawlessly execute her day-of glam. Psst: Pulling off a no-makeup makeup look can be difficult, so we recommend working with a professional makeup artist to ensure you're 100% confident on your big day.
The family coordinated in bright blue outfits for the church service. This is where Kate Middleton debuted red nail paint, something she never usually does. Kate is known for wearing neutral hues or going sans nail paint on most occasions. Her red paint stood out against the blue clutch that matched her ensemble.
While the signet ring has traditionally been worn by men, the women of the royal family are no strangers to it. Princess Diana and Kate Middleton – they all have been, time and again, spotted wearing their own versions of this ring on their pinky fingers.
The Princess of Wales wore a pair of pearl and diamond earrings that had once belonged to Prince William's mother. The Collingwood jewellery were gifted to then-Lady Diana ahead of her wedding to Charles and then handed to Kate after her marriage to William.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth wore Guerlain L'Heure Bleue, a spicy citrus with a powdery dry down. It's been a classic for the fragrance house ever since the scent was created in 1912.
And as to putting one's clothes on, contrary to popular belief the Queen actually dressed alone. The monarch also did her own make-up for most events, with the exception of her annual Christmas speech, for which a make-up artist was employed.