Darling Duchess,
Ever since you became betrothed to your beloved, we’ve all paid quite close attention to your appearance. Fashion-wise, we loved the white ruffled Reiss number! But beauty? Le sigh.
We have four words for you: Cher. Amber. Monet. Clueless. Get it?
Yes, you tend to look flawless in full-length snapshots—but sadly the close-up headshots give away your dirty little secret: you’re heavy-handed. That blush! That eyeliner! The horror! (Shame no one has the heart—or balls—to tell you.)
Correct us if we’re wrong, but did you not take a series of makeup lessons soon after Big Willy got on bended knee? Perhaps you skipped the ‘less is more’ lecture—allow us to briefly take you back to basics.
1) Lay off the liner. Heavy kohl is appropriate on occasion (like Halloween), but for high-profile events and official appearances, like the Epsom Derby, or Wimbledon, or the Queen’s birthday dinner, or a world-televised Royal Wedding (much like your own)—ABSOLUTELY NOT. And is that white pencil we see lining your waterline? Epic fail. Of insurmountable proportions.
But we digress.
If eyeliner is a must, just tone it down. Toss the black pencil—way too harsh against your delicate features, as is rimming (and re-rimming) your lower lash line. Opt for liquid chestnut brown instead; a thin, precise line applied at the base of your eyelashes will add subtle warmth and slight depth to your gorgeous gaze. And if you’re feeling sassy, flick it out a bit, à la Lauren Conrad—definitely not Amy Winehouse.
2) Don’t swirl the brush in the blush more than twice. A dab on the apples of your cheeks will do just fine—you needn’t sweep it all the way into your hairline.
3) See number one. And number two should you have a little extra time.
All things considered, you’re a good-looking dame. You could actually forgo 90% of the slap, as it makes you look a bit dated and much older. Other than that, two thumbs up—way up. (Though you may want to rethink the shimmering flesh-tone dancer tights.)
xxxo,
Your friends at Red Carpet Fashion Awards
P.S.—What do you think about her look? Should Kate rethink her makeup M.O.?
Credit: Getty
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She might want to go easier on the brow pencil while she’s at it.
Roger that! Nothing’s worse than being over-blushed and under-plucked.
about the brown pencil….do you really this it would make her look at her best?
Or wouldn’t her’s eyes look too much natural or as we say here in France “Nude”
What’s so bad with the black eyeline or powder or pencil?
does it look vulgar?
nude?
ordinary?
stupid?
Am dying for you debate that with me.
regards
Pipe down doll. So not that serious. Is the Duchess this invested in you as you are in her? Thought not.
Just like you have the right to post your opinions which I both agree (she sometimes tends to look aged) and disagree with (her makeup looks pretty average to me), others should feel they have the right to argue against it. There is no need to be so condescending and catty.
Stay just as you are Kate. You are lovely, fresh and fit best with the rest of the world!
Response to *HM* – My sisters and I have been commmenting from the beginning about Catherine’s “eyebrowness”. Not so bad if she wants to keep brow mane, maybe use lighter brow color.
Amen. I whole-heartedly agree, especially as to the ever present heavy eyeliner. I have found it a distraction since day one, but most especially on her wedding day.
Sadly, those photos will live in infamy forever. Gorgeous gown though!
I have been saying what you wrote from the get go. Well said
Finally! I’ve been waiting for someone to call her out on this! Shes a lovely looking lady but she looks completely dated and much older than her years with all that badly applied slap. And dont even get me started on them tights, it seems to be a fad with ladies of a certain status, and its not doing them any favours. Some subtle, classic eyeliner, dewy tinted moisturiser and a slick of light pink gloss would be perfect.
That would be a fantastic day-to-day look for her.
….did you just give the Duchess of Cambridge advice on how makeup ” à la Lauren Conrad”?
Epic fail.
I’m merely suggesting that she should look to Lauren Conrad on how to expertly apply liquid eyeliner while still looking youthful—LC’s makeup always looks fantastic. Shame we can’t say the same about your Duchess. (And FYI, British royal titles mean absolutely nothing to Americans.)
+1
Will and Kate are simply celebrities here. I’m from Canada, a commonwealth country, and even here we’re kinda detached from the idea of “royalty”. We just love them and especially the whole love story.
India, don’t let them get you! You are not supposed to sugar your opinion, & if they don’t like it… doesn’t matter
.
I love it when FC invite experts to do a post on her blog. It’s refreshing, fun way to spice things up. I hope you’ll come again. By the way, i love your tone, it was not disrespectful at all. Right on point. lol
Royalist much?
Her make-up is an Epic Fail
Say what you want about Lauren (I probably agree tbh lol) but the girl doesn’t walk around like Stevie Wonder did her make up. No disrespect to Kate but I’m saying.
The duchess could tone down for daytime, but you are being a bit harsh
agrre with Lori,it is a bit harsh,since FC usually do not use that tone on this blog I was surprised by this Letter.maybe it is all true,I never paid much att to her makeup,but maybe colude’ve been put in nicer words.
Manja, this was written by Beauty Editor India-Jewel.
She is very qualify to talk about this subject.
Whilst it may appear harsh it comes from place of beauty know-how.
Would you say this was harsh had it been directed to Britney Spears or Paris Hilton?
The comments about the Duchess’ make-up have been echoed in many of comments which is why I asked for India’s advice as an expert to clarify if those comments were justified in her expert opinion.
I totally agree with Lori & Manja, I read this blog without fail every day and what I love is that you never personally attack anyone. this post is so condescending.
