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24 Walmart Beauty Products That Have No Right To Work So Well For Such A Low Price

24 Walmart Beauty Products That Have No Right To Work So Well For Such A Low Price

Buzz Feed08-07-2025
Maybelline Super Stay Skin Tint knocks it out of the park with an affordable formula that rivals premium beauty brands. Reviewers rave this vitamin-C-infused, non-comedogenic foundation stays put (with the brand claiming it lasts up to 24 hrs!), doesn't set into fine lines and creases, and provides feather-light coverage that still evens out complexions.
Promising reviews: "I have been cycling through foundations from both high end and drug stores for months. I wasn't happy with my Clinique Even Better Clinical anymore and after way more money than I'd like to admit spent, my search has ended with this 'skin tint' it wears medium to full coverage and has been everything I have been looking for!! Best value and quality I have found!!! Super happy with this and highly recommend to anyone!!" —Lauren"Literally the BEST Foundation in the market. I have tried endless foundations from Dior to Elf, and this is the best foundation ever! It does not settle in fine lines, it covers beautifully. It doesn't cake, or move! Has such a BEAUTIFUL finish on the skin! It last without retouching for more than 10 hrs. I'm literally in awe how good this is." —TutiPrice: $13.98 (available in 18 shades)
Lottabody's hair mousse foams up to define curls, and fluffs up your 'do without the weight or frizz. Enriched with lightweight oils, like coconut and shea, this product wraps hair with softer-than-soft hydration and shine and leaves it smelling like a vacation. No airfare required.
PanOxyl Foaming Face Wash works as both a cleanser to fight present and future breakouts with its 10% benzoyl peroxide formula *and* as a spot treatment (ideal for sensitive skin folk). It powerfully kills off bacteria to prevent new skin bullies from appearing and deals with those that are currently on the surface by unclogging pores and helping skin shed more effectively.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara lifts lashes at such a gasp-worthy price, you won't believe you spent under $10 for the tube. Infused with bamboo extract and fibers, it gives lashes the type of flexible hold and volume that won't clump or flake.
Promising review: "This is my favorite drugstore mascara. It's buildable, gives a lot of length like it says, and separates lashes beautifully. I wouldn't say it's a one coat mascara if you want more dramatic lashes, and it doesn't provide a lot of volume either but two coats of this and your lashes look amazing!" —MichellePrice: $8.32+ (originally $9.98+; available in 13 shades)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel locks in moisture for 24 hours and firms up your skin with hyaluronic acid. Its water-based gel consistency glides on seamlessly and holds up as a perfect base layer for makeup application. Reviewers swear by its effectiveness as an affordable alternative to the high-priced skincare lines. 💦
Promising review: "I've been using Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Face Moisturizer for a few weeks, and I'm really happy with the results. The gel formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly into my skin, leaving it feeling hydrated without any greasiness. It provides a smooth, dewy finish that lasts throughout the day, and I've noticed my skin looks plumper and more radiant. The addition of hyaluronic acid seems to really help lock in moisture, and I appreciate that it doesn't clog my pores. It's gentle enough for my sensitive skin, and I love that it has no strong fragrance. Overall, this is a great moisturizer for anyone looking for long-lasting hydration without the heaviness." —Walmart CustomerPrice: $13.97 (originally $19.97)To learn more, check out a our full review on the best face moisturizer under $15.
Conair Volumizing Self Grip Rollers boost lackluster strands from the roots to create soft and voluminous curls. Reviewers celebrate the varying sizes and sticky velcro abilities that keep their hair in place and allow them to achieve their desired depth and body ody ody — whether it's for their bangs or crown.
Promising review: "These things are great for styling my fringe and just for adding some volume to my hair. The Velcro is strong enough to hold your hair in place but soft enough not to rip it all out when trying to remove it. I'm glad I took a chance on these because they're total life savers when my hair is flat and needs life." —AlyssaPrice: $8.74
L'Oreal Lumi Glotion enhances your facial moisturizing experience since it features not only the hydrating aspect you'd expect from a moisturizer but also a highlighting quality as well. This formula is infused with glycerin and shea butter to feed your skin, while producing a luminous layer that'll make you appear more awake (even if your caffeine hasn't kicked in yet).
Skin Gym Cryochill Face Mask depuffs and preps skin ahead of makeup application, or if you're just in need of some at-home R&R. You have the option to use either the beaded side (best worn after being in the fridge) or the velvet side (extra soothing once pulled out of the freezer) to calm tired-feeling skin.
