Pat McGrath’s Top Glam Tips & Beauty Secrets

Ever wondered how to achieve that flawless, runway-ready look? We’re getting the inside scoop straight from the queen of cosmetics herself, the legendary Pat McGrath! Known for her groundbreaking work and innovative beauty brand, PAT McGRATH LABS, McGrath is sharing her most coveted glam tips, debunking common makeup myths, and giving us a peek into her creative process.

Lessons Learned from Mom

McGrath’s journey into the world of makeup began not in a classroom, but at her mother’s kitchen table. Her earliest beauty lesson came from watching her mother mix custom shades because the perfect colors for their skin simply didn’t exist back then. This foundational experience taught McGrath a crucial lesson: makeup isn’t about hiding, it’s about celebrating who you are.

Despite attending art school, McGrath never formally studied makeup. Instead, she honed her skills through sheer passion and experimentation. This hands-on, obsessive approach is a hallmark of her career, allowing her to transform models into living art and develop entire makeup collections that push creative boundaries.

The Magic of Backstage Access

Now, as the founder of PAT McGRATH LABS and the first-ever Cosmetics Creative Director for La Beauté Louis Vuitton, McGrath’s mission is to democratize her backstage magic. She views makeup as a form of ‘fetish,’ emphasizing the transformative power it holds, not just physically but emotionally. It’s about enhancing natural beauty and making everyone feel like the best version of themselves.

McGrath’s Current Obsessions

When asked about her current favorite products, McGrath raves about the new Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Longwear Blurring Setting Spray. She highlights its ability to create a soft-focus, non-powdery finish that lasts an incredible 16 hours. For deeper skin tones, she loves the Divine Blush in Paradise Venus and Electric Bloom for a radiant, lit-from-within glow.

Her go-to makeup looks often involve creating ‘spa skin’ – that luminous, glass-like finish that looks utterly divine. She loves pairing this with a bold lip, using shades like Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil in Garnet Glow or Flesh 3. McGrath also enjoys experimenting with unexpected color stories, like using Divine Cream Blush: Legendary Glow Color Balm in Forbidden Fleur on deep skin for an extraordinary vibrancy.

Her Top Makeup Tip: Mix Textures!

What’s the secret to dimension and artistry on the face? McGrath’s top tip is to ‘mix your textures.’ She advises using matte finishes in some areas and high-shine, glowy finishes in others. For example, applying Skin Fetish: Divine Glow Highlighter in Bronze Mirage on the high points of the face while using a touch of matte powder through the T-zone creates beautiful ‘geography.’

And her non-negotiable final step? ‘Always—ALWAYS—set with spray,’ she insists. Whether using the Skin Fetish: Glass 001 Legendary Glow Setting Spray or the new Sublime Perfection Longwear Blurring Setting Spray, this step ensures everything melds seamlessly into the skin for a natural, long-lasting finish.

Debunking Makeup Myths

McGrath is quick to dismiss the idea that certain skin tones can’t wear specific colors or require different makeup rules. ‘Nonsense!’ she exclaims. Her philosophy is that every skin tone can wear every color; it’s all about understanding undertones and using the right formulas. She points to her LiquiLUST: Legendary Wear Lipstick in Elson 4 (a vivid blue-red) and Baby Pink Blurring Powder as examples that look incredible on all skin tones, a lesson learned through years of experimentation.

The Power of Being Seen

What truly moves McGrath are the messages she receives from clients who have finally found their perfect shade within her extensive range. She recalls a model telling her she’d never had a makeup artist achieve a perfect match on the first try until working with her. This dedication to inclusivity is why PAT McGRATH LABS offers 36 shades of concealer and foundation, along with new Amber and Peach Under-Eye Blurring Powders. ‘Everyone deserves to be seen and matched perfectly!’

Ultimately, McGrath’s approach to makeup is about genuine connection. She starts by truly seeing individuals, aiming to enhance their unique magnificence rather than change them. Whether it’s finding the perfect complexion match or highlighting a feature that makes them feel like a goddess, her goal is simple: to help everyone feel like the absolute best version of themselves.