The cult classic nail polish loved by Kate Middleton is surprisingly affordable
Queen Elizabeth II was a huge fan of this shade too


If there's one thing you can be certain of with Kate Middleton, it's that she will always have an immaculate manicure. But, surprisingly, it doesn't cost a fortune to achieve her signature soft pink finish.
One of her favourite polishes, Essie's Ballet Slippers, is surprisingly affordable at less than £7. A truly timeless nail polish that has been popular for decades, it is the ultimate everyday shade that suits everyone and is suitable for any occasion, as proven by Kate's countless outings sporting the lacquer.
And it's not just the Princess of Wales who loves this shade. Queen Elizabeth was such a huge fan of Ballet Slippers that she requested a bottle of it be sent to the Palace, and it was widely known to be the only nail polish she wore. Anything good enough for the royals is surely good enough for us, especially when it's this cheap...
Essie Ballet Slippers Nail Polish, was £6.74 now £5.89 at Amazon
This royal-approved polish has been worn by Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and even the Queen. Plus, it's formulated to strengthen nails and protect from chips.
Shop more Kate Middleton-approved Prime Day deals
Nothing beats a pair of the best white trainers and these are Princess Catherine's favourites. Now 50% off, there's no better time to invest in these comfy staples.
If you want to know how to copy Kate Middleton's makeup, start with this eyeshadow palette. She reportedly loves an Urban Decay Naked palette, and it makes sense considering the typically neutral and soft eye looks she goes for.
Princess Catherine is believed to have worn Ballet Slippers on her wedding day (though back then the shade was called Allure), and she certainly started a pared-back nail trend that brides today love to emulate. Thanks to the sheer finish, it gives the most beautiful your-nails-but-better look that will never date.
And the royal love of Ballet Slippers for wedding manicures doesn't end there - Meghan Markle wore the same shade on her big day too, proving just how universal and refined this shade really is.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.

Amelia joined woman&home in 2022 after graduating with an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and she is now a senior fashion and beauty writer. She began building her career as a lifestyle journalist after completing a fashion journalism course at the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design in 2019, writing for a variety of titles including OK!, New!, and Notion on topics such as sustainable fashion and entertainment.
-
Everyone loves Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish, but Ruth Langsford relies on this under-the-radar buy for a radiant complexion instead
Buffing away dead skin cells, this formula is Ruth's secret to unveiling a smooth, luminous complexion
-
My regular swimsuit is taking a backseat this summer - I'm wearing this wetsuit-inspired costume instead
This year, I decided to focus on finding a wetsuit swimming costume that provides warmth minus the squeeze and effort, so I can enjoy a dip without the exertion
-
Ruth Langsford relies on this under-the-radar exfoliant to unlock her bright and radiant complexion
Buffing away dead skin cells, this formula is Ruth's secret to unveiling a smooth, luminous complexion
-
Kate Middleton’s go-to Jo Malone perfume is like summer in a bottle
If you're looking for a new spring scent, it doesn't get much better than Kate Middleton's citrusy go-to, Jo Malone's London Orange Blossom Cologne
-
Sarah Jessica Parker's 'holy grail' retinol eye cream that she's 'never without' is her smoothing secret
There's a huge discount on SJP's under-eye smoother now
-
Our beauty team declare these the 9 best Tatcha products that are actually worth investing in
This luxury Japanese skincare brand makes home to an array of quality buys that are set to elevate anyone's routine
-
How to get Jennifer Aniston’s 'simple' signature glow – straight from her makeup artist
The pro teaches us how to add 'dimension' to the face with sun-kissed color
-
Budget to Blowout: These are the three gentle cleansers I rely on, as someone with sensitive skin
These formulas do a stellar job at cleaning my sensitive and temperamental skin, without causing any irritation
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite Clarins lip balm is a handbag essential for hydrated, smooth and pretty pink lips
Kate Middleton has long been a fan of Clarins' products and her go-to lip balm from the brand offers a sheer wash of colour as well as hydration and moisture
-
The 3 anti-humidity hair products our Beauty Editor is using on repeat this week
Our Beauty eComm Editor's On Repeat product recommendations column is back with a trio of anti-humidity hair products