Queen Camilla’s recent glow hasn’t gone unnoticed. Here at GH, we’ve been admiring it all morning. The Queen looked absolutely radiant during an outing in Suffolk yesterday — and her glowing complexion is all the proof we need that a luminous makeup finish is the most flattering approach for mature skin.
‘Queen Camilla’s look is the epitome of refined elegance,’ says leading makeup artist and brand founder Ruby Hammer. ‘She looks naturally effortless and pulled together without looking overdone.’
CHRIS RADBURN
Queen Camilla looks absolutely radiant in new photos
From her ageless brow trick to her ‘complexion brightening’ lipstick shade, Queen Camilla has given us no shortage of beauty inspiration in recent weeks. Now, recreating her healthy-looking glow has shot straight to the top of our beauty to-do list.
As Ruby explains, a luminous complexion does more than simply look radiant — it also has anti-ageing effects. ‘Youthful skin naturally reflects light, so mimicking that with a glowing finish helps create the illusion of health and vitality. A luminous complexion is much more forgiving as it creates a soft-focus effect rather than settling into creases,’ she says.
WPA Pool // Getty Images
By contrast, she notes that matte finishes can be much less forgiving on mature skin. ‘Matte formulas tend to do the opposite — they absorb light, creating contrast and shadows that draw attention to lines and texture.’
For a royal glow like Camilla’s, it’s all about getting your base right. ‘Always ensure you’ve done adequate skin prep,’ says Ruby. She notes that age is not a skin type, so it’s important to look for products with ingredients that address your skin’s specific needs.
When it comes to foundation and concealer, Ruby recommends following a ‘less is more’ approach. ‘Choose a lightweight foundation to even out your skin tone, and if required, use a lightweight hydrating concealer under the eyes,’ she says.
WPA Pool // Getty Images
The glow is all in the skin prep and base makeup
To really dial up your glow, cream and liquid formulas are your best allies. ‘A cream blush and a liquid illuminator will tie that healthy, radiant glow together effortlessly,’ says Ruby. Her own Ruby Hammer Cheek Colour is a brilliant option here.
The luminosity doesn’t have to stop at your skin. In fact, Ruby recommends carrying that radiance through to the lips. ‘A satin colour is comfortable and hydrating, and the subtle sheen will catch the light without looking harsh, especially on thinner lips’ she explains.
If Queen Camilla’s look is anything to go by, consider us influenced (and our matte products firmly pushed to the back of our makeup bags).