Earlier this week, the Internet went into meltdown when a video clip showing Meghan Markle tear royal protocol into tiny pieces by daring to close her own car door (pretty shocking, we know), but it appears that there are some royal perks that the Duchess of Sussex is very much embracing: namely, the ability to summon her close friend and make-up artist Daniel Martin to London to fine-tune her beauty look ahead of a big event. In her place, we’d probably be doing exactly the same thing…
Though the Duchess typically choses to do her own make-up for royal events (much like her new sister-in-law, Kate Middleton), Tuesday’s occasion, the opening of the Royal Academy’s Oceania exhibition, called for something extra special. As Meghan’s first solo engagement as a member of the royal family, it was an important milestone, and one for which she doubtless wished to be well-prepared.
Daniel Martin, the man behind Meghan’s low-key wedding day make-up, is thought to have flown over from Paris, where he was working at Fashion Week in his capacity as a brand ambassador for Dior Beauty, and stayed in a hotel in Kensington (just a stone’s throw from the Duke and Duchess’s home at Nottingham Cottage in the Palace grounds). Just to confirm his flying visit to his old friend, Martin posted a photo of Together: Our Community Cookbook, the project which Meghan launched at the Palace last week, along with a picture of her arriving at the Oceania exhibition.
NOW READ: Royal Approved Products To Add To Your Beauty Bag
Royal-Approved Products To Add To Your Beauty Bag
1 of 15Yardley London English Rose Soaps x3, £7.99, Amazon
This British brand has proved popular with celebrities and royals alike. Apparently, the Queen loves it, and rumour has it that the Royal household stays stocked up with the brand's scented soaps and hand washes.
2 of 15Essie Nail Polish in 'Ballet Slippers', £7.99, Amazon
If you didn't already know, this is the £7.99 nail varnish that Queen Elizabeth has been using for the past 28 years. Yes, you heard correctly!Back in 1989, Queen Elizabeth's hairdresser penned a letter to the brand's founder Essie Weingarten, requesting a bottle of the nude nail varnish. In a statement on Essie's website, it says: 'Queen Elizabeth's hairdresser sent essie a letter requesting ballet slippers - the only colour Her Majesty would wear'.
3 of 151976 Eau De Parfum, £140, J. Floris London
The oldest independent family-run perfumer in the world also happens to be one that's endorsed by both the Queen and Prince Charles. Must be something to do with the luxurious scents, we reckon.
4 of 15Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil, £17.50, Amazon
Apparently, this £17.50 face oil is the secret behind Kate Middleton's flawless, glowing skin. The all-natural skincare product contains antioxidants that fight ageing. Plus, this oil has anti-inflammatory properties - no surprise that Kate loves it.
5 of 15Richard Ward Chelsea Cleanse & Condition, £5.99, Waitrose
Richard Ward is the genius behind Kate's luscious, glossy mane. He cuts her hair and gives her his trusted advice on which products to use.Rumour has it that his shampoo is what helps Kate keep her hair in tip-top condition. No wonder it's a sell-out product.
6 of 15Xen-Tan Mist Intense Self Tan, £23.99, Amazon
When Kate got wed to Prince William, the brand Xen-Tan was her bridal spray tan of choice, and it left her with a gorgeous natural, post-holiday glow. Luckily, the brand has an at-home mist, so you can recreate the Duchess' tan from the comfort of your living room.
7 of 15Bobbi Brown Dark Brow Kit, £38, Bobbi Brown
Kate is renowned for her statement brows, which are enviously full and thick. But what does she fill them in with? The Bobbi Brown Dark Brow Kit, apparently!
8 of 15Large Rubber Cushion Brush, £12.65, Kent Brushes
It's whispered in beauty circles that Kent Brushes - the world's oldest hairbrush manufacturer - are favoured by the Royal family. It must have something to do with the bristle brush material, which helps to keep hair in a good condition.
9 of 15Elizabeth Arden Lipstick, £21, John Lewis
Queen Elizabeth is hardly ever spotted out without a swipe of lipstick on, and over the years she's even got custom colours made. But, there is one brand that has the Royal Warrant, and that's Elizabeth Arden. In fact, back in 2012, Elizabeth Arden marked it's 50th anniversary for holding the Royal seal of approval.
10 of 15Beauty Sleep Elixir, £42, Beuti Skincare
Here's the secret to how Kate Middleton wakes up with beautiful, glowing skin every morning. Apparently, she uses this Beauty Sleep Elixir to support skin barrier function and brighten her complexion.
11 of 15Pomegranate Glow Enzyme Cleanser, £35, Beuti Skincare
At £35, Beuti's Pomegranate Glow Enzyme Cleanser is a real steal. Packed with sweet cherry, almond oil, clay, orange peel, honey and mango seed oil, it's 100% natural so extra delicate on the skin. No wonder Kate's a fan.
12 of 15Nivea Q10 Plus Skin Firming Body Lotion, £5.29, Superdrug
Meghan Markle uses this body moisturiser religiously, and revealed it's her favourite lotion on the market! At just £5.29, this body lotion keeps the skin firm and effectively moisturises for skin that looks toned and supple.
13 of 15La Mer The Renewal Oil, £170, John Lewis
One of Meghan Markle's skincare favourites (name-checked by the actress herself) is this elixir by La Mer. It helps to renew and energise the look of skin, leaving it soft, glowing and ultra-smooth.
14 of 15Touche Éclat Radiant Touch Concealer, £25, Yves Saint Laurent
Meghan swears by this YSL concealer to disguise dark circles, under-eye bags and redness.
15 of 15Charlotte Tilbury Very Victoria Lipstick, £24, Charlotte Tilbury
This taupe nude shade is one of Meghan's favourites. Inspired by Victoria Beckham, this Charlotte Tilbury lipstick is one you should add to your makeup kit, and pronto.
‘Spent some QT with my friend yesterday and got lost in her incredible book! Couldn’t be more proud of you lady,’ he wrote, adding that the recipes would be ‘definitely inspiring [his] Thanksgiving menu this season.’
Meghan’s make-up for the occasion was ever so slightly bolder than the barely-there approach she typically favours, with a bronzed smokey eye and a warmer pink shade on the lips, while still letting her natural beauty (and her freckles, which she famously loves to embrace) shine through.