Princess Diana, often referred to as the “People’s Princess,” captivated the world not only with her charity work but also with her timeless beauty and elegance. As one of the most photographed women in history, Diana understood the power of simplicity when it came to makeup, ensuring that the focus was always on her philanthropic endeavors rather than her appearance.
Despite her iconic status, Diana remained grounded in her beauty choices, sticking to a minimalist approach that reflected her calm, approachable nature.
Diana’s makeup artist, Mary Greenwell, who worked closely with the Princess, revealed several of Diana’s beauty secrets over the years. One thing that was clear was Diana’s preference for understated beauty.
While many may have expected a member of the royal family to indulge in extravagant makeup trends, Diana never followed those norms. She was never one for false eyelashes, opting instead for natural enhancements that subtly highlighted her features.
This choice was in line with her belief in letting her natural beauty shine through rather than relying on heavy makeup or dramatic trends.
Diana’s evolution from a young 19-year-old newlywed to a global fashion icon was remarkable. Her beauty and grace were often described as radiant and effortless, and her makeup always complemented that image.
She made it clear that she preferred makeup that enhanced her natural features, not bold choices that could distract from them. Greenwell shared in an interview with Vogue, “She never wore anything too flashy and was always very stylish.
When I did her makeup, she only wanted touches that brought out and enhanced her beauty.” Diana’s delicate approach to beauty helped her maintain a reputation as someone who was both elegant and approachable.
One of Diana’s signature beauty looks was her preference for muted colors. Greenwell noted that Diana always looked stunning with a soft, berry-hued lip, rather than opting for a bold red. While she did wear red lipstick on occasion, her go-to choice was a more subtle, berry shade that enhanced her complexion.
Diana's makeup choices reflected her natural elegance and ability to adapt to different occasions without ever appearing overdone. Whether in a casual setting or attending a grand event, her makeup always reflected her inner poise and elegance.
In addition to her signature lip color, Diana’s makeup choices were often inspired by earthy tones that matched the natural color of her skin. Greenwell revealed that Diana loved using taupe, brown, dark brown, and cream shades, which brought out her skin’s natural radiance.
Her understated makeup style was not about making a statement but about enhancing her features with grace and sophistication. Diana understood that simplicity was often the key to looking regal without looking overly done.
Despite her preference for minimalist makeup, Diana did embrace certain bold choices at specific moments. One of the most iconic examples was the famous "revenge dress" she wore on June 29, 1994, when she attended a gala at the Serpentine Gallery in London.
The black dress, paired with soft blush and a satin berry-hued lipstick, conveyed a sense of empowerment and defiance, sending a clear message that she was in control of her own narrative. While her usual makeup choices were more subtle, this particular look reflected her ability to switch things up when the moment called for it.
Another memorable makeup moment came in 1996 at the Met Gala in New York, where Diana sported an electric blue dress. This event saw her experimenting with darker eyeliners, adding a touch of drama to her otherwise classic makeup look.
Her choice to go for a more daring eyeliner reflected her evolving personal style and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone when the occasion demanded it.
One of the most surprising revelations about Diana’s beauty rituals was her obsession with electric blue eyeliner. She was known for applying it to her lower lash line, a distinctive touch that became part of her signature look.
However, Greenwell advised Diana to ditch the bold blue liner in favor of more neutral tones like beige and brown, believing they complemented Diana’s complexion better. Despite the shift in her makeup routine, Diana remained devoted to her beauty rituals and always prioritized what made her feel confident.
In addition to makeup, Diana’s hairstyling also played a major role in her polished appearance. She was known for her impeccable hairstyles, which remained in place throughout the day thanks to her trusted aerosol hairspray.
However, her husband, Prince Charles, did not share the same enthusiasm for the product. He reportedly banned aerosol hairsprays from their household, citing concerns about the impact on the ozone layer.
According to reports, Diana was furious with the ban, thinking her husband’s stance was a bit extreme. Despite the disagreement, it didn’t stop her from maintaining her radiant appearance, always finding ways to make her beauty routine work.
Princess Diana’s beauty choices were never about seeking attention or making bold statements. Instead, they were about enhancing her natural features and embodying elegance and sophistication.
Her commitment to simplicity and understated beauty made her an enduring icon, and her makeup rituals continue to inspire those who admire her grace and timeless appeal. Even as a member of the royal family, Diana remained true to her personal style, proving that real beauty comes from confidence and authenticity.
