"If it's good enough for Meghan Markle, it's good enough for me" is the motto I lived by when I turned to her royal-approved beauty routine for a week.
After doing some investigative research into Markle's beauty products of choice, I decided to test them out to see it they were really worth the hype. Some of the items already had secured a place in my makeup bag while others were new additions, but all were a pleasant experience.
Did I feel like a royal after the experiment? Spoiler alert: no, but that's exactly why I love Markle. She appreciates her luxuries and also enjoys a Nivea moisturizer just like the rest of us. I obviously loved trying new products and loved pretending to be a duchess for a few days.
Keep reading to see my opinion on each of Markle's favorite products, plus a few takeaways, so you too can sleep well knowing some of your products are royal-approved.
I've had Kate Somerville Quench Hydrating Face Serum ($75) in my skincare stash for a few weeks now and I'm a fan. It has a silicone slip finish that gives my skin a real glow after applying foundation without being too heavy.
Markle glows and I want to glow, so I turned to Nivea Q10 + Vitamin C Firming Body Lotion ($11). It isn't luxurious or particularly revolutionary, but it works, and what more could you want from a body lotion?
I'm faithful to my Dove body wash, but the Dr Bronner's Lavender Pure-Castille Soap ($19) was a welcomed addition to my post-workout shower before bed.
Makeup Forever Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder ($37) was light enough to even out my dry skin but kept my dewy base from looking greasy. It's clear why this is a Markle must-have.
Maybelline Eye Lash Sensational Mascara ($6) is an oldie but a goodie. Markle loves this high street gem, and so do I.
I've learned the secret to Markle's dewy complexion: RMS Beauty Living Luminizer ($38). Wearing this with lots of serum and a tinted moisturizer gave me the glowing Summer skin that I long for.
As a huge fan of eyelash serums, I welcomed Rapidlash Serum ($50) into my life with open arms. It's not all in the mascara, this will give lashes a boost.
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil ($8, originally $10) is small but mighty. A brand with a good ethos and even better products. This is a definite royal-approved product that's staying put in my makeup bag for the pimple panics.
OK, Bioré Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips ($6) might not be a know fave of Markle's, but the Bioré Deep Cleansing Cloths are. Since cleansing wipes really aren't my bag, I thought I'd try the strips. I generally find pore strips a bit too harsh for my skin, but these worked a treat.
Markle's makeup artist used Dior on her for her wedding day, so of course I had to include something from the brand. The Dior Gel Top Coat ($28) turns any regular manicure into one that's definitely royal-appropriate.
Again with the body moisture, a royal must have more than one lotion. I used Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm ($27) on more targeted dry areas and found not only was I more moisturized, it made my fake tan look better. Winning.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat ($35) is a royal must-have and I can't believe it took me so long to try it. The secret to Markle looking so fresh faced? I think so and it's a new favorite of mine.
During my experiment, I learned three key things: