How Pat McGrath Redefined Beauty in Fashion

There is no denying makeup artist Pat McGrath has transformed the beauty industry. Name any makeup and beauty trend from the last two decades, and you will find Pat’s influence all over it.

Her biography summarizes a career of creativity channeled through futuristic inspirations, color, and surrealism. Plus, some of her hallmarks, such as luminous skin, have become standards.

Referred to as the world's most influential and in-demand make-up artist, Pat has redefined the beauty world — on the runway and off.

Pat McGrath has created makeup looks for countless fashion designers, getting her start in the ‘80s with Alexander McQueen and John Galiano. Since then, she has continued to set the makeup trends.

“People don’t want to be bored any more. They really do want to try new things,” she told The Guardian. “Now, ‘the makeup obsessed’ is everybody. An air stewardess recently told me her 8-year-old daughter watches complex how-tos on YouTube.”

So, it came as no surprise when Pat launched her own makeup line, Pat McGrath Labs, in 2015.

Her first launch, Gold 001, sold out in less than 10 seconds and three years later, Pat McGrath Labs was valued at $1 billion, according to WWD.

Her inclination towards colors stems from her childhood, influenced by her mother, Jean, who was passionate about fashion and beauty. When she was little, she dragged her shopping every Friday while she looked for makeup bases that she could mix to get a dark enough tone.

From her, she inherited her passion and that bold nuance that characterizes her works.

To create her trademark look, Pat always instructs her makeup artists to start with a pencil and then apply the eyeshadow. That way, the make-up architecture is more stable.

Another essential but extremely precious tip to learn from famous make-up artists is to illuminate the inner corner of the eye, even when creating simple and natural everyday makeup.

Regarding the lips, however, the lipstick is applied like this:

● First, use a veil of concealer with a brush

● Continue by applying a delicate one to see the lip contour outlined precisely.

The technique used by Pat is all about taking the lipstick from the tube onto the back of the hand. Then, pick up the color with the fingertip and apply it directly to the model's lips.

By doing so, the lipstick will create an invisible film fusing with the lips. It's now simply a matter of applying the right amount of pigment.

We definitely recommend following Pat on Instagram for even more makeup tips!