Is this face cleansing technique the key to Kate Middleton's amazing skin?
We're always desperate to know which beauty products and techniques The Duchess of Cambridge uses to get her perfect glow and stunning features. And now, Kate Middleton's makeup artist has revealed the surprisingly simple skincare secret she swears by.
Speaking to The Cut , Arabella, who is the co-founder of skincare line Votary and a former beauty editor, explained that “It’s all about the flannel."
Interestingly, she's not even talking about the modern, trendy muslin cloth, but the old humble flannel. You know, the one your Mum used to make you use when you were a kid and which will set you back a few quid at most.
Instagram content
"It’s quite necessary," Arabella explained, before discussing why the flannel is a great exfoliator which is more hygienic than using your hands.
Who knew the humble flannel would have its moment in the spotlight?!
Getty ImagesKate's beauty look today consists of her signature glossy blow-dry, pared back makeup and perfectly groomed brows.
Getty ImagesKate went big and bouncy for the Royal Variety Performance, paired with a sheer Alexander McQueen gown with a lacy, floral applique overlay.
Getty ImagesA smart up-do is the order of the day at the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial at The Cenotaph, teamed with a chic all-black ensemble.
Getty ImagesKate's low-key, tousled waves reflect her more relaxed outfit and beaming smile while on royal tour in Pakistan.
Getty ImagesKate paired her luscious locks with this stunning Lock & Co hat at the traditional Easter Sunday church service at St George's Chapel.
Getty ImagesWho's hair looks this good just after giving birth?! Kate wore her hair down with a natural curl at the ends after the birth of her third child.
Getty ImagesThe Duchess looked spring-ready as she attended a SportsAid event at the Copper Box Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Look at how glossy her curls are! Maybe it's the pregnancy glow doing its thang.
Getty ImagesFebruary 2018
When in Norway, the Duchess showed off her much shorter tresses with a faux-fur hat and darker makeup - the smoky eye was paired with a nude lip and rosy cheeks.
REXJanuary 2018
Looking royal as ever in blue, Kate let her sapphire earrings steal the show with classic natural makeup and her signature curls.
Getty ImagesDecember 2017
The holiday season is here and The Duchess has fully embraced her new signature look: side-parted glossy curls - which we will be copying for our Christmas parties.
Getty ImagesNovember 2017
Meghan Markle might be giving The Duchess a run for her good-hair money. While Meghan's long strands are super modern, Kate's glossy curls are a timeless statement.
Getty ImagesOctober 2017
Not event windy London days can stop Kate's curls from looking absolutely gorgeous. The Duchess, who's pregnant with baby number 3, is positively glowing.
REX FeaturesAugust 2017
At the commemorations at the Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Belgium, Kate was a vision in white. We love her chic updo and pretty earrings.
Rex FeaturesJuly 2017
Kate's recent haircut has allowed her locks to really shine with their glossy topcoat and seemingly thicker texture.
Rex FeaturesJuly 2017
Another day in Poland, another flawless hairstyle. We're loving Kate's shorter glossy waves.
Getty ImagesJuly 2017
During her royal tour of Poland, the Duchess wowed with this chic low chignon hairstyle, which she paired with pretty pearl jewellery.
Getty ImagesJuly 2017
Courtside at Wimbledon, Kate showed off her gorgeous new hair cut - this time centre parted and with subtle waves. Dreamy!
Getty ImagesJuly 2017
Kate has had a serious chop (we hear it's 6 inches) and we think it's the perfect summer change up! She debuted her new look court-side at Wimbledon.
Getty ImagesJune 2017
During royal Ascot, Kate wore a stunning white ensemble, topped off with a chic headpiece...
Getty ImagesJune 2017
And a gorgeous chignon!
Getty ImagesApril 2017
Along with Prince Harry, Kate hosted a reception for runners from Team Heads Together. She opted for the au natural look, with a casual ensemble and tumbling, loose waves.
March 2017
Kate attended the 2017 Portrait Gala at the National Portrait Gallery wearing a dark green lace dress and shiny, slightly textured curls.
