While makeup is one of the most diverse fields in the world, with so many different people bringing their own influences to create something beautiful, there are a few makeup artists who completely changed the game. From Kevin Aucoin’s contouring technique to Linda Cantello’s iconic smokey eye, there has been a multitude of people who brought something fresh and new to the makeup scene. But Pat McGrath – who was named the most influential makeup artist in the world by Vogue – completely transformed the idea of beauty, promoting innovation and experimentation above all else. She never stuck to one style and we knew to always expect the unexpected when it came to her work. So, let’s take a look at some of her best work and explore how she became the icon she is today.
1. Christian Dior 2011 Fall Couture Show
At the Christian Dior 2011 Fall show, McGrath demonstrated her unique ability to create extravagant looks while stillmatching Dior’s overarching theme of celebrating ultra-femininity. The bedazzled look was sprawled all over Pinterest and other forms of social media.
(Photo Credits: Christian Dior Fall 2011)
2. Givenchy 2014 Spring Show
In McGrath’s work, we can how she utilises jewellery and accessories as makeup. We saw an incredible example of this during the Givenchy 2014 Spring show, where her models’ faces were completely covered in a dazzling bluemask with red lips. Their eyes were covered by mesh, making for a darker – almost haunting – look.
It seems McGrath works well with blue, as another one of her most influential makeup looks of all time featured this brilliant blue design running down one side of the model’s face. This abstract look accentuates all the higher pointson the model’s face using blue paint, resulting in a vibrant, lifted look.
(Photo Credits: Givenchy Spring Show 2014)
3. Rihanna – W Magazine September 2016
(Photo Credits: W Magazine September 2016)
McGrath also did Rihanna’s makeup for W Magazine’s September 2016 issue. The silver jewellery gave Rihanna’s skin a blueish tinge, while the exquisite gold ornament brightened her eye area, beautifully contrasting her brightred lip.
4. Versace Fall 2023
Versace’s 2023 show brought back ultra-bold eye makeup through thick black wings, topped with a blinding innercorner highlight. This striking look caught mass media attention and many influencers recreate this look in their own way. @jessiscg in TikTok went for a more subtle version of this look.
5. Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring Summer 2023
McGrath was also behind the iconic Doja Cat look at this January’s Schiaparelli show. The look took 5 hours to complete as McGrath’s team hand-applied 30,000 Swarovski crystals to the rapper’s face, arms and head.
Beauty guru Anish Tamang recreated this stunning look in a video posted to his TikTok, pairing the makeup look withan all-black outfit, blazer and skirt combo.
While her makeup looks were show-stopping, her career doesn’t stop there. In 2015 she went on to launch Pat McGrath labs, boasting a range of base products, eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks and more. This luxury collection has been one of the best sellers at Selfridges since its launch.
Amanda Diaz showcased how effortlessly the Sublime Perfect Foundation blended into her skin.
Malvina Isfan created a gorgeous neutral cut crease using the Moonlit Seduction Eyeshadow Palette.
Danielle Marcan used the Subversive palette to create a shimmer grunge-inspired look. The highly pigmented formulas gave her eyes an ethereal glow.
Ivelina Stepheanova gushed over the Lust Lip Gloss in a video posted to TikTok captioned “I was just blown away”. She tried out the shades Astral Moon Flower and Blitz Gold, both giving her lips a gorgeous iridescent shine.
After looking at her exquisite makeup looks and luxury products, it becomes clear why she’s so highly regarded. McGrath is, and will continue to be, the mother of MUAs, and we can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Words by: Ayushi Nathwani
Header Image: Givenchy Spring 2014, Versace Fall 2023, Pat McGrath
