5 lesser-known rules the royal family has to follow in their makeup and hairstyles

With two royal weddings over the course of one decade, it comes as little surprise that the British monarchy has assumed monopoly over our everyday conversations. Though Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle make it look deceptively easy, there’s more to being a royal than mastering the perfect curtsey. A superior mastery over social graces is a prerequisite for those marrying into the royal family, and the mandate encompasses an expansive set of dos and don’ts for makeup and hairstyling choices as well. Middleton’s never-a-hair-out-of-place aesthetic can be credited to an iron-clad protocol that governs the contents of her makeup bag. And while Markle may have taken the decision to step back from her royal obligations, her polished demeanour follows the cues laid out by the family. From the lip colours to avoid to the must-have manicure, here are the lesser-known beauty rules that every member of the royal family is expected to abide by.

Nails must be kept short and clean

There’s a reason why you haven’t ever spotted Middleton and Markle flaunting acrylic talons in public. Nails are mandated to be short and clean, with neutral colours or sheers passing muster for formal events. The Queen herself has maintained fidelity to a subtle shade of pale pink, and the Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers has assumed a permanent berth on her vanity shelf for the past three decades.

Hair must be perfect during all public appearances

Flyaways and second-day hair are a thing of the past once you become a royal. For any public appearance, it is necessary for a royal’s hair to appear silky smooth and neat at all times, and Middleton’s swishy mane deserves credit to the blowouts she has done thrice a week. While Markle has lived on the adventurous side with her signature messy buns, she opts for an elevated version of the street style classic with well-maintained wisps framing her face.

No bright lip colours are allowed

Bright lip colours are frowned upon by the royal protocol, and you’ll find Middleton and Markle dipping into the same roster of stately nudes and pale pinks when attending formal events. The Queen is a fan of this classic makeup staple as well, and even had a special shade commissioned to match her coronation robes in 1952.

Eye makeup should be kept understated

No va-va-voom smoky eyes or pops of neon eyeshadow to see here. The normcore aesthetic continues to reign strong over the royals’ makeup palettes, and Middleton famously did her own bridal makeup on her wedding day with a softly smoked eye. In the years since, she has maintained a gentler hand with the eyeliner, choosing a softly smudged finish over razor-sharp winged iterations.

Touching up makeup in public is not permitted

It is unlikely that you’ll ever find a member of the royal family pulling out a lip gloss for a hasty touch-up in the backseat. While it is mandatory for royals to appear put-together in public at all times, quick touch-ups are out of the question. Since they are usually expected to be on their feet for long hours during ceremonies, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume that there are multiple setting powders stashed in every makeup bag at the royal palace.

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