Let’s be real, everyone has had at least one daydream of becoming a princess. The lavish life of castles, fancy parties, and the royal thrown all seem just too good to be true. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take some helpful advice from the real royals themselves. The royal family is just as human as we are and with their lives always on the go, they have collected plenty of wise tips along the way. Here are 50 life hacks from a dutchess that you never knew you needed!
1. No More Time Outs
Even though Kate Middleton is a duchess, she’s a mother of three first and foremost. William and Kate have rewritten the parenting books and found more effective ways to discipline their tots. Instead of the classic time outs, they’ve created the “chat sofa” to better reach the kids and we’re so here for it! What a great way to have your kids be heard and also not singled out. Parenting at it’s finest!
2. Find Balance In Your Diet
Diet fads can be extremely unhealthy for your body. Meghan Markle has found a way to listen to what her body enjoys and needs rather than depriving herself on a vigorous diet. Balance is everything when it comes to health. Markle shared her diet mindset saying, “I definitely try to eat as clean as possible. I try to avoid the things that are going to make me feel lethargic or sluggish,” “I think if you deprive yourself of anything, you’re just going to crave it more. So, for me, it’s about finding that balance.”
3. Get On The Same Level
When talking to the royal kids Duchess Kate found a way to reach them much more effectively. If the kids are ever acting up Kate gets down to their level and makes eye contact so they don’t feel so belittled when having a “talking to”. This allows the kids to listen and learn in a much more positive way. Now that’s parenting 101!
4. Don’t Worry Be Happy
It’s not easy to wake up every morning with a smile on your face. But it’s important to understand you have the power to shine a more positive light. Meghan Markle is all about enjoying the little things and finding every reason to choose happiness. Markle even shared her philosophies saying, “My best friend, Lindsay, and I remind each other to “choose happiness”. Not complaining, not wallowing, not looking at the bad side of things, but to truly make a choice to choose happiness.”
5. Green Juice Over Coffee
As much as we’re all suckers for a great coffee, it can leave you jittery and anxious. Meghan Markle is all about healthy habits and this one could be tricky but extremely beneficial. Instead of grabbing a sugary over-caffeinated beverage to wake Markle up, she chooses green juice for her energy boost. Markle also explained saying,
“So I get a really good natural source of energy…something that gets right into your system is a nice pick me up.”
6. Color Code Queen
I mean duchess… Kate Middleton and Prince William are no strangers to packing suitcases. Constant travel means you start to pick up some tricks to make traveling life much easier. So when Kate and William travel they color code all of their luggage including the royal kiddos with specific colors and initial them to whoever’s suitcase it is. The royals definitely know how to keep life organized!
7. Hip Hop Yoga
As much as we all love getting in our zen during a yoga class it might be time to change things up. Meghan Markle loves letting out some energy during her practice, she explained,
“I love an intense vinyasa class – and even better if it’s blasting hip-hop and done in a dark room with candlelight. The best!”
It’s time to break out your mat and get hype!
8.Make It A Game
The Duchess of Cambridge might just be the wisest mother around. She’s been known to trick her kids into playing a game or having fun so she can convince the kids to do something they might not want to. Middleton knows that being a kid comes with plenty of energy so why not have them release all that they can? In the long run the kids will definitely appreciate their mothers techniques.
9. It’s Not About Weight
When it comes to “being in shape” people have a lot of misconception of what that means. Some people go on crazy diets and wild exercise stints but for Meghan Markle it’s all about how she feels. Markle has shared her mindset on body image and we could all use some duchess advice.
“I think being in shape just means feeling confident, being as healthy as you can…I think being happy with your size and being kind to yourself — that’s part of being in shape, too.”
10. Kids Will Be Kids
Prince William and Duchess Kate have a pristine life but they’re still just as human as us. When parenting their adorable kids they know just how to teach them to polite as well as having fun being a kid. At one of their polo match events the kids were scene running and playing around just as any other kids would. Even though some parents would want their kids to sit quitely and watch the entire match, Middleton has always had a deep understanding that no matter what kids are kids.
11. Meditation Is Medicine
In such a crazy fast-paced world it can be hard to find time to just sit and unwind. But just like anything it takes practice to keep your mind happy and healthy. Meghan Markle is an advocate for mental healing and knows just how important it is to take time to breathe. The duchess said,
“On days I don’t make it to my mat, I always make some time to meditate; I was skeptical for years, but it truly does wonders!”
