The Beauty of Pat McGrath
Instagram's Most Influential Makeup Artist
Scrolling through Pat McGrath’s Instagram (@patmcgrathreal) is like walking through an alien wonderland where pigments are bright, and everything sparkles. Dubbed “the most influential makeup artist in the world” by Anna Wintour and awarded a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, Pat McGrath has set the standard for beauty trends and makeup artists around the world.
Pat McGrath emerged onto the beauty scene in the early 90’s where she helped define a new artisan look. Born in Britain of Jamaican decent, Ms. McGrath credits her mother to opening her eyes to the world of fashion and beauty and cultivating her obsession with makeup. When she started working with i-D Magazine fashion director Edward Enninful, who would later become the first African born editor-in-chief of British Vogue, it was like catching lightning in a bottle. The fashion director and make-up artist teamed up with world renown photographer Steven Meisel and took the fashion world by storm. Ms. McGarth became a coveted makeup artist working with international magazines, the fashion runways of all four major cities, and top ad campaigns. Along with being Meisel’s go to makeup artist, she worked with photographers Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, & Peter Lindbergh to name a few and was instrumental in creating the makeup lines for Jil Sanders, John Galliano, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and most recently Gucci. By 2004 she was named global creative design director of Proctor & Gamble where Ms. McGrath oversaw Max Factor and Cover Girl.
As a preeminent makeup artists and creative director, Ms. McGrath branched out on her own in the 2015 with her own line called Pat McGrath Labs. More likely to be seen on the runways of Paris rather than a department store counter, the line consists of bold hues and experimental technology that breaks from tradition. Some of her products like the Gold 001 eyeshadow pigment are released in limited quantities making them cult-like collectibles. Another signature in the collection is the Mothership V: Bronze Seduction palette which is made up of rich mattes and space age metallics. And with names like skin fetish, lust gloss, and flesh opulence you know you’re getting a sensuous look.
Browse through Ms. McGrath’s highly curated Instagram to see her latest releases, trend setting makeup (McGrath is the women who gave us all thicker brows), and inspiration. Check out the how-to videos to get luminous skin, see #McGrathMuse for who inspires her and all the latest trends in the world of beauty.
