Her artistry in cosmetics spans 25 years; she’s worked with 87 makeup trunks in more than 3,000 runway shows on more than 120,000 models. As for magazines, she’s created faces for more than 350 covers. She's the one and only Pat McGrath.
 
The former global director at CoverGirl is the new beauty editor-at-large for British Vogue and recently was the first makeup artist to receive the CFDA Founder’s Award. But there’s more—she’s launching her first cosmetic collection in stores and online; this follows limited edition runs that sold out in seconds!
 
The Pat McGrath Labs Unlimited Edition debuts this past weekend online at patmcgrath.com and at Sephora.com and will be in stores Oct. 4. The line features 40 matte and luxe lipsticks, 11 lip pencils, five eye pencils, three eyeshadow palettes and one “mesmerizing” mascara.
 
McGrath’s arrival onto the fashion scene in the 1990s began with a fateful introduction to the renowned photographer, Steven Meisel, by supermodel Amber Valletta. The makeup artist pioneered the trend for dewy skin in the 90s, introduced bold color into the everyday makeup palette and experimented with unconventional materials like gemstones, feathers, fabric and even gold splinters.
 
In recognition of all her achievements, McGrath was awarded an MBE, Member of the Order of the British Empire, by HM Queen Elizabeth II, for her services to the fashion and beauty industry.  Vogue named McGrath, “The most influential makeup artist in the world.” CNN voted her “one of the most influential and powerful people in fashion,” and The Wall Street Journal voted McGrath, “The Fashion Innovator of the Year” in 2013.
 
So, what makes McGrath’s makeup skills just so covetable?
 
 “I am unlocking the history of my 25-year career and exploring the artistry and alchemy that has defined my work and revolutionized the runway, red carpet and editorial for decades,” said McGrath. “With this new iteration of Pat McGrath Labs, I am sharing my secrets, unzipping my 87 suitcases and revealing the technique and the truth behind every eye, skin and lip I have ever created to my fellow beauty junkies who crave instant glamour gratification in digitally empowered, digital-era makeup.
 
 
“When I launched my first seven collections, I focused on creating limited editions devoted to a singular, seductive beauty ideal … I was thrilled when they sold out within minutes and inspired hundreds
of millions of shares on social media by a community that is just as obsessed by beauty and makeup as I am. How could I respond to this nearly incalculable cult-cosmetic craving except by designing the ultimate cosmetic collection?”
 
McGrath has also expanded her palette of artistic inspiration via talented illustrators discovered on social media, especially Instagram.
 
“They’re from everywhere—Norway, Japan, Chile and beyond. After seeing pieces they created inspired by my runway, editorial and red carpet looks, I could not resist celebrating their extraordinary talents on Pat McGrath Labs packaging.”
 
For the packages, McGrath incorporated engraved “futuristic hieroglyphic” gold hallmarks on the front of the palettes and lipsticks.
 
“This collection is the culmination of a lifelong love affair with makeup,” she said. “The packaging is a love letter to color.”