My thoughts exactly. If it was someone else, it would be fine and people would be laughing. But apparently, Jesus 2.0, I mean, Catherine is too precious for some advice who actually comes from a genuinely good place.
I wonder if the defensive position of many here is coming more from the fact that the Duchess is someone new in her position and less because they want to defend ‘royalty’ per se. No one thinks twice about being rude about Paris Hilton or Britney Spears because they have consistently gone after a certain kind of media attention – they are surrounded by mean spirited remarks in great part because of their antics in public which seem to invite this approach. I’m not a royalty defender, but it does seem as if William and Kate are about something different than Paris and the like, and so perhaps people feel stung by the tone of India-Jewel’s somewhat flippant tone….she’s right on the mark but they don’t like the delivery…..Anyway, I think it’s good that there is controversy around this, makes people think a bit and perhaps differentiate amongst the various media watched personnas….
Thanks Mol, you make several great points so thank you for that x
Dear FC I still think,and from other comments I see i am not the only one,that it was too harsh and so out of place on Your blog.I love your blog and read it on daily basis for years now,and the thing I like most is that your are never rude or condescending,and you never personally attack anyone,and I like your way,if you understand what I mean.Sorry for the bad english,not my native language.I too agree with Mol,good points.
I was a bit surprised by the harshness of this critical letter too. Yes, Catherine might be dated in her overall style but obviously William doesn’t see this as a fault. I think she is a gorgous girl. Face it, not everyone can be a risk taker fashion wise. If she was taking more risks we would be chastizing her for that as well. I think this is her style, deal with it and we can find MANY nice things to say about it. I guess if you were a makeup artist, Catherines mistakes might be a major issue. But for me, this letter was a bit mean.
Yes!! Thank you for that, FC. The eyeliner drives me completely crazy, because on the lower line/lashes it ages her A LOT and make her whole expression a tad harsh. Black eyeliner can be used, she just doesn’t know how – and it runs in the family because the same applies to Mamma Middleton and Pippa. If she just smoked the black eyeliner, the effect would be so much more modern and cool. And a beige eyliner in the waterliner would do wonders for her.
All those royals, she could take a look at Maxima from the Netherleands. She *always* wear eyeliner – including black on som occasions -, is a good ten years older, and looks good wearing eyeliner!
This was written by beauty expert India-Jewel
Ha! Thanks for that explanation. I was wondering why you changed your name from Fashion Critic. Good to see you’ve kept FC because I am a huge fan.
You are right! All three of the Middleton women overdose on bronzer, blusher, and eyeliner. Damn shame.
I was surprised I didn’t see more remarks about how orange Pippa was for the wedding.
First read of this, i am like give the girl a break.
looking closely she could forgo the lower liner. But I appreciate that her make up is pretty natural. She is a gorgeous girl.
that made me ROFL..
OMG…I can’t believe what I’ve just read….:((((
Really, guys???
I agree. Way to snarky and nasty for this site. Go write for “The Cut.”
I love this blog
but i have to agree about this post the tone is really off, and i don’t think its only because she is a Duchess and married to a prince. numerous times the posts are like this towards Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton but FC your tone is NEVER like this (and i understand its written by another expert beauty editor) but none the less i never felt it to be disrespectful. just my opinion.
Would you like me to remove the post?
I know its your blog and you have every right to post whatever/whoever you like. However, this blog tends to be kind and directed only towards people’s fashion choices, not their personal appearance (or makeup). I personally thought it was offensive; something I’ve never felt while reading this website. It’s totally up to you whether if you want to keep it as it is YOUR website.
Thank you. I will pass your comments onto the beauty editor
haha thats up to you. As a regular reader i would much rather fashion criticism the way its done in your other posts. (and by that i mean involving a bit of humour but mostly actual fashion content)
for me this post serves as a reminder why i come here for fashion news instead of a fashion magazine, a magazine’s website, or another blog. One of the reason’s is precisely the lack of “snarky” or “cruel” humour, it adds a certain sophistication and credibility to you’re opinion.
GGG, Perhaps one day I will—j’adore Ms. Amy Odell. Though having written for several American publications, such as InStyle, Cosmo, Shape, Seventeen, Ladies Home Journal, and many more, I’ve mastered the art of writing in several different voices and tones. Thanks for the career suggestion though!
That made my chuckle. Cruel but fair.
My sentiments exactly!
totally agree! her makeup is always a mess!
Agree 2005. Thnx for tellin her!!!
Now lets wait and see the change.. as im sure she reads this website!
Let’s pick her apart more. Where should we start next?
Her make-up is currently plastered on because she is having thousands of pictures of her being taken each and every day. She looks fabulous in the rain, while rowing a boat, etc. And it’s obvious to see why she highlights what she does…
Let’s face it, unlike other famous people, Kate wasn’t picked up on the street as a fashion model. She’s not an actress whose job it is to look pretty. She’s a normal girl-next-door-pretty girl who fell in love with a prince at university. To suddenly expect her to be a gorgeous fashionista with perfect hair, nails, shoes, clothes, make-up is ridiculous. We’re just lucky William fell in love with someone halfway decent looking and classy. He didn’t have to.
And long as she feels pretty and comfortable in her own skin, that’s what matters. Apparently, she re-did the make-up for her engagement photos done by the professional artist because she didn’t like it and didn’t feel like herself. That says something.
