May 19th. A normally low-key day that this year will shine bright as the date on calendar. The day that the ‘Meghan Markle effect’ comes in to full force as the US actress becomes fully integrated into the Royal family when she ties the knot with Prince Harry. However, I think I can safely say that I’m not the only one that has been ever so slightly obsessed with the newest member of the Firm, way before TWOTY (The Wedding Of The Year) was announced. But don’t take my word for it, the fact that Meghan Markle was the most googled woman of 2017 speaks for itself.
While the actress’ fame reached reasonable heights thanks to her starring role in the US drama series Suits, nothing could come close to the stratospheric heights its now reaching. And with this new-found global notoriety, comes a significant level of influence. From what she’s wearing, what she’s eating, what she’s buying, if Meghan’s doing it, you can bet your life the world and his wife will be following suit (get it?) within a matter of hours.
Of course, with Meghan being unwittingly placed as a leader of the fashion and beauty world, she has unintentionally become the influencer to top all influencers. Step aside Kylie Jenner, move along Kim Kardashian, and on your bike Beyoncé – Meghan and her laid-back natural beauty has got cosmetic converts the world over all googly eyed. And it seems that Meghan is adding fuel to the natural beauty fire. Indeed, such is her love of natural beauty, that Meghan’s wedding look, according to former make-up artist Lydia Sellers, is likely to take this path. Speaking to People magazine, Sellers said, “She loves RMS Beauty, an all-natural brand that does great eyeliners and creamy blushers that can also be used on the lip.” Sellers goes on to say that Meghan favors a, “Dewy-looking skin, with her freckles peeking through, a sheer pink lip and a daytime smoky eye with beautiful volume in her lashes.”
Of course, here at GCN we like to be one step ahead, and we predicted the natural beauty movement long before Meghan stepped into the global spotlight. With Adele, Kylie Jenner and Alicia Keyes all championing a low-key look of late, it seems the natural notion had legs long before Meghan arrived on the scene. However, as we’re all aware, the Meghan Movement adds significant kudos to a trend, and there’s little doubt that the soon-to-be royal’s big-day beauty look will have an instant effect on not only beauty trends, but also the brands chosen to create her hair and make-up style.
But how far does her influence stretch? With her face set to adorn every newspaper and magazine the world over, will her likeable character, instant charm, and fresh-faced look win over even the most steadfast over-indulging beauty buyer into championing a more low-key beauty routine? Well, if we all had that face I’m sure it would, and the Gen Z’s and Millennials will probably be all over it. Me? After two kids and with a bucket load of wrinkles, I’ll stick to the double foundation layers, if it’s all the same to you.
