She looks… different? If you couldn’t quite put your finger on why Meghan Markle looked extra glam during a recent outing, it was her change in lip color! The Duchess stepped out on Jan. 15 looking gorgeous (as per usual) with a bold color swept across her pout (not as usual). So, why is this the strangest thing to see since Kate Middleton driving? Let us explain.

The 37-year-old royal has changed up her look quite a few times since the news of her engagement to Prince Harry, 34, broke in November of 2016. The couple tied the knot on May 19, 2018, and her style has become even more polished since then.

Meghan Markle
Getty Images

In the two years that Meghan has been under the world’s microscope, she has sported a plethora of gorgeous makeup looks. She is a fan of letting her natural beauty shine and usually opts for neutral shades of makeup. However, she decided to shake things up while out with her hubby at a Cirque du Soleil performance benefitting Harry’s charity Sentebale and wore a gorgeous, deep berry shade of lipstick.

The Duchess was glowing — and not just because she’s pregnant — in the sultry lip shade and paired it with a subtle smokey eye and a healthy layer of golden-hued blush. It was so sweet to see the mom-to-be all dressed up for the big night out.

Meghan’s makeup artist actually explained why you’ll infrequently see her with crimson lips. “She likes to talk and she’s not a fussy person, so she doesn’t want to have to worry about anything,” Daniel Martin revealed to People in mid-September 2018. “They have so many engagements, you just have to stick with what you know and feel comfortable and confident and just own it.”

Meghan Markle
Getty Images

But it wasn’t her bold lips that made a statement. Meg was the center of attention in a floor-length, navy blue sequin gown by Roland Mouret.

Technically, Meghan broke her personal protocol by pulling out the red lip. That’s not her usual look but we love seeing her do something out of the box. Plus, red lipstick surprisingly isn’t against royal protocol as some may think. Even 92-year-old Queen Elizabeth loves a pop of color on her lips! Take a note from the royal family and try something daring with your look once in a while. We’re officially inspired.

Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and all things royal!