Makeup Artist Pat McGrath Trivia and Bio

Face, Hair, Black, White, Lip, Eyebrow, Beauty, Head, Black-and-white, Monochrome,

(Image credit: Courtesy of the Subject)

published 10 January 2018

One of the industry’s premier makeup artists, and creator of cult beauty line Pat McGrath Labs, on the power of aging gracefully, and the joys of a cold Kit Kat bar.

1. If I weren’t a makeup artist, I’d be: An opera singer.

2. The three qualities that got me where I am today: Obsession. Inspiration. Addiction.

3. Moment I felt I’d made it: The first time I shot with the LEGENDARY Steven Meisel.

4. Worst pitfall of the job: Catering! A buffet is an evil temptress.

5. Change I’d like to see in my industry: More racial, age, body, and gender diversity. It’s great to see how far it has progressed, but it could always get better.

6. How I made my first dollar: A paper route...Mother always knew how to spread the latest news!

7. Last thing I binge-watched: Narcos! OBSESSED!

8. Book that left a lasting impression on me: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K. Dick.

9. Song that always makes me cry: Puccini’s “Vissi d’arte,” as sung by Maria Callas in Tosca.

A post shared by Pat McGrath (@patmcgrathreal)
A photo posted by on

10. Movie with the greatest ending: Now, Voyager, when Bette Davis says, “Oh, Jerry, don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars.” The classic ending for a forbidden-love story!

11. Song I’d want played at my funeral: “I’m Every Woman,” by Chaka Khan.

12. Food I’m not ashamed to admit I love: Kit Kats straight from the fridge. Heaven!

13. If I could live abroad, it would be in: St. Bart’s or Berlin.

14. One thing I’m exceptionally good at: Multitasking.

15. One thing I’m epically bad at: Barry’s Bootcamp.

16. Superhero power I’d want to have: Teleportation. Imagine all the time I could save in transit!

17. Something better in theory than in practice: Everlasting youth. There’s nothing better than a woman who has aged wonderfully.

"There’s nothing better than a woman who has aged wonderfully."

18. Store I can’t leave without buying something: Sephora.

19. How I clear my mind after a crappy day: Scroll like a troll through social media.

20. If I could compete in an Olympic sport, I’d like it to be: Swimming.

21. The three qualities I thought I wanted in a partner: Charm. Kindness. Major sense of humor.

22. The three qualities I know now matter: Loyalty. Integrity. Honesty.

23. Advice to a woman with a broken heart: Channel your heartbreak into work, then use that extra money to treat yourself to a new handbag.

24. Relationship advice to my younger self: Let the people you love know that you truly love them.

25. Best career advice I've gotten: Never take anything personally.

26. Most agonizing career decision I've ever made: Choosing between multiple projects I would love to work on but are happening simultaneously.

27. Easiest career decision I've made: Makeup artistry.

A post shared by Pat McGrath (@patmcgrathreal)
A photo posted by on

28. Favorite perk of the job: Free makeup.

29. What does your career look like in 5 years: Spreading the gospel of Pat McGrath Labs—encouraging men and women around the world to use makeup without caution.

30. Who I admire most: Every single member of my Makeup Artistry and Pat McGrath Labs' Brand Teams—making this dream a reality would not be possible without them.

31. On my bucket list: A month-long spa holiday.

32. Cocktail of choice: Lychee martini.

33. What should every woman try once in her lifetime: LIVING.