Few names carry more weight in the beauty industry than Pat McGrath. Often referred to as Mother, the influential makeup artist (and Dame!) built her reputation across decades of transformative runway work, turning out some of the most iconic looks in fashion history—before launching her namesake brand, Pat McGrath Labs, in 2015. Needless to say, we were smitten from the get-go, and continue to use and shower love upon Pat McGrath products on the daily. After all, the brand is synonymous with high-quality pigments and innovative finishes, inclusive color ranges, and the kind of skin-like finish that blurs the line between backstage artistry and everyday luxury.
Our Top Pat McGrath Labs Products
- Photoshoot-Ready Skin: Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation, $69
- Otherworldly Hues: Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream, $128
- One-Swipe Wonder: SatinAllure Lipstick, $30
- Dark Circles, Where?: Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder, $35
- Eyes Wide Open: FetishEyes Lengthening Mascara, $34
To pinpoint the true standouts, we tapped Allure editors and makeup artists to narrow down the best from Pat McGrath Labs. Ready to uplevel your glam? Then, keep reading.
Photoshoot-Ready Skin: Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation
Why we love it: The Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Weightless Foundation was born backstage but built for just about everywhere, delivering customizable, undetectable coverage—whether you’re running errands, attending a wedding, or strutting down the runway. At its core, it boosts hydration by activating the skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, while the brand's patented Diamond Core Powder Technology converts and scatters light for a blurring effect that functions like a real-life filter. The result is buildable, sheer-to-medium coverage that doesn't settle into lines or emphasize pores.
Los Angeles-based makeup artist Aaron Paul swears by the formula's serum texture: "This is the most fluid foundation in my kit, so I prefer to apply it with my fingers onto my client's skin to help it really melt into the skin and make it easier to layer and build when I need more coverage." He attests the texture even improves as the day goes on. The “natural oils mix with the foundation, which allows me to do minimal touch-ups," Paul adds.
Tester feedback from content director Sophie Panych
“This has been one of my go-to foundation formulas ever since it launched. It's a quite liquid-y formula, so I squirt two drops onto the back of my hand, dot it onto my face, and spread it over my skin, concentrating most of the product in the center of my face. This is a foundation for people who dislike foundation. It's lightweight both in texture and in coverage—one thin layer is a little more pigmented than a tinted moisturizer. It's also one of the only foundations that has a shade that matches my skin nearly exactly. I'm Light 6, and it's the perfect neutral tone that doesn't skew too tan or too chalky on me.”
More to know
- Key ingredients: vita-serum complex (hyaluronic acid and ceramide activators), diamond core powder, glycerin
- Shades: 33
- Benefits: buildable coverage, hydrating, blurring, long-wearing
Otherworldly Hues: Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream
Why we love it: Imagine this: ten shades, five finishes, all housed in a gorgeous palette that can take any eye look to the next level. That's the IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream—or any other Mothership palette, including the Allure Best of Beauty-winning V: Bronze Seduction. Paul calls it his most versatile go-to: "The matte shades are so pigmented and blend beautifully for creating contour and definition on the eyes, while the satin shimmer shades help to highlight." He adds that the multichrome shades are the real standout—and we couldn't agree more. They're dramatic, but elegant at the same time, and they look much more high-effort than they actually are. “I often have to create looks that make a high impact in as little time as possible, attests Paul. "I swipe these shades on with my fingertip and press them onto the lids, and they instantly add wow-factor with minimal time and effort.”
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
“Pat McGrath eye shadow palettes are unmatched, full stop. Each color story is as mesmerizing as the next but I've been gravitating towards IX Huetopian Dream as of late. I'm a total sucker for Astral Amethyst Moon, a stunning multichrome lavender, and have been loving layering it on top of a matte shade and concentrating it in the center of my lids for a subtle pop of sparkle. (No eye look of mine is complete without sparkle, FYI.) I'm sure there are many more combos I have yet to create, which just makes using a Pat palette so exciting. I can't help but feel like I'm getting ready for a runway show, even if I'm just heading to the office. Anywhere can be a stage if you want it to be!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: mica, squalane
- Shades: 10
- Benefits: highly pigmented, blendable, multi-finish
One-Swipe Wonder: SatinAllure Lipstick
Why we love it: One swipe makes it obvious why the SatinAllure Lipstick holds a permanent place in Pat McGrath Labs’ lineup, and why it earned an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2023. Botanical collagen plumps and conditions lips with every wear, while passionfruit oil delivers a surge of moisture that keeps them soft throughout the day. The creamy texture glides on without drag, building from a sheer wash to medium coverage with a dewy finish that wears comfortably for hours. Twelve shades, ranging from soft peachy nudes to rich wines and vivid reds, mean there's no skin tone left without a flattering match.
