Makeup legend Pat McGrath is one of the industry’s most innovative and influential makeup artists. McGrath has created phenomenal runway beauty looks for Valentino, Maison Margiela, and many more brands. Her success has been unprecedented, and she has continued defying beauty laws with her artistry.
McGrath launched her beauty line Pat McGrath Labs in 2015 and included “labs” for a reason. She is a visionary artist who has elevated the beauty runway game to new heights. From covering Doja Cat in 30,000 Swarovski crystals for Schiaparelli to using feathers as eyelashes for Valentino, McGrath is in her own lane. Her journey and ability to transform some of the most iconic faces in the industry is why she is Pat McGrath, queen of the beauty business.
The incomparable British makeup maven has a career that spans over two decades, working with some of the most luxurious brands and the most influential celebrities in the industry. Throughout her career, McGrath has experienced many accomplishments that have earned her the title “Queen of the Beauty Business.” She was the first makeup artist to receive the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Founders Award. In 2019, she was featured as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.’ McGrath was also the first makeup artist to receive damehood when Queen Elizabeth II gave her the title for iconic achievements in the beauty industry.
In 2024, McGrath was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative People over the last 10 years. The beauty expert has worked with a myriad of luxury high-fashion brands. She has created showstopping looks for runway shows, including Prada, Miu Miu, Dior, Givenchy, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and more.
Pat McGrath is a visionary.
One of the most recent trends she’s crafted is the popular porcelain-doll-like “glass skin” look she created for Maison Margiela’s 2024 spring couture collection. The beauty trend looked like it was part of a fantasy world, transforming all the models who donned it. The look had other makeup artists recreating their version of the porcelain doll trend.
What makes McGrath unique is that she pushes the boundaries of beauty. Her creations defy traditional beauty standards, which is why she is an artist among artists. Her love of beauty comes from someone close to her heart—her mother.
“I owe my love of makeup to my mother [Jean McGrath],” she told Instyle magazine in July 2023. “When I was growing up in England, we would spend every Friday shopping at department stores so she could create new beauty looks.”
Pat McGrath Labs is beloved by celebrities, industry insiders, and influencers.
Pat McGrath Labs has every celebrity and influencer clamoring to wear its products. Consumers swear by McGrath’s products, praising her under-eye blurring powder and perfection concealer.
Beauty looks crafted with Pat McGrath products are typically seen on red carpets. At the 2024 Met Gala, celebrities such as Tyla, Doja Cat, and Bad Bunny stunned on the carpet while donning the brand’s beauty products.
Pat McGrath, queen of the beauty business, should be her official title because she is nothing short of legendary. Society will be talking about her artistry for decades to come.
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