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Tag: Beauty Tips

  • 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.

    What’s your favorite Pat McGrath Labs product or makeup tip? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • MeMa Creations: Wedding Makeup for Brides of Color

    In the latest installment of TheGrio’s “Wedding Our Way” series, we meet MeMa Creations, a Brooklyn-based makeup artist who has become a go-to for brides seeking that perfect, all-day wedding glam. Melisa, as she’s known personally, has earned a reputation for making brides feel like the stars of their own fairy tales, especially for brides of color.

    Enhancing Natural Beauty for the Big Day

    Melisa shared her passion for her craft, telling TheGrio, “It feels amazing to make women feel like the best version of themselves.” She emphasizes her ability to listen to her brides, assess their desires, and bring their envisioned look to life. Her signature style focuses on creating a flawless canvas with supremely smooth skin, naturally blended colors, and dimension that enhances rather than masks, making her brides look and feel like supermodels.

    Melisa’s journey into makeup artistry began in her teenage years when she struggled with acne. Discovering makeup as a way to achieve flawless skin, she fell in love with the art of transformation. Over her twelve years as a professional makeup artist, she has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of what makes wedding makeup truly special and long-lasting.

    Top Tips for Choosing Your Wedding MUA

    Melisa offers invaluable advice for brides-to-be navigating the process of selecting a makeup artist for their big day:

    • **Book Early:** “As soon as you pick your wedding dress, you should be booking your makeup artist or as soon you book your venue,” Melisa advises. Securing your glam team early is crucial, especially for high-demand artists.
    • **Check Portfolios for Representation:** “Look at the makeup artist’s portfolio,” Melisa stresses. “See if you see any brides that resemble you.” She emphasizes that not all artists are adept at color matching, particularly for deeper skin tones, so it’s vital to ensure their work reflects diversity.
    • **Schedule a Bridal Trial:** While it might seem like an extra step, a trial run is essential. “A bridal trial is very important because sometimes people will come with a Pinterest inspiration makeup board… You may do the trial and you’ll be like, ‘Oh, this looks nice, but not exactly what I had in mind for my wedding day,’” Melisa explains. It allows for adjustments and ensures the artist can work efficiently on the wedding day.
    • **Speak Up About Your Preferences:** Don’t hesitate to communicate your likes and dislikes. “You have to be transparent,” Melisa urges. “You have to speak your mind.” It’s important to voice concerns, whether about hair or makeup, to ensure you feel confident and beautiful on your wedding day.
    • **View Makeup as an Investment:** “Next to your dress, the next thing is your hair and your makeup,” Melisa notes. “If all those threes are not aligned, the look falls flat.” Investing in quality makeup and an artist who understands longevity and application is key to a flawless, all-day look.

    A Dream Career Built with Intention

    Melisa finds immense joy in her work, seeing it as more than just a job but a calling. Her entrepreneurial journey as a Black woman in the wedding industry has provided financial empowerment and a deep sense of purpose. “I’m grateful,” she says. “It feels good to be chosen and to be able to give people the vision that they dreamt of.” She cherishes the relationships she builds with her brides, often staying connected beyond the wedding day.

    Having been a bride herself, Melisa understands the importance of feeling beautiful and confident. She approaches each wedding with enthusiasm, viewing it as an opportunity to create something new and contribute to someone’s fairy tale. Her dedication to her craft and her clients makes MeMa Creations a truly beloved choice for wedding makeup.

    What are your essential tips for choosing a wedding makeup artist? Share your advice in the comments below!

  • Sir John’s Top Beauty Tips

    Sir John, the celebrated makeup artist behind the iconic looks of Beyoncé, Zendaya, and Serena Williams, shares his passion for beauty, which began with his mother. His earliest memory of makeup’s transformative power was watching his mother apply mascara, realizing how it could “put a pep in her step” and change the environment. This early inspiration fueled his move to NYC at 16 to pursue makeup artistry seriously.

    From MAC Cosmetics to High Fashion

    After honing his skills at MAC Cosmetics (and a brief stint where he was fired for lateness), Sir John explored various avenues, including visual design for Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman, menswear merchandising for Gucci, and even serving as a key makeup artist for a club in Queens. His career took a significant turn after attending a Pat McGrath show, which led to meeting McGrath herself and embarking on fashion month shows with Dolce & Gabbana and Prada in 2006.

    His work with Charlotte Tilbury further propelled his career, leading to collaborations with global superstars like Beyoncé and Julianne Moore. Beyond technical skill, Sir John emphasizes the impact makeup artists can have on how people feel, stating, “My voice is more powerful than anything I can do with my hands.” He cherishes the “vibrational feeling or alignment” he hopes people experience when they meet him.

    Favorite Products and Techniques

    Currently, Sir John is loving Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder for its ability to create a gorgeous complexion. He also praises Ami Colé’s universally flattering toffee brown lip oil and Uoma Beauty’s pigmented concealers and lipsticks. His favorite “beat” is editorial, particularly the refined, cabaret-inspired glam that looks flawless under the spotlight. He emphasizes the importance of mastering flawless skin, a technique he’s helped bring to the forefront of the beauty community.

    His top makeup tip is to move away from overly heavy lashes, advocating for more purposeful, evolved versions of eye makeup that offer sophistication and harmony with one’s overall style. Crucially, he stresses the importance of skin prep, recommending the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro’s Air Shot Mode for creating non-damaging passageways to improve pores and the Booster Mode to enhance skincare product absorption and circulation for a flawless makeup application.

    Debunking Beauty Myths and Uplifting Clients

    Sir John wants to debunk the myth of blindly following trends or celebrity looks. In the current “dopamine glam” era, he believes beauty choices should be about personal feeling and self-expression – “shake what your mama gave you!” He uplifts his clients by bringing positive energy and ensuring he impacts the space he enters, whether it’s a home or a dressing room. This commitment to transmuting heavy energy and bringing joy to people is a cornerstone of his professional ethos.

    What are your favorite beauty tips from Sir John? Do you agree about evolving lash styles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!