Who is Pat McGrath

The Mother of Modern Makeup

The legendary Pat McGrath needs no introduction. As one of the most influential makeup artists of all time and the first to be awarded a damehood, McGrath is a creative visionary. Whether she's dreaming up the next Pat McGrath Labs makeup launch that will break the internet — like her Divine Blush Collection — or creating show-stopping looks for the runways, McGrath has built a beauty empire. Wondering how she does it all? "I don't get overwhelmed because I've always really loved challenges; they give me energy and keep me going," she tells InStyle. "That's the one thing I will say about working in beauty and fashion: It keeps you on your toes. You don't really have time to get bored or to be uncertain about the future."
So who is Pat McGrath? The legendary artist opens up about her humble beauty beginnings, like watching her mom perfect the art of dewy skin while bathing in a full face of makeup. "I owe my love of makeup to my mother [Jean McGrath]," she says. "When I was growing up in England, we would spend every Friday shopping at departments stores so she could create new beauty looks." Ahead, McGrath shares what inspires her and reflects on her 25-year career, in her own words.

Pat McGrath's Porcelain Skin

The viral Maison Margiela Look

Pat McGrath finally revealed the secret to shiny glass skin that delivers the porcelain doll effect she created for Maison Margiela’s Couture Spring 2024 runway show. In an Instagram Live on Friday, February 2, McGrath broke down the concoction of face masks she used with an airbrush machine for the glass skin look: Freeman’s Renewing Cucumber Peel-Off Gel Facial Mask, Que Bella’s Hydrating Pineapple Peel-Off Face Mask, Daggett and Ramsdell’s Peel-Off Facial Mask, and Proot’s Calendula Peel-Off Mask.