We may not be able to mingle and buy tiaras at Buckingham Palace. Recreating the picture-perfect princess look is surprisingly possible and doesn't require a trip across the pond.

This insider tip comes courtesy of makeup artist Mary Greenwell. In addition to being the only makeup artist to have worked on both Princess Diana and Meghan Markle, she has also done makeup for OG supermodels like Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford. Says Greenwell, "Princess Diana was a timeless beauty." So I focus on a beautiful base complexion, and the most important step is to create a soft eye look." The royal look is known for its light makeup. Greenwell added, "Our approach to beauty was to create a classic look, not a trend." Here are Greenwell's top tips for looking effortlessly beautiful, just as Lady Di always did.

We all love a vampy lip, but neutrals are best for a royal look. Princess Diana and Meghan Markle may wear darker shades of lip for evening events (like last year's Cirque du Soleil premiere (open in new tab) or Princess Di's attendance at the 1996 Met Gala), but daytime events require something more understated. 'Use a nude or rose color. The formula should be sheer and satin, not too shiny or too matte," she says.

Greenwell describes the royal roadmap for complexion makeup: "To create a seamless makeup look in person and on camera, I use buildable cream or liquid products that can be layered and blended into the skin. For complexion, I use buildable and flexible formulas to create custom-made coverage. For the most natural look, I like to use satin-based products rather than matte ones to create a second skin-like effect. Buildable concealers should be used only where needed. I like to use a shade specifically for blemishes and a slightly lighter shade to brighten under the eyes."

To add color and create a healthy, natural glow, use a cream or liquid blush that can be patted on with your fingers and diffused into the skin. I always like to blend the product with my hands rather than a brush to create a second-skin effect," says Greenwell. The iconic look from the Met Gala (Princess Diana's) is the most memorable. I used sheer blush on the skin to create a softer look. Liquid or cream blush is used to create a soft veil effect on the skin. The key is to give the skin a healthy, natural glow."

Graphic eyes may be on trend, but there is no euphoria makeup within the palace walls. Greenwell advises using browns and taupes for the eyes, creating a very soft, smoky effect, and always finish with mascara (good lashes are universal).

The trick here is to apply the highlight without making it look like you actually applied the highlight. That means no glitter and no strobes. Just a small amount of highlighter on the high cheeks and brow bone." The Iconic London Illuminator (opens in new tab) has a beautiful pearlescent finish and is very easy to blend, so you never get a shimmery finish. I avoid highlighting under my nose or anywhere else on my face.

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.

Click here to subscribe (opens in new tab)