Price: $20
E.l.f. Instant Lift Dual-Sided Brow Pencil raises the bar on creating the perfect filled-in look for less. For under $5, you can define your brows with buildable color and create a naturally fuller look — one that will last throughout the day.
Promising review: "This product goes on smoothly and wears the entire day. It blends in with my natural eyebrows and is my go to makeup. Especially for days when I wear little makeup. It gives my eyebrows fullness and a lift, which I need at almost 53 years of age. Definitely recommend and the price is an additional bonus." —CarolPrice: $3 (available in four shades)
CeraVe Skin Renewing Face Night Cream delivers a hefty amount of moisture without leaving you with a greasy film by the time your morning alarm goes off. Rising and shining with soft, supple skin every day? Don't worry, you're not dreaming.
Our Deputy Editorial Director Maitland Quitmeyer has used this and told us: "Along with everyone else who watches TikTok, I got very into CeraVe products this year — and I loved this night cream as soon as I started using it. It's plumping, softening, and hydrating — without any greasiness or overpowering fragrances. But it wasn't until I had an allergic reaction to a *different* cream that I truly understood how great this (budget-friendly!) one is — it brought my skin back to normal in just a week."Promising review: "I have very dry skin, and this lotion feels like it forms a barrier and stays moisturizing all night! It's been a game changer for my skin! It's so reasonable!" —LoriPrice: $15.68
Wet n Wild Lip Oil drenches lips in a similar look and feel to costlier alternatives like, say, the Dior Lip Oil — but all for a more attractive price. Cracked lips will now be a thing of the past, thanks to a weightless formula that's packed with moisturizing jojoba and avocado oils.
Promising review: "This is really nice. I got Cocoa Rose, which is a lovely nude that doesn't lean too warm for me. It's so pretty. It feels good on the lips, doesn't smell/taste weird, or wear off too fast. Plus, it's cheap. What more could a person ask for?" —Walmart CustomerPrice: $5.98 (available in 11 shades)
Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil leaves hair feeling strong and luscious while controlling frizz. Perfect for naturally curly or heat-styled hair, this leave-in conditioner acts as a reparative treatment that softens and detangles.
Promising review: "I use this as a mask and a leave-in conditioner. On wash day I part my hair and apply it to my roots and scalp over my whole head. Then I apply it thickly to the rest of my hair, cover it with a shower cap then bonnett and go about my day. When i wash it out it comes out easily and leaves my hair and scalp feeling amazing. After i wash it i apply it sparingly to my mids to tips while my hair is still damp. Works to detangle and leaves my hair feeling silky and smooth and strong. Has an AMAZING scent. I love the smell of it and it stays strong even between washes." —KimberlyPrice: $8.96+ (available in two sizes)
E.l.f. Power Grip Dewy Setting Spray promises to hold your makeup all day with its lightweight mist that grips makeup and ensures it won't transfer onto your favorite white T-shirt. This provides a dewy finish over your look that reviewers note doesn't budge.
Promising review: "This stuff is amazing. To use, apply your makeup, shake the bottle to combine the ingredients and then mist it over your face. It's such a fine mist, it's perfect. Even in the Texas heat my makeup stays put." —LaurenPrice: $10
Nizoral Anti Dandruff Shampoo minimizes any sign of itchy, flaky scalps by targeting the source of the issue instead of just masking it. Some admirers mention that after just two uses, their pesky dandruff has virtually vanished.
Promising review: "This thing works! I noticed almost immediate results after the first use. By day 2, my flakes were 99% gone. And I'm not sure if it's the shampoo, but since I started using it, I have noticed my hair has more volume and my curls seem bouncier. I would totally recommend this product!" —LaChina9Price: $14
Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream replenishes dry skin with its rich and hydrating formula, which features cacay oil that's known to be a gentle alternative to retinol. Douse your skin in this pistachio- and almond-scented moisturizer that'll transport you to a luxury beach vacation sans the expense and airfare.
Promising reviews: "It's not a fake and it's so big and smells so good it's a definite buy and it surprisingly feels a lot smoother and better on the skin too!!!" —AngelPrice: $19.99+ (available in two sizes)
E.l.f Acne Fighting Putty Primer takes care of breakouts and keeps your all-day look right where you left it. How? Acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and zinc, of course. Plus, the velvety formula sweeps over pimples to smooth uneven complexions — just apply pre-foundation or concealer, let it sit for 30 seconds, and voila! Fresh-faced canvas.
