Princess Kate Just Climbed 3 Mountains in 24 Hours—And Her Eyeliner Didn’t Even Smudge

The Princess of Wales has become a symbol of grace, intelligence, and charm. Her presence is so captivating that even those who typically oppose the monarchy find themselves reevaluating their stance. She embodies the qualities that make her an inspiring figure, and it’s hard to find anything negative to say about her.

One aspect that often draws attention is her signature use of dark eyeliner. While some may try to find fault in this, it’s clear that her choice is a personal preference that she stands by. Whether she’s attending royal events or walking down the aisle with Prince William, her eyeliner remains flawless. Recently, many were amazed at how it stayed perfect after she completed the Three Peaks Challenge.

Princess Kate’s commitment to eyeliner

No matter the occasion, the Princess of Wales consistently maintains her signature look. The recent challenge of climbing three mountains in 24 hours only added to the admiration for her dedication to her appearance.

The Three Peaks Challenge: key details

Challenge
Climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours

Mountains
Ben Nevis: 1,345 m (4,413 ft)
Snowdon: 1,085 m (3,560 ft)
Scafell Pike: 978 m (3,209 ft)

Walking Distance
23 miles (37 km)

Total Ascent
3,064 m (10,052 ft)

Driving Distance
Approx. 462 miles

Typical Order
Ben Nevis → Scafell Pike → Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)

Interesting fact
Scafell Pike and Snowdon are the highest peaks in their respective countries but don’t make the overall top three highest peaks on the British mainland. Alongside Ben Nevis (the biggest in Britain), this distinction goes to…

Ben Macdui: 1,309 meters (4,295 feet)
Braeriach: 1,296 meters (4,252 feet)

Lessons from royalty

Princess Kate’s commitment to her look is a lesson to us all. If you like something, don’t listen to the detractors. Why should she change her makeup of choice, one that she’s worn since her twenties, because critics have deemed it inappropriate for a senior royal?

Sure, sometimes liner needs to be toned down – a smoky eye probably isn’t ideal for a visit to a children’s hospital, but if she feels comfortable and happy with her sultry look, why change it?

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We should always stay true to ourselves in our makeup choices, and if that’s a heavy liner, a red lip, or no makeup at all, you should do what feels most comfortable for you, even if you’re climbing mountains.

Locking in your liner

If, like me, you marvelled at the royal’s liner looking flawless post three peaks, here’s a little advice from the pros that I’ve picked up along the way, starting with advice from Naoko Scintu, who paints the faces of Hollywood royalty including Kate Hudson and Yerin Ha, and works as a global makeup expert for D&G Beauty.

1. Preparation is key
   “Long-lasting eyeliner always starts with good preparation,” Naoko says. “If your eyelids tend to become oily, applying a lightweight eye primer or lightly dusting a translucent powder across the lid before eyeliner can help create a smoother surface and improve longevity.”

2. Choose your formula wisely
   Naoko says the formula you choose is ultimately what makes the biggest difference. “For all-day wear, liquid eyeliners typically offer the greatest staying power because they dry down and set into a film that resists smudging and fading. Gel pencils are another excellent option, especially modern long-wear formulas that are designed to set after application while offering a little more flexibility during application.”

Makeup artist Drita Paljevic, Head of Artistry for Kevyn Aucoin, favours a gel formula for long-lasting liner. “My personal preference is a gel‑based pencil because it gives control, softness, and flexibility – but there’s no right or wrong choice. It really depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. Just keep in mind: liquid liner cannot be used on the waterline or cannot be smudged, while gel‑based pencils can, which makes them more versatile for everyday wear.”

1. Try these formulas
   For staying power, I rate ELF’s H2O Proof Eyeliner Pen, £8. It’s foolproof to use thanks to the firm nib, which helps even the most unsteady hand create flawless liquid liner flicks.

Drita uses the Kevyn Aucoin Precision Eye Definer, £33. “The gel‑based formula glides on smoothly, gives you time to smudge or shape it, and then sets into a finish that looks almost like liquid liner with sharp edges.”

As for pencils, my favourite for easy precision is Charlotte Tilbury’s The Classic Classic Brown, £24. Even when it hasn’t been freshly sharpened, it draws a solid, wobble-free line.