Meghan Markles' Makeup Artist Talks Royal Wedding
1.9 billion people tuned into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding this past Saturday. We watched to see a fairy tale romance culminate in one of the most extravagant weddings of the 21st century, but also to dissect every tiny detail: the dress, the choir, the bishop’s lively sermon, and the bride’s beauty look. Markle wore her signature no-makeup makeup look for her big day, including smoky eyes, bold brows, unmasked freckles, and the perfectly crafted pink color on her lips. Her face looked so natural some people on Twitter even believed she wasn’t wearing any makeup at all. On! her! wedding! day!
The bride then greeted a lucky prince who confirmed what the rest of us already knew when he said, “You look amazing.”
The makeup was done by celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin, who is also a Dior Brand Ambassador and Honest Beauty Creative Color Consultant. In our exclusive interview, Martin breaks down his vision for Markle’s look, the touch-up tools they used day-of, and doing makeup for another very special wedding guest.
What was it like getting the call from Meghan Markle? How did she reach out?
Meghan and I communicate a lot through text because I travel for work and because of the time difference between the both of us, it’s hard to get on the phone. So she sent me a text asking what I was doing the weekend of May 19th. I was like, "I may be in Cannes for the film festival but what’s up..." and she sent me the bride and groom emoji right back and I literally dropped my phone! Then she sent me the shhhh emoji back so I couldn't let anyone know...
How long have you known Markle and how have you worked together?
I've known Meghan since 2011. We worked together on press junkets, editorials and red carpet appearances. Never on the show [Suits], though.
How much input did she have in her wedding look?
Her makeup look was very collaborative. She's extremely decisive and I know exactly what she wants. She's very open and loves makeup so it’s always been fun playing dress up with her!
Did you help her mom with her beautiful makeup look at all?
I did. I love her mom!
What was the process day-of? Was she nervous at all?
Meghan was extremely chill. We laughed, had breakfast together, and then we started hair and makeup. Very easy morning!
Everyone has been talking about how the makeup look and gown were minimal and pared down, which speak to the modernity of a bride like Markle. Were you thinking about that when creating this look?
100% because her dress was structural, yet feminine. The linear line through the boat neck created a framing of her face from her collar bone up. If Meghan had much more makeup on, her face would have been the focus and not the gracefulness of her dress. It would have been distracting, and that’s what you don't want when the dress is the main attraction. Makeup should be the finishing touch to the dress, never the other way around...especially on your wedding day!
Did the Duchess have any day-of touch ups?
Yes! Blot papers and lipstick!
What was it like attending the royal wedding ?
It was one of the most emotional weddings I've ever attended, to be honest. There was so much love in the chapel and knowing that millions of people around the world were also witnessing the same thing made it resonate that much more. It was a moment in time I will never forget.
Shop these products inspired by Meghan Markle's wedding day look:
Daniel Martin is represented by The Wall Group. He was one of the founding clients of TWG and you can direct all inquiries to The Wall Group.
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