World’s best make-up artist reveals her most powerful looks

Pat McGrath’s status as the world’s most influential makeup artist has been solidified at this year’s CFDA Awards, where the 46-year-old became the first-ever makeup artist in history to be the recipient of the prestigious Founder’s Award.

The honour was presented to her by ’90s supermodels Karen Elson and Amber Valletta in front of her fashion and beauty industry peers, where Pat spoke about her working-class roots in London and how her childhood motivated her to become the fashion industry’s most prolific makeup artist.

“Fashion is an industry where all the insiders are outsiders,” Pat said in her acceptance speech.

Pat’s unique approach and take on makeup has seen her break down barriers with innovative looks that go on to become global beauty trends.

From creating a fantastic face that mixes the style of a 1920s flapper with a Japanese geisha at Christian Dior, to applying Swarvoski crystals on to the lips of models on the runway, Pat has never played by the rules.

We look back at ten of Pat’s most powerful beauty looks from the runway and the high-profile muses that have helped shape her work.