Pat McGrath

Born in 1970 in Northampton, England , Pat McGrath is one of the most influential make-up artist in the world. Her love of Make up and Fashion was created through her mother, who would always pick up on the clothes in classic movies they watched. Having only completed a art foundation at college, McGrath has no formal training in beauty.

In the early 1990’s, McGrath’s career breakthrough came while working with the fashion editor of i-D magazine, Edward Enninful. She helped launch the magazine into international importance with her innovative use of colour. She has created looks such as vinyl lips, drenching bodies in powder paint and latex petals stuck to faces. Her work has feature in fashion magazines such as Vogue, W and Harper’s Bazaar and she has worked for designers such as Miu Miu, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana and Comme Des Garcons at various fashion shows. She is in charge of cosmetics such as Cover Girl and Max Factor, as well as being named global creative design director for Protector and Gamble.

Unlike other artists, she is renowned for her use of handmade make up and for using her fingers rather than brushes. She even incorporates materials even saying in a  interview with Vogue.com during London Fashion Week (Sept. 2008) “I’m influenced a lot by the fabrics that I see, the colours that are in the collections, and the girls faces. It’s always a challenge but thats the key- to make it different every time.”

Her work is so inspiring, and she even made an impression in 2013 when she was name Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to the fashion and beauty industry by the Queen.

When Looking through some of her work I realised that even she has take some inspirations from the Elizabethan era. She has subtly incorporated some aspects where as some are more blatant. I want to be able to vary how obvious I make my Elizabethan qualities in my own work so I like looking through some of her work and found it very inspiring.

This Is one of the more subtle Elizabethan qualities but a with a very contemporary twist. I like how to create the red lip they have used jewels as I am very interested in using different textures in my own work. I like how it contrasts the pale complexion making them stand out more. This was a catwalk look, so I think the jewels would really work with the lighting. The Jewels also fit in with what the Elizabethans used to wear as pearls, jewels etc were worn to symbolise their wealth.  

I think this look is so beautiful! from the smooth pale complexion that was so popular in the Elizabethan Era to the deep red lip. My favourite part of this look however is the Jewels on the eye, I think this is a beautiful way to modernise the Elizabethan look by using lighter jewels around the brow area. I also love how her hair fits with the Elizabethan theme, as its a pale red, although her eyebrows aren't blocked out they are very light so don't take away from the overall look. 

The most dramatic Elizabethan recreation is this photo from Vogue Germany. The face is pale like the favoured Elizabethan complexion, and it makes the bold cheeks stand out. In those times the rouge on the cheeks would be in this circular shape on the apples of the cheek rather than blended so it fits with that era. I like the more dramatic links to the Elizabethan era as I feel this makes it much more contemporary. I will consider these aspects when creating my own designs. 

Reference: Wikipedia. (). Pat McGrath. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_McGrath. Last accessed 5/12/14.