Who is Pat McGrath?
Pat McGrath is best known for her unique and adventurous approach to makeup.
Over the years she has gained a reputation for material experimentation. She opts for the use of her hands over brushes and creating some of the industry’s most intricate looks.
The brand is adored for its intense pigmentation, which has made products like the Mothership eyeshadow palette such a huge success. The Skin Fetish highlighters and Lust: Gloss and Matte Trance lipstick have deservedly achieved cult status.
The makeup artist turned heads once again when she collaborated with Maison Margiela during Paris Fashion Week 2024, creating surreal, porcelain-doll appearances.
How did Pat McGrath start her business?
The CEO launched her eponymous brand, Pat McGrath Labs in 2015. She credits her mother, Jean, for introducing her to the world of makeup. Her career took off in the 1990s and has since become regarded as the most prolific catwalk makeup artist. From working with major brands such as Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani and Prada, she paved the way for McGrath to establish her own makeup line.
What began as an inside joke has become a fitting moniker. Though the nickname “Mother” was a joke between friends, it is now what McGrath is affectionately known as.
Must have Pat McGrath makeup products
Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation
A formula years in the making highlights the devotion of its creator. The Sublime Perfection Foundation is lightweight but heavy impact. Whether you’re looking for a sheer, barely-painted face or a medium-coverage look, this foundation can do both. Despite adding layers, it retains its satin finish. Best of all, the Skin Fetish foundation comes in 36 shades of five categories: Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep and Deep.
Pat McGrath Festish Eyes Mascara
Pat McGrath Festish Eyes Mascara has been praised for its incredible formula and buildable nature. The staggered brush of this Pat McGrath mascara meticulously combs and coats each lash in a jet-black gleam without unsightly clumping. As well as creating eye-catching volume, the addition of peptides and panthenol strengthens the lash from root to tip.
Pat McGrath Divine Powder Blush
Since its launch, Pat McGrath Divine Powder Blush has been one of the brand’s most sought-after products. Its ability to blend seamlessly into the skin rather than annoyingly sit on the surface has stolen the hearts of many beauty aficionados. The velvety-soft powder is blendable, buildable and simply beautiful. Pat McGrath Divine Powder Blush is currently available in 13 shades such as Nude Venus II, Divine Rose and Electric Bloom.
Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo
This duo is the foundation for clean and dewy glows. Pat McGrath pearlescent highlighter adds a touch of luminosity while Pat McGrath moisturising balm can create buildable radiance. Apply them as singular products or combine for a shimmering effect. The available shades are Nude, Bronze and Xtreme Cyber Lotus.
Pat McGrath Matte Trance Lipstick
Pat longed for the perfect matte lipstick. So, she made her own. Designed to deliver vivid results in one swipe, Pat McGrath Matte Trance lipstick offers an intense pigmentation. Even better - they don’t bleed and have long-lasting power. This Pat McGrath lipstick line is available in a wide variety of shades: Forbidden Love, Peep Show and Divine Rose are just some of a few luscious lipsticks to try.
Celebrities Who Can’t Get Enough of Pat McGrath
Naomi Campbell
Thanks to the Dame’s help, Naomi Campbell has consistently pulled off show-stopping looks at the Met Gala. In 2024, Naomi had the honour of unveiling McGrath’s new lip-liner-cum-lipstick, which finished off her Garden of Time theme beautifully. The supermodel and legendary makeup mogul are long-time collaborators of almost 30 years. In 2020, Campbell became the global face of the brand and debuted the Mothership VIII Divine Rose II Eye Palette.
Cardi B
McGrath’s Maison Margiela porcelain glass technique took the industry by storm. Cardi B and her trusted makeup artist Erika La’ Pearl recreated this show-stopping look for the artwork of her single ‘Enough’ (Miami).
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift and Pat McGrath are the perfect Love Story. This symbiotic relationship has proven to be extremely successful. The Dame was the mastermind behind Swift’s sensational makeup in the “Bejeweled” music video. In turn, Taylor was the muse behind McGrath’s “Taylor-Made” Lip Kit. Die-hard fans of both will know that Taylor has worn the Liquilust matte liquid lipstick shade Elson during the Eras tour.
Pamela Anderson
In 2023, Pamela Anderson was spotted bare-faced and au naturel at many red-carpet events. This move was made not to cause a scandal, but more of an act of defiance. Cleary having heard of our makeup mogul’s infallible skills, Anderson swanned the Met Gala red carpet beautifully painted by McGrath. The minimal look created an effortlessly ethereal look and was achieved by the shade Divine Rose Glow Cream Blush and the Skin Fetish Highlighter and Balm duo.
Nicki Minaj
The mother of makeup is no stranger to collaborating with Nicki Minaj. After nailing the Met Gala theme in 2022 and Nick’s 2017 interview spread with the New York Times, the iconic pairing was long overdue. In 2023, Minaj released her album Pink Friday 2 under the MUA creative direction of McGrath. They gave a nod to their shared love of the shade pink by using products such as Divine Blush: Legendary Glow Colour Balm and Divine Skin: Rose 001 The Essence.
