Meghan Markle’s enduring preference for a fresh, natural glow was recently showcased during her October 2025 New York City appearances, where she expertly applied her own makeup using products from her friend Victoria Jackson’s “No Makeup Makeup” brand. This self-styled approach reinforces her long-held belief that beauty should enhance, not conceal, one’s authentic self, a philosophy she has consistently upheld from her Hollywood career to her royal life.
From her days as a successful actress on `Suits` to her current role as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle has consistently championed a beauty aesthetic that is fresh, dewy, and authentic. Her signature look, often described as “no makeup makeup,” highlights her natural features and allows her freckles to shine through, rather than concealing them.
This enduring philosophy was brought into sharp focus during her October 2025 business trip to New York City with Prince Harry, where she opted to do all her own glam. For these high-profile appearances, Meghan turned to trusted products from a brand founded by a close friend, further solidifying her commitment to accessible and natural beauty.
Meghan’s Signature Glow: The “No Makeup Makeup” Philosophy
For her various New York City engagements in October 2025, Meghan Markle exclusively used products from her friend Victoria Jackson’s beauty brand, No Makeup Makeup. This choice underscores her long-standing preference for formulas that enhance her natural complexion without feeling heavy or “caked on.”
According to People, the Duchess relied on a trio of essentials from the brand to achieve her radiant look:
- No Makeup Makeup Foundation + Brush Duo: She used the Tan shade of this weightless, cream-balm foundation. It’s designed to conceal and correct while blending with the skin’s natural undertones, perfectly aligning with her desire for her freckles to peek through.
- No Makeup Makeup Blush & Lip Color: This versatile two-in-one product blurs pores and fine lines, providing a rosy glow on the cheeks and a cohesive wash of color on the lips.
- No Makeup Makeup Crème Classic Lipstick: To finish her glam, Meghan applied this deeply hydrating lipstick, which offers a satin finish and a plumping, softening effect.
Victoria Jackson, a beauty trailblazer who relaunched No Makeup Makeup in the fall of 2024, is a longtime friend of Meghan Markle and even appeared on Season 1 of her Netflix show, `With Love Meghan`. Jackson’s philosophy, “I think now more than ever, people feel, ‘I don’t have to hide behind it all.’” resonates deeply with Meghan’s personal approach to beauty.
A Deep Dive into Her Skincare Sanctuary
Long before her royal title, Meghan’s dedication to healthy, glowing skin was evident. Her routine incorporates a mix of high-end and surprisingly affordable products, proving that a radiant complexion is attainable.
- Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder: For exfoliation, Meghan relies on this skin-smoothing powder. She told Allure, “It just sort of foams on your face and gives you a really subtle exfoliation.”
- Biore Daily Cleansing Cloths: A practical essential, she always keeps face wipes handy. She shared with The Lady Loves Couture that they’re “great to keep in the car and on your nightstand when you have those horribly lazy nights where the thought of getting up to actually wash your face seems unbearable.”
- Nivea Skin Firming Hydration Body Lotion: A true crowd-favorite, this affordable body lotion is a staple for Meghan. “I use this religiously,” she revealed to The Lady Loves Couture. “It’s honestly my favorite lotion on the market, it’s so affordable, and makes my skin look and feel amazing.”
- Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Hand Sanitizer: A non-negotiable travel essential, this sanitiser spray ensures cleanliness on the go. She noted on her former lifestyle site, `The Tig`, “I’m no germophobe, but when I get on a plane I always use some quick hand wipes or a travel sanitiser spray to wipe it all down.”
Achieving the Iconic “Meghan Effect”: Her Makeup Mainstays
Meghan’s makeup choices consistently lean towards enhancing her features subtly, creating a polished yet approachable look. Her makeup bag is a carefully curated selection of cult favorites and personal discoveries.
Foundation & Concealer: The Flawless Canvas
- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: This cult-favorite foundation is her choice for flawless coverage that still allows her natural complexion and freckles to show through. Her former makeup artist, Lydia Sellers, told Refinery29 that Meghan always insisted, “Can we just make sure my freckles are peeking through? I don’t want a ton of foundation.”