Promising review: "I was surprised by how well this keeps makeup in place and prevents creasing. I've tried a few different primers and wasn't impressed until this product. I do recommend trying." —AngelaPrice: $7.99+ (originally $10; available in four putty formulas: luminous, matte, acne-fighting, and poreless)
Chi 44 Iron Guard protects hair from high temperatures and damage with its lightweight spray that's best applied before heat styling. Reviewers also note its handy size makes it perfect for travel.
Promising review: "Best heat protection for hair! Stays beautiful for days!" —BunnyPrice: $4.97
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer treats *and* defeats dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines that are taking up prime real estate around your delicate eye area. It comes with a built-in sponge applicator, so you can save on the extra tools — and you can even grab additional shades to use for contouring.
Promising review: "This covers dark circles under your eyes and any dark spots on your face and body you might want to cover up. It's my go to cover up when I need it. And you can put it in your purse and take it with you wherever you go. It's just the right size and comes in many different colors to match your complexion." —RobynPrice: $8.98 (available in 24 shades)
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser foams up from a gel-like consistency to gently exfoliate and renew rough and bumpy skin. It's fragrance-free and doesn't contain abrasive beads, so you'll be able to soothe and smooth irritation without stripping your skin.
Promising review: "Cleanses well doesn't strip my skin. Excellent for sensitive skin." —yoitseveePrice: $9.97
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Eye Cream helps to rewind the appearance of fine lines and dark circles while giving your skin a boost of elasticity. Its formula, enriched with pro-retinol and Centella Asiatica (a soothing, hydrating ingredient from Asia), works to rejuvenate and refresh the delicate eye area.
Promising review: "I've used this stuff for years. I love it. It works and soothes your eye area, moisturizes, and reduces bags and wrinkles. I put it on first thing in the morning and in about 5–10 minutes you can actually FEEL it firming up your skin. It's a good price for a good product." —HiHoSteveOPrice: $11.42
Bubble Skincare 3-Step Hydrating Routine cleanses, tones, and soaks dehydrated skin in a deluge of moisture — all with one budget-friendly bundle. You'll have everything your normal to dry to acne-prone skin needs to bounce back to its best self.
Promising review: "My tween is just starting to get into skin care and this was his first attempt at a full system. He absolutely loves it! He uses all three products twice a day and looks forward to these minutes of self care. He has no complaints and has not had any side effects." —BrookePrice: $24.98
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Loose Powder stacks up against pricier alternatives at weightlessly blurring fine lines, smoothing creases, and setting makeup in place.
Promising review: "This is my favorite drugstore powder. As a lady with somewhat maturing, yet oily skin, this powder presents beautifully. I have been using this for several years now. Dare I say I like this product better than Laura Mercier powder for my skin." —MaryPrice: $6.64 (available in two styles)
Neutrogena Collagen Bank Daily Face Moisturizer claims to replenish and rebuild the collagen that's naturally lost over time. With this top-rated cream, which features restorative peptides and broad spectrum SPF 30, you can defend yourself against the most well-known collagen-depleting aggressor: the sun. Plus, it smoothes and hydrates with an invisible finish.
Promising review: "Have been using this for a month now, and my skin looks and feels so good. I had some areas on my face that were starting to look like I was getting older but now after four weeks, my friends are telling me that I look younger. I use this with neutrogena blue hydroboost because I feel like I need that extra moisture." —ChrisPrice: $19.97
Pretty Smart All-in-One Face Palette combines three makeup staples into one convenient travel-friendly set. Add a flush of color with blush, sculpt the areas you want to contour with bronzer, and seal in your concealer with photo-blur pressed powder.
Promising review: "The product is compact enough to fit into a small handbag. It's an all in one palette, Yuka app rated this as an excellent makeup (all natural/ organic ingredients). A bronzer, blush and all over mineral / dewy face powder. Doesn't settle into wrinkles. Amazing coverage, perfect amount of, affordable price for clean beauty. Great for sensitive skin, washes off easily. Magnetic closure is nicely done." —KristaPrice: $9.98 (available in two color palettes)
Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart's grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door.
Reviews have been edited for length and clairty.
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Millennials and Gen Zers Think They're the Loneliest Moms
Millennials and Gen Zers Think They're the Loneliest Moms

