ALISON BOSHOFF: Meghan Markle is promoting a new make-up range by her friend Victoria Jackson

She is preparing to launch a new lifestyle brand of her own — but it seems that Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is still willing to do a favour for a friend.

It can be revealed that the Duchess has been promoting a new make-up range by her friend, mogul Victoria Jackson, who is part of her ‘Montecito Mafia’.

Jackson has just relaunched her iconic Eighties cosmetics brand, No Makeup Makeup.

Meghan wore it at the ESPY awards, pictured, where husband Prince Harry was controversially the recipient of the prestigious Pat Tillman Award. Her make-up artist Daniel Martin shared her support of the brand on Instagram.

Sources close to the Duchess say she’s plugging it purely out of friendship, and that no money is changing hands. ‘She and Victoria have been friends for years,’ I am told. ‘She loves the product, and this wasn’t a paid promotion.’

Meghan (pictured) wore her pal’s makeup at the ESPY awards, pictured, where husband Prince Harry (pictured) was controversially the recipient of the prestigious Pat Tillman Award

Victoria Jackson (pictured) has just relaunched her iconic Eighties cosmetics brand, No Makeup Makeup

Jackson wrote on her Instagram: ‘You look stunning, Meghan! Thank you @danielmartin so much for your support with No Makeup Makeup’s red carpet debut! Xo Victoria.’

Entrepreneur Jackson, 68, loaned Meghan her home for a photoshoot with The Cut in 2022 and is one of the key members of the former actress’s inner circle. The pair were introduced by feminist icon Gloria Steinem.

Meghan celebrated her 41st birthday at Jackson’s ranch in Santa Barbara, near Montecito.

The entrepreneur made a fortune with Victoria Jackson Cosmetics, which she began selling first via an infomercial and then on QVC. But she stepped away from the business after her daughter was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition and set up a charity which funded research into treatment and cures.

Sources close to Meghan (pictured in September 2023) say she’s plugging it purely out of friendship

In 2021 she launched ‘age-positive’ skin creams under the Kind Science banner with another close pal Ellen DeGeneres — who happens to be another good friend of Meghan’s.

Meanwhile, the Duchess is set to launch her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, later this year, with a cooking series on Netflix and a branded rosé wine the first ventures. Further homewares and food items will follow.