The Princess of Wales’ pocket-change skin secret, revealed

The Princess of Wales' makeup artist has revealed the simple and easy-to-follow skincare step that she always recommends to clients.

Kate Middleton's makeup and skincare routine is a closely guarded secret, but there are clues out there if you know where to look. Makeup artist and founder of Votary Skincare, Arabella Preston has disclosed that one of her best beauty secrets is something you probably already have at home – or can pick up at the shops for less than a couple of bucks. 

Arabella Preston is the makeup artist credited with teaching Kate her tips and tricks before the Princess famously did her own makeup on her 2011 wedding day. Since shining bright in Westminster Abbey during the royal wedding with her beautiful natural makeup look, the Princess has continued to dazzle in photographs ever since, using the techniques she learned from Arabella.

So, how does Kate keep her skin unblemished and glowing? Well, Preston revealed in an interview with The Cut that the secret is, "all about the flannel."

Our beauty team recommends...

IKEA DIMFORSEN Washcloth | RRP: $2.49 / £2.25 for 4

These handy facecloths are perfect for washing away the day and gently exfoliating for smooth, glowing skin. Just pop it in the washing machine after using it.

• IKEA DIMFORSEN Washcloth $2.49 at Ikea US
• IKEA DIMFORSEN Washcloth £2.25 at Ikea UK

The simple washcloth, forgotten in recent years in favor of the trendier muslin cloth or the best skincare devices designed for deep cleansing, is now making a comeback.

"More gentle than any motorized cleanser brush, the right flannel will allow you to cleanly wipe makeup and dirt from your skin and gently exfoliate," Preston explained. This means that, before Catherine applies any products to her skin, it could actually be how she takes her makeup off that's the key to her glowing complexion. 

This beauty trick couldn't be simpler or more budget-friendly, and we'll certainly be taking it up. And if you want to double down on regal skincare, it has also been revealed that the secret to Kate's glowing skin is her love of Rosehip oil.

Our beauty team recommends...

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil | RRP: $35 / £33 

Kate Middleton's Rosehip Oil of choice is 100% natural and certified organic, containing all-important fatty acids and antioxidants to help you achieve a glowing complexion.

With the price of face flannels often less than $2 / £1 per cloth and rosehip oil retailing around $35 / £27, Kate's simple and effective skincare routine is one we can all have a go at replicating at home.