Tester feedback from Han
“For a lipstick that has ‘satin’ in its name, I was pleasantly surprised at how budgeproof this was. (I'm a messy eater, ok?!) It glides on so smoothly, thanks to botanical collagen and passionfruit oil, and a true one-swipe formula. I'll add a second layer for a punchier look, because when I'm wearing a bolder-than-usual pink such as Fleur Fatale, you have to commit. And I'm happy to! The bow packaging is super cute, to boot. This is a keeper, even for someone who usually reaches for lip tints.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: botanical collagen, passionfruit oil, tocopherol (vitamin E)
- Shades: 12
- Benefits: hydrating, conditioning, buildable pigment, luminous finish
Dark Circles, Where?: Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder
Why we love it: Undereye powder has a reputation for aging the look of skin, setting into fine lines and texture, but the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder was formulated with exactly that in mind. Light-reflecting mineral powder and mica diffuse and scatter light, visibly blurring imperfections and creating a brightened finish, while silica absorbs excess moisture to keep the undereye area smooth throughout the day. Available in seven shades with a natural finish to complement every skin tone, it blends seamlessly over concealer to brighten, lift, and lock everything in place.
Tester feedback beauty closet associate Edward Horgan
“I can't count how many times I've recommended this powder to everyone I know. Packing this powder under my eyes guarantees that I'll have locked-in bright undereyes all day. No other product achieves the same blurring effect that gives me that flawless airbrushed finish I'm looking for!” —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate
More to know
- Key ingredients: mica-infused synthetic fluorphlogopite, silica
- Shades: 7
- Benefits: blurring, brightening, evening
Blur and Set: Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Longwear Blurring Setting Spray
Why we love it: If you’ve ever experienced your makeup melting off before you make it to your event, you need the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Longwear Blurring Setting Spray. This backstage-born formula locks makeup into place, while delivering a natural, multidimensional finish that keeps everything looking fresh all day long. Rice bran oil softens and conditions skin, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. The hero ingredients are a blend of glycerin and xylitol-derived humectants that work together to pull moisture into the skin. It leaves a barely there second-skin veil that resists heat and humidity without leaving a sticky film.
Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu
“I tried this mist for a midday, no-makeup makeup look before an after-work event, and I was genuinely impressed. (I’d also wear it over makeup when I’m out all day.) Between warm subway platforms, humid weather, and a little perspiration, my makeup still held up beautifully. I let the spray set for a good minute and could see the blurring effects after letting it completely dry and set in. It gave my skin a fresh, dewy finish without feeling heavy, and a light T-shaped mist across the face went a surprisingly long way. Only note: The spritz can be a bit drippy. I would recommend it for all skin types, particularly people who prefer matte makeup and have dry skin.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant
More to know
- Key ingredients: glycerin, tocopherol (vitamin E), oryza sativa (rice) bran oil
- Shades: N/A
- Benefits: long-wearing, blurring, hydrating, natural finish
Smooth Operator: Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil
Why we love it: Sharp definition, smoky diffusion, and graphic wings are all within reach with the Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil, which offers precise, reliable control across techniques. The gel formula swipes onto the lids without any skipping or tugging, giving you ample time to smudge, sculpt, or sharpen the line before the brand’s patented PermaLock Technology sets it into a waterproof, transfer-proof, and smudge-proof finish. Five shades, ranging from intense matte blacks and rich browns to soft pearlescent blues and taupes, deliver fully saturated color in a single stroke.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
"Tightlining is probably the number one trick I learned over the years that completely transformed my eye makeup routine. My eyes are big and round, so adding a bit of black liner to my upper waterline makes my lashes look thicker, and my eyes look a bit more narrowed and less doe-like.
