There are certain unwritten protocols when it comes to beauty, and especially for a huge occasion like Royal Ascot – but Zara Tindall clearly isn’t concerned. The royal favourite did things her own way for opening day at this year’s event, eschewing the formal ladylike tradition of lipstick for a totally bare lip look. What’s more surprising? It absolutely works.
Zara’s day one look at Royal Ascot took the old ‘smokey eye, nude lips’ maxim to a literal level. Her lash line was strikingly defined with liner and jet-black mascara, complemented by a rich, smoked-out bronze eyeshadow that really made her blue eyes pop. However, her lips were kept bare, apart from what appears to be a slick of clear gloss.
Max Mumby/Indigo
Zara went for a nude lip look at Royal Ascot
While most of us might think we need lippy to complete our look on this sort of big-ticket day, Zara’s bare approach is one well worth copying, according to celebrity makeup artist Fiona Florczak.
‘A fresh wash of clear gloss is actually the perfect lip to complement a soft smoked daytime eye,’ she tells GH. ‘It keeps the makeup dewy and playful.’
Max Mumby/Indigo
This is a look that needs prep, says MUA Fiona Florczak
Zara is clearly a woman who knows her colours, Fiona adds. ‘Zara’s soft pink tonal outfit is so flattering for her skin tone – a punch of colour without feeling loud – and her makeup does a similar job. Her eyes are defined using a complementary brown pencil close to the lash line, keeping the socket warm and bronzed, and flattering her sparkly blue eyes. This look holds definition and depth, but by using bronzy tones, it lends itself to a more daytime glam.’
Samir Hussein
Zara knows her most flattering colours
However, there is one caveat to make before we all ditch the lipstick. Lips need to be soft, smooth and well-cared for in order to make this look appear luxe not lazy.
And for that, we need to prep, prep, prep, says Fiona. ‘The perfect lip prep starts with a mild scrub. There are lots on the market but my favourite is MAC Lip Scrubtious. It’s a lovely sugar-based formula that gently exfoliates the lips. It removes dead skin cells, leaving them soft and perfectly prepped for a simple wash of gloss. Or colour, if that’s your choice.’
Gentle lip exfoliation is something we often forget about, with lip care falling off the priority list as we move on from winter’s chapping. ‘But in the summer, our lips can become dry and sun damaged,’ warns Fiona.
And do remember to put safety first: ‘While gloss looks hydrating and plumping, be careful in the sun. Zara is sensibly wearing a wide-brim hat to protect her face from sunlight,’ says Fiona.
Max Mumby/Indigo
Zara keeps her cool with sunnies and a hat
If you don’t quite dare to bare à la Zara, there are still ways to lean into her laidback lip look. ‘Lip stains and soft colour washes are everywhere this summer, giving lips a healthy hydrated look without the need to keep topping up,’ says Fiona. (By Terry’s Tea to Tan is a current GH favourite.) ‘It’s a great way to look put-together without the worry of a smeared lipstick, smudging or bleeding lip lines.’
By Terry Tea To Tan Lip & Cheek 5ml
By Terry Tea To Tan Lip & Cheek 5ml
Credit: Look fantastic
Perfect for whenever you have an afternoon sipping Champagne.