Newsweek

time3 days ago

  • Newsweek

Millennials and Gen Zers Think They're the Loneliest Moms

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new study has found that moms today feel more lonely and isolated than previous generations. According to the report released by Peanut, an app which connects moms, 75 percent of mothers feel they have "less of a village" than their mothers, and 77 percent feel they have less than their grandmothers did — statistics which underscore growing concerns around loneliness and isolation in modern motherhood. The report, titled "Where Did the Village Go?", surveyed over 3,000 women, including mothers, grandmothers and non-parents. Young suffering woman sitting on couch, holding head in hands, little crying baby lying near. Young suffering woman sitting on couch, holding head in hands, little crying baby lying near. LanaStock It examined how modern support systems fail and their impact on families, workplaces and culture. Key findings included 82 percent of mothers reported feeling lonely, half of respondents admitted to crying weekly due to lack of support and nearly 90 percent of moms said they rely more on digital communities than in-person ones for parenting advice and emotional connection. The concept of "the village"—once a reliable mix of relatives, neighbors and community members who collectively helped raise children—appears to be fading fast. Modern parenting, it seems, has become an increasingly isolating journey. "For someone to have checked in on me fresh postpartum—that would have made all the difference," any anonymous Peanut user shared. The report also touched on societal factors fueling this shift: geographical mobility, demanding work schedules, delayed parenthood and the lingering effects of the pandemic all contribute to fragmented support systems. Interestingly, while 65 percent of respondents said they wished they had more intergenerational support, only 14 percent actually live close to extended family. Meanwhile, 67 percent of moms say they turn to online platforms like Peanut to fill that gap —searching for everything from parenting advice to emotional validation. Despite the sobering statistics, the report offers hope in its final pages. Peanut asked mothers what they think is really missing from their village. "One mom friend. Just one who I could text to say 'this is hard' without shame," an anonymous user from Australia shared. Lauren, from the U.S., wrote, "Someone to check in. A real human, not a blog." Peanut also outlined the next steps for what needs to be done to help women feel supported in their motherhood journey. It said asking for help should be normalized, workplaces should be transformed to honor parenting as a real and valued responsibility and governments need to step in to ensure the message is getting through: caregiving matters.

Just 28 Lip Products Reviewers Are Obsessed With
Just 28 Lip Products Reviewers Are Obsessed With

