Pat McGrath’s Guide To Applying The Perfect Red Lip

Master of make-up Pat McGrath provides the definitive guide to applying the perfect red lip

by grazia |

Updated on5th May 2020 at 5.17pm

So much of our make-up inspiration comes from the catwalk, and there isn’t a season that goes by without us lusting after a Pat McGrath look. The likes of Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Lanvin regularly scramble to book her in. Her most iconic make-up look? That lustrous red lip. With so much time at home at the moment, there's never been a better time to try and master the art of that iconic make-up failsafe. So to that end, behold, Pat McGrath's definitive guide to applying the ultimate red lip.

©Jason Lloyd Evans

The Look

‘I absolutely adore a rich, velvety modern-matte lip' says Pat, 'I think a red lip symbolizes something unique for the individual. One person’s bold statement red is another person’s everyday comfort. Lips represent sensuality and every shade of red is different. It tells the story of who you are and your mood for the day.'

A red lip is the most magical articulation in make-up

'A red lip is the most magical articulation in make-up. I absolutely adore a rich, velvety modern- matte lip. One person’s bold red is another person’s everyday comfort. Lips represent sensuality and every shade of red is different. It tells the story of who you are and your mood for the day.’

©Jaso Lloyd Evans

The Steps

1. The softer look: ‘You can approach a perfect red lip in a number of ways – layered and lined, straight from the bullet, sharp edges or a soft, blurred effect. Colourwise, Pat McGrath Labs Mattetrance Lipstick, £35, in Forbidden Love, the classic red, and Elson, an iconic blue-red are two of my go-to choices. For the softer look, use your fingers to apply lipstick to the back of your hand. Using your fingertip, firmly push and press pigment into the lips and blot.’

2. Power pout: ‘A red lip can be worn with complete opacity or applied discreetly as a subtle stain. Saturate the lips by applying straight from the bullet for a high-impact and strong finish for your power pout.’

3. Precisely lined: ‘Start with a liner. I use Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil in Major Red, £25. Line lips then apply red lipstick to the centre of the mouth with a brush or your finger and blend. Redefine with the lip pencil.’