Just because it “says something” doesn’t mean it says the right thing… Let’s call a spade, a spade—she chose to step in the limelight, and marry a high-profile man. Her look should fit the bill, ESPECIALLY if she insists on going it alone and doing it all herself.
India got it all right. The Duchess is a beautiful woman and it would be lovely if she learned how to make the best of her features. It is learn-on-the-job for the Duchess though and it might take a bit of time for her to really get it. It was very much the same with Diana.
Really? She “chose” to step into the spotlight? Come on. She went to University and fell in love and she’s making a massive sacrifice to stick with him. The sacrifice includes nasty posts like this.
Really, I think the sense of aggravation among beauty and fashion bloggers for this girl which has rapidly been approaching disdain and disgust has gone too far. They want her to be the perfect Hollywood starlet. Well, she’s not one.
She’s also representing a centuries-old institution which still has rules – including wearing pantyhose, closed toed shoes and not being flashy. Look it up. She’s more akin to an executive in a company, than a Hollywood star.
Yesterday she met people whose lives have been torn apart by a wild fire. She purposely repeated clothes so they weren’t the story, did her own make-up and guess what? She made those people happy. They cried. They were grateful someone cared. She brought attention to the area. THAT’S her job. Who cared about what her make-up looked like? Only fashion/beauty bloggers who are confused about her job.
Thanks for your comment.
So would you prefer it if I stopped writing about her altogether?
When she repeated her looks, my title was Kate Loves J Brand.
It wasn’t “Kate can’t be bothered to switch things up”…like us she wears things often and she’s known to repeat, like Anna Wintour, like Michelle Obama.
Yes she’s under considerably pressure, but the bottom line is we WANT to see her looking her best. So where is the malice in that?
I’ve moaned for years about Jennifer Aniston wearing black and she second she stepped out of her box and wore a printed dress for the first time, one of the comments was “Come to your senses, Fashion Critic.”
Yes the dress was a tad frumpy, but if I had said that the backlash would’ve been, “she’s finally wearing colour, why are you complaining.”
Damn if I do, damned if I don’t.
One thing I’ve learnt in the 4 and a half years I’ve been blogging is that you can’t please everyone, no matter how hard you try, no matter how late you stay up covering the Oscars.
at first, the post did take me aback a little as the duchess has done better than many other notables thrust into the limelight by virtue of marriage — athletes’ wives, the spouses of celebrities, the other halves of prominent politicians, et al — but i realize that the criticism does come from a place of love. or at least, i hope so. i believe the future queen’s beauty look holds up from a distance as noted in the post, but when captured up close, one can see areas that need improvement.
i think her beauty regimen will improve with time just as her fashion choices have begun to do so.
It absolutely came from love—thank you for realizing that.
i agree on the lower eyeliner.
seriously, that’s a bit harsh. her eyeliner’s heavy, and should be softened (changing colour, smudged, etc), but her makeup’s usually pretty neutral and considering the kind of makeup we see around, she is way, way better at that stuff than a lot of celebrities.
(also, when is lauren conrad considered good fashion advice?)
LC does helm two considerably successful fashion lines, plus she penned a best-selling style book… But I digress—the LC reference above is about beauty. Not fashion…
hum i just think she always looks a bit older than her real age…
Such a shame, isn’t it?
Yes she defenetly does!!!
AMEN, SISTER!
The black eyeliner, and especially the WHITE eyeliner drives me insane!!!! I know it’s used for brightening up tired eyes, but she could do the same with a nude eyeliner! Plus, the effect of “brightening up tired eyes” is lost on her because she’s so heavy handed with the non-smudged BLACK eyeliner!!!!. Sometimes she looks a bit like she fingerpainted her makeup on from how heavy it is!! Oh, and for the royal wedding, the makeup she wore aged her A LOT on t.v. if you ask me :S. I swear, even her mom wore better “blushing bride” make up than her that day! Up close, the girl looks like a hot mess from how fake looking and heavy her makeup is. MAAAAYBE she could keep it for night only, but for daytime it looks too cakey and not fresh or light at all (which would suit her better! For example, some subtle brown or gold eyeshadow and rosy pink blush & lips). That’s just my two cents, I hope people don’t take it so personally, but a woman in her position (being photographed a lot, meeting important people, etc.) should be put together from afar and especially from UP CLOSE!
DITTO on the shimmery, fleshtone dancer tights too btw! Catherine darling, you’re NOT 60 years old yet, so quit dressing like one! (ladies who lunch anyone?)
LOL!
THANK YOU. The makeup, whatevs. BUT THE SHIMMERY NUDE PANTYHOSE?????? So bad. So 70s. She also looks way too tan. Does she use a ton of bronzer?
I like her make-up exept for this heavy eye-liner. And I have also noticed that Pippa has the same tendency
Perhaps they get it from their mother? Carole has the same makeup M.O.—bronzer, liner, blush times 10.
A thousand times YES!! And if she’s no longer doing her own face, she needs to fire whoever is. As for the tone of the post, it’s blunt but fine; she may have married into royalty but she’s not a deity, and needn’t be treated as such.
Exactly! Kate Middleton is human and her questionable taste level and choices are absolutely up for debate.
YASSSSS to the wonderful person who wrote this! I’m sure you’re going to catch some flack for being so straight talking but I don’t know why there’s a need to treat her deferentially it’s not like she’s your mother or something.
Anyway I totally agree with everything you said and I cannot believe in 2011 a DUCHESS has make up like that. Man even the Kardashians have better make up than her.
Work for that YAAASSSSSSSSS!
