I have quite a few royal-approved must-haves in my beauty arsenal – like the amazing Maybelline mascara loved by Meghan Markle, – and for lips, one thing I always have in my handbag is the fool-proof Clarins Natural Lip Perfector that just happens to be loved by Princess Kate.
The good news is the shea butter enriched lip gloss that's also a nourishing treatment, which is regularly priced at £23, is discounted in the early Black Friday sales for £18.40 at Amazon or if you prefer to shop on the high-street, £18.40 at John Lewis. If you're based in the US, keep an eye on Amazon for price drops.
In 2019, Princess Kate accidentally revealed her fave Clarins Lip balm after she applied the Lip Perfector while in the stands watching a tennis match at Wimbledon. Kate's go-to shade is Rose Shimmer, which you'll be pleased to know is on sale.
As Duchess Kate is a huge fan of natural-looking makeup, we can see why she would have this tinted lip balm handy at all times! The 'melting gel' formula gloss gives lips just a hint of subtle natural color, so it can be easily swiped on anywhere at any moment and promises to nourish and protect as well.
If you're already a Clarins fan – or if you're looking for a cute gift set this year – you can also find a mini of Princess Kate's go-to tinted lip treatment in the Clarins The Make Up Collection gift set, which costs £36 but is worth a whopping £77. Inside you'll find a mini Lip Perfector and a mini Lip Comfort Oil, plus ten more Clarins beauty treats.
Why I also love Princess Kate's Clarins Natural Lip Perfector
If you want a natural glossy look, I'd say you really can't go wrong with this popular Clarins tinted lip balm, which I use year round either alone or to add some shine, layering it over my regular lip color.
One of the details I love about the Lip Perfector is it's so easy to apply. Whereas a lot of balms are applied with the plastic tip of the tube, the glossy Clarins balm has a "pampering" angled cushion applicator to glide it on perfectly with a soft exfoliating feeling that instantly gives your lips a mini-spa treatment every time you swipe it on.
During the colder months the nourishing ingredients really get to work to keep chapping at bay and keep my lips soft and hydrated.
In the summer it's the perfect hint of colour with a subtle, gentle plumping effect (but it's not tingly or irritating to my sensitive skin) for an effortless beauty look.
It's no wonder it's a favorite of Princess Kate!
The balm itself instantly melts from a creamy texture to a gloss when you apply, and it has a lovely vanilla scent. It's really just plain pleasant all around, a kind of elevated balm experience that goes beyond a standard drugstore buy.
If there's a negative for me, it's that it has a sweet taste when you apply - but that doesn't stop me from keeping it on my beauty must-haves list.