Meghan Markle Sparks Online Buzz by Posing Without Makeup for Harper's Bazaar

Posing barefaced, the Duchess of Sussex not only set social media ablaze but opened up in a revealing interview about motherhood, marriage, identity, and doing things on her own terms.

Meghan Markle recently graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar's 2025 winter issue, commanding attention with a striking no-makeup look that quickly set social media alight.

The publication's Instagram feed lit up with a series of portraits and behind-the-scenes posts, each offering a different glimpse into the Duchess of Sussex's quiet confidence and carefully styled minimalism.

Elsewhere, the duchess was photographed in a cream knit top and wide-leg trousers while seated in a relaxed pose, looking effortlessly composed.

Across the carousel of images, Markle appeared in a variety of sleek and understated ensembles. In one widely shared portrait, she wore a sculptural black jacket tied neatly at the waist, seated with poise against a neutral background.

In another post, Markle was pictured in a high-neck, sleeveless red dress — bold in colour but simple in cut — set against a plain backdrop. It was a pared-down look that placed emphasis on natural beauty, aligning with the issue's theme of authenticity.

The caption echoed that sentiment, quoting her as saying, "There's not a lot of fun in trying to be perfect," as she spoke about motherhood, marriage, and learning from past mistakes.

Elsewhere, the duchess was photographed in a cream knit top and wide-leg trousers while seated in a relaxed pose, looking effortlessly composed.

The accompanying caption included her quote from the interview, "I think the moment that you start making all of your personal decisions based on external judgment, then you lose your authenticity."

A monochrome shot depicted her lounging on a soft, light-toned sofa in a flowing off-the-shoulder dress. That caption shifted focus to her marriage, quoting her reflections on trust and Prince Harry's support:

"No one in the world loves me more than him, so I know he's always going to make sure that he has my back."

In a more candid moment, Markle was shown laughing in a studio shot, wearing a tailored black dress with a camel trench thrown over her shoulders.

The caption linked her current career moves with the cultural impact of her 2017 engagement, noting her continued evolution through projects like her lifestyle brand, a forthcoming film cameo, and the return of her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan."

One of the most intimate portraits was a close-up in black and white, where Markle leaned forward with her arms wrapped around the back of a chair.

The caption referred to her viral appearance at the Balenciaga show in Paris the month before, quoting her as stating, "I love being able to do both," referencing her dual roles as mother and fashion figure.

Each post, meticulously styled and captioned, built a layered narrative of Markle stepping forward with vulnerability, strength, and an unwavering sense of self. The photos quickly drew widespread attention online as reactions to her appearance and the shoot's aesthetic poured in.

Not all reactions were glowing, though. A few questioned the editorial choices made by Harper's Bazaar.

Many praised the Duchess's decision to embrace a more stripped-back look, celebrating her confidence and natural beauty. "😍 she is just breathtaking [sic]," shared one commenter.

"❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏this is Meghan Sussex without makeup and she is stunning and so beautiful and so young looking without makeup [sic]" another typed, while a third simply added, "She in gorgeous [sic]!🔥"

Others focused on the subtlety of Markle's look and the power behind it. One viewer said, "I love the pared down barely there make up look [sic]. Such a breath of fresh air❤️," while another commented, "I think she is 🔥 !!! We have too much makeup fakery going on, I'm loving the natural makeup done look ♥️ [sic]."

Applauding Markle's confidence, another person shared, "As a biracial woman the same age, she's flexing with this barefaced look. Anyone can do a beat. For her to look this good this bare is a massive flex."

Some responses moved beyond compliments, delving into the nuances of makeup and personal style. One person wrote, "I like the discussion of makeup coverage, clearly she likes to look natural & artists respect her wishes [sic]."

"I think she's beautiful. What do you use for foundation (since you compared your coverage?) bc u look flawless.. curious as I am in the market for new stuff, being 52 & looking for medium coverage & need new concealer..I'd love any recommendations [sic]?" they continued.

Not all reactions were glowing, though. A few questioned the editorial choices made by Harper's Bazaar. One commenter observed, "Video is much better than the final photos.The mag hates her to use those photos [sic]." Another added, "I love her but I agree. She looks too natural."

She described life in California, where her children often sit on her lap during meetings, and where work, play, and parenting overlap.

Still, behind the photos was a conversation that revealed far more. In her sit-down with Harper's Bazaar, Markle reflected on her journey from being shaped by the public to finally shaping her own narrative.

Now 44, she spoke about rediscovering joy through motherhood, her work with the Archewell Foundation, and the creative freedom that came after stepping back from royal life.

Much of the interview centred on authenticity, a theme Markle returned to more than once. "There's no such thing as perfect. I, too, get to make mistakes," she declared before adding:

"If it all goes swimmingly, you don't learn from it."

These reflections echoed the sentiments of her cover shoot and extended to her evolving role as a mother, businesswoman, and creative force. She described life in California, where her children often sit on her lap during meetings, and where work, play, and parenting overlap.

With her brand, As Ever, and the Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," she is, as she put it, "doing what works" — embracing a life that allows her to be fully present in each role.

Meghan Markle's conversation was candid, self-aware, and gently defiant — a reminder that beneath the headlines and glossy covers, she continues to seek agency, balance, and a little fun along the way.