India-Jewel. You’re my new idol. Full Stop.
And big thanks from everyone to FC for letting this letter get posted, I’m sure it would change many things if Catty actually reads it
Awwwwww thank you!
I don’t really like the way she does her bottom eyeliner but I don’t think it’s notably bad. I love the way she does her bronzer and blush. She definitely doesn’t wear as much make-up as a lot of people in Hollywood and I thought the tone of this article was harsh. To each their own though!
I can’t imagine why someone in her position wouldn’t just try out a bunch of makeup artists until she finds one she likes and then go to town with them. These pics are not going to get lost in a drawer somewhere, they’re a part of history now. Why not use what’s at your disposal to look the best you can look?
Upon second glance, I suppose you could say it’s endearing that she’s just a regular kind of girl doing her own makeup thing. But I still think it’s a mistake.
It is endearing that she does her own—I agree with that.
So true. I always say that! You can be good in many things but not all and with her position she should find some help. Reaaaally can’t understand her
((
PS- Letizia from Spain always has an amazing makeup!
This is mean. I love this site because it’s never snarky, just accurate. But this is too much sacrasm and nastiness… I much prefer the way FC writes. Whomever this person is who wrote this piece, your tone is way off for this site.
The Duchess seems like a lovely, normal young woman who wears things more than once and does her own make-up. She’s not trying to be a model or celebrity or WAG so let’s not treat her like one.
I agree with you. I don’t see why people keep saying that she should look a certain way and have all these makeup artists at her disposal. The fact that she appears quite ordinary is what I like the most. And if she wears a little too much eyeliner – and I won’t lie, sometimes it is quite heavy -, I don’t see why it has to become an international incident.
But hasn’t everything she’s done, worn, said plus the misspelling in a letter, ALL become an international incident?
FC we love you and we love this site! If you want to include an open letter about make-up improvements, I get it. But this is just mean and the tone is so harsh. Doesn’t seem like you. Obviously I don’t know you personally, but it seems like you’re about the fashion and the art – not the anonymous sarcastic tone that comes on so many blogs. You know?
It wasn’t me. It was written by India-Jewel
I have no knowledge on beauty which is why I asked beauty expert India to share her opinions on this topic, since so many people had complained about Catherine’s makeup in the comment.
Until then I hadn’t even noticed the heavy eyeliner to be honest.
As you know I’m more into fashion.
As me about fashion and I have a chance. As me about makeup and I wouldn’t have a clue.
I rarely wear make-up myself unless it’s mascara to cover my white eyelashes.
Hmm, she’s nothing if not a celebrity. What exactly is the point of Royalty? They live off your tax money, for the sole purpose of representing, being the face of you country, taking pictures and cutting ribbons.
The face of England doesn’t need to be this heavy handed, tbh.
Um, if you have such an issue with the Royals, talk to your local politician and get politically active. Don’t be nasty on a fashion website.
LOL love this Luisa!
I agree, this is disrespectful and condescending.
I really don’t really see the point of this post…
I mean:
I am not a big fan of her make up either, but the post is unnecessary: “She’s not trying to be a model or celebrity or WAG so let’s not treat her like one”.
She is ABSOLUTELY a celebrity. What non-celebrity has a private plane and royal bodyguards?! We as individuals will treat her as we see fit—you can treat her like the second coming, and we’ll treat her like a Glamour Don’t.
Then by your own admission, you should love this post—it’s accurate. We’re merely pointing out the obvious. It’s fine that she does her own makeup, she should just aim to do it a bit BETTER.
What I dislike is the tone, just like in all your replies in this post: condescending. agressive, snarky, arrogant and uncalled for.
I wholeheartedly agree — while the points are quite valid, the tone of the writing is distasteful. There are far better ways to deliver the same message without coming across like a common trashy fashion column. India-Jewel: if you were to meet Kate face-to-face to advise her on her makeup, would you use the phrase “epic fail” in your conversation with her? This is not so much an open letter as it is an attempt to cheaply pull laughs.
At the end of the day, you are free to write as you please, but you can do better than this bit of disappointment.
I dont think that this was written to be snarky. Just helpful…heck, its making me think about how I wear my eyeliner
LOL…….I agree totally. That eyeliner is detracting from her beauty. Great article, as always!
Thanks Elaine!
oh god, i thought i was the only one who hated the liner
she of all people should know what a difference a beauty team makes, she should hire a make up artist to make her make up as flawless as james price makes her hair!
THANK YOU! lets hope Catherine is an avid fan of yours and reads this and learns one thing or two
Fingers crossed!
the makeup is not even an issue to me because i find it hard to get over how ridiculously tan all the middleton women are. they have surpassed the “healthy sun kissed glow” stage and all look like they’re burning to a crisp. they look ridiculous, especially because they live in england!!! not brazil, hawaii, or the caribbean. i live in california and the only people here who have any business being that dark are surfers. i shouldn’t even be able to think about comparing a royal to cast members of the jersey shore, but if this continues i can and will!
Agree with the content, but do not like the packaging. Criticism is perfectly fine, especially when it’s founded, but there’s no point in expressing it this way. These are mistakes that come from a lack of experience not from trashiness or vulgarity, therefore they should not be addressed in the same way.
“These are mistakes that come from a lack of experience”
Untrue. If you’ve followed Middleton for 10 years you’d know that she has ALWAYS applied make up like that. That’s why I KNEW she did her wedding make up by herself. For her tour she didn’t want a stylist nor a make up artist she just took her hairstylist with her. Some of us even wondered if her and her sister had this eyeliner tatooed…. And now I am starting to believe it! I have NEVER seen her without.