12. Mom First, Duchess Second
Although the Duchess of Cambridge has a very demanding job she doesn’t ever put motherhood on the backburner. She never wants her kids to feel as if work is more important to them and it really pays off. It’s hard to avoid your kid having a tantrum or accident in public but the duchess knows exactly how to approach those situations by immediately being by their side to help them.
13. No Need For An Iron
When you’re traveling and you need to change into something quick it can be a wrinkly fashion no-no. Irons aren’t readily available everywhere and the royals have learned this firsthand. Kate Middleton has learned to pack lots of synthetic fabric clothes to avoid a wrinkly mishap.
14. Toothbrush Trick
There’s no doubt that the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle knows how to rock an updo. But how does she keep her buns so sleek? She told Birchbox her little secret, “For my flyaways, I spray hairspray on a small boar bristle toothbrush (a regular toothbrush also works great!) to lightly brush them down or smooth the hairline,” Say goodbye to flyaways with the help of a duchess herself!
15. Three Step Eyeshadow
If you’ve been struggling with eyeshadow looks, it’s time for some tips from Kate Middleton. Middleton applied her own wedding day make up, with help from makeup artist Hannah Martin. The key is a three color application on three different parts of the eyelid. Her wedding day look included Ivory all over, Rockstar on the lower lid, and Slate in the crease. Gorgeous!
16. Hydrate That Pout
Our lips are very sensitive yet we still don’t think to take care of them the same way we take care of our faces. Meghan Markle keeps Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment SPF 15 in her purse at all times!
“I have searched high and low and tried every kind of lip balm but this is the very best. Soft, kissable, buttery lips. I swear by it.”
17. If The Shoe Fits…
Well not in this case! The Duchess of Cambridge is constantly on the go and that means comfortable footwear is a must. But how does she stay comfortable in high heels? Well, Middleton wears a size larger to avoid blisters and aching feet! All of that nonsense about the “perfect fit” has now been thrown out the window.
18. Moisturize, Moisturize
As much as we may love traveling, our skin isn’t always the biggest fan. Meghan Markle knows just how crucial it is to keep lotion on you at all times to your skin happy and hydrated. Markle told Beauty Banter her all-time favorite lotion is Nivea Skin Firming Hydrating Body Lotion and even said, “It’s honestly my favorite lotion on the market — it’s so affordable and makes my skin look and feel amazing.”
19.Keep The Skirts Down
Windy days are a skirt’s worst nightmare! So the royal woman (Kate, Meghan, & Queen Elizabeth) have come up with 2nifty ways to never have an embarrassing moment like that. 1. ALWAYS wear a bodysuit under your skirts. 2. Sew tiny weights on the bottom of your skirts to avoid a windy mishap. Genius women at it again!
20. Ditch The Falsies
Both The Duchess of Cambridge and The Duchess of Sussex are known for their effortless natural looks. Markle specifically, would much rather use an eyelash curler than put on fake lashes any day. She’s even raved to Birchbox about her Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
“Even if you don’t have a stitch of makeup on you suddenly look a bit more alive.”
21. Bye-Bye Sulfates
A good shampoo is hard to come by especially when you find out so many brands have harmful chemicals. Middleton’s hairstylist made her switch to his sulfate-free shampoos to keep her hair and scalp happy. Sulfates are known to strip the hair of natural oils and can dry/dull your hair in the long run. So it’s time to ditch the sulfates and grab that shine your hair deserves!
22. Tea Tree At All Times
Tea tree oil is a versatile healer and it’s time to grab a bottle. Duchess Meghan Markle keeps it on her always! She told Allure magazine just how awesome this essential oil is saying,
“It’s not the most glamorous thing, but if you get a cut, a mosquito bite, a small breakout, no matter what it is, it’s my little cure-all. It’s inexpensive, it’s small enough to carry on, and I bring it with me all the time.”
23. Bow Down To The Brow
Thick brows are IN and Kate Middleton knows just how to rock them! While in quarentine Middleton has been able to grow out her brows for a much fuller and natural look. This effortless beauty trick revamps your face, making you look years younger. Now who wouldn’t want that? Just make sure to keep an eyebrow brush on you so they don’t get too out of hand!
24. No More Greasy Skin
After a long day of traveling your face can feel quite icky. Sweat and airports are the worst combo around but Meghan Markle has a tip for all of us to keep our faces looking fresh and clean! She uses Make Up Forever HD Powder to keep her skin looking calm and not too oily. At that to the list!