Rex FeaturesMarch 2017
On a visit to the Trocadero while in Paris, Kate wore her hair down in silky, glossy waves. We love the curled ends in this style.
Getty ImagesFebruary 2017
The Duchess dazzled at a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark the launch of the UK-India Year of Culture 2017. She sported a half-up, half-down hairstyle and flushed cheeks.
Getty ImagesJanuary 2017
Kate attended The Guild of Health Writers Conference with Heads Together recently. She wore an eye-catching shade of purple and her hair in loose, glossy waves.
PA PhotosDecember 2016
Attending a charity event alongside William and Harry, Kate opts for her classic curls with an extra layer of shine!
PA PhotosDecember 2016
Kate arrived at The Scout and Guide Hut at North Wootton looking as fresh as ever. She wore her hair in simple yet exceptionally chic curls.
December 2016
The Duchess wore Princess Diana's favourite tiara to the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace. She wore her hair in a stunning updo, which helped to show off the earrings and tiara.
PA PhotosNovember 2016
Ok, how stunning do Kate's side-swept locks look at the premiere for A Streetcat named Bob?!
Getty ImagesOctober 2016
Kate Middleton visits The Hague for her first solo foreign trip. She opted for a smart up-do. Wait until you see it from the side...
Getty ImagesOctober 2016
Fancy, hey?
Rex FeaturesOctober 2016
Kate Middleton stepped out to mark World Mental Health day with William and Harry.
Getty ImagesOctober 2016
How pretty is the Duchess's pony!? The regal style was in honour of Kate's final day in Canada, before the family headed home.
Getty ImagesSeptember 2016
Kate stunned in her gorgeous green dress, which she wore with these simply glossy curls.
PA PhotosSeptember 2016
For another day of the royal tour in Canada, Kate sported this half-up half-down hairstyle.
Getty ImagesSeptember 2016
Continuing her royal tour of Canada, Kate kept all the focus on her eyes, with this gorgeous smoky look.
Rex FeaturesSeptember 2016
Another day on the royal tour of Canada, another gorgeous hair look.
PASeptember 2016
For a royal visit to Canada, Kate rocked an amazing up-do - it's extremely regal.
Getty ImagesSeptember 2016
Kate arrived in Cornwall with William looking stunning as ever. Just check out those chic bouncy curls!
PA PhotosAugust 2016
The Duchess of Cambridge visited YoungMinds charity with Prince William recently. She wore a beautiful bright red dress and a half-up, half-down hairstyle.
Getty ImagesAugust 2016
Kate looked absolutely stunning as she stepped out beaming alongside William. Her gorgeous curls are incredibly enviable!
Getty ImagesJuly 2016
Kate was the epitome of effortless chic at the America's Cup World Series with her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail.
Getty ImagesJuly 2016
Kate enjoyed the Wimbledon Men's Final 2016 alongside Prince William in the royal box. She wore her hair loose and in pretty waves.
PA PhotosJuly 2016
After a few weeks of wearing stunning headpieces and hair accessories, Kate is back to sporting her long, curled lengths. She looked stunning while attending an awards ceremony at the Natural History Museum in London.
PA PhotosJune 2016
Another event, another fabulous headpiece! Kate wore this cream number to day two of Royal Ascot...
Getty Images... and it looks super pretty from the side!
Getty ImagesJune 2016
The Duchess attended the Secretary of State's annual Garden party at Hillsborough Castle. She wore a round cream headpiece...
Getty Images...and a beautiful twisted updo.
Getty ImagesJune 2016
We can't keep up with Kate's ever-changing locks at the moment! From simple waves to half-up, half-down 'dos, she's been changing it up a lot. This updo, complete with a gorgeous red headpiece, stood out beautifully while Kate arrived for the Order of the Garter Service at Windsor Castle.
Getty ImagesJune 2016
The Duchess attended the Patron's lunch to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday. She wore a half-up, half-down 'do and didn't let the drizzly weather get in the way of her looking great! We can't get enough of those earrings, too...
