In my opinion, Kate Middleton is one of the most iconic female celebrities to emerge from the woodwork in the past couple of years. It is not only her poise, elegance, and beaming smile but, honestly, what baffles me the most is how good she looks after delivery. All three of them!
We’ve all been privy to the smiling royal pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William looking serene and composed on the steps of the hospital. It takes a minute to realize Kate gave birth less than 24 hours earlier and that most of us would be in a wheelchair with second-day hospital hair. Meanwhile, Kate is standing on her own two feet, in heels, wearing a summery dress, and waving to her adoring fans.
The real question is how does she do it?
How does Kate look so Kate-ish right after birth? Most of us don’t look like ourselves until a solid month post-delivery, yet Kate manages to skip all the herbal bath soaks and the cold compresses.
The answer is she doesn’t.
I’ve come up with a list of ways we can all look like Kate post labour… that is, if you want to!
- Hair
Kate’s hairstylist Amanda Cook Tucker is apparently on call right after the birth. She was actually Prince George’s second visitor ever, she saw the prince even before his Middleton grandparents did. She then immediately proceeds to blow dry Kate’s locks to their normal perfection, regardless of how the delivery might have affected the luster of her normally enviable locks. Amanda has been cutting royal hair for ages. She cut William and Harry’s hair when they were boys and, reportedly, tends to George and Charlotte’s hair as well.
Make sure to pack some sample size hair products. Sometimes, the hospital smell can really bother. Why not pack some of the best smelling dry shampoo and dry conditioner your partner can find? Just kidding. Send him to the store equipped with pictures and instructions. A headband and/or a ponytail holder can also do wonders with covering greasy hair. Just slip them on and no one is the wiser. Voila!
- Makeup
Kate doesn’t leave her home without a face of makeup. Would the labor wing of the hospital be any different? Even if she had just given birth? No way! In classic British fashion, Kate shows up ready or not at all, so she is always ready and she is always made up to perfection. Kate is famed for doing her own makeup, even on her wedding day. She uses a whole lot of Bobbi Brown and Yves Saint Lauren in order to achieve her perfect complexion.
I am certainly not advocating wearing makeup immediately after labor. After those grueling hours, the last thing you want to do is slather foundation on your face for your family and fans coming to say hi to the baby. A pop of lipstick or a sweep of mascara is more than enough to brighten your face. Bringing night cream and eye cream in your overnight bag is also a good option.
- Clothes and Shoes
Kate’s post-pregnancy clothes are really pieces of art themselves. Her maternity dresses, as well, are classy, simple, and elegant. What Kate never fails to get right is the beauty of simplicity. Although Kate does wear what our equivalent of Christmas or Easter dresses is right after delivery, we can take note of her style. Her shoes are always classy and understated as well, and usually the more comfortable of her heels.
Heels are always a no-go right after delivery. However, flats or comfy sneakers can always do the trick. Your Keds or simple ballet flats are classy enough to pair with a lightweight and easy dress to throw on. Pick the flowiest dress you can find, and pair it with some flats and you look classy and put together. Last tip is to always make sure to pack a cardigan in case it gets chilly! The worst feeling is being wheeled out into the frigid October air with nothing but a zip-up hoodie.
I think the one thing we can conclude with is this: all moms are different, all deliveries are different, and all babies are different. No two will ever be the same. Kate doesn’t even look like the Kate right after delivery! What matters most is that you’re a mother now and your fans can see you sans makeup and in a hospital robe if you want!
