Pat McGrath (make-up artist)

Dame Patricia Ann McGrath
Born	Patricia Ann McGrath (1971-06-11) June 11, 1971 Northampton, England
Occupation(s)	Make-up artist, cosmetics entrepreneur
Years active	1980s–present
Known for	Founder of Pat McGrath Labs, creative director of cosmetics at La Beauté Louis Vuitton

Dame Patricia Ann McGrath DBE (born 11 June 1971) is a prominent British make-up artist frequently hailed as the most impactful figure in the field by Vogue and other authorities. In 2019, she was recognized as one of Time's 100 most influential individuals. McGrath made history as the first makeup artist to be honored with a Dame Commander of the British Empire title. In 2025, she assumed the role of creative director of cosmetics at La Beauté Louis Vuitton.

Biography

Born in 1971 in Northampton, England, McGrath is a British makeup artist with Jamaican heritage, raised by her mother who was both a dressmaker and a Jehovah's Witness. She undertook an art foundation course at Northampton College, which notably did not include training in fashion or makeup.

During the 1980s, McGrath relocated to London where she worked alongside designers such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. In the early 1990s, she collaborated with Edward Enninful at i-D magazine while supporting herself through a receptionist position. By 1999, Giorgio Armani engaged her to create a cosmetics line. By 2004, she held the position of Global Cosmetics Creative Design Director at Procter & Gamble, reportedly earning a salary exceeding $1 million.

In 2015, McGrath founded her own cosmetics brand, Pat McGrath Labs. Within four years, it evolved into a billion-dollar enterprise and became the leading beauty brand at Selfridges. In 2017, Enninful appointed her as Beauty Editor-at-Large for British Vogue. At the 2018 Fashion Awards, celebrities such as Saoirse Ronan, Naomie Harris, and Sara Sampaio showcased makeup from Pat McGrath Labs.

In March 2025, luxury house Louis Vuitton revealed plans to launch its beauty division, La Beauté Louis Vuitton, in fall 2025, naming McGrath as Creative Director of Cosmetics for this initiative.

Recognition

• 2000, 2001: Pantene Pro-V Make-Up Artist Of The Year
• 2014: Awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for contributions to fashion and beauty
• 2017: Received the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator at the Fashion Awards
• 2021: Honored as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for achievements in fashion, beauty, and diversity
• 2024: Presented with the London Design Medal during the London Design Festival

McGrath has consistently been featured among the Top 10 on the Powerlist, which highlights the most influential Black British leaders across various sectors.

Artistry

As reported by Vogue in 2007, McGrath is distinguished for her innovative and daring makeup methods, often applying products directly with her hands rather than brushes. She favors vivid hues and incorporates unconventional elements such as feathers and decorative accessories, producing an extensive array of groundbreaking styles. McGrath is credited with reviving traditional makeup concepts while simultaneously pioneering new techniques.

Inspiration

McGrath characterizes her profession as consistently invigorating and demanding: "Being a makeup artist is something I truly enjoy. It never becomes dull or foreseeable." She finds creative motivation in an array of elements including feathers, gold leaf, and leather, while also drawing from textiles, color palettes in fashion lines, and the unique features of the individuals she collaborates with. Her mother’s enthusiasm for fashion, cinema, and costume design played a significant role in shaping her artistic direction: "I became passionate about everything she was passionate about." Early encouragement to embrace her craft led McGrath to accompany her mother on makeup shopping trips at the age of six, firmly establishing fashion as a fundamental source of inspiration.

Models serve as pivotal muses for McGrath, representing diversity and providing opportunities for artistic innovation. Among those who have notably influenced her are Naomi Campbell, Hailey Baldwin, Paloma Elsesser, Jasmine Sanders, Mallory Merk, and Ruby Aldridge. She emphasizes the enduring partnership with Campbell and regards Elsesser’s skin tone as an exceptional foundation for her creative work.

A pronounced emphasis on natural skin underpins McGrath’s product development, which prioritizes radiance. She remarks, "Flawless, luminous skin has always been a constant in my work," often utilizing bespoke blends to produce various luminous effects. The design of her product packaging, featuring sequins, also mirrors this concept. Regarding beauty, McGrath perceives it as an energy that can be refined yet authentic: "True beauty originates from within... frequently imperfect or quite raw."

Music videos

Year	Title	Artist	Role
2022	"Bejeweled"	Taylor Swift	Queen Pat