PA PhotosJune 2016
Kate attended SportsAid's 40th Banquet with pretty tumbling curls and gorgeous subtle makeup. Her hair was looking a little shorter, and super glossy as usual!
Getty ImagesMay 2016
The Duchess was seen greeting guests at a garden party at Buckingham Palace. We adore her chic headpiece and structured updo.
Getty ImagesMay 2016
The Duchess attended the Chelsea Flower Show in a bold green ensemble and a pretty half-up, half-down 'do. We love!
Getty ImagesMay 2016
Kate was on a royal visit to 1851 Trust, and looked chic with her sleek locks and pretty earrings.
Getty ImagesMay 2016
For the Heads Together Launch at the Olympic Park, Kate sported one of her best curled blow-dries yet. Stunning.
Rex FeaturesMay 2016
We should be staring at that Monica Vinader necklace, but we just can't take our eyes away from the Duchess of Cambridge's glossy locks. Picture perfect!
GettyApril 2016
Still on her royal tour of India, Kate looked happy in the sunshine while sporting some perfect curls. Princess hair indeed!
Getty ImagesApril 2016
While on a game drive in Kaziranga National Park, Kate kept it simple with flowing sleek locks. She used her sunglasses to keep the hair off of her face, looking casual yet chic.
Getty ImagesApril 2016
During her time in India, Kate sported this stunning intricate updo, which perfectly showed off her gorgeous earrings.
Getty ImagesApril 2016
Another excellent 'do for The Duchess. Kate wore this one for a Garden party celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday in New Delhi, during the Royal tour of India.
Getty ImagesApril 2016
During her tour of India with William, the Duchess sported her perfect blow-dried curls and pretty pared-down makeup.
Getty ImagesApril 2016
For another part of her tour of India, during a special gala dinner, Kate wore her hair in a stunningly chic updo, and paired the look with some vibrant blue earrings.
Getty ImagesApril 2016
Kate's simple tousled hair works perfectly with her bold and creative wardrobe in India. She manages to make even playing cricket look chic!
PA PhotosApril 2016
The Duchess sported perfect glossy curls while at a reception ahead of her and William's tour of India and Bhutan at Kensington Palace.
Getty ImagesMarch 2016
The Duchess of Cambridge wore her perfectly blow-dried subtle waves as she opened the new East Anglian Children's Hospital shop in Holt, Norfolk.
Getty ImagesMarch 2016
The Duchess looked wonderful in a gingham two-piece and perfect blow-dried waves while visiting the XLP youth mentoring project in Barbican. Along with William, Kate was meeting with people who had benefitted from the programme.
Getty ImagesMarch 2016
Kate was at London's St Thomas hospital to meet with mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin who started the #FindMike campaign. She was looking very chic for the occasion in a swallow-print dress and a wavy blow-dry.
GettyFebruary 2016
The Duchess - or (or the Countess of Strathearn as she's known north of the border) - sported a wind-swept blow-dry as she arrived in Edinburgh to visit charity projects in Edinburgh.
GettyFebruary 2016
During her day as Guest Editor at the Huffington Post (in which she wrote a blog post about children's mental health), the Duchess showed off a perfect blow dry with flicked out ends.
Getty ImagesNovember 2015
While wearing her favourite royal blue shade, the Duchess rocked a pretty half-up, half-down 'do, complete with some subtle ringlets.
Getty ImagesOctober 2015
Another day, another beautiful updo for the Duchess. Kate's lovely curled ponytail shows off her dainty pearl earrings perfectly.
GettyOctober 2015
The Duchess of Cambridge appeared at the world premiere for Spectre sporting an intricate, beautiful updo, which showed off her sparkly Robinson Pelham earrings.
Getty ImagesOctober 2015
Why change something that works? Kate Middleton stuck with her fail-safe glossy blow dry with her sweeping fringe framing her face! She looked gorgeous on her debut visit to Scotland.
RexOctober 2015
The glossy blow-dry is back! Kate Middleton looked gorgeous as she arrived at a London reception for the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. The night before was all about a pretty up-do with a tiara...
