At the end of the day… Dame Pat Mcgrath

In usual times, home is wherever work takes me. During the pandemic, it’s been quite a bit of New York, but every day is different. I try to do exercise and meditate, whenever time and work schedule permits, which is mostly not as often as I would like. I seem to constantly be juggling multiple deadlines across different time zones.

Friends often tell me I have the most comfortable sofa. I like to curl up on it in the evening and I might do some online shopping or catch up on episodes of my latest TV obsession. I particularly enjoyed watching Bridgerton, it’s quite saucy in a few parts so I had to cover my eyes more than once! If I’m not in the lab or on a shoot in the evening, I will get home from work and turn on the BBC to catch up on the news. Before eating, I may spend some time finishing up any projects I’m working on, such as reviewing images from my library of art and fashion books, testing new make-up products, creating face charts for shows, or colour testing.

My perfect evening food-wise would be a relaxing dinner at home, or out with friends. I usually have grilled fish with colourful vegetables and quinoa. I do love good dark chocolate, too.

I try to take time to look through social media: I adore the creativity you see online and the fact people love make-up so much. The support for Pat Mcgrath Labs on social channels is incredible, so it’s important to me to reply to comments and DMS. It’s a great feeling when you see someone loving and wearing your products. It’s fun to scroll through Instagram seeing what other make-up artists are creating with my products – the looks people have been devising with the recent Mothership VIII Divine Rose II palette have been fierce!

I enjoy talking to friends via Zoom and Whatsapp. My friends are all over the world. Before I jump on, I dab on a little concealer, mascara and one of my favourite Lust: Glosses. I am looking forward to seeing friends again face to face.

I’m on the go all the time and I never know what time I will finish work but, if I have time, I like to unwind with a long relaxing bath. I love spas – it’s a luxury for your health and wellness. I try to recreate the ambiance of a spa at home with lots of candlelight and a luxurious, relaxing bath oil for a calm and restful night.

There are three words I recall when it comes to my skincare routine – hydration, nourishment and rest. One of the most important beauty products for everyone’s skin is water.

Lots of water throughout the day and in the evening, especially before bed.

Everyone’s skin type is different, so I believe in an expert consultation if you can. I follow my dermatologist’s advice with my skincare routine in-between visits, so right now I use a gentle cream cleanser and follow with an oil-free moisturiser. I keep my Pat Mcgrath Labs Lust Luxe Lip Balm on my nightstand. Before switching off the light, I apply a luxurious layer to keep my lips hydrated throughout the night. One of the other things I’m obsessed with is trying on my new (secret!) formulations before my head hits the pillow. patmcgrath.com