Meghan Markle’s beauty evolution – from before Hollywood to Suits, meeting Prince Harry, the royal wedding, the birth of son Archie, Megxit and the Oprah interview
An outspoken feminist and humanitarian, Markle has been nothing but consistent with her advocacy throughout her career, solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential people in the world, according to Time magazine in 2018. She went on to use her platform to advocate for the BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement and mental health issues, all while struggling with her own internal turmoil with the demands of royal life and the tenacious and arguably racist British tabloid newspapers.
Pre-Hollywood
Young Meghan
Here’s a rare glimpse of Markle’s natural hair with its tight ringlets. She looks fresh-faced and almost unrecognisable – if not for that signature smile, that is.
1996: Foreshadowing?
This shot from 1996 shows Meghan posing outside Buckingham Palace as a tourist – a place she would later come to know as home.
Graduating high school
2006: Early days in show business
Here she is, radiant, eyes smouldering, hair expertly curled and positively glowing.
2007: The big break
Markle sports straightened, tousled hair and deep, smoky eyes – this is the making of her signature look.
2010: Moving up
Markle embraces summer chic with honey highlights and a couple of face-framing layers. Her make-up is lighter than in previous years.
2011: Meghan Suits up
2012: Meghan’s hair game gets experimental
The actress channels 70s chic with centre-parted waves and earthy bronze shadow.
These big, shiny ringlets are probably thanks to the help of extensions. Plus, Markle goes a tad redder with her locks while staying true to her classic big-lashes-nude-lip combo.
2013: Effortlessly refined
Markle foreshadowed her signature regal style with this messy chignon at the Golden Globes after-party.
2014: Classically neutral
Markle dresses for her regal future at the Elton John Aids Foundation Enduring Vision Benefit, embracing the high life while keeping the rest of her look low-key and neutral.
Markle serves pure fire with her sleek straight hair, bronzed glow and signature big, fluttery lashes.
2015: More hair experimentation – this time edgier
Meghan sports a braid for the first and only time – and, of course, it was for a Miu Miu event. It’s one of the heavier looks she’s presented, and her blue eyeshadow and nude lip combo is such a winner.
Her big hair here is achieved with the help of her stylist. She previously shared her hair secrets with Birchbox, saying “There is nothing like a hair flip! 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 Texturising Spray or nothing at all, and then has me ‘flip back hard’ to give my hair a little extra bounce.”
2016: Hello, Prince Charming
Markle amps up the drama with this look, going bold on brows, eyes and lips all at once. It won’t be the last time we see her sport a berry lip.
2017: Announcing the engagement
Her first public appearance as Prince Harry’s girlfriend saw her champion her signature minimalist make-up, complete with some gentle waves.
Sleek buns paired with understated make-up soon became her official uniform.
A big announcement calls for even bigger hair. Markle flaunts the blowout of our dreams with this perfect ‘do.
2018: Royal duties call for eye-catching headwear
The royal wedding
Pregnancy glow
The Duchess keeps to the royal dress code with her slicked back bun, but glams up her make-up look with heavier smoky eyes.
2019: Top-tier top knots
This look marks one of the biggest switch-ups in her style since her royal days began. The top knot accentuates her best features while maintaining her polished demeanour.
Postnatal glow
The new mother looked positively radiant after the birth of her son, Archie, in May. Despite having just been through labour, it seems her hair and make-up (and her cadence) are as flawless as can be.
Prim and proper christening
The Duchess opted for dewy skin, a sleek bun under her fascinator and her classic understated make-up for the official portrait following Archie’s christening.
2020: Harry and Meghan announce ‘Megxit’
Markle’s last few events as a senior member of the royal family saw her go more dramatic with her make-up than before.
The last event as a senior royal
Not to say she’s pairing red eyeshadow with green mascara (she’s still representing the royals, duh), but her signature low-key make-up look was sidelined for a heavy copper eye and a berry lip. Both were welcome switch-ups in her otherwise consistent beauty routine.
2021: That Oprah interview
What was your favourite look?
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This article originally appeared on Buro 247 My.
- Over the years, the Duchess of Sussex’s influence has been widespread, whether appearing on Time magazine power lists or advocating for Black Lives Matter
- She’s remained a beauty and style icon, sporting looks from a fresh face and nude lips to smoky eyes and berry shades, plus topknots, fascinators and more