25. Hairnets Aren’t So Scary Afterall
A duchess is constantly on the go, and when they have to upkeep a hairdo at the same time it could be a real pain. So whenever the Duchess of Cambridge has a bun for her hairstyle she uses a hairnet to keep everything looking nice and tidy. They also have hair-colored hairnets so they blend in with your color easily!
26. Balance Your Diet
Meghan Markle believes you should never deprive yourself of the food you crave. You just have to find a healthy balance to not endulge so much that your body hurts. It’s all about listening to your body and also treating yourself every once in a while. Markle shared her creative way to eat her favorite food in a healthier way.
“I love fries. But you find a way to make that work, so have sweet potato fries, or bake them.”
27. Gel Liner Is A Must
An eyeliner pencil can easily smudge and be difficult to apply. Have no fear Kate Middleton is here! To avoid all of that mess Middleton uses a gel eyeliner to have a lasting popping look for her sparkly green eyes. Now you know what to grab on your next visit to the store!
28. Nutella Facial?
Kate Middleton’s beautician Deborah Mitchell shared some beauty magic and yes, a chocolately spread is involved! Mitchell recommends a mixture of Nutella, sugar, and lip balm for soft glowing skin. Although she didn’t exactly say Middleton herself uses this beauty hack, she did say she’s used it on plenty of her clients and they love the quick and easy method to glowy skin!
29. Face Exercises
We all know the importance of exercise in our daily lives. Meghan Markle has revealed that there’s a new work out we need to start doing… facial exercises! It’s time to do reps with our faces people! Markle told Birchbox in 2014, “I do facial exercises from one of my favorite aestheticians, Nicola Joss, who basically sculpts your face from the inside out. I swear it works, as silly as you may feel. On the days I do it, my cheekbones and jawline are waaaay more sculpted.”
30. They Have Beauty Icons Too!
Banter Beauty once asked Meghan Markleby who her ultimate beauty icon is and she revealed it’s the radiant Gwenyth Paltrow! For some reason we’re not surprised, hence Paltrow has an effortlessly natural look that Markle also embodies herself. She told Beauty Banter,
“I love how she has timeless style and looks chic and polished, but also embraces the effortless “rolled out of bed” look that all of us do on a daily basis. She just happens to do it better. Her makeup and style are spot on the direction that I want to go in.”
31. InvisaBRA
No way is a duchess going to be caught with a bra strap hanging from their dress! That’s a fashion no-no and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middeton knows just how to avoid papparazzi ever catching a strap. The duchess wears strapless bodysuits under her clothes so she doesn’t have to worry about those pesky straps. She also wears bodysuits that have invisible straps on them.
32. Primer Is A Must
Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle isn’t one to cake on the make-up. She keeps a very natural and refreshing look which her skin thanks her for. But one of her must-dos is applying her favorite primer Laura Mercier Illuminating Primer which keeps her skin moitsturized and gives her that dewy glow.
33. Rosehip Oil For The Win
Although the Duchess of Cambridge herself hasn’t confirmed her beauty routine, a source has revealed one of her favorites! She’s a sucker for rosehip oil and she loves the way it makes her skin shine. If your looking to buy her favorite brand Middleton specifically uses Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil!
34. Highlighter Trick
It can be difficult to keep your eyes looking bright and awake. Meghan Markle has revealed she puts her favorite highligher Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat in the inner corner of her eyes to open up those sleepy eyes. She even informed Birchbox saying,
“This trick is especially good when we are filming at 3 a.m. and I need to look bright eyed and bushy tailed.”
35. Make Skin Care A Habit
Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton is always ready for a close-up considering she has flawless skin. But when you have to wear make-up all the time it can be tricky to keep your skin happy. So to avoid any blemishes Middleton cleanses her skin thoroughly everyday. This helps removes any dirt, make-up, or dead skin from her pores so her skin can breathe much better.
36. Remember To Relax
It’s important to give yourself time to rest. Even when she’s on the go Meghan Markle always knows how to take time for herself so she can decompress. The duchess said for herself,
“I give myself the luxury of downtime. We are all so incredibly busy and juggling so many things, but I always take an hour to just decompress, that’s all part of the investment. It’s a balance.”
37. Tights Are Helpful
Hoisery may not be the most trendy thing. But for Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, she isn’t afraid to make them fashion forward. She’s been known to buy a specific brand of tights that have non-slip pads on the bottom of them to keep her feet from sliding out of her larger sized shoe.
