The Best Makeup Looks of Pat McGrath
By Hannah Schmidt-Rees
Often known as the 'Mother of Makeup', British-born makeup artist Pat McGrath has definitely left a mark on the global high fashion industry. Born and raised in Northampton, McGrath's single Jamaican mother was the one who introduced her to makeup. "Like so many people in the arts, my mother was a huge part of why I chose the profession I have." says McGrath. Rising to fame in the 1990s, McGrath has worked for iconic fashion brands, including; Prada, Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, John Galliano and Christian Dior. McGrath has also worked with iconic supermodels, including Naomi Campbell and Gigi Hadid. Creating a plethora of breathtaking looks, Pat McGrath needs to be your next makeup inspiration. Anna Wintour has even called McGrath; "the most influential makeup artist in the world." Need I say more?
Consulting for and creating makeup products over the years with brands such as Gucci and Giorgio Armani, it wasn't until 2015 that Pat McGrath launched her own makeup line; Pat McGrath Labs. Her first product, a limited-edition gold pigment 'Gold-001', sold out in six minutes. After launching a few more limited-edition products, such as eye-kits and lipsticks, McGrath finally launched a permanent collection in October 2017. The passion and hard-work that she pours into her products separates her brand from others, as evidenced by the fact that one Pat McGrath Labs product is sold every 40 seconds. . Inclusivity is incredibly important to McGrath, as finding shades that matched darker skin tones was difficult when she worked in the 1990s.
Pat McGrath Labs is one of the biggest makeup brand in the world, with an estimated net value of over $1 billion, which just for comparison, Kylie Cosmetics is worth $800 million. It’s amazing that one of the best makeup brands in the world is owned and run by a 53 year-old self-made black woman, not a white girl that made her makeup brand famous through her family (and that's the tea).
To celebrate the incredible success of Pat McGrath, I thought we should have a look at some of her most iconic looks over the course of her career. You’re welcome.