Meghan Markle’s secret weapon in her Hollywood masterplan – and it’s not Harry

As the Duchess of Sussex breaks the mould in a bombshell new interview, experts reveal how her ultimate power move during the photoshoot will help her in Hollywood

In a world of high-definition cameras and heavy contouring, stepping onto a red carpet or a global stage with your natural skin texture on display is a bold statement. Yet, for Meghan Markle, it has become a signature power move.

During her recent high-profile trip to New York City and appearances at Paris Fashion Week, Meghan, 44, turned heads not for what she was wearing on her face, but for what she wasn’t.

Radiant, dewy, and famously letting her freckles shine through, Meghan’s “fresh-faced” aesthetic is steering a wider beauty movement away from heavy glam and towards what experts are calling “skin authenticity.” According to Laura Porter, Skincare Expert, Facialist, and Founder of FAB Skincare, Meghan’s ability to go virtually bare-faced is less about makeup trends and more about structural skin health.

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“Meghan Markle has always leaned toward a very natural, fresh-faced aesthetic, and this reflects a wider movement we’re seeing in beauty towards skin authenticity over heavy glam,” Laura tells the Mirror.

“She’s someone who prioritises skin health, which is why she can confidently go bare-faced at events. When the skin barrier is strong, hydrated, and even in tone, you often don’t need as much makeup to achieve luminosity.”

This “lit-from-within” look, often referred to as “glass skin” by beauty gurus, isn’t achieved by simply skipping foundation. It is the result of a disciplined and likely investment-heavy regimen.

“It’s likely she invests in a high-quality skincare routine which includes gentle exfoliation, pigment correcting serums like vitamin C, and hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or peptides,” Laura adds.

Meghan has long been a fan of facial massages, famously swearing by the techniques of facialist Nichola Joss, which involve massaging the facial muscles from inside the mouth to tone and lift.

Laura agrees that this mechanical approach is key to the Duchess’s sculpted look. “Meghan is also known to favour facial massage, which improves circulation and gives that lifted, rested look without make-up,” she notes.

By manually stimulating the muscles and lymph nodes, puffiness is reduced and the jawline remains sharp, negating the need for the heavy contour powders that dominated the beauty landscape of the 2010s.

While a good home routine is essential, achieving royal-level radiance often involves professional help. Speculation often swirls around what “tweakments” celebrities employ, but Laura suggests Meghan’s regimen focuses on skin quality rather than structural alteration.

“It’s also entirely possible Meghan has subtle, low intervention treatments that enhance her naturally minimal look,” she says. “Things like light microneedling, gentle lasers for pigment, or collagen-boosting facials. These are treatments designed to make skin look like itself, just healthier.”

She adds: “Her approach shows that good skincare and well-chosen treatments can do far more for radiance than heavy makeup ever could.”

You might not have a royal budget or a personal facialist on speed dial, but Laura insists the principles of Meghan’s glow are accessible. “To improve your natural complexion, consistency is key,” she advises. “A good routine should always start with strengthening the skin barrier – think ceramides, niacinamide, and daily SPF.”

For that specific camera-ready brightness, exfoliation is non-negotiable. “Regular exfoliation, either with AHAs or an enzyme-based product, brightens dullness and creates that ‘lit-from-within’ effect.”

Laura also recommends professional-style interventions that focus on health rather than cover-ups. “Professional treatments such as light peels, hydrafacial-style deep hydration, and LED therapy can also support glow, reduce inflammation, and even out the complexion without anything drastic.”

Meghan was also recently announced as cover star for the winter issue of Harper’s Bazaar US, with her front page cover again showing her natural beauty as she goes somewhat bare-faced. She’s also shown off her natural beauty as the cover star for other titles in the past, including Vanity Fair and Tatler.