GettyOctober 2015
Ah, Princess hair at its very best. The Duchess of Cambridge decided to sweep her fringe to the side, and accessorised her glossy 'do with a tiara. As you do. Oh, to be a Princess!
PAOctober 2015
Kate's sweeping fringe is still dividing opinion. Some people love it, some people, not so much. The Duchess has obviously been spritzing on the shine spray because her hair looks super shiny!
GettySeptember 2015
Kate stepped out sporting a brand new look... a stylish sweeping fringe, or, as beauty experts have been calling it, a 'gringe' (that's grown out fringe to you and I). What do you think of the new 'do?
Getty ImagesJuly 2015
Kate Middleton looked stunning as she sat centre court to watch Andy Murray play tennis during Wimbledon 2015. It's the first public appearance since Princess Charlotte's christening, and the new mum kept with tradition, and wore her hair down, but with a bouncy blow-dry.
PA PhotosJuly 2015
For Princess Charlotte's christening, Kate Middleton opted for a regal up-do, which complimented her gorgeous earrings from the Empress collection by Mappin & Webb jewellers.
PAJune 2015
Making her first public apperance since the birth of Princess Charlotte six weeks ago, Kate Middleton stunned at the trooping of the colour for the Queen's birthday parade. She wore her hair straight but styled the look with a titled feather hat.
REXMarch 2015
Strong hair game, K-Middy! The Duchess of Cambridge made an appearance at St. Paul's Cathedral in London to attend a Service of Commemoration for the troops who were stationed in Afghanistan. She doesn't do an up-do very often, but when she does, she does it right. The intricate hairstyle shows off her fabulous sapphire earrings to perfection.
RexJuly 2014
Arriving at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Duchess' locks were the biggest talking point - big, bouncy and in such great condition.
Rex FeaturesJuly 2014
On a recent trip to a London school, the Duchess went for something a little different with this half-up, half-down, swept-back 'do that had just a hint of 60s about it thanks to that volume at the roots.
PA PhotosApril 2014
With a sleek and glossy blow-dry, Kaye yet again goes for a parred back beauty look but there's nothing low-key about those beautiful earrings!
PA PhotosApril 2014
A sweep of light pink lipstick and a hint of mascara is all Kate needs to complete this look on the royal tour of Australia and New Zealand.
PA PhotosApril 2014
Kate keeps her beauty look simple with a half-up hairstyle and minimal make-up on another engagement during the royal tour.
PA PhotosNovember 2013
As the party season approaches, all we really want for Christmas is the Duchess of Cambridge's locks. Pretty please.
PA PhotosNovember 2013
Windswept hair is usually a no-no. Not for Kate - her royal blow-dry looks even better with a bit of added movement.
Rex FeaturesNovember 2013
At the Remembrance Sunday service Kate's chocolate-brunette locks look gorgeous in soft ringlets.
Rex FeaturesJuly 2013
Huge, huge congratulations to the Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of her little prince. Just days after giving birth Kate's locks are just as glossy and swishy as always.
Rex FeaturesJuly 2013
As much as we love a shot of the royal blow-dry though, we just can't take our eyes off the new prince, giving us the royal wave.
Rex FeaturesJuly 2013
We're booking in with our colourist to recreate Kate's super-subtle ombre waves, pronto.
PA PhotosNovember 2012
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Kate Middleton works her signature blow-dried brunette locks in a perfectly-places down-do with just a few flicked waves to give her hair some movement.
Rex FeaturesNovember 2012
What’s this? A new style? Kate Middleton slightly alters her signature glossy hairstyle by adding in a few choppy layers at the front. The result: 70s-inspired Farrah Fawcett waves. We love!
Rex FeaturesNovember 2012
Kate looks at her best with sleek glossy waves and classic rosy cheeks and mascaraed lashes. This look is flawless.
Rex FeaturesSeptember 2012
The Duchess of Cambridge continues on the
Diamond Jubilee Tour, stepping out on the Solomon Islands with a gorgeous floral headdress and flowing brunette waves. Kate leaves the serum at home for once, for a more natural look.
