Meghan Markle Reunites with Make-up Artist Daniel Martin at the ESPYs

The Duchess of Sussex reunited with her long-term make-up artist after an apparent two-year hiatus at the Espy Awards on Thursday.

Often described as a best friend to Meghan, Daniel Martin was by her side throughout her royal career. Daniel cemented himself in history when he did Meghan’s make-up for her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 and worked with her at various events during her two years as a working royal.

It seemed Daniel might have distanced himself after Meghan did her own make-up during her quasi-royal tour to Nigeria in May. However, Daniel revealed on Instagram that he has once again teamed up with the mother-of-two to create her look at last week’s ESPYS Awards in California, describing Meghan and Prince Harry as his “besties.”

On Instagram, Daniel shared photographs of Meghan at the event, which honors athletic achievement and other sports-related performances. “EPSYS with my besties,” he wrote under a picture of Harry and Meghan. He also congratulated Harry on his Pat Tillman Award for Service, adding, “Makeup by yours truly and hair [by] @hectorsworldd.”

He later posted a close-up of Meghan’s make-up look for the occasion, captioned: “There she glows.” This reunion may surprise royal fans, given that the pair hadn’t publicly worked together for two years. Daniel had claimed to be “in touch with her all the time.”

His recent Instagram posts show collaborations with other celebrities like Rachel McAdams, Nicola Coughlan, Olivia Munn, and Maya Rudolph.

The pair are believed to have last worked together in May 2022 when Meghan and Harry visited the Netherlands for the Invictus Games. Despite several significant events and appearances in the last two years, Daniel and Meghan hadn’t publicly teamed up.

Speaking to US Weekly in June, Daniel said the royal mother-of-two has “more room to play” now. He mentioned that she had been doing everything herself during her recent Nigeria visit, stating, “She loves some blush. She loves the cheek. She loves a big brow.”

Lately, Daniel has formed a friendship with Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, describing her as a “sister.” He recently did her make-up for various events including the Bridgerton premiere and her Town & Country cover.

Daniel also collaborated with Rachel McAdams, Olivia Munn, Ali Wong, and several other celebrities. He noted his work with Olivia Munn for her Vogue shoot and with Maya Rudolph at the Time 100 Gala, as well as Dakota Johnson, Michelle Yeoh, and Cindy Crawford.

Having known Meghan for over a decade, Daniel met her while she worked on Suits. Since Meghan didn’t have a publicist then, she personally reached out to Daniel’s agent. They had an “instant connection.” Meghan loved how Daniel did her make-up, saying it was “what I always wanted.”

The pair kept in touch, and while working on her former blog The Tig, Meghan asked Daniel for help with her make-up. He remained a close friend throughout her royal life and was by Meghan’s side on her wedding day.

Daniel also attended Meghan’s baby shower in New York alongside celebrities like Gayle King and Serena Williams. He was one of the first to visit Meghan when she and Harry moved into Frogmore Cottage before Archie’s birth. Meghan surprised Daniel in New York for his birthday last September, with Daniel sharing the news via Instagram, showing a plate of cupcakes and referring to Meghan by her nickname, “Meg.”

Meanwhile, Daniel’s other collaborations include working with popular Hollywood stars like Nicola Coughlan, Maya Rudolph, and Olivia Munn, among others.

Daniel has often spoken about his royal connections, previously telling Grazia magazine that Meghan often makes him go on YouTube to learn new techniques. He recalled them planning her wedding make-up look via Zoom, given his tight schedule before the big day. Daniel opted for a natural look for Meghan because of different lighting throughout the day and chose a darker, more defined look for her evening reception.

Source: Daily Mail, US Weekly, Grazia Magazine