Celebrity Makeup Artist Daniel Martin Takes Us Through a Day in His Life at Paris Fashion Week
Here's what it's like getting his VIP clients ready.


Celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin has more than 20 years of experience under his belt and regularly does the face of a royal. Yes, the one and only Meghan Markle is a long-time client and friend of Martin's—he's the man behind her Royal Wedding makeup. Hollywood royalty loves him, as well. Martin, Dior brand ambassador and Honest Beauty creative color consultant, has a star-studded lineup of clients including Jessica Alba, Elisabeth Moss, Priyanka Chopra, and Jessica Biel. He's amazingly talented and gets to do really cool things, like make up the faces of celebrity clients at Paris Fashion Week.
This year, for the Dior Autumn/Winter Ready to Wear show, Martin worked with Olivia Palermo and Kat Graham. Here, a peek into a typical day in his life during one of the busiest seasons for makeup artists.
A Timeline of Martin's Crazy-Packed But Exciting Day
7:00 a.m.: Woke up soooo tired! Last night was the Dior dinner and party at the Roxie celebrating Cara Delevingne as the new face for Dior Addict Stellar Shine. Had so much fun and got home way too late!
7:45 a.m.: Breakfast arrives. I need coffee!!!
9:00 a.m.: Organize the kit and make sure I’m all set for my back-to-back appointments before I head to the show myself.
9:30 a.m.: Out the door to get my good friend Olivia Palermo ready for the Dior show. She has multiple shows to attend before Dior so it’s my time to catch up and chat beforehand with her and her hubby.
11:30 a.m.: Run around the corner to get Kat Graham ready for Dior, too. She flew in straight from L.A. this morning so I need to give her skin some extra love before makeup.
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1:00 p.m.: Arrive at Musee Rodin! Heading backstage at Dior to see my pal, Peter Philips [creative and image director of Christian Dior makeup], and grab a sneak peek of the makeup look before the show starts.
2:00 p.m.: I love hanging out backstage catching up with models and friends on Peters team, but it's time to grab my seat!
2:30: p.m.: Showtime!
The Inspiration Behind the Beauty Looks He Created on His Clients
"My inspiration for Olivia’s look was polished Kathryn Hepburn. Sophisticated and chic, keeping the focus on the eyes, wearing the new Dior 5 Couluers Lolli’Glow in #257 Sugar Shade."
Palermo outside the Dior show
His Favorite Standout Products At The Moment
"Kat’s makeup is more downtown with a bold pop of red on the lips using the new Dior Addict Stellar Shine in #753 Positivity."
A behind-the-scenes shot Martin snapped while getting Graham ready for the Dior show.
"The new Dior Addict Stellar Shine lipsticks give great payoff while looking wet like a gloss. The range of finishes also adds a new dimension to the colors."
What It's Like Being Backstage at Paris Fashion Week
'A model gets prepped for the Dior show.
"My favorite part is working as a team and watching your vision come together with the hair and wardrobe. During the makeup tests you don’t really see the entire look come together."
As for his least favorite part?
"Fighting with the hair team to grab a late model into your chair!"
Shop My Favorite Dior Makeup Products
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Maya Allen is the former Digital Beauty Editor at MarieClaire.com where she covered makeup, skincare, haircare, wellness, you name it! She has a 15-step skincare routine, owns over 200 red lipsticks, and enjoys testing the latest and greatest in beauty. On most weekends, you can find her at her happy place, which is her makeup vanity. There, she’s usually blasting her speakers while singing along to lyrics at the top of her lungs, and making sure her highlighter is on point.
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