How Kate Middleton's Hairstyle, Makeup Made Her Look 'Younger' At Royal Variety Performance: Experts

Kate Middleton's recent hair and makeup transformation made her look "younger and more stylish," according to beauty experts.

Some hair and makeup experts recently weighed in on the Duchess of Cambridge's look during her appearance at the annual Royal Variety Performance with Prince William at the Royal Albert Hall in London Thursday.

Middleton looked stunning in a glittering emerald gown by Jenny Packham that she first wore during the couple's 2019 tour of Pakistan. She paired the outfit with £125 ($168) gold dangling earrings by Missoma and a simple green custom Jenny Packham clutch bag that complemented her outfit.

As for her hair, celebrity hairstylist and brand consultant Tom Smith noted that the duchess eschewing her usual bouncy blowout for more "casual" and stylish curls swept over one shoulder made her look "more warm and lighthearted."

"This is a completely different hair look for Kate than we have ever seen her wear before," Smith told Daily Mail's Femail. "Not only is her hair swept over one shoulder in a clear statement, but the texture of her hair is miles away from the traditional glossy blowdry we are used to seeing."

The expert said the textured look had been carefully constructed to appear natural, giving Middleton a "much younger, more playful energy." He also noted the recent "shift" in the future queen's image.

"It's interesting that the side-swept style does not appear to be 'pinned' or secured over her shoulder — which would appear more regal and stiff, but instead Kate has simply swept her curls over her shoulder in a much more casual way than we have seen before," he continued. "There's been a real shift in how Kate is being presented to us recently. She appears much more warm and lighthearted and looks younger, more stylish and more free. It definitely feels more authentic."

Meanwhile, makeup artist Laura Kay, founder of Laura Kay London, told the outlet that Middleton's "peachy fresh" make-up enhanced with cream blush contour made her look younger.

"Kate is dazzling. She looks like a true English rose with her natural beauty shining through," the expert said, adding that Middleton's complexion is "the healthiest it has ever looked."

Kay noted that Middleton kept her makeup fresh with a BB cream (beauty balm), which "gives a soft sheer coverage but is great for concealing any minor blemishes." The duchess also used a deep brown eyeliner to define her lashes and create a dramatic eye look, according to the makeup artist.

Kay said the duchess also has a light silver/white eye shadow above her eyelid that reflects light and filled in her brown brows. She finished her look with glossy red lipstick.

"Overall, it is a very 'undone' look Kate is opting for," Kay said.

Middleton's look during the performance also received praise from social media users and royal fans, who described her as "regal."

"[The Duchess of Cambridge] is wow-ing everyone, everywhere," one user wrote.

"Kate looks gorgeous in anything," another fan added.

The annual Royal Variety Performance supports the Royal Variety Charity, of which Queen Elizabeth is the sole patron. The funds raised from the show go to helping hundreds of entertainers throughout the U.K. who are struggling as a result of old age, ill-health or hard times.

Last year, the charity event was held at the Blackpool Opera House in front of a virtual audience due to the COVID-19 pandemic.