An MUA Breaks Down Meghan Markle’s ‘No Makeup’ Makeup Look

With Love, Meghan has just landed – and when we’re not talking about her chic kitchen, updated engagement ring or (unnecessarily) controversial skillet pasta recipe, we’re taking notes on Meghan Markle’s sophisticated makeup looks.

‘Meghan’s makeup philosophy is a masterclass in enhancing natural beauty. Her approach isn’t about masking her features but celebrating them,’ explains Saffron Hughes, a makeup artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk. ‘By using lightweight foundations that allow her freckles to shine through, she demonstrates that makeup should be a tool of empowerment, not concealment.’

In following this ethos, Meghan perfectly demonstrates the ‘no makeup’ makeup trend that’s become so popular on TikTok. This style of makeup, rather than working to completely cover blemishes, aims to appear as if you’re not wearing any makeup at all – usually by using very subtle and natural-looking products to even out skin tone, enhance features and give a healthy glow.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in With Love, Meghan (c) Jake Rosenberg/Netflix © 2025

‘The magic of her look lies in its simplicity,’ adds Saffron. ‘She chooses products that work with her skin tone, not against it. Her makeup routine is about creating a radiant, healthy glow that looks effortless – as if she’s just naturally luminous.

‘Meghan proves that makeup isn’t about perfection, but about feeling comfortable and authentic. Her style encourages people to embrace their unique features, using makeup as a subtle enhancement rather than a complete transformation. It’s a refreshing approach that says, “This is me, just slightly polished.”‘

Curious how Meghan gets her makeup glow? Saffron breaks down the steps below:

How To Get Meghan Markle’s Makeup Look

1. Pick a radiating foundation that allows your freckles to peek through

First things first: creating a natural-looking complexion. ‘Meghan’s complexion is always impeccable, yet natural,’ notes Saffron. ‘She likely starts with a hydrating primer, allowing it to sink in for a full five minutes. She’s then likely to apply a lightweight foundation with a damp beauty sponge, using gentle tapping motions. The key is building up thin layers, focusing on areas that need coverage while letting your freckles peek through, just as Meghan does.’

For an extra polished appearance, the MUA suggests that the former royal might go back in with ‘a small concealer brush to spot-correct any blemishes or discolouration.’

2. Contour so subtly that it’s hard to detect at all

The next step, Saffron tells us, involves adding some subtle dimension. ‘Meghan’s contouring is so seamless, it’s almost undetectable,’ she says. ‘She likely uses a cream-based product, applying it with a small angled brush along her cheekbones, temples and jawline.’

As for getting the right finish, Saffron explains that ‘the trick is to blend thoroughly with a beauty sponge, then go over the areas with a fluffy brush to ensure there are no harsh lines. For added dimension, she might use a touch of highlighter on the high points of her cheekbones, but always with a light hand.’

3. Apply blush for a sun-kissed look

Having set up a home for her family in California, it makes sense that a huge part of Meghan’s makeup look embraces the sunny climes of the US state.

And to get this look, Saffron says she uses one specific type of blush. ‘NARS Orgasm Blush has long been associated with Meghan,’ the MUA reveals. ‘She applies it strategically, starting at the apples of her cheeks and blending upwards and outwards. For a truly natural flush, she likely uses two shades of blush – a deeper tone closer to the hairline and a brighter pop on the apples. This creates a seamless, sun-kissed effect that looks incredibly natural on camera.’

4. Keep your eyes smoky and sultry

A true millennial, Meghan Markle’s makeup tends to stick to the tried-and-tested mild smoky eye look. ‘Her signature look is a “sooty eye,”‘ confirms Saffron. ‘She often uses MAC Teddy eyeliner (a gorgeous gold-flecked brown) or Chanel’s Cassis (a shimmery plum). The technique involves applying liner close to the lash line, and then smudging it with a soft brush to create a lived-in, smoky effect. She typically lines both the upper lash line and waterline, creating a soft, hazy finish that looks effortlessly sultry.’

5. False eyelashes should be fluttery and natural

Super long lashes are also a makeup staple. ‘Meghan’s lashes are always a focal point,’ notes Saffron. ‘And apparently, she’s particularly fond of Ardell Demi Wispies – a lightweight, natural-looking false lash that provides the perfect balance of volume and subtlety.

‘The key is to choose a false eyelash that enhances without looking overdone,’ she adds. ‘Meghan’s go-to are perfect because they offer a feathery, criss-crossed design that mimics natural lash growth. They’re narrow enough for daytime wear but dramatic enough for evening events.’

When it comes to applying a set of lashes, Saffron has a few tips you can try. ‘Before applying, trim the lash strip to fit your eye shape perfectly,’ she says. ‘Then apply the lashes close to the natural lash line, using a high-quality, clear lash adhesive. The goal is to create a seamless look that appears effortless – as if these are your natural lashes, just slightly more enhanced.’

6. Take the Aubrey Hepburn approach with your brows

And then it’s onto the brows. ‘Achieving Meghan’s iconic brow style is all about understanding your natural shape,’ Saffron explains. ‘Start by brushing your brows upward and outward using a spoolie, focusing on creating a straighter line that mimics an Audrey Hepburn- style brow. The secret is to work with your natural arch, not against it. And when using brow gel, apply it against the hair direction for maximum definition and hold.’

If you need to fill in your brows, Saffron recommends that you ‘begin at the outer part of the brow and work inwards, using light, feathered strokes that mimic natural hair growth.’

For upkeep, the MUA says that ‘threading remains the gold standard for maintaining this shape, as it creates crisp, clean lines that frame the face perfectly.’

7. Finish with lipstick

The last touch is a very natural-hued lipstick, Saffron tells us. And again, Meghan has a preferred brand: ‘Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution in Very Victoria is Meghan’s go-to lipstick shade of choice. It’s particularly magical for those with neutral to warm undertones and fair to medium skin tones.’

Not warm toned? Not a problem. ‘Those with a more cool-toned complexion should lean into lipsticks with blue, purple, and pink undertones,’ recommends Saffron.

How To Watch With Love, Meghan

You can catch Meghan Markle (and her makeup wins) on With Love, Meghan, streaming now on Netflix. netflix.com

Featured image: Netflix