Princesses and Foundation

Do you ever wonder who does make-up for the Disney Princesses. Cinderella, Tiana, Jasmine and the globally famous Minnie Mouse count on Pat McGrath! 

Few makeup artists reach megastar status beyond the beauty world, but Pat McGrath can no longer board an airplane without being accosted by fans. “Once one of the flight attendants dumped out her whole makeup bag on the floor and went through each item. She wanted a full consultation,” McGrath says. P&G’s jet-setting global creative design director is responsible for creating makeup looks at more than 25 shows per ready-to-wear season, plus a handful at couture. She’s done Prada for years, Dior for over a decade, and Dolce & Gabbana more than 13 years—a testament to her devoted designer fans. The Northampton, UK, native got her start in the early 1990s working with singer Caron Wheeler of Soul II Soul fame; she went on to British indie mag i-D as perhaps the first and only hybrid of editorial beauty director and on-staff makeup artist.

1. I’ve just stepped off the airplane. What’s the quickest way to look presentable?

Obviously use a gorgeous face mask, a good moisturizer, and maybe an eye mask during the flight. Have a nice foundation with you, an eye pencil in either black or brown, a pretty eye shadow, and mascara. That’s quick, for a fast touch-up, mix a lipstick with a little bit of balm to create a stain. You can also use your foundation as a concealer. Let’s say you’re going to be papped when you land.

2. How to prep for HD Photos or Video?

Definitely use a matte foundation. You can’t do shiny skin for high-definition cameras without it looking awful. HD shows off all of your imperfections. Even selfies require a flawless finish.

3. What’s the secret to seamless foundation application?

I always apply with a brush, and I use my fingers to blend. When you put on foundation with a brush, it’s a heavy finish—but if you use a brush and then blend, it looks more like a moisturizer, and much prettier. Then add concealer—applied with a fine brush—to the problem areas afterward.

4. How about the perfect cat eye?

The fatter the eyeliner, the easier it is to use. With a pencil, just draw the shape you like and clean up the mistakes with a bit of cleanser.

5. Is there anything we wouldn’t expect in your make-up kit?

Advil and antihistamine creams. If someone has an allergy attack before a show, it’s good to be prepared. Also plasters and things for blisters.

6. What do you want to see more of?

More experimentation. In Manhattan, women love that clean, perfect look, which is amazing, chic, and gorgeous, but it’s nice to see people play more, like they do in other cities; they go a bit more crazy. And it does happen; maybe not on the Upper East Side, but you’ll see it on the Lower East Side.

7. Do fans ever give you tips?

Yes! I went to the dentist and this older woman came in and said, “Ah, Pat McGrath! I read about you all the time! Sit right here!” She gave me a good tip: “When mascara gets cakey, comb through clumps with flossing brushes.” Isn’t that the best idea?

Her work is brilliant! I hope you can use some of these tips to apply to your natural beauty.

-Joann Yoon