Author: Ola Omar
During Maison Margiela’s Spring-Summer 2024 Haute Couture show, Pat McGrath delivered a makeup look to be remembered for years to come. The doll-skin makeup look she created broke the internet, rallying makeup artists from all over the world in an attempt to figure out the secret products used to create such a glossy finish. However, this is just one of many reasons McGrath is considered the most influential makeup artist of our time.
Growing up, McGrath’s love of makeup was influenced by her mother. She would remark on the makeup they’d see on TV and in the media. McGrath recognized the lack of diversity in the makeup products offered. The skin tone range was very limited, prioritizing light shades compatible with white women, and little to no dark shades. While neutral makeup looks were trending, McGrath found a way to create innovative looks using strong colours and pigments catered to darker-skinned consumers, creators, and models. She was quickly recognized for her skill and innovation, and started working with large organizations like The Face and i-D. She was later made beauty editor-at-large for British Vogue and started becoming the go-to makeup artist for designers like Dior and Prada. Now McGrath travels with a large crew of talented makeup artists to create the makeup looks for 80 major fashion shows a year.
Hoping for more diversity not only in colour, but also in shape, size, and gender, McGrath created her own makeup line, PAT McGRATH LABS, that started from one gold metallic pigment. Now, her line is one of the biggest in the world, with many makeup enthusiasts eagerly waiting for new launches. The brand includes many different colours that work for every skin tone, celebrating all who love makeup.
Today, McGrath not only continues to create amazing looks for designers like Maison Margiela, Valentino, and Givenchy, but she also shares her knowledge and inspires other makeup artists to freely express themselves. McGrath loves to post how she creates her makeup looks on social media with her followers. After creating her doll-skin makeup looks for Margiela this season, she went live on Instagram and created a tutorial showing detailed steps taken and products used to bring the legendary look to life. McGrath is also inspired by young and upcoming makeup artists, who she often reposts on her Instagram feed. Most of her team of makeup artists were discovered through social media.
GORGEOUS GLOW MEETS ICONIC EYES, Artisanal Show 2024 by @jgalliano featuring Mothership I: Subliminal and Divine Skin: Rose 001™ The Essence. Makeup by Pat McGrath.
Image Via: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2muB9WA2uj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
McGrath has been an inspiration since she was eighteen, advocating for diversity and inclusivity and celebrating all people and artists no matter their age, race, or gender. It is wonderful seeing the industry shift to a more inclusive standard which creates a safer space for more people to enjoy makeup and allows for more freedom to express ourselves and ultimately be more creative.
Maison Margiela Artisanal 2024 Collection by @JGalliano. Look 41.
Blue-and-white striped cotton poplin stripe-tease sundress, porcelain makeup by Pat McGrath.
Image Via: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3HpejTAitK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D&img_index=1