I've tried my fair share of liners, and the Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel liners are, unsurprisingly, the gold standard. It's miraculous how long they last against my very watery eyes, and they're so versatile that I can easily execute a range of looks with just one pencil. Recently, I've also been applying a bit to my upper lash line and smudging with a small, dense brush to diffuse for a low-key wing that takes about 15 seconds to execute. I'm using Extreme Black in the photos above because ILD (I love drama), but Blk Coffee is also a great option for a more natural finish." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
- Key ingredients: N/A
- Shades: 5
- Benefits: waterproof, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, 16-hour wear, ultra-pigmented, ophthalmologist-tested, contact lens–safe
Fairly Flushed: Divine Cream Blush: Legendary Glow Color Balm
Why we love it: The Divine Cream Blush: Legendary Glow Color Balm doesn’t just stop at blush; it can also be used as a swipe of color across the lips. The buildable, glossy pigments are cushioned with shea butter, squalane, and passionfruit extract for long-lasting moisture. The gel-like, nonsticky formula can be sheered out with fingertips for a soft flush or layered on with a brush for richer color saturation. Eight shades suit a range of skin tones, from soft cool pinks to warm peachy corals.
Tester feedback from Panych
“The Divine Cream Blush in shade Divine Rose has been a part of my daily makeup routine for nearly three years. I don't like spending a ton of time on my makeup in the morning—10 to 15 minutes at the very most—so my routine is pretty simple. I start with my eyes (liner and mascara), followed by foundation, concealer, brows, and this blush. I spread it straight from the tube, starting at the apples of my cheeks and drawing a line diagonally up to my temples. I apply it to both sides and then blend with my fingers. That's what's so great about this formula. You can certainly use a brush to apply it, but it's easy and blendable enough to get a beautiful, seamless finish without one. The price is pretty middle of the road compared to what else is out there, but I will say that one tube has lasted me nearly two years, a fact that reflects the quality of the formula.” —Sophia Panych, content director
More to know
- Key ingredients: shea butter, squalane, passionfruit extract
- Shades: 8
- Benefits: buildable, hydrating, glossy finish; suitable for cheeks and lips
Surreal Shine: Lust Lip Gloss
Why we love it: All of Pat McGrath’s products make a statement, and this Lust Lip Gloss is no different, whether on a bare or full-faced look. The emollient-enriched formula, along with vitamin E, delivers a wet shine that amplifies lips in a single swipe. The applicator, designed with a tapered, precision tip and a concave center, ensures the perfect amount of formula lands on the lips without overloading. Offered in three finishes (high-shine, shimmer, and glitter) and 32 shades, it can be worn on its own or layered over liner or lipstick to create a more tailored look.
Tester feedback from Jusu
“I tried Pat McGrath’s Lust Lip Gloss in Secret Lover (a mid-tone plum rose), and while I’m usually not the biggest fan of pink glosses on my warm skin tone, this one pleasantly surprised me. The shine was subtle, the color read softer and more natural than I expected, and it paired well with my makeup overall. (I would overall recommend the shade for a punchy makeup look, rather than an everyday lip product.) The formula felt smooth and comfortable, and I truly appreciated not having to constantly reapply it throughout the day and night. It also skipped the sticky feel that some pigmented glosses can have.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant
More to know
- Key ingredients: tocopherol (vitamin E)
- Shades: 15
- Benefits: high-shine, hydrating, buildable, long-wearing
Eyes Wide Open: FetishEyes Lengthening Mascara
Why we love it: You’ll be retiring your go-to strip lashes after just one swipe of the FetishEyes Lengthening Mascara. It’s made with conditioning peptides that actively strengthen and protect lashes, while panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, keeps them soft and flexible rather than brittle or flaky. The buildable formula means one coat delivers a naturally feathered look, and layering offers more drama. This is thanks to the dense brush applicator, which is designed with both long and short bristles to comb and coat every lash from root to tip—creating a fanned-out, eye-opening effect that agrees with all lash lengths.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
“Just like a little black dress, the perfect black mascara is an essential—and Pat makes one of my favorites. The spoolie at the end of the wand is huge, at least twice the size of some others I've used—this makes it easy to use and allows me to grab every lash without having to think twice. As the brand states, this is more of a lengthening formula than a volumizing one—but wow, do you get a LOT of length. It's not too wet or too dry, doesn't clump, and as someone with watery eyes and oily eyelids, I really appreciate that it doesn't smudge or flake, either. I was planning to use eyeliner after I applied it in the video above, but it gave me such definition along my lash line that I decided to skip it.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: conditioning peptides, panthenol (vitamin B5), carnauba wax
- Shades: 1
- Benefits: lengthening, conditioning, clump-free
All Lined Up: Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil
Why we love it: The Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil is a lip liner with the pigment and coverage of a lipstick. The creamy formula skims across the lips effortlessly, depositing rich, opaque color in a single stroke and setting into a velvety-matte finish. Dimethicone gives the formula its silky texture while trimethylsiloxysilicate locks the color in place for long-lasting wear (without drying out the lips). The slim tip allows for precise definition along the lip line, but the formula is blendable enough to fill in the entire lip, blur edges for a soft-focus effect, or layer two shades together for a dimensional, contoured look. Eleven shades span nudes, berries, pinks, and reds, so there is a version of this pencil for every mood and every complexion.
