Her makeup looks are unmistakable. Her signature? The “glazed skin.” Over 25 years, Pat McGrath has become a leading figure in the beauty industry. From creating looks behind the scenes at the world’s top runway shows—including a standout one for Margiela in January 2024 that went viral—to launching her visionary makeup brand in 2015, she continues to breathe new life into an ever-evolving industry.
We met with her during Sephoria’s press day, where the makeup artist spoke openly with Marie Claire.
Marie Claire: Your career in the beauty industry is remarkable. Can you share the journey that brought you to where you are today?
Pat McGrath: My path was very unique. My mother inspired my love for beauty and fashion through her own obsession with them. Early on, she taught me to think like a makeup artist, looking at clothes and figuring out the colors and textures that would suit the makeup best. She also taught me to create my own products when we couldn’t find shades that matched our skin tone, to manipulate products, and to explore unconventional application methods.
In my teens, I started experimenting on myself and my friends, and eventually, people noticed and asked me to do their makeup. I didn’t even know being a makeup artist was a real profession until I moved to London! I first worked in the music industry, then began getting booked for shoots and, finally, runway shows. When the legendary Steven Meisel invited me to do a cover shoot in New York, that was the turning point in my career. I had always worked behind the scenes, but when social media took off, I realized I had a community of makeup enthusiasts who loved my work and encouraged me to start my own line!
Do you have any particular inspirations? Film stars, singers, fashion icons…a specific era?
Everything, everyone, and all eras inspire me! I find inspiration all around me—in the streets, on social media, in nature, in movies, and in fine arts. My work reflects references from many sources across different eras.
Each year, you manage to surprise audiences with innovative makeup looks. How do you keep reinventing yourself in this profession?
I’m obsessed with beauty, and I think that when you love what you do, it’s easier to stay curious and keep learning. I’m also always competing with myself. Every new opportunity is a challenge to push boundaries, question norms, and create the unexpected.
You have 6 million followers on Instagram, which isn’t typical for a makeup artist. What role does social media play in your career? Is it something you actively focus on?
My social media is my mood board. It’s where I find inspiration and share what inspires me. It’s also where I connect with my incredible community of makeup lovers.
It’s fair to say that glowy skin is your makeup signature. What are your top tips for achieving super-radiant skin?
- Hydrate and prep the skin with my Divine Skin Rose 001 Essence, which helps the skin retain moisture so it’s hydrated and plump even before makeup.
- Perfect the skin with a hydrating, buildable foundation like my Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation. I love applying it with my hands, like a moisturiser, so it really blends into the skin. Then, I layer more with a brush on areas that need extra coverage.
- I created my Skin Fetish: Highlighter + Balm Duo for runway use to achieve my signature glow finish. On one side, there’s a pearly highlighter, and on the other, a transparent, hydrating balm. You can use them separately or layer them for an otherworldly glow.
If you could choose only one product from your brand, which would it be?
Asking me to choose a product is like asking me to pick a favorite child. I pour so much work into every product I launch, so each one from Pat McGrath Labs is special to me. However, my current obsession is my Luminous Legends Holiday Collection, especially the Mega Eyeshadow Palette, an exclusive for Sephora.
This palette has 15 of our most pigmented shades to date, with a mix of matte, shimmer, metallic, and glitter shades to dress up your eyes this holiday season. The number of looks you can create with this palette is truly endless.
Your collaboration with Margiela during fashion week last January created a lot of excitement. How do you explain the public’s reaction? Did you expect such enthusiasm for the “glazed skin” look?
The response worldwide was incredibly warm and spectacular. When we developed this look, the team knew it would be something viral.
I remember when we finally nailed the perfect glass skin effect, and the model was presented to John (Galliano) during the test. Everyone in the room was buzzing with excitement. Still, I don’t think any of us could have predicted just how viral this look would go globally or how people around the world would become absolutely obsessed with glazed skin!
What are the highlights of your career?
I’ve been fortunate to experience so many extraordinary moments. My first photoshoot with the legendary photographer Steven Meisel was pivotal because it marked the start of a wonderful collaboration that changed my life.
Launching Pat McGrath Labs in 2015 was also a landmark moment. When we sold out of our first product, GOLD 001, in under a minute, I knew my life would never be the same. And receiving a Damehood from the late Queen Elizabeth II for my contributions to fashion and diversity—I’m incredibly proud to be the first and only makeup artist to receive this honor, and it’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.
What advice would you give a budding makeup artist?
Stay curious, don’t be afraid to take risks, and trust your creative instincts. But most importantly, love what you do. Being a makeup artist requires hard work, but if you truly love beauty, fashion, and creativity, it’s a hugely joyful and rewarding career.
What’s next for you?
We have lots of innovations and major collaborations coming your way, but we have to keep the details under wraps for a little longer. As always, you can expect something very exciting soon!
This article was syndicated from Marie Claire France
Translated and adapted by Praise Vandeh, Marie Claire Nigeria Content Writer