Buzz Feed

time5 days ago

  • Buzz Feed

Just 28 Lip Products Reviewers Are Obsessed With

O'Keeffe's Lip Repair sleeping mask — it's brought to you by the same company behind the magical Working Hands cream, and this also works wonders. If your lips are extremely dry or cracked, just leave this deep-conditioning balm on overnight and wake up to a gorgeous, luscious pout. Or Dr. Dan's CortiBalm — a hydrating solution for your chronically chapped lips, because all the other products you've tried just end up drying your pout out. This magical solution combines all the best ingredients — beeswax, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and 1% hydrocortisone — to heal and nourish extremely dry and cracked lips. Dior lip glow oil, a cult-favorite, gives your pout a glossy, tinted look, leaving it glowing. Plus, it uses cherry oil to protect your lips and prevent them from drying. Or an affordable alternative! Nyx Fat Oil Lip Drip delivers up to 12 hours of hydration (it's infused with vegan squalane, raspberry, and cloudberry oils) while giving you a glossy, tinted look — we love a 2-in-1! Peripera lip tint gives you a velvety matte look you so desire, without feeling heavy or drying out your lips. Its precision applicator makes it super easy to layer on. Plus, it lasts ALL day, so you won't waste any time having to retouch it! Eadem's Le Chouchou lip softening balm — it's a lip treatment, exfoliant, and moisturizer all packed into one gorgeous tube. The metal applicator leaves a cooling effect, and after applying it, your lips will be as glossy as ever and tinted with a gorgeous shade. Plus, the formula is thick, so a little goes a loooong way. Jelly Lip Melt adds some gloss to your lips and leave 'em feeling hydrated and plump all day long. It also helps that it looks like those delicious Jell-O cups we had as kids — ah, the nostalgia. Laneige lip mask delivers some much needed hydration to your pout while you sleep. Its berry fruit, shea butter, coconut oil, and murumuru seed formula helps deliver moisture and smooth out lips. Promising review: "I've suffered from a lip balm addiction for years. I'd apply a lip balm probably 12+ times a day and right before bed. I've tried so many lip balms with little or barely noticeable results. I noticed that my lips were getting dark and I'd get whiteheads around the perimeter of my lips. I read the reviews on this product and decided to give it a try. Immediate results! The next morning, my lips were lighter and thoroughly hydrated." —sexychocolateGet it from Sephora or Amazon for $24 (available in up to eight flavors). Carenel lip sleeping masks nourish, hydrate, and smooth out your lips overnight, thanks to the berry extract and vitamin C formula — and you get three flavors to try in one set! Your pout will look so supple, it'll leave even Angelina Jolie jealous. Aquaphor Lip Repair Balm formulated with SPF 30, so not only will it keep your lips moisturized, it'll protect your luscious lips from the sun — I guess you could even call this a twofer. For this price? WORTH it. Patchology hydrating lip gel mask is packed with hyaluronic acid, green tea, and peptides, and basically acts as a refreshing glass of water for your kisser. Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil will leave both your lips and wallet singing its praises. It'll give you a glossy, tinted look *and* a natural plumping effect! Your pout will stay hydrated for up to 24 hours without needing to reapply, thanks to its formula containing appleseed oil and raspberry fruit extract. Winky Lux's Flower Balm adjusts in color based on your pH levels, so you end up with a shade that's ~perfect~ for you. Nyx Butter Gloss has over 80,000 5-star ratings, and with good reason. This gloss glides onto your lips like melted butter (hence the name) but isn't sticky, so you won't be catching any stray hairs or flies! It also comes in so many different shades so you can find the perfect one that suits you. Buxom lip-plumping polish — true to its name, it plumps your lips like a temporary lip injection for that Kylie Jenner look. While your pout is lookin' luscious, the vitamin A and E formula will also help keep it hydrated. E.l.f.'s Holy Hydration Lip Mask perfects your pout. It goes on silky smooth, and you can leave it on overnight to let the hyaluronic acid, squalane, and castor seed oil work their magic. And! E.l.f.'s "Squeeze Me" lip balm keeps your lips moisturized with a gorgeous sheer tint of color, thanks to the hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and goji berry formula. Your pout is about to be luscious as heck. Tower 28 LipSoftie hydrates your pout