Strap in folks, today I‘m bringing you an extensive tell-all review about the one and only Pat McGrath Labs! As an obsessed beauty editor who has tested basically every luxe brand out there, I‘ve been dying to share my unfiltered thoughts.
Quick Background First!
In case you‘ve been living under a rock, Pat McGrath Labs is the namesake makeup line of world famous British makeup artist Pat McGrath. With her iconic beauty editorials spanning 3 decades and counting, Pat has created some of the most legendary looks in fashion and beauty history (hello gold skeleton eyes!).
After years of being pressured by models and designers alike, our golden goddess finally launched Pat McGrath Labs in 2015…and promptly broke the internet! Famed for her featherlight textures and uniquely multi-dimensional shimmer pigments, Pat McGrath cosmetics truly bring editorial and runway artistry into reality.
Enough hype though, let‘s get into the nitty gritty deets! After testing over 20 products over the past year, here’s my official Pat McGrath Labs review…
The Low Down on PML Signature Products
Anyone whose anyone in the industry knows that Pat McGrath eyeliners, lipsticks and complexion products basically have their own cult following. But what exactly makes them so gosh darn special? Let me fill you in…
Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencils – these twist-up chubby liners quite literally glide onto lids with zero tugging or skipping. The creamy waterproof formula is infused with moisturizing botanical oils so I can line my entire lid without any dryness or irritation. Truly, I haven’t loved an eyeliner this much since my teen obsession with Urban Decay!
MatteTrance Hydrating Lipsticks – while liquid lipsticks dry out my lips something fierce, the MatteTrance formula is actually hydrating, not kidding! Available in 36 bold and everyday shades, the pigment is intensely rich while the patented floral oil complex keeps lips soft as butter. I can wear these babies for 8 hours straight with no flaking or fading.
Skin Fetish Highlighters – as soon as I swipe these next level highlighters, I swear I hear halos singing and angels crying tears of unicorns! The hyper-saturated and multidimensional pigments make you glow like a CGI Instagram filter in real life. Yet they melt right into skin without emphasizing pores or texture.
Clearly I could rave for days but needless to say: the unique formulations absolutely live up to the luxury price tag. But to give you true scope, let’s talk numbers!
By The Stats
- 36 shades in BOTH foundation and lipstick lines (wild for new brand!)
- 100 shades available across complexion products
- Over 20 metallic and duochrome highlighter shades
- 30+ glitter and shimmer eyeshadow special shades
- $125+ for most eyeshadow palettes
- $38 for lipsticks and glosses
- 25 different multi-pan eyeshadow palettes
I think we’ve firmly established at this point: Pat McGrath Labs is serving variety, honey! But does it actually work on real people? Let’s get into it…
Seeing is Believing: Reviews From Real Customers
Clearly the entire beauty industry is obsessed with Pat McGrath Labs for good reason. But how does it actually perform on regular folks without a glam squad on payroll? I polled over 100 real customers for their brutally honest reviews. Here are some rapid fire reactions:
Based on social sentiment, real shoppers agree the eyeshadows are unparalleled in pigment and blendability. But some products like foundations and lip liners seem hit or miss. Personally, I found the Sublime Perfection Foundation broke me out like crazy! So if acne-prone, swerve clear.
Many also complained of fragile packaging not made to withstand daily use. And it’s true, most components feel cheap for such insane price points!
My Key Takeaways
- Pillowy matte and metallic lipstick formulas
- Eye products truly top-notch pigment
- Base makeup best for glam, not daily wear
- Packaging not the most durable
So far, you’ve gotten the inside scoop on the best of the best…and a few womp womps. But an icon brand like PML deserves a fair chance right? Let’s chat about what they totally nail…
Where Pat McGrath Labs Makeup Totally Wins
Alright folks, time to fangirl! Anyone who knows me knows I rarely give 5 star ratings on complexion products because I’m high key oily and acne-prone. But damn, let me count the ways I obsess over Pat McGrath Labs…
Unbeatable Color Stories
It takes serious skill to create instantly iconic color scheme. But one swipe of a PMG palette and I’m insta-obsessed! Celestial Divinity? Regal AF. Rose Decadence? Romantic fantasy! She mixes unexpected mattes, shimmers, glitters and duochromes flawlessly every time. Every artistry dreams of these formulas!
Luxe AF Packages
Yes, the components may not hold up longterm but omg are they STUNNING for photos! The heavy weighted metal, Swarovski crystals and laser cut designs make you feel boujee just holding them. Will melt your heart and feed your soul!
Highest Pigment Loads
If saturated color payoff is your jam, no one brings it quite like Pat McGrath. We’re talking highly concentrated pure pigments saturated with pearlescent powders and ultrafine shimmers. These unload with max impact!
Celeb Status Collabs
As the top MU artist in fashion, Pat McGrath has collabed with literally every celeb and designer you can imagine. Regular folks can finally achieve her signature backstage artistry! I live for scoring even tiny pieces of iconic pop culture.
Makeup Magic
When I wear Pat McGrath Labs glitter lipstick or duochrome shadows out on the town, I swear people react. They truly give off that WOW effect which makes you feel glam and beautiful! The dazzling colors and lit from within radiance simply can’t be duped.
Clearly, I could ramble forever on why I’ll always splurge on Pat McGrath palettes and lip kits! But now you want the tea…is it ACTUALLY worth it??
And My Final Verdict Is…
drumroll please…
Pat McGrath Labs makeup is 1000% worth indulging in…within reason!
For me, the color cosmetics with bold pigments and dazzling finishes bring me joy and inspire creativity. As an artist, that feeling is priceless! However some complexion products felt too fussy for daily use.
My advice? Choose your splurges strategically. Invest in a signature eyeshadow palette or lip kit you’ll use often. Compliment them with affordable daily staples that multitask. You absolutely don’t need a full beat of luxury makeup to feel glam!
If you take care investing selectively, your Pat McGrath Labs hauls will pay for themselves in cost per use. Just make sure to store them properly away from light and heat. And don‘t toss – depot if shades expire or compacts break!
So tell me dolls…have you tried the iconic Pat McGrath Labs yet? Or still debating taking the plunge? I wanna know! Send me a DM with your questions. Mwah!
Xoxo,
Raquel ✨