Excellent point! Could she have a bad tattoo job? Now that’s a good story!
omg, that it’s a brilliant idea with the tattoo. I’ve just googled it and I couldn’t find one picture without that eyeliner…and it looks identical in every picture…
I fully agree! And Since she takes her hirdresser with her-why not a makeup artist? She looks old beyond her years and the makeup doesnt help.
Ding, ding, ding!!!
Aw come on, the commentary was not that mean – I have read so much worse on other blogs. Furthermore, I think what was said can be treated as an open letter to all women, (not just the Duchess), who are a bit heavy-handed with the liner, blush, etc. These are mistakes many women make and come from lack of experience about make-up and they might appreciate learning a tip or two.
I’m wondering what kind of fairytale, lollipop lands these people live in… This post is mean? Far from it.
I am a little surprised by the tone and even the content of this post. I am big fan of the blog because it usually avoids this type of criticism. And I think it would be bad taste even if it were directed at Paris Hilton or any other celebrity.
+1
IMO, I think the tone of this post was very respectful.
love, love, LOVE this post! absolutely hilarious, couldn’t have put it better myself. she’s a pretty girl but way too heavy handed with the slap. hopefully we’ll see the chancellor include ‘make-up artist for princess catherine’ in next year’s budget xx
Agreed!
I agree 300% with the post. It is all I can talk about with my friend and fellow Kate-lover. She ‘s so pretty, and makes so many right moves, but as soon as I heard she was doing her own make-up for the wedding, I knew she was one of those people who is addicted to eyeliner and will not listen to reason. She feels naked without her eyeliner and will probably never give it up. But she should! She really really should! It’s aging her!
She’s naturally pretty—she’d be even prettier if she toned it down.
holla! come visit any time India-Jewel.
The reason she wears her makeup a bit heavy (I think) is right there in the opening of the letter – “Yes, you tend to look flawless in full-length snapshots”
She is aware she is being constantly photographed, often with harsh flashbulbs going off, and observed from a distance. The look is a bit like stage makeup, designed to look good from a little distance.
I do agree, however, that this is an outdated approach to high-profile celebrity makeup, with so many clever and more subtle makeups available which are better designed for high-definition images.
I also agree, that I don’t come to this blog and expect snarky and rude.
+1
Cardinal rule #1: Expect anything. Remember, the devil was once an angel. —James de la Vega
Native British women do not have good glowing skin. Say what you want about Paris hIlton and Kim K, but they glow and there makeup looks much better than Kate, who looks ( makeup and skin wise ) like your average housewife from Surrey. I am from London, but live in LA, everyone glows out here, and it not just because of surgery. It is lifestyle: Great food; great sunshine; good quality of life; fantastic products.
Her and her sister are my age, but I look 16 ( THanks to my West African DNA ) and they look 45 plus ….All grey and haggered.
FC, I recently found your site and check it now multiple times a day. I really love your non-judgmental tone which never judges a person by their weight or height. Even when you criticize you are really so judgmental. How about when having guest posters, putting a byline stating the author of the post, that way when there is a difference in tone people realize that it isn’t you.
Thank you Jar. I will take you suggestion onboard
Thanks FC!
also I meant “so non-judgmental” in the 3rd line
I agree with your comment on FC’s non-judgmental writing style. It’s really refreshing from other fashion sites. It is one of the things that make this site three or four times daily blog reading for me.
thanks Linda
It’s really sad that such a beautiful woman can’t have her own style. She doesn’t have to be perfect, she has to be herself. I believe that she likes her make up that way, and that should be enough…
We never said she should be perfect—no one is. She should, however, do better with her makeup, in our opinion. She can do whatever she wants, and we assume that she will…
Kim Kardashian is the same age, and wears a ton of makeup and kohl line, but her skin sparkles and glows. You would not call Kim a washed up old housewife, would you? Kate looks like that, and she was blown away by the beautiful, glowing South African Charlene of Monaco. Charlene looked like a movie star ( Charlize) Theron or Grace Kelly ) Kate looks like your average washed up soccer mum from Surrey.
Kate is not blessed with great DNA, her skin is grey, ashy , washed out and wrinkly. That is why her makeup looks bad.
I quite agree, if we look at the Middleton women they all look older, Pippa looks almost 40 for me… I’m not a fan of K. Kardashian but at least she has a good make up artist.
are we comparing Kate M with the kardashians?!
you have a point, yet I cannot bear to agree that KK is the standard to look up to for KM, lol
yeah charlene looked FANTASTIC on her wedding day
I guess I don’t see what you all are seeing…..gray and wrinkled? Where? I certainly agree about all the eye liner, I’ve thought that ever since she came into the limelight. It looks BAD.
Although Charlene is a beauty, she doesn’t look happy like Kate. I bet she knows that Albert is a real toad and that’s why she was crying at her wedding………
Im sorry in what pictures does her makeup look bad. Because Im not seeing it. In every picture I’ve seen she looks pretty to me. A little plain yes, she could use some color, but she looks pretty none the less.
Good thing beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I first thought that popped into my head when I saw the engagement photos of her and Will was “Oh God, she’s put liquid eyeliner on the bottom of her eyes…WHY?!” And when everything else looked so polished, hair looked great, clothes. I was shocked, such a rookie mistake. I’ve been waiting for someone to say something…It’s such a shame to see that she did it on her wedding day!
