20th Anniversary Mary Greenwell

The Celebrated Make-up Artist on Her Friend Diana’s Natural Appeal
 

- Emily Nash

Working with one of the most recognisable faces of the 20th century might have proved daunting for even the most experienced of makeup artists. But beauty guru Mary Greenwell recalls how her first encounter with the Princess of Wales was anything but.

“She walked into the studio and she was so easygoing, charming and sweet… so lovely,” Mary tells hello!. “We had just the most normal chat.”

Mary had been booked to work alongside hairstylist Sam McKnight for Diana’s striking 1990 Vogue cover shoot with photographer Patrick Demarchelier and recalls how the 29-year-old Princess quickly entrusted her image to the team.

“We were like a little family really,” Mary says. “So she felt comfortable with us. She was very young, down to earth and seemed very innocent.

“When she sat down in my make-up chair, I asked, ‘What would you like me to do today?’ She replied ‘Do whatever you want.’ I thought, ‘How lovely… off I go!’”

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Mary has worked with some of the world’s most captivating beauties, from supermodel Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington, to Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett and Uma Thurman. But Diana’s powerful allure stands out.

“She was jaw-dropping in her appeal,” Mary says. “She was very attractive, so beautiful and every man was in love with her. She was very magnetic. There was something incredibly appealing about her, not just to men, but to all of us.

“Her smile completely lit up a room. I think she was born that way. Either you are a gifted communicator or you are not. She had an innate skill to be able to communicate.”

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