Tester feedback from Felbin
“In the era of five-step, super-glossy lip combos, I appreciate a one-and-done product that's the perfect level of matte. The highly pigmented formula doesn't need lip liner and it isn't too thick or drying—it moves nicely with my lips and doesn't pill when I touch my lips together. I have four colors, and I think they're all stunning (the blue-red, Ellison, is a favorite of mine). They also layer well together, so you could play with the shades and create tons of different combinations if you're feeling creative. Plus, I love that the pencil itself is sleek and small enough to toss in almost any makeup bag.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: dimethicone, trimethylsiloxysilicate, synthetic wax
- Shades: 11
- Benefits: matte finish, long-wearing, highly pigmented
(Soft) Focus on Me: Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer
Why we love it: Full coverage that still looks like skin is a hard balance to strike, but the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer nails it. Light-diffusing pigments blur the look of dark circles, blemishes, and uneven skin tone with a soft-focus effect, while the proprietary Flex Form Matrix technology creates a breathable layer that moves with the skin throughout the day—without settling into fine lines or creasing.
Paul considers it one of the most flexible products in his kit. "It's not only great for concealing and brightening the undereye, but I love to use it to highlight the high points of the face, and even to increase coverage in areas of the skin that need a little extra love." He adds that the formula performs just as well without heavy powdering, noting that it "wears beautifully throughout the day with minimal creasing without the use of a lot of powder." It comes in 33 shades, and it works seamlessly with the Sublime Perfection Foundation.
More to know
- Key ingredients: Vita-Serum Complex (hyaluronic acid and ceramide activators), Flex Form Matrix, optically diffusing pigments
- Shades: 33
- Benefits: full-coverage, hydrating, blurring, crease-proof, long-wearing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pat McGrath best known for?
Pat McGrath is widely regarded as the most influential makeup artist of our time. As Paul puts it, "She is often referred to as 'mother' in the industry, and is even the first makeup artist to be made a Dame by the British Empire." He adds, “Coming up as a makeup artist in the 2000s, her creativity alongside John Galliano for Dior reinvigorated runway makeup and inspired us all. She has always been innovative in her approach to beauty and always ahead of the trends.”
Why should someone reach for Pat McGrath products over other brands?
For Paul, it comes down to the brand's runway DNA. "Because of her background in runway/fashion, she creates products that make a big impact with minimal effort—as runway makeup has to be fast, perform well, and visible from a distance." The result, he notes, is a line that delivers "the highest quality pigment with intense color payoff, but has the sensorial experience of a luxury brand,” a combination that, in his words, "blends the exciting world of backstage beauty with the prestige of luxury beauty."
Meet the experts
- Aaron Paul, a makeup artist in Los Angeles
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best Pat McGrath products, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
We could talk makeup all day—below, more faves to complement your Pat McGrath glam:
- 9 Best Bronzers for Easy, All-Over Warmth
- 8 Best Setting Powders to Lock in Makeup and Block Shine
- 9 Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes, According to Doctors
- 7 Dewy Setting Sprays That Unlock Instant Radiance
Now, watch DiJonai Carrington's 10-minute game day beauty routine:
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