I could not agree more! When pictures of Kate at her royal wedding became surfaced on the internet, I thought, “Oh, what a gorgeous gown!” and the I saw her make-up. TOO MUCH BLUSH! I was later told that she did her own make-up. Explains. Kate Middleton, you are a beautiful girl! Stop caking on the make-up, it makes you look years older than you actually are.
I know people are callign it condescending and rude or whatever, but I agree with this letter. she is a duchess/rincess, take your pick, not a pane of glass. I believe, or hope, that she ca take criticism and I feel that sugarcoating it adn sayign ooh perhaps a littl ebit less eyelienr here or there would be a ncie idea is too wishy washy. Her makeup is an easily fixable problem, and a very unneccessary problem, she is very pretty, but is ruinign it with fourteen tonnes of white and black eyeliner, blush in abundance, very strong brows and probably unneccessary heavy foundation. I think this has been calle for for ages so i am thankyful fc wrote it, hopefully the duchess will listen.
No hard feelings. Bye.
To FC’s and India-Jewel’s defense. A similar article was published in the Telegraph, which is usually pro-royalist. Is this woman wrong for saying what she said as well?
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/beauty/news-features/TMG8620344/An-eye-opener-for-the-Duchess-of-Cambridge.html
Therefore, I really don’t think this article was/is harsh. She’s just being honest. I’ve read quite a few articles about the Duchess of Cambridge, and in my view, the general consensus has been that she needs to lay off the eye-liner. It’s too harsh and it’s aging her A LOT, IMO. No one’s attacking her character, no one is calling her ugly. I find it strange how the media and lots of commenters tend to worship the ground this woman walks on, when in reality she’s just an regular girl who happened to marry a prince. Like any ole regular person, what’s wrong with fashion advice? Should she be immune from it, becasue she’s now a Dutchess?
I particularly am not a huge fan of her style (it’s not that I don’t like her clothes, I just don’t think they’re always figure flattering and redundant). But Kate has been with Prince William for years and at the end of the day fashion/makeup constructive criticism comes with the territory. I’m kinda thinking she might be insecure about the “natural bags” she has under her eyes. She’s always had them (look at her childhood pics)…why not embrace them?
Thank you FFT.
Unlike many bloggers or online journalists I do engage a lot with my readers.
This post came about because I had read many comments about this subject within every Kate post. So I took it to India for her professional opinion.
What do you think of the tone of the article?
I think if you are truly passionate about your craft, you speak from the heart.
You’re very welcome *hugs*. While yesterday was my first time visiting your blog (it’s FABULOUS btw with a lot of class and character
), it was not the first time I read a debate about her eyeliner. Actually when you google her name and eyeliner, you’ll find tons of articles from both blogs and magazine websites,lol.
But girlfriend, it looks like a can of worms have been opened, LOL (j/k)! WOW, at the 150+ comments! Atm, she’s the media’s darling and while she appears very sweet and approachable, I just don’t understand the wipe-the-drool-off-my-mouth coverage of her. But it’s here to stay for some time, which is unfortunate because she has a great canvas and could turn fabuluously chic. If this is to happen, commenters, writers, bloggers, stylists, etc. should not be afraid to tell it like it is. It comes with the territory of being in the public eye<3 <3
Last thing, completely love and admire that you engage with your readers so frequently! It's very refreshing *thumbs up*
Thank you.
Without my readers my site would be nothing x
FFT rocks my socks!
Looks like she has a permanent eyeliner because her eyes look the same in every picture.
If so, that’s a shame. Some tattoos are removable though…
It’s unfortunate that you think my comments are snarky and rude—we’re simply having a discussion in which you and I will never see eye to eye on this. However, we’re thankful for your opinions.
I would have never noticed this unless pointed out, great job India-Jewel.
I also want to commend you on writing an honest, from love, blog post. I feel like you’re being attacked a bit for your post, as it may be considered too harsh, but I think that the different viewpoint and extra spice you give this site adds so much value. Keep doing you!
Thank you so much—I really appreciate it. I had no idea the Duchess was such an inflammatory topic.
I liked the post, FC and India-Jewel! Ithink it was funny and yes, I think that the duchess really could have had a tattoo job or something. I would doubt it, somehow. I d think it is eyeliner, and she doesn’t need that much.
Yes, she wears make up to be seen by people asisting at events, and what we get to see are the close ups of pictures, but that does not mean she HAS to use such a harsh colour on her eyes/cheeks.
A lot of celebs, politicians, etc. wear make up for many events and it does not need to be a thick eyeliner. She may look older than she is, but she’s pretty and delicate looking, and this style makes her look older and hardens her eyes.
Again, congrats on your blog. I hope you keep up bringing beauty contributions, FC, I just love them and having a renewed interest in make up and fashion after a long withdrawal from them.
i completely disagree. while it might be a bit much for someone going to sit behind a desk all day in the corporate world, she is being constantly photographed all day. sure it looks heavy close up, but in photographs (which she is applying it for, i’m sure), she looks flawless
Lol I didn’t mind the deviation from the usual tone of this site. A little snarkiness is always welcome, in my humble opinion.
I love this post. i think her make up for the wedding was really heavy and ugly. it aged her a lot. To me perfect make up for a wedding, and for big events in general, was Charlene Wittstock’s. I also really like Lauren Conrad’s make up, it’s always flawless. This post was funny and honest.
Wow 125 comments…..Kate is the new BLake Lively hahah!!