38. Less Is Best
Meghan Markle shared that she doesn’t wear foundation unless she’s on film. But in her everyday life Markle never wears cakey foundation. She told Birchbox,
“Only apply foundation to the spots you need it and spread it with a beauty blender. I never want to cover my freckles, so I’ll just do a ‘wash’ of foundation in certain sections instead of over the entire face.”
39. Revamp The Same Outfit
Kate Middleton is no stranger to re-wearing the same outfit. We praise her for this because we all do it and why waste a beautiful look after you’ve worn it only once!? Don’t be afraid of restyling the same dress or shirt. This allows you to get creative and save $$ in the long run.
40. Listen To Your Body
It can be hard to get into the habit of exercising and eating right. But once you know just how much your body loves those things you might feel more inclined to do so. Meghan Markle is an advocate of healthy living and explained just how crucial it is for her mental health.
“I don’t just take care of myself for aesthetic reasons but because how I feel is dictated by what I’m eating, how much rest I’m getting and how much water I’m drinking. If I don’t have time for a long workout, I’ll grab my dog and go for a quick run. Being active is my own moving meditation.”
41. Keep It Classy
The late Princess Diana is known for her legendary style. In 2012 her makeup artist Mary Greenwell secrets to her styling and how Diana always stayed looking so classy! It’s all about the magic number… two. Greenwell told Stylist,
“You can combine full lips with a heavy eye; the trick is to wear a light blush. You just do two elements and not three. You never, ever do a full lip, eye, and blush!”
42. Change It Up
Princess Diana adored her blue eyeliner to match her eyes but her makeup artist steered her elsewhere. After a while her makeup artist Greenwell noticed how the blue was washing her out more than making her eyes pop. So Greenwell suggested Diana use a beige brown liner to bolden up her look and it did just that!
43. Queen Life
A queen can have mostly anything at the snap of her finger… including custom lipstick. In 1952 Clarin customized a lipstick for Queen Elizabeth so her lip color could match her coronation robes! How cool is that? If that sounds right up your alley other affordable beauty brands like Bite Beauty give you the opportunity to create your very own personalized lipstick color!
44. Hand Cream Is A Must-Have
Queen Elizabeth is a very busy woman and in her older age has found it very important to have her hand cream on hand… literally. Even though the Queen hasn’t said what her regime is directly, the brand Elizabeth Arden has a Royal Warrant with the family and they make appointments to meet with the Queen in person for cosmetic needs. The warranted brand spoke about how Eight Hour hand cream is “iconic”
45. Two Words
Texture spray. Meghan Markle swears by a great hair flip to liven up your look. In her previous acting days, her stylist turned her on to Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray which gives her hair some extra volume when it’s been weighed down all day. Don’t forget the hair flip!
46. Nude Nails For The Win
Dutchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton is constantly attending events while also serving looks. When it comes to nail colors, they can get a bit clashy with different outfits, so she keeps it sweet and simple with nude nails! No need to sweat over picking out your polish, when you can match everything with a nude polish.
47. Big Haircuts Are Empowering
We often don’t realize how connected we are to the hair on our heads. Princess Diana herself tended to hide behind her poofy 80’s hairdo. But once she got some inspiration and that push to take a risk she embarked on her iconic bob hairstyle. As scary as it seems to chop it all off, it can actually be an amazing quality for your ego!
48. Makeup On The Go
The life of a royal is full of events and busy schedules. After a while, the royals adapt to this fast-paced lifestyle and are able to share their helpful tips… including doing makeup in the car! Princess Eugenie told Harpers Bazaar,
“I do my makeup in the car. “I’m really good at doing it on the move! I use Charlotte Tilbury and Bobbi Brown — Charlotte’s mascara and Bobbi Brown bronzer. They are geniuses.”
Now that takes some serious skill!
49. Happy Body, Healthy Skin
Princess Diana’s makeup artist shared how the duchess was able to have such beautiful skin and we could all take some notes!
“Lots of sleep is also essential, as is exercise and a good diet. After I started working with her, Diana did everything in moderation. She cut back on drinking so her skin was 100%. Women today need to take care of themselves the same way.”
50. Don’t Forget About The Roots
When quickly applying mascara you can end up with a sloppy look. But thankfully Princess Diana’s makeup artist is her with the tips. She noted that she taught the duchess to apply mascara starting at the root of her eyelashes. This allows for a perfect pop rather than a disconnected smudge of color. As you can see her tips paid off and Princess Diana will always be one of the most glamorous women to ever live!
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