Getty ImagesSeptember 2012
The Duchess shows off an on-trend pearl-accessorised up-do on her Asian tour.
PA PhotosJuly 2012
Stepping out at a creative industries reception at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, Kate shows off a rare up-do. What a chic chignon!
Rex FeaturesJuly 2012
This braided, voluminous up-do is picture-perfect: but we wouldn’t expect anything less from the Duchess.
PA PhotosJuly 2012
Watching the Team Eventing Jumping Final on day four of the London Olympics, Kate looks laid-back and lovely with bouncy brunette curls.
Rex FeaturesMay 2012
Our first royal up-do! And what a stunner. At the BOA Olympic Concert in London, Kate Middleton teams her gorgeous green lace Jenny Packham gown with a voluminous up-do...
Rex FeaturesMay 2012
...The intricate, braid-detail style is completely flawless.
Rex FeaturesApril 2012
After weeks of showcasing the perfect royal blow-dry, Kate stuns us with this directional half-up, half-down 'do whilst on a royal engagement. Ever the fashion maverick, Kate's brunette curls are whipped up in an ornate demi-chignon, complete with an on-trend quiff too. Love!
Getty ImagesApril 2012
...And from the back. Oh, how we love a good half-up, half-down 'do done Middleton style.
Rex FeaturesApril 2012
The Duchess of Cambridge has the perfect head of hair at the royal premiere of African Cats in London. Keeping the glossy chestnut lengths sleek and smooth, the ends are expertly teased into tumbling Ava Gardner-esque ringlets.
PA PhotosMarch 2012
Proving that she can do hair accessories too, Kate wows the crowds on St. Patrick's day, pinning her windswept curls up on one side and finishing the look with softly blushed cheeks.
Rex FeaturesMarch 2012
Looking nothing short of picture-perfect, Kate Middleton's bouncy and bountiful princess blow-dry has practically become synomymous with the royal beauty. With unrivalled root lift and perfectly curled layers, we took this shot of Kate straight to our own hairdressers the very next day. Full marks for the smoky eyes, too.
PA PhotosMarch 2012
Action shot! Just in case you were momentarily under the impression that Princess Kate wasn’t totally superhuman, she then goes and plays a hockey match with frizz-free hair, make-up still in place and not a bead of sweat in sight. Oh, to have been her at school. No fair.
PA PhotosJanuary 2012
The Duchess hits another hair and beauty homerun at the premiere of War Horse in January, opting for trademark glossy tresses, a sugary pink pout and the most marvellously peachy complexion we've ever seen. Plus, get a load of those brows. Love!
Rex FeaturesDecember 2011
Just before her first Christmas as a royal, we played copycat with Kate's festive look ahead of the party season – remembering to add a generous dollop of gloss on our locks to get that same, enviable mirror-shine. Plus, we love the slick of navy eyeliner here - a good trick to make blue eyes pop.
PA PhotosAugust 2011
Blimey jingles, Kate! Can those curls get any more lustrous?
PA PhotosJuly 2011
Those brows! Surely these are the most perfectly-groomed above-eye circumflexes in the land? Plus, we love the more natural styling of her chestnut locks too. Oh Kate, how we adore thee.
Rex FeaturesJuly 2011
Proving that she's more than a match for the Hollywood heavyweights in attendance at a BAFTA event in LA during her first royal tour, K-Midd totally trounces the competition with this LA glow, delicately highlighted hair and thick, show-stopping lashes. You go, girl!
PA PhotosJuly 2011
Silencing her hair and beauty critics once and for all, the Duchess even maintains her glamorous façade when a huge gust of wind sweeps her enviable locks over her face... Can she do no wrong?
Rex FeaturesJuly 2011
The answer would be: apparently not. On a tour of a ranch in Canada, Princess Perfect even does the dreaded “hat hair” with aplomb.
July 2011
Trying out a different look on the royal tour of Canada, Kate evokes something of the old Hollywood with subtle, waved locks and perfect day make-up.
