At first glance, Princess Diana and Lily James may not have much in common, other than being English Rose beauties. Lily is an actress, currently riding high as the star of highly-anticipated summer film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Diana was, of course, one of our best-loved royals and a prolific humanitarian. Even their styles are very different, with Lily edging towards quirky, fashion-forward looks and Diana preferring classic glamour. However, they share one very close but unexpected connection.
Mary and Diana had a very close bond
It's been revealed that they both have the same woman to thank for helping them create their trademark beauty looks. Makeup expert Mary Greenwell, who helped define the classic look Diana was famous for, is also responsible for Lily's Hollywood "glow-up". The beauty guru works with the 29-year-old for both red carpet events and magazine photoshoots, and has described the star as "beautiful" and "talented".
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Lily has credited Mary with helping her learn how to define her eyebrows and cheekbones, and introducing her to bold new looks such as red lips. She also created an eight-minute beauty routine for the star using just eight products: first a spritz of Natura Bisse Diamond Mist moisturiser, followed by Dior Glow Maximiser primer balm and Clinique tinted moisturiser. After the skin is perfected some Lancome mascara is added to the lashes, then Charlotte Tilbury's highlighting compact for lips, cheeks and eyes is dabbed on. The look is finished with a little Dior liquid blush, Burt's Bees lip balm and some Le Rouge Coco shine.
Mary with the Mamma Mia! cast
Mary, who also created Meghan Markle's look for her Vanity Fair cover, worked with Diana for years and is the woman responsible for encouraging her to drop her trademark blue eyeliner in favour of a soft brown. She recently spoke of her close relationship with the Princess, saying: "I am honoured to have worked with her and honoured to have been in her company. When she was young, she had the most beautiful skin."