The legendary Pat McGrath on timeless regal beauty and her new Bridgerton collaboration
Before she became a household name with her eponymous cosmetics line, Pat McGrath was an industry-acclaimed make-up artist adored by those in the know. From imagining the looks for some of the most extravagant, theatrical runway shows to creating enduring editorial beauty, there doesn't seem to be a part of the beauty industry McGrath hasn't graced with her visionary genius.
And yet, her latest endeavour takes her in a whole new direction; a make-up collaboration with the sensational Netflix show, Bridgerton. Not immune to the draw of the series' dramatic storyline and accompanying looks, McGrath felt inspired to create something just as transcendently impressive. "Like so many people, I fell in love at first swoon with Bridgerton. The diversity, inclusion and disruptive vision set the show apart and aligns with my own brand,' McGrath tells Bazaar.
"The love affair we all have with Bridgerton really ignited interest due to its modern take on regency style. I’ve been obsessed with the era for years and created a plethora of regency inspired looks on the catwalk and on covers."
The histrionic shows that populated the '90s and '00s, such as John Galliano's creative directorship at Dior, offered McGrath the perfect outlet for her love of the romantic era, and still offer inspirational studies for aspiring make-up artists and costume design students today.
"Some of my favourite looks are ones I created for Dior Haute Couture 2004," recalls McGrath, referring to those she created like the one pictured above. "Models walked the catwalk in regal splendour with irresistible illuminated eyes, blushed cheeks and divinely rich glossy lips. I regularly recreate the lip look using MatteTrance Lipstick in McMenemy finished with a coat of Lust Gloss in Blood2."
Ahead of the launch of the PatMcGrath Labs x Bridgerton collection, the esteemed make-up artist shared her tips with Bazaar on how to achieve a contemporary version of her beloved regal make-up.
Pat McGrath Labs MTHRSHP: Diamond of The First Water - £50
"A regency beauty look is about accentuating and celebrating your natural beauty, what makes you special," says McGrath. "The key elements to this are beautifully glowing skin combined with an accentuation of your best features; whether that’s full sumptuous lips kissed with your favourite gloss, flushed rosy cheeks or making doe eyes appear bigger with a romantic eye blush such as one from my new MTHERSHP Palette: Diamond of the First Water."
If a more understated look is your preference, try adopting regal-inspired base make-up, which has a surprisingly modern finish. "A signature regency beauty look that never dates is flawless glowing skin," says McGrath. "The secret to getting the regency-glow is to create skin that looks fresh and dewy, simple, and elegant. Glowing skin is all about dimension and how the light hits the features of the face."
Prepping the skin with a hydrating moisturiser is paramount to achieving a luminous finish. If you've got time, sweeping over an AHA exfoliator after cleansing, such as the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel will give the skin a smooth canvas to apply subsequent moisturiser and base make-up.
When it comes to your foundations, opt for sheer balms or radiant liquid textures. McGrath's tip for finishing off the perfect regency glow? "My Skin Fetish Highlighter and Balm Duo are must-haves as they allow you to layer and combine different textures, the secret to my signature glowing skin."
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