Remembering Diana, Princess of Wales, The People’s Pretty

Twenty years after her death, we fondly look back at some of our favourite looks from “the people’s princess.”
Diana, the style icon, eschewed trends and opted for her own personal favourites regardless of what was in vogue at the time. As a result, her look was always regal and restrained—and this extended to her subdued, natural beauty as well.
Here, we look back at some of her best looks.
Although her tresses started out as a Dorothy Hamill-like wedge cut, Diana refined it over the years into one of her most recognizable physical traits. Short, instead of long, blown out, instead of smooth, she often styled it with volume directed towards the front and sides, and with full, feathered bangs.
Of course, as was often the case with the Princess, she did surprise on occasion: who could forget the moment she slicked the whole thing down for a sexy, modern coif at the CFDA Awards in 1995?
Diana’s love affair with blue eyeliner eventually gave way to a more sophisticated look that included well-defined lashes, neutral eyeshadow, and darker liner. Her eyebrows were kept neat and natural (not overly-plucked or dramatic), and the colour was the perfect tawny shade (just a little bit darker than her hair colour—this is the zone for towheads everywhere).
In an era before intense makeup contouring, Diana’s face was painted in deep-rose blush, and peach or pink lipsticks. Although she favoured a bit of shine to keep her pout spotlight-ready, her skin was often lightly powdered instead of dewy. Her enviable skin could be attributed to good genes, but the use of good product (such as a wrinkle-fighting moisturizer) probably helped, too.
Clockwise from top left:
- Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Powder Foundation, $41, Sephora.ca – Keep shine at bay with a powder foundation
- Lise Watier Lift and Firm 3D Ultra Firming Rejuvenating Day Cream, $62, LiseWatier.com – A light moisturizer to keep skin supple and smooth
- YSL Blush Radiance, $55, Sephora.ca – A combination of pink blush and a light bronzer for creating a soft glow
- L’Oreal Color Riche Eyebrow Pencil in Golden Brown, $10, Shoppers Drug Mart – A great shade for blondes, or very light brunettes
- CoverGirl Liquiline Blast Eyeliner in Blue Boom, $10, Shoppers Drug Mart – Use the smudger to create a soft, smoked out effect for evening
- Maybelline Volum’ Express The Colossal Smoky Eyes Mascara, $9, Shoppers Drug Mart – This mascara is for seriously thick lashes, and the pointed brush makes it easy to coat smaller lashes at the corner of the eyes
- Chanel Rogue Coco Shine Lipstick in Rendez-Vous, $40, Holt Renfrew – A very sheer and moisturizing lipstick that imparts a soft shine