- Chanel Sublimage Le Teint Ultimate Radiance-Generating Crème: For on-set work, Meghan noted to `Gritty Pretty` that she uses “a Chanel foundation that sets into a powder,” indicating a preference for varying coverage depending on the situation.
- Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat: A key component of her “five-minute face” routine, this illuminating pen helps brighten and perfect her complexion.
Blush: A Glow from Within
- NARS Blush in Orgasm: Meghan once told Allure, “I love NARS blush in Orgasm. I use it on and off camera because it gives you a nice glow from within.” This universally flattering shade is a staple for her.
Eyes: Defined and Expressive
- Diorshow Iconic High Definition Lash Curler Mascara: Her go-to mascara, she told `Allure` it’s “my favourite mascara.” For her quick 30-second makeup routine, she exclusively applies mascara. The regular version of this mascara was famously part of her wedding day look, crafted by makeup artist Daniel Martin.
- M.A.C. Eye Kohl in Teddy: To “amp it up for night,” Meghan reaches for this eyeliner. She shared with Allure, “it’s a really beautiful brown that has some gold in it.” Makeup artist Kayleen McAdams introduced her to it, also using it on Sofia Vergara.
- Chanel Styloe Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner: Meghan also favors this waterproof pencil in the purple-tinged shade, Cassis, applying it to her “upper lash line and water line.”
Lips: From Nude to Subtle Color
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria: This nude shade holds a special place, as it’s reportedly Meghan’s all-time favorite and was even worn in her royal engagement photos.
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk: Her makeup artist, Linda Hay, revealed that Meghan wore this universally loved pink-toned nude lipstick for her and Prince Harry’s Time magazine cover photo.
- Dior Lip Glow in Coral: For her iconic royal wedding, Meghan opted for this beloved hydrating balm, which enhances natural lip color.
Hair and Fragrance: The Finishing Touches
Meghan’s long, flowing locks and delicate scent contribute significantly to her overall polished image.
- Oribe Dry Texturising Spray: Her secret to voluminous, bouncy waves. She explained to `Birchbox`, “when my hair is feeling a little weighted, suanne, my hair artist on set, has me bend forward and she sprays a little oribe dry texturizing spray …andthenhasme’flipbackhard’togivemyhairalittleextrabounce.”
- Wella Oil Reflections Luminous Smoothing Oil: This multi-purpose oil is a favorite for making her hair “slippery and touchable.” She also noted to `Beauty Banter` that it “doubles as a pretty amazing body oil post bath.”
- Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne: According to `The Express`, this particular scent is one of the Duchess’s favorites, reflecting her preference for sophisticated yet understated fragrances.
Beyond the Makeup Bag: Meghan’s Artistic Roots
Meghan’s meticulous approach to presentation extends beyond her beauty routine and is rooted in her artistic past. Before her acting career took off, and prior to becoming a royal, Meghan had a surprisingly different and fitting part-time job.
From 2004 to 2005, she worked as a calligrapher at the Paper Source store in Beverly Hills, where she taught calligraphy, gift-wrapping, and book-binding. She also worked as a freelance calligrapher, even writing the invitations for Robin Thicke and Paula Patton’s wedding in 2005. This creative background highlights her attention to detail and appreciation for fine craftsmanship.
Her former lifestyle blog, `The Tig`, often featured her love for handwritten notes. As she wrote, “I think handwritten notes are a lost art form. When I booked my first [TV] pilot, my dad wrote me a letter that I still have. The idea of someone taking the time to put pen to paper is really special.” This artistic precision and personal touch are qualities that undoubtedly translate into her impeccably curated public image.
The Enduring “Meghan Effect”
Meghan Markle’s consistent beauty philosophy—prioritizing natural radiance, enhancing rather than concealing, and a blend of high-end and accessible products—has created an enduring “Meghan Effect” that continues to inspire fans worldwide. Her recent choice to do her own makeup for public appearances, utilizing a brand aligned with her personal values and a friend’s entrepreneurial spirit, further solidifies her image as a modern, self-assured icon whose beauty secrets are both aspirational and achievable.
