The fresh-faced royals challenging traditional beauty standards – after Zara Tindall went makeup-free at Badminton Horse Trials
While members of the Royal Family have long been expected to maintain a picture-perfect appearance, many modern princesses are showing that confidence isn’t defined by a full face of make-up.
In recent years, royal women have increasingly embraced a more natural look, whether by stepping out bare-faced or opting for minimal beauty routines.
Zara Tindall is the latest to champion the trend, going base-free with just a touch of mascara for the MARS Badminton Horse Trials.
This shift fits into a wider cultural move towards authenticity and self-acceptance.
By embracing their natural beauty, royals are challenging traditional expectations and inspiring women around the world to do the same.
Zara Tindall is the latest to embrace the no make-up trend, going base-free and simply wearing mascara for the MARS Badminton Horse Trials
Last year, Meghan Markle joined the growing no make-up trend, appearing fresh-faced in a video where she showcased Billie Eilish merchandise she had secured for a victim of the Los Angeles wildfires.
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According to celebrity make-up artist Oonagh Connor, the former Suits actress chose to go make-up-free ‘to convey empathy and be natural.’
‘Meghan definitely wants to have a softer approach and come across as real and approachable, especially after receiving a lot of negative press,’ she says, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail.
‘She’s at home. It’s cool. It plays along with the narrative of the subject matter. Many of us at home will be our relaxed selves. The royals are no different in that sense.’
In recent years, other members of the Royal Family – including the Princess of Wales and Princess Beatrice – have also been seen in public or photos wearing little to no make-up.
This trend reflects the evolving role of royal women. No longer just symbols of glamour and formality, they are increasingly seen as relatable figures who balance royal duties with everyday life.
‘It’s refreshing to see royal women move away from the heavily contoured look we often see on the red carpet,’ Oonagh says.
‘I think this type of image really does show our younger generation it’s ok to be relaxed and bare-skinned without the pressure of wearing make-up.
‘The royals know they can glam up for other events but they surely love their downtime – just like any of us would!’
Last year, Meghan Markle joined the growing no make-up trend, appearing fresh-faced in a video where she showcased Billie Eilish merchandise she had secured for a victim of the Los Angeles wildfires
The Princess of Wales has, on occasion, taken on a more natural look while running errands
Princess Eugenie often posts family photos to Instagram, showing a fresh-faced appearance
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands ditched her usual high-glamour in favour of comfort as she stepped off the plane in Tanzania in 2022
Princess Charlene of Monaco looked ever the natural beauty as she visited South Africa in 2012
However, Oonagh, who has worked with Lindsay Lohan and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, believes make-up is still important for official royal engagements: ‘I don’t think royals should go make-up free when on duty. Just like in the workplace, people should make a little effort.
‘I think they would agree that they should be seen as polished – it doesn’t have to be on the Kardashian scale – but as they are going to be photographed I do think they would want to be wearing make-up and have their hair styled.
‘It shows a certain respect for their positions and it’s nice to keep up a certain standard which many people could take note of.
‘After all, you never saw Queen Elizabeth in public without her pink lipstick!’
Even Sarah Ferguson, Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Charlene of Monaco have embraced an au naturel look, emphasising a more relaxed approach to regal style.
As these women continue to redefine their public image, they show that elegance and confidence don’t always require a full face of cosmetics.
Instead, their evolving approach balances tradition with authenticity.
