Makeup Artist: Pat Mcgrath

Pat McGrath

An influential beauty and fashion makeup artist who really inspires me is Pat McGrath.

Makeup Artist Pat McGrath

Pat McGrath is an MBE and British makeup artist. She was born in Northampton, England and although she is one of the most influential makeup artists, she had no makeup training and actually studied a foundation art course. After being invited to Japan on tour with Soul II Soul singer Carol Wheeler, this opportunity led to her working with Edward Enninful (I-D magazine fashion editor at the time) and since then her career in makeup has spiralled into great success. Pat McGrath has worked on numerous fashion shows, worked on Advertising campaigns such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, to name a few and is a regular featured in Vogue magazine. Her clientele includes famous celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Madonna and Scarlet Johansson.

 



AW2011, Christian Dior.
Makeup by: Pat McGrath
Photo by: GoRunway



The above image is a clear example of Pat McGrath's creativity. This beautiful vamp makeup look has been accentuated with sequins, studs and glitter and looks truly beautiful on the model. This look is one of my favourite pieces by Pat McGrath because it shows how she pushes herself as a makeup artist to not only create beautiful makeup, but to highlight the models natural beauty. The sequin detail around the eyes makes the models eyes pop and the graduation of colour starting with black sequins and ending in the clear sequins looks truly stunning. The porcelain complexion of the skin makes the eyes and lips the main focal point of the look and the pale colour really contrasts the makeup. Although this makeup was used for fashion, I really think that it would work well in an opera or ballet as a creative fashion twist. The look reminds me of the makeup from the film Black Swan, which was created by artist Judy Chin.

 

 

Natalie Portman, Black Swan.
Makeup by Judy Chin.

 

I chose Pat McGrath because I think that her individuality and creativity is something that has changed and is still changing the makeup industry. One of the most inspiring things about Pat McGrath is that she is self taught and had no makeup training. Looking at the work that she creates and how much she has developed as a makeup artist inspires me because it shows that with hard work and dedication you can achieve anything. Artists such as herself and Alex Box have revolutionised the industry by pushing the boundaries of makeup and making it an art form. Her talent for fantasy makeup is second to none and what I really love about her work is that she has introduced this type of makeup art into her fashion work which ultimately has strengthened the fashion industry and made it more exciting for people like me who are inspired by how fashion and makeup collaborate.





 

References

Blaskberg, D. (2013). WSJ MAGAZINE. [image] Available at: http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/BN-AE700_mag111_JV_20131029143659.jpg [Accessed 1 Dec. 2014].

 

DAILY MAIL, (2011). Natalie Portman, Black Swan. [image] Available at: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/05/20/article-1388782-0CD4B067000005DC-227_306x423.jpg [Accessed 1 Dec. 2014].

 

MODELS.com, (2014). Pat McGrath - Makeup Artist. [online] Available at: http://models.com/people/pat-mcgrath [Accessed 1 Dec. 2014].

 

Vogue UK, (2014). Pat McGrath Makeup – Portfolio, Beauty & Catwalk Photos. [online] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/person/pat-mcgrath [Accessed 1 Dec. 2014].

 

VOGUE, (2014). Autumn/Winter 2011 Couture. [image] Available at: http://www.vogue.co.uk/beauty/2012/03/30/pat-mcgrath-best-catwalk-make-up-photos/gallery/640203 [Accessed 1 Dec. 2014].