while adding a subtle hint of color — it's basically a lip gloss and balm in one! Wonderskin lip stain masque goes on blue and, after letting it set for 10–30 seconds, reveals a gorgeous natural lip stain after being wiped away. It's transfer-proof and lasts for up to 10 hours, so whatever dinner or party you're heading off to, your lip game is going to slay. Benefit Benetint doubles as a cheek and lip stain! It's perfect to get that natural glow, but you can also layer it on for a more ~dramatic~ look. Or! E.l.f. Multistick goes from cream to powder, is infused with shea butter, and is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups because this lil' thing *triples* as blush, lipstick, and eyeshadow. It's perfect for achieving that natural glow, but you can also layer it on for a more ~dramatic~ look. Broadway Vita lip glosses come in a pack of five — mint, rosehip, coconut, mango, and argan oil, each with different benefits. For example, the mango butter style is made to hydrate and soften your lips, and the rosehip oil is designed to reduce fine lines and heal. Glossier's Balm Dotcom is another cult-favorite. It helps to moisturize and heal your chapped lips with its castor oil, beeswax, and lanolin formula. Plus, it'll leave a nice tint *and* shine! OleHenriksen's Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment — chances are, if you're on #beautytok, you've seen this all over your FYP. This lip treatment will hydrate your pout while also providing it with a gorgeous tint of color and shine. The buttery formula is full of peptides and kokum butter, which can help soften your lips and smooth fine lines. Promising review: "Love this lip balm/treatment. I bought the 'strawberry sorbet' color/flavor, and it smells and tastes delicious. The product itself is very moisturizing and hydrating. I can pop it on with just lip liner, wear it by itself, or with a full lip look. Very versatile. It's been a great purse lippie. I've been using it so much that I had to force myself to put it away to use my other lip balms/treatments in my collection. Would repurchase!" —GogoramaGet it from Ulta for $23 (available in nine shades) Sweetums Lip Balm has the most adorable applicator I have ever laid eyes on. It comes with a built-in mirror and applicator so you won't have to get your fingers sticky. It's formulated with vitamin E and other natural oils to deliver long-lasting hydration. I love using this lip balm especially when I have long nails so I don't have to dig out any excess product from under my nails later. I apply it before going to bed because my lips tend to dry out overnight, and I wake up with my pout still extremely hydrated! Oh, and did I mention that they smell absolutely delicious??? Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six flavors). Crickle Daisy Lip Treat Balm is chock-full of hydrating oils — I'm talking avocado, olive, and coconut oils to prevent your lips from drying out. Your lips deserve to be supple and tinted! Yes, I have also tried this lip balm and I am a FAN! (I don't know if you can tell, I'm a lippie connoisseur). I've been carrying this with me everywhere this summer. I don't know what's up with the atmosphere but my lips have been parched, but this has been my savior. I don't even need to use a gloss with it because it leaves my lips shiny and luscious. Promising review: "This is a great lip balm… glossy yet not sticky or tacky. The scent is incredible too!!" —Nicole it from Amazon for $19 (available in four flavors). Lip Bar's vegan matte lipstick delivers intense color to your lips and lasts for up to 12 HOURS, so no more constant touch-ups. You don't have to pay a fortune for quality lippies — reviewers even prefer this over expensive brands like Pat McGrath and Mac. On top of that, it's formulated with jojoba oil and vitamin E, so it won't dry out your lips! Moira Butter Bliss Balm is formulated with jojoba seed oil and shea butter to keep your pout nice and moisturize, while also adding some shiny gloss and color. I've tried this lippie too and I love it! I'd say it's comparable to the Eadem Le Chouchou balm, just without the metal applicator. It leaves my pout glossy with a slight tint, all while keeping it moisturized, and I don't have to reapply it for a while which I love. It's definitely a great alternative to Eadem if you don't want to splurge! Promising review: "Wanted the name brand Laneige from Sephora but the color was sold out in store. Got this and the clear color and holy wow its good. Good color, not sticky and good coverage. Light scent. Will def repurchase" —kateGet it from Amazon for $8.46+ (available in 14 shades).

