beauty tips

The Best Dressed Royal Wedding Guests (And How To Get Their Makeup Looks)

Ever since our very own Princess Mary married Denmark's Prince Frederick in 2004, it's pretty much been a given that modern royal brides will look elegant and timeless. And this weekend the new Duchess of Sussex, aka Meghan Markle, kept up that same tradition at her wedding to Prince Harry in a simple, white Givenchy gown and five metre embroidered veil. Royal wedding guests, though? Often a mixed bag. (The less said about those fascinators worn by two certain princesses to Kate and Will's 2011 wedding, the better!) Lucky for fashion fans, guests at Meghan & Harry's wedding did go for some unexpectedly chic looks. Most surprisingly? Traditional pastels, for the most part, got left at the door in favour of strong colour and bold patterns. And they rocked beauty looks to match.

10. Jacinda Barrett

PHOTO: @SUITSTHESERIES

The Australian actress attended with her husband, Meghan’s Suits co-star Gabriel Macht. Structured shoulders and a geometric cut out panel added interest, but weren’t overshadowed by her intricate brooch. She kept her makeup understated with a soft pink lip and let the dress do the talking.

Try Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Blush Lip and Cheek Sheer Colour in Tender Rose, $50.

9. Sabrina Dhowre

PHOTO: @THEALISTLIFESTYLE

We know, it’s hard to get it wrong when your husband Idris Elba is the best accessory a girl could have. Sabrina would look just as sophisticated without him, though, in this formal take on a classic cardigan with a pop of neon red. Plus, her peach blush is ideal for the sunny weather.

Try Stila Convertible Colour in Petunia, $36.

8. Victoria Beckham

Much like with our #10 pick, Sabrina, Victoria is lucky enough to almost be overshadowed by the gorgeous man beside her. However, she manages to shine on her own in the same elegant shade of navy as she opted for at Kate and Wills’ 2011 wedding. Severe and to the point (speaking of which, where art thou nipple covers, Vicky?), it’s an unusual but striking choice for a spring wedding. Much like her graphic black liner.

Try Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx, $40.

7. Abigail Spencer

PHOTO: @INLOVEWITHABBY_

Another of Meghan’s Suits alum, Abigail Spencer, also went for an unexpected, bold look in navy. We love that she set it off with a deep crimson lip.

Try Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color in Your Majesty, $40.

6. Charlotte Riley

PHOTO: @ALARMFASHION

Working the spring/summer trend of moody florals in her The Vampire’s Wife dress (and working this wedding’s trend for hot dates by bringing husband Tom Hardy), actress Charlotte Riley brought a Parisian touch with her netted veil and dark, full brows.

Try Benefit Brow Zings in Deep, $55.

5. Sofia Wellesley

PHOTO: @REDVALENTINO

James Blunt’s wife Sofia would have felt more at home than most at a royal wedding – she is the granddaughter of the Duke of Wellington (as you do). She picked the perfect subtle bronzer to bring some life to her makeup look, without distracting from the eye-catching embroidery of her REDValentino number.

Try Tom Ford The Ultimate Bronzer in Gold Dust, $150.

4. Kitty Spencer

PHOTO: @NIGHTOWLBLUES_

When you’re Princess Di’s niece, there’s really no better look to go for than classic English rose (set off by emerald green Dolce & Gabbana and a squillion diamonds, of course). Her barely there pink pout is appropriate and oh-so-pretty.

Try Dior Lip Glow in Pink, $49.

3. Amal Clooney

PHOTO: @CTILBURYMAKEUP

We have to be honest – mustard yellow isn’t one of our favourite colours. If anyone can pull it off, though, it’s Amal. The cut of her Stella McCartney hat and frock (complete with 1950s sash) really are just too glam for words. Her immaculate makeup by the one and only Charlotte Tilbury isn’t bad, either.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder in Medium, $70.

See more right here for Amal’s complete makeup look.

2. Sarah Rafferty

The gorgeously voluminous sleeves on Suits star Sarah Rafferty’s frock, combined with her elegant veiled headpiece, make her the winner of the navy club – and ever so close to being our top pick for the whole day. Her nude gloss is a very pretty addition.

Try Nars Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge, $37.

1. Gina Torres

PHOTO: @DOLLOPS_OF_DELICIOUSNESS_

A former Suits castmate, Torres looked stunning in this tailored yet sheer coral number (and who doesn’t love a tribute to one of the coolest brides of all time, Bianca Jagger, in a statement floppy hat?) Her matte coral lip coordinates perfectly.

Try Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Creme Coral, $40.

Story by Zoe Briggs.