PA PhotosJuly 2011
Stepping outside of her hair comfort zone in Ontario, Kate opts for a fashion-forward half-up, half-down 'do. Looking fresh-faced and beautiful, the newlywed's naturally immaculate complexion and sultry smoky eyes make her the envy of women everywhere.
PA PhotosJune 2011
One of our all-time favourite Kate Middleton hair and beauty looks has to be this. Working an adorable blue fascinator with retro curls and dewy skin, complete with those perfect brows – it’s a look worthy of a princess.
PA PhotosJune 2011
Kate has quickly become the poster girl for 'occasion hair', and we always instantly fall in love with her easy, breezy approach to styling her mane for big events. So, follow her lead and wear glossy hair in a sleek style with plenty of movement through the layers for show-stopping hair and beauty perfection.
Rex FeaturesJune 2011
Looking distinctly like she's had a gloss put on her hair at the salon, Kate provokes yet even more hair-envy from the world, turning up at Wimbledon with a deeper brunette shade, perfectly sun-kissed skin and that mega-watt smile. Kate – I think it’s love.
Rex FeaturesJune 2011
Mixing it up more than ever, Kate steps out with this show-stopping low bun just weeks after her wedding when she, her husband and third wheel brother-in-law Prince Harry spend a day at the races. Looking like a summer dream with kohl-lined eyes, pinky flushed cheeks and glossy lips, Kate cements her beauty icon status.
PA PhotosMay 2011
Putting the immaculately styled and groomed Michelle Obama in the shade, Kate Middleton shines at the her first royal engagement post-big day. Just how does she get her tresses that glossy?!
Rex FeaturesApril 2011
On the day after the wedding, Kate beams with the glow that only a newlywed can possess. Miraculously defying the beauty demons that plague most of us after a big night, Kate somehow looks as fresh-faced as ever, stepping out with bouncy princess bedhead hair.
Rex FeaturesApril 2011
Despite criticism for applying her own make-up on the day, blushing bride Kate Middleton sports some of the best wedding hair we've ever seen, sending our hearts aflutter with a chic half-up, half-down 'do to accommodate her veil - which perfectly showcases her trademark tumbling curls.
Rex FeaturesFebruary 2011
Just two months before the wedding of the century, Kate Middleton rocks one of our favourite looks on her to date – a gorgeous high ponytail. Complete with a delicate fascinator, the hair is bang on-trend and super stylish. True to form, Kate also keeps the make-up muted and the brows lustrous.
PA PhotosNovember 2010
The moment that launches a thousand copycats: when Kate and William announce their engagement – and we’re positively jubilant - not only is it decreed that us Brits will get a day off work to watch the wedding of the century but it's also the day that the royal blow-dry is born. Those centre-parted, bouncy curls are a hair dream... Long live Kate!
Getty ImagesDecember 2005Kate joined Prince William on the slopes for a skiing holiday and ditched the makeup and brow grooming products for a fresh-faced glow.
PA PhotosJune 2005
However, we’re relieved to see that in her youth Kate was just like us. Aged 24 at her and William's graduation at St. Andrews, the royal-in-waiting showcases a more Sloaney 'do with side-sweeping fringe and unkempt bedhair.
Rex FeaturesAugust 2004
Proving her natural beauty, a fuller-faced Kate looks every-inch the 23-year-old student with barely a scrap of make-up, a dewy complexion and just a slick of mascara.
Rex FeaturesMarch 2002
Surely one of Kate's most iconic looks, it is also one of the first images of Wills' new girlfriend to emerge after rumours abound that the young Prince has a girlfriend at uni. With a distinctly early Noughties vibe, Kate's hair once again steals the show with its mass of corkscrew curls and that beachy braid.
PA Photos1986
However, it could have been a very different story. In a photograph with her younger sister Pippa and dad Michael, a four-year-old Kate is a far cry from the sultry brunette we know and love, today - instead sporting an adorable shock of wispy blonde toddler hair. Aw.