Princess Kate is ‘Mindful of Her Well-Being' and ‘Up for the Task' of Being Queen: Royal Sources
Princess Kate is ‘Mindful of Her Well-Being' and ‘Up for the Task' of Being Queen: Royal Sources

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Yahoo

Princess Kate is ‘Mindful of Her Well-Being' and ‘Up for the Task' of Being Queen: Royal Sources

Stunning in a dreamy blush confection by Dior — her first time wearing the famed Parisian label — the Princess of Wales was the epitome of chic as she stepped onto the tarmac at the Royal Air Force's Northolt base outside London July 8. Standing alongside husband Prince William, the 43-year-old warmly greeted France's President Emmanuel Macron, 47, and first lady Brigitte Macron, 72, as they deplaned. Hours later, Kate worked her magic again, this time dazzling in diamonds and a rich red gown from another French designer, Givenchy, at a historic white-tie state dinner at Windsor Castle as she helped King Charles III, 76, and wife Queen Camilla, 78, celebrate France's first official state visit to Britain in 17 years. Notes a royal source, 'It's been a long time since people saw Kate wear a tiara.' To be exact, since 2023 — weeks before a shocking cancer diagnosis upended the mom of three's life and brought her priorities into focus. But bolstered by her strong sense of 'duty' to the crown, the source tells Star, Kate was determined to step up for the momentous occasion with her nation's closest neighbor and ally. Following an uncertain few weeks — she appeared strong and in good spirits at the monarch's official birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, on June 14 before sparking concern when she pulled out of a planned appearance at the Royal Ascot horse races mere hours before it began — she's now back on the world stage and, in many ways, doing better than ever, says the source. Not least because she's navigating her role on her own terms. 'She looked like a queen,' says the source, 'and she's up for the task.' Prepared For Change Sadly, it might not be long until the job is hers. Nearly a year and a half after Charles, too, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, the king is still being treated for what he's called a 'daunting' disease. Courtiers have been privately sharing concerns about his prognosis, which remains closely guarded, with even estranged son Prince Harry, 40, admitting to the BBC in his bombshell May interview, 'I don't know how much longer my father has.' Kate 'knows the day is coming,' says the source, confirming that she's been taking her responsibilities more seriously than ever during these uncertain times. Though she acutely feels the gravity of her future, the source adds, this is also 'something she's been preparing for since she got together with William' 23 years ago when they were students at Scotland's University of St Andrews. At the same time, 14 years into their marriage and six months after announcing she's in remission, there has been a shift. 'As dedicated and committed to her work as she is, her health will continue to come first,' says the source. 'She is mindful about her well-being and will continue to assess her return to royal duties on a case-by-case basis.' A New Openness In recent weeks, Kate has grown uncharacteristically candid about her journey, which marks a major change from how she handled things initially. Following what Kensington Palace described as a 'planned abdominal surgery' at the start of 2024, the future queen learned she had cancer — but she and William, 43, chose to keep her diagnosis a secret for months, fueling harmful speculation about her mysterious absence from the spotlight. 'Kate must realize that staying silent for so long was not the best way to handle the situation,' concedes the source. 'But it was traumatic and she's human, after all. She was processing it herself and didn't want to worry her children,' Prince George, who turns 12 July 22, Princess Charlotte, 9, and 7-year-old Prince Louis. This new vulnerability is a step toward modernizing the monarchy, making the future queen more relatable than her predecessors. She showed as much during a July visit to Colchester Hospital in Essex, England. 'You have to find your new normal and that takes time … and it's a roller coaster,' she confessed. 'It's not smooth, like you expect it to be. But the reality is you go through hard times.' As she spoke with patients about her health-care crisis, she admitted, 'You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment's done, then it's like, 'I can crack on, get back to normal,' but actually the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.' Post-care, survivors often struggle to 'function normally at home,' she acknowledged, following such a 'life-changing' ordeal for themselves and their loved ones. Indeed, last November, William called 2024 'brutal' and 'the hardest year in my life.' The Sussex Problem Moving forward, one of the most difficult issues hanging over William's future as sovereign — and Kate's as his queen — is his ongoing feud with Harry, which began well before the Duke of Sussex and wife Meghan, 43, left the royal family in 2020 to start a new life in California. They blamed attacks by the U.K. press the couple have claimed were sanctioned and fueled by palace courtiers with the tacit support of Harry's own family. 'Kate is deeply troubled by William's ongoing rift with his brother,' says the source. As Star and other outlets have previously reported, William has privately threatened to strip them — and likely their children, Archie, 6, and Lilibet, 4 — of their Royal Highness titles once he's king. Kate's hardly happy the Sussexes have criticized her and William by detailing private conversations and arguments in interviews, a 2022 Netflix series and Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare. But, like Harry — who in May said in an interview, 'I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore' — Kate, too, thinks peace is best for The Firm. 'Persuading William to let go of grudges has been daunting,' says the source, 'but she's aware she's the only one in the royal family who can possibly do it.' Solve the daily Crossword

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Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
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