Pat McGrath’s eyeshadow can sell out as fast as, say, Taylor Swift concert tickets.
When the influential makeup artist dropped her first small-batch product, GOLD 001, it was gone in record-breaking time. And when she unveiled a beauty collab with Supreme New York in 2020, her obsessive fans vaporized the stock in 8.2 seconds.
The New York-based British creative – who creates memorable beauty looks for more than 60 runway shows a season from Prada to Louis Vuitton; collaborates on shoots around the world; and glams up celebs like Pamela Anderson, Tyla and Doja Cat for the red carpet – has received many honors, including a Council of Fashion Designers of America Founder’s Award. In 2021, she became the first makeup artist ever to be named a Dame of the British Empire.
Here, the tastemaker and true Swiftie shares with Alexa her favorite cosmetics, scented candle and can’t-wait-for-it concert.
FAVORITE POUT PERFECTOR: Pat McGrath Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil
“This is my newest Artistry tool and it will soon be yours! From a saturated bold lip to a mesmerizing soft-focus pout, my new Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil does it all!”
FAVORITE HAIR ACCESSORY: Jennifer Behr “Arielle” headband
“For those special events or red carpet moments, I love Jennifer Behr’s headbands. I love to create a look by layering headbands of different textures and finishes. One of my favorites is the ‘Arielle’ headband.”
FAVORITE CHEEK COLOR: Pat McGrath Divine Cream Blush: Legendary Glow Colour Balm
“This multi-functional marvel is a staple, providing soft, buildable color with a dewy, luminous finish for both cheeks and lips. It’s so popular that we recently launched four new shades.”
FAVORITE EARRINGS: Jennifer Fisher Lilly Hoops
“I’m passionate about my GOLD. I love how these give so much richness and sleekness to your look.”
FAVORITE LASH LOOK: Pat McGrath FetishEyes Mascara
“Mascara is the finishing touch that pulls together any look and this buildable formula is like lash extensions in a tube. It dramatically defines, lifts and lengthens your lashes, while conditioning them with ingredients like panthenol and peptides.”
FAVORITE CANDLE: Byredo “Burning Rose”
“Aside from a bath, nothing’s more soothing than candles. I absolutely adore Byredo’s ‘Burning Rose’ scent. Leather and dark woods with a hint of my beloved roses? It’s so decadent!”
FAVORITE BASE: Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation
“Gorgeous, radiant skin is fundamental to every look I create, and this formula is buildable, hydrating and light-as-air – it looks like skin, no matter how much you apply.”
FAVORITE LED MASK: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
“A skin superhero! I look forward to glowing for three minutes every night before bed.”
FAVORITE BAG: Louis Vuitton Coussin PM
“This was a gift from my dear friend Nicolas Ghesquière [women’s artistic director of Louis Vuitton] and it’s my go-to bag for a night out. It fits my phone, a portable charger and all my Pat McGrath Labs essentials.”
FAVORITE FRESH BEVERAGE: Juice Generation “The Defender” juice
“Their cold-pressed “Defender” juice, which has ginger, turmeric, lemon, cayenne, oregano and filtered water, is my absolute favorite.”
FAVORITE CONCERT: Taylor Swift “The Eras Tour”
“Counting days until Taylor’s Wembley concert. I’m excited to experience her incredible energy and mesmerizing talent. A true muse.”
FAVORITE EXHIBITION: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”
“The week of the Met Gala is so hectic that it’s impossible to really take in the exhibit [at the Costume Institute] until the party is over. I can’t wait to go back and see it this summer with friends.”
FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Casa Cipriani
“My favorite place for dinner in New York. The service is impeccable. The food is amazing (the baked taglioni is my guilty pleasure) and the vibe is so welcoming. It feels like home.”
FAVORITE BOOK: “Versailles: From Louis XIV to Jeff Koons”
“Once you step inside the Assouline bookstore, your arms will be filled with books you can’t live without and your plans for the day will have been beautifully unraveled. I’m always inspired by the amazing architecture, breathtaking gardens and unique interiors of the Château de Versailles.”
