The Beauty Tips We've Learned From Kate Middleton

  1. NEVER HAVE A BAD HAIR DAY  

You'd be hard-pressed to name any of Kate Middleton's flaws, but her hair is her best feature—and it's her trademark. In picture after picture, she works her long, sexy layers, bouncy waves, and enviable shine. You can mimic the glossiness with Kérastase Nutritive Bain Oléo-Relax Smoothing Shampoo —Middleton is rumored to be a fan.

2. DITCH THE UPDO

When Middleton needs to get her hair off her face—for a long afternoon greeting people on a receiving line, for instance—she goes for a half-up style. She pulls up just enough to leave the bottom half full and makes sure there's volume on top. To get the look, spritz a volumizing spray like Phyto Phytovolume Actif Volumizer Spray on just-washed roots, and blow-dry with your head flipped over

3. DON'T LET A HAT DICTATE YOUR STYLE

Middleton wears a hat or a fascinator to almost every major public appearance, and she knows how to make sure the look is festive and appropriate, not dowdy and old-fashioned. The key is wearing her hair long and loose—it's elegant but still youthful.

4. EMPHASIZE ONE FEATURE

The rule goes: eyes or lips, but never both. Middleton takes this one to heart. She rims her upper and lower lash lines with black eyeliner and piles on the mascara. The look is always striking, but never complicated—there's no smoky effect or bright shadow. Nars Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon creates an even, inky line.

5. EMBRACE YOUR BROWS

Middleton's strong brows are neat but full. They balance her high forehead and draw attention to her eyes. She gets them groomed regularly at Richard Ward Hair and Metrospa. Fill yours in with a creamy pencil, such as Benefit Instant Brow Pencil.

6. KEEP IT NEUTRAL  Middleton doesn't shy away from color, but she saves it all for her wardrobe, which is full of rich, saturated jewel tones. When it comes to makeup, her cheeks have a subtle flush, and on her lips she uses a gloss that's a shade darker than her natural color. Get the look with M.A.C Tinted Lipglass in C-Thru.

7. FLAWLESS SKIN IS NO ACCIDENT  :Though the paparazzi has been following her for years, Middleton has yet to take a bad picture. You only have to look as far as her mother, Carole Middleton, to see that she owes her amazing skin to good genes, but she doesn't take it for granted. Middleton reportedly sticks to a consistent skin-care routine and has been using Karin Herzog products for years.

8. LOOK LIKE A PRINCESS—BUT NEVER PRINCESSY

Middleton's sporty look is as self-assured as any appearance she makes in a tailored suit. Whether she's watching Prince William play polo or rowing on a crew team, her low-key approach is polished but never over-the-top. Her low-maintenance style of choice is a ponytail, one that looks more carefree than careless. She parts her hair on the side and pulls it back just above the nape of her neck.

9. A TAN—FAKE, OF COURSE—IS ALWAYS FLATTERING 

Despite the fact that she lives in a city known for its gloomy weather, Middleton never looks pale or washed out. She's clearly learned that a hint of color can make you look healthy, well-rested, and confident. And who wouldn't want to look like that on the biggest day of her life?

  10.A PALE MANICURE CAN TURN AS MANY HEADS AS A BRIGHT ONE       

 : When your engagement ring is an 18-carat sapphire last worn by the most photographed woman in history, you don't want to upstage it with a color-of-the-moment polish. Middleton's nails are always pale pink and neatly trimmed. Essie Nail Polish in Mademoiselle is a perfect shade.