LOL…so she is
So true. So true. I hope she reads this post. Not to be mean, but because I myself once fell into the black hole that is eyeliner and heavy-handed blush. It started as a late-night party look and slowly took over my life. Luckily my boyfriend intervened and I’m cured now lol.
She still has so much to learn. But she’s gonna be great eventually. (I hope)
I was pretty surprised by this post. I have always liked this blog because in her critiques, FC is honest about sharing her opinion. That has never descended into being snide.
I don’t care about the Royals, but I don’t like the condescending tone of this post. I’m surprised and disappointed.
I didn’t write this post.
I am not a beauty writer, you know that.
Kate is honestly a very pretty girl..and I’m glad someone has finally posted about this.
I’ve always thought her eyeliner is just too heavy handed and really doesn’t look great. If it was applied differently..I think it would just enhance her features more. I don’t think the post is nasty at all..seems like India-Jewel just wants Kate to look the best she can.
totally co-sign with india-jewel. the middletons sure do love their eyeliner, as well as their bronzer and blush. the harsh eyeliner (and the over-tanning, too much weight lost, and smoking) ages her. as for the lauren conrad comparison, i think it’s apt, because as much as i don’t really like l.c. i have to admit that she’s got the winged liner look down pat. also lauren and kate actually look a lot alike.
kate is a public figure, she’s not above criticism. she married into the world’s most famous royal family. it’s not like she didn’t know what deal entailed when the ringer was slipped on her finger. she waited nine or so years for it. it’s not like the spotlight was suddenly trusted on her. moreover, as a member of the royal family she’s the face, so to speak, of the british and commonwealth people, so it’s not that out of line for people to expect her to put her best foot forward.
dear people,
why so serious?
cheers,
VB
One of the first things my mom taught me about make up is to go easy on the eyeliner.
Guess her mom didn’t teach her the same. Haha.
I agree with the sentiment of the post. Though I will admit to being taken aback by the tone of it. It’s okay though. A little inflammatoriness is always good!
I completely agree with the post and its making me think about my lower eye kohl.
I am not a British subject so let me state that when I first saw her on her wedding day, she looked at least 36-37 years old face wise thanks to her weight loss and make up
only the eyeliner bothers me. otherwise, she is lovely
OMG!!! I can’t believe it FC. I have always thought that about Kate and her eyeliner! Everytime I see Kate, especially in pictures, I’m thinking why so harsh? You took the exact words out of my mouth! I totally agree with you about her being too heavy handed.
Ditto.
FC, please continue to invite different experts like Shoerazzi and India-Jewel to comment on your blog. I enjoy getting different perspectives. I agree with a suggestion of an earlier commenter that the guest byline should be more prominent (perhaps right beneath the headline of the guest post).
As for India-Jewel’s tone – I get that some people may not like it. I enjoyed it and appreciate that s/he continued to engage with commenters. I also trust FC’s editorial judgment. So I was less inclined to view the tone as mean-spirited. Although I confess, what some might view as snark appeals to me when infused with sense, wit and humor
.
Anyway, I like the spice India-Jewel has added to our conversation. Hey, I’ll probably feel differently if you skewer someone I am particularly into but I’ll laugh at myself and keep it movin’.
Thank you. I saw the humor it the post which was mixed with factual information and advice.
I wasn’t expecting 156 comments, but she has manage to enaged people into a debate.
Usually only Blake Lively gathers this much attention when talking about her legs or boobs
I agree completely. Her permanent eye liner and fake tan make me cringe. Imagine how much fresher and younger she looks without it.
I totally agree about the eyeliner; however, Pippa has it even worse….
thanks Fashion Awards! I always think of this in close up shots. She is really naturally pretty so I think its better if she stuck to accentuate her natural beauty, Totally agree with you: less is more!!!
I’m a bit late catchin up on this and am absolutely astounded by the crazy response to this! Why is everyone taking this so seriously??calm down! Firstly, the post was probably written in a light-hearted,off-hand manner and secondly, it makes some very valid points. If someone is in the public eye then people are going to comment on everything about them from how they look, to how they act-it may be sad but it’s a fact. Furthermore, this is a fashion blog, not an political editorial so it should be fun and highlight various opinions…one of the most famous blogs is gofugyourself which has legions of fans and it is solely about picking apart outfits etc..I have seen that many people on this sight comment on makeup-not just Kate Middleton’s-see the recent comments on Anne Hathaway and Natalia Vodianova so I don’t understand why people seem so personally affronted by a jovial post about some makeup. The writer didn’t say Kate is ugly or horrible or anything really bad, she just said lay off the eye-liner-calm down.
excuse the typos, typing quickly on a rant aha
I’m glad you understood the light-hearted manner in which it was intended.
Thank you x
I just do not think the complaints are warranted, its not like someone pointed out a spot or her weight and picked it apart…I hope this doesn’t stop you from posting guest posts or even the occasional post of your opinion (like the cheryl cole being sacked from America post).
P.s I meant to write gofugyourself ‘also’ has legions of fans
Not at all.
The guest posts a different dimension to the site and a different opinion from my own.
Thanks x
Well said!
When she agreed to marry into the royal family, she agreed to all of the publicity that goes along with being a royal. There is an expectation from the public regarding how they are presented, i.e., hair, make-up, clothing all classy, up to date and DIFFERENT for EVERY EVENT!! I get that we are globally having a difficult time with finances, but this is an exception. We do NOT want to see her in the same thing over and over again. Ok, it was nice to see that she was using things in creative ways and re-wearing them, but enough is enough!! Get this girl a professional makeup artist and stylist. She has done a lovely job trying on her own, but it is time to call in the professionals to handle this. It is obviously proving to be way more than she can handle.
