Daniel Martin, often hailed as Meghan Markle's best friend and affectionately known as the "Gunko" to Archie and Lilibet, has long been a prominent figure in Meghan Markle's inner circle.
From her grand wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 to numerous public appearances, Daniel has been there, adding his touch of glamour to Meghan's style. However, recent events suggest a potential shift in their professional relationship. While Daniel once stood by Meghan's side as her go-to makeup artist, recent reports indicate that he might be stepping back from working with her.
Despite claiming to be in constant touch with Meghan, the two haven't collaborated professionally for over two years. Instead, Daniel seems to have immersed himself in a whirlwind of collaborations with other A-list celebrities. His Instagram feed showcases his work with stars like Rachel McAdams, Nicola Coughlan, Olivia Munn, Ali Wong, and Maya Rudolph. With a roster of high-profile clients, Daniel's career continues to thrive in the world of celebrity beauty.
So, what led to the apparent hiatus in Daniel's work with Meghan? According to recent interviews, Meghan has been taking a more hands-on approach to her beauty routine, particularly during her recent quasi-royal tour to Nigeria. Daniel highlighted Meghan's newfound freedom to experiment with her look, praising her skills in makeup application.
In the absence of their professional collaboration, Daniel has formed close relationships with other notable figures, including Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan. Their bond extends beyond professional partnerships, with Daniel describing Nicola as a sister. From premieres to magazine shoots, Daniel has lent his expertise to enhance Nicola's beauty on various occasions.
Daniel's journey with Meghan traces back over a decade, starting from their first meeting on the set of Suits. Their connection blossomed as Meghan sought Daniel's guidance for her makeup needs, from her early days as an actress to her royal wedding and beyond. Daniel has remained a steadfast presence in Meghan's life. Despite their professional endeavors, their friendship extends far beyond makeup sessions. Daniel has been part of significant moments in Meghan's life, from attending her baby shower in New York to celebrating his birthday with her in London. Their bond transcends the professional realm, evident in Daniel's affectionate nickname for Meghan, "Meg."
Reflecting on their collaboration for Meghan's wedding, Daniel emphasized their meticulous planning, even resorting to Zoom meetings to coordinate her makeup look. From a natural daytime look to a sophisticated evening ensemble, Daniel's expertise ensured Meghan looked flawless on her special day. Perhaps this is his way of safeguarding his professional standing and clarifying that he wasn't responsible for her makeup during recent events, such as the delay at the Invictus Games, where the blush was notably overdone.
Meghan Markle is reportedly gearing up to launch a diverse range of products under her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. Initially focusing on homewares, including table linen, cookware, and glassware, the brand has surprised many by also revealing plans for a line of nut butters, oils, and jams, drawing comparisons to Gwyneth Paltrow's successful Goop brand. Meghan is now rumored to expand her offerings to include cosmetics and beauty products.
An extension to the trademark application suggests an upcoming array of items such as fragrance, body lotion, and hair care. The diverse list of products under the American Riviera Orchard umbrella includes bath and shower gels, salts, soap bars, hand soaps, body creams and oils, alongside scented oils, air diffusers, room fragrances, and incense. Additionally, there are talks of venturing into pet grooming with plans for pet shampoo and conditioner.
