7 Must-Know Make-Up Tips For Darker Skin Tones According To Dame Pat McGrath

When it comes to make-up, few do it better than the legendary Dame Pat McGrath. One of the most influential and well-respected make-up artists of our time, she has been part of producing some of the most iconic fashion imagery to date, working with the world's most famous faces in the process. So it goes without saying that when Pat McGrath offers up beauty tips – we're all ears. Below, Dame Pat McGrath shares with Grazia some of her best make-up tips for darker skin tones. Take note.

1. Skin prep is everything

'It’s all about starting with your skin,' explains Pat. 'If your skin looks and feels good, your makeup will too. The key to long lasting make-up is to properly prep and prime the skin before the application starts.'

'Some of my favourite skincare rituals include cleansing and exfoliating, then applying the Skin Fetish: Rose 001 The Essence, £81, followed by a moisturiser or oils . After skincare prep, I follow up with the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Primer, £45.'

2. Spend time selecting your base

'Deeper skin tones absorb light, so it’s important to stand in front of a window with a hand mirror to find the best colour match when it comes to foundation,' says Pat. 'The center of the face is usually a bit lighter than the outer perimeter. Make sure to look at the forehead, center of the face, jawline and neck when selecting your foundation shades.'

As for Pat's foundation of choice? 'Choose a foundation that has medium, buildable coverage like Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation, £60. Apply the lighter shade to the center of your face, blending outward using your fingers. Blend the deeper shade that matches your forehead and jawline to the outer perimeter of the face.'

3. Be strategic with your concealer

Rather than layering on foundation all over, Pat suggests using a concealer and precision application to add coverage only where you need it. 'Build up coverage by spot concealing areas using a full coverage concealer like Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer, £29,. Warmer concealer shades will help to neutralize dark spots and sallowness. A lighter concealer can be used to brighten and lift under the eyes.'

4. Master face powder

To achieve a seamless finish to your make-up, Pat suggests setting setting your look with a touch of powder. 'Apply the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Powder, £28 in the lighter shade to set the centre of your face, and use a deeper shade to add warmth to the outer perimeter of your face.'

5. It's all about the eyes

'Build structure and frame your eyes using warm, deep matte shades such as rich brown, mahogany, and cool chocolate shades of eyeshadow,' says Pat. 'Accessorise your eyeshadow look with a metallic sheen using gold, warm copper and bronze shades on your eyelids and the inner corner of your eyes. The Mothership V: BronzeSeduction Palette, £118 houses all of these shades and is the perfect palette for everyday to night-time eye looks.'

6. Contour with highlighter

While many rely on bronzers and sculpting creams to contour, Pat suggests contouring with a highlighter instead. 'Contour by way of light - add a warm, golden highlighter to the high points of the face to enhance bone structure and give the illusion of natural contour. The Skin Fetish: Highlighter + Balm Duo in Golden and Bronze, £45 gives the perfect natural glow,' she says.

7. Have fun with your make-up

Most importantly of all, Pat believes that rules are meant to be broken. 'Use without caution and explore your makeup fantasies! Make-up is a mood - a smoky eye with a nude lip, a nude eye with a bold lip - the possibilities are endless. Applying bold shades on the eyes, cheeks, or lips can make the ultimate statement.'

Shop: Dame Pat McGrath's Make-Up Must Haves - Grazia 2022