I agree she does need assistance from professionals in their field. She can’t do it all.
Good lord everyone is so sensitive. I thought this post was brilliant, sounds like something I would write (ha!) and it was spot on, Kate doesn’t know how to put on makeup.
I haven’t read absolutely all of the rest of the comments, so excuse me if I’m being repetitive.
Firstly I enjoy the KM coverage on this blog. It’s not sycophantic nor overly critical. The issue/non-issue of her weight is avoided, and you’re generally very kind about her clothes, which is appropriate as she looks gorgeous 99% of the time.
However I do find this open letter to be completely unnecessary, even if it is tongue-in-cheek and not intended to be hurtful. Kate is a 29 year old girl, a year older than me. At this stage, she’s comfortable in her look and knows what suits her or at the very least, what she likes. If anyone was to instruct me on how I should wear my make up, instruct me with a three point plan no less, I’d be very offended and my response would be for the person doling out the advice to mind their own business.
My main gripe with the article isn’t so much Kate’s feelings however, but that I just really disagree with you. I like her make up. I love the eyeliner and I can’t for the life of me see how she’s being heavy handed with it. I’d FAR prefer to see a face made up like this than look at the likes of little miss “I’m too boho and too cool to be bothered with make up/grooming/brushing my hair” Alexa Chung or celebs who take a similar approach to beauty. She’s also photographed outside the vast majority of the time without flash photography. Make up shows up very harshly in natural daylight. Other celebs may be pictured in parties at night or going down the red carpet at evening time under the glare of hundreds of flashes, so their make up may seem more discreet.
I’m Irish so I have no particular affliation to the royal family and don’t feel overly protective of them, I just think that Kate is a grown woman, she’;s holding her own spectacularly in recent months, and if wearing this make up makes her feel pretty and good about herself, let her do it!
This has been said in countless ways, ad nauseam. If you’re in the public eye, you’re in the game! All is fair, but will not necessarily be nice.
FC, no-one is saying that India-Jewel doesn’t know what she’s talking about – she must, given that she’s your beauty expert – only that the tone of her post (and her comments to your readers) is condescending and catty. It seems a shame when the rest of your gorgeous blog is so painstakingly researched and well-mannered.
Thank you for your comment.
The balance seems to be 50/50
Some love it and felt it needed to be said and some hated it and were offended by it.
In future I will ensure that those who don’t agree aren’t offended by the tone
Ah FC!
Even when it’s you writing, some people are still offended. They take it personally as they see themselves in their favorites celebs.+ The Duchess has very strong “fans” who will kill anyone who dares to voice a critic, since she is “so” new @ this! & an angel! and..!
Love you for being always diplomatic, but i don’t see how to express such a critic without ruffling some feathers. India was sassy, irreverent, yet not mean or impolite.
& her fans are offended because India reacted to their (sometimes) harsh reactions/comments. If we can give, we must be ready to take. ^_^
We fashion lovers will always come here no matter what, whether we agree or disagree, because we are addicted! lol
Agree on the addiction point!
I think she has done that horrible “definitive makeup” in her eyes (a kind of tattoo).
Hun,
I have to agree with anamika’s first reply.
Leave, the Duchess alone,people she looks beautiful, doesn’t need a bunch of wanna-be-judges on her back.
Her make up is basic and doesn’t need more than that. She has to be more conservative with her look after all, she IS married to the prince, so can do whatever she wants to do with her face.
her make-up is anything but conservative. it is harsh and applied with a heavy hand. i think that’s the point?
loved it!!! ive always disliiked the eyeliner especially!
india jewel do u have a blog of your own??
PLEASE READ MY MESSAGE!
Hey, girl! I’m a brazilian beauty blogger owner. Some friends loved your post, and some girls are dying to read it. But they doesn’t know english, so..
They asked me to translate your words.
I’d like to know if you are ok with that.
Please, let me know.
My email adress is avaible.
I’m waiting.
Thanks a lot…and kindest regards!!!
yes you can
This is really harsh. Totally unbefitting of what I thought of FC.
I have explained several times that I didn’t write it.
I’m not going to justify it anymore
It’s almost a year after this post was originally written, and Kate’s make-up is still as awful as ever. She looks like an old, old woman. She looks awful and there’s nothing wrong with the tone of this article. You have to be ‘loud’ with someone like Kate whose clearly oblivious.
Is white eyeliner suitable for everyday use?
Maybe she likes wearing her makeup how she does. She should look how she wants, not how people think she should. Some people like natural looks, some people like dramatic. It’s really up to her.
All she really needs to do is find a lighter foundation, a women finds a way to fix herself that makes her comfortable and happy with herself, and take advice but, geez their is a point were advise and mocking,and nitpicking crosses a line. Also what followers, a few years ago my mother was mocked by a women at department store for wear orange lipstick now its in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and one of the in colors so not everyone is tiring it or wearing it.
Plus Nylons are a foundation and like Spanx in the sense for the legs, it they cover any imperfections and keep the skin tight. My mom wore nylons and now at 55 she has been told she has legs of a women 15 years younger than her. Plus Nylons keep you from getting that sweaty cheesy smell when you remove your shoes, I bet a guy loves that. Leave the girl alone she snagged Prince William he seems to like her nylons, and black liner!