Meghan's copy-Kate makeover! Bride-to-be ditches the natural look for heavy bronzer, groomed brows and sleek hair - as she attends the Queen's Christmas lunch wearing a brand loved by the Duchess
- Bride-to-be, 36, joined royals for the Queen's annual Christmas lunch
- Meghan was sporting very groomed brows and wore make-up than normal
- Opted for a guipure lace dress from Self Portrait, a brand also worn by Kate
- Her hair was looking noticeably smoother and more glossy than ever
She's steadily working her way towards being a full-fledged member of the royal fold ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry in May, ticking off another box today by attending the Queen's annual Christmas lunch for the first time.
So it's no wonder Meghan Markle has been making some tweaks to her casual California girl look to show that she's left her Hollywood actress life behind for the royal of sophisticated royal wife.
The former Suits star, 36, was rocking a noticeably more groomed appearance as she arrived today with heavier bronzer and make-up, ultra perfect brows and smoother, glossier locks.
Her look was very polished and glamorous, compared with her engagement portraits taken just over three weeks ago in which she looked much more bared back and natural.
Wearing a guipure lace and crepe dress by Self Portrait, Meghan looked as if she'd been taking style and grooming notes straight out of the Duchess of Cambridge's handbook.
The Duchess herself wore Self Portrait to the London premiere of A Streetcat Named Bob in November last year and is famed for her bouncy brunette locks.
Meghan Markle, 36, opted for noticeably heavier make-up today as she joined Prince Harry for the first time at the Queen's Christmas lunch
Look lovely in lace like Meghan Markle in Self-Portrait
An array of royals arrived at Buckingham Palace today ready for the Queen's annual pre-Christmas luncheon. Among the faces was soon to be royal family member Meghan Markle, who was set to meet her extended family on the arm of Prince Harry.
Meghan naturally dressed to impress, but donned a number that was a little racier than we expected with a lacy design. She looked fabulous in her pick from Self-Portrait and the high neck and midi length keeps it demure despite its slightly sheer finish.
The mix between the guipire lace top and solid crepe skirt ensures the piece stands out, while the A-line skirt gives it volume and a luxe feel to finish.
This dress is sadly now sold out, but click right to see other lacy creations by the brand that is also much-loved by the Duchess of Cambridge.
If you're keen for something similar, head below. We've lined up an array of lacy high-neck alternatives for you to snap up instead.
The bride-to-be was looking much more natural in her engagement portraits taken just over three weeks ago (left). Today, she ditched the natural look in favour of pink lipstick, bronzer and highlighter (right)
Meghan opted for Self Portrait's Nightshade dress for her all-important debut at the Queen's Christmas lunch (left). Kate chose a similar Self Portrait dress for the London premiere of A Street Cat Named Bob in November 2016.
Of course, nobody would expect Meghan to go for lunch with the Queen wearing the casual ripped jeans and untucked shirt she wore for her first official public appearance at the Invictus Games with Harry in Toronto.
However the guipure lace top and wide a-line skirt of the dress is a more fussy than the classic, pared back look Meghan normally goes for - signalling something of a style shift.
Niki McEwan, a make-up artist and TV beauty expert told Femail that Meghan has clearly had her eyebrows shaped since her engagement portraits three weeks ago.
'They look to me as though she has had threading with a brow tint and they have been groomed and kept in place by a brow gel,' she said.
'I am sure she will be aware that any stray brow hairs detract from her eye makeup and she has definitely improved the look of her brow since the engagement.'
However, Stacey Whittaker, an award-winning make-up artist and owner of Pouts & Pin Ups Salon says the former Suits star has gone a little too far.
She explained: 'The "pencilled in" eyebrow look does not suit everyone and I actually think looks too harsh on Meghan for a day time look and prefer her more natural brows.'
She added: 'Her eyes are slightly darker too and look like they have a little more liner on them than usual.'
Independent hair and make-up artist Maddie Pearce, who is also a lecturer in Media Makeup and SFX has worked with clients such as Eva Mendez and The Pussycat Dolls and says that Meghan agrees that Meghan has upped her beauty game for the occasion.
According to Maddie, Meghan has kept her trademark natural shape for her brows.
'However, she has applied a highlighter under the brow on the brow bone itself which really defines the shape,' she said.
The royal bride-to-be has previously said she prefers a natural look and doesn't wear foundation outside of work, but that certainly wasn't the case today.
'Meghan looks like she has used creamy product to create a dewy glow over the skin, opting for a slightly heavier make up that usual carefully bronzing and sculpting the face,' she said.
'No doubt she's stuck to her tried and perfected Bobby Brown foundation as a base.
The royal bride to be accentuated her features with highlighter and bronzer
Today's lacy dress was a departure from Meghan's usual sleek lines and classic styling
A California girl a t heart, Meghan chose to wear ripped jeans and a relaxed shirt for her first official public appearance with Prince Harry
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