Beauty Playbook

We tapped the British make-up extraordinaire Pat McGrath to talk all things beauty as she takes us through her early beginnings, creative process, make-up tips and more

- Phyll Wu

Dame Patricia Ann McGrath, best known as Pat McGrath, is a true icon in the world of beauty. Often called the legendary Mother of Make-up, this moniker barely scratches the surface of her revolutionary impact as the most influential make-up artist of our time. An artist in every sense, she has continally pushed the boundaries of make-up since the dawn of her career in the early ’90s, redefining the industry with her innovative approach.

Amid the glamour and splendour of the fashion world’s most iconic runways, where fashion transcends clothing to become pure art, McGrath’s artistry is the keystone that anchors this magical realm. With every brushstroke, she adds layers of narrative and depth, transforming models into living canvases that embody her legacy as a visionary trailblazer. Her eponymous brand, Pat McGrath Labs, is the beauty wand taking her artistic prowess and influence to soaring heights with innovative, top-quality make-up must-haves that are in a league of their own.

With all that said, from someone who revolutionised beauty and the mastermind behind a game-changing beauty powerhouse, we can’t help but wonder: For a creative expression as subjective and personal as beauty, what does beauty mean to the Mother of Make-up herself ? Keep reading to find out!

Many of us who fell in love with beauty at a young age can agree that we owe it all to our mothers, and we all have our own anecdotes about how they influenced our love for beauty. How has your mother shaped you into the beauty maven you are today?