The Ultimate Party Makeup Guide, Courtesy Of Beauty Legend Pat McGrath

Fact: Pat McGrath is universally acknowledged to be one of the best make-up artists of our time, with a star-spangled roster of clients (including Naomi Campbell and Kim Kardashian) and a never-ending list of fashion brands enlisting her expertise (Givenchy, Gucci and Loewe are regulars). Famed for creating lavish looks on demand, who better to guide our own party make-up efforts this year? For Pat, ‘ultra-femme, sublime glamour with a touch of experimentation’ is the order of the day and, when it comes to upping the ante this season, try ‘deep crimson lips, flickering metallics, and glitter… it’s the best time experiment with something new or bold.’

Behold Pat’s most iconic looks, and the secrets behind achieving each one, direct from the beauty queen herself…

The Winged Eye

1. ‘An iconic wing is one of my favourite ways to lift the eye. I always start by creating a sketch of the size and angle I want with Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil (try BLK Coffee or Xtreme Black) starting from the lash-line at the roots and dragging outwards and upwards.’

2. ‘Next, I go in with precision cotton buds dipped in makeup remover to perfect my shape and ensure symmetry.’

3. ‘I then add a secondary liquid liner over my pencil sketch to create those razor-sharp details.’

The Glitter Lip

1. ‘To create the ultimate glitter lip, first apply a healthy dose of lipstick as a base, try a velvety blue-red shade.’

2. ‘Next, using your finger or a brush, dip into your glitter and firmly press and roll it into the lipstick working from the centre of the lip outwards. Apply multiple layers until it is fully packed in making sure to stay within the lip shape for perfect edges.’

3.’Using small strips of clear tape, press and peel off anywhere you see unwanted rogue glitter.’

The Ultimate Base

1. ‘It’s all in the skincare and the application. First you need to use the proper skin care for your skin type, season and occasion to properly prep the skin. What you lay down first will dictate the outcome. Customize your base by controlling the texture from the start. For example, an oil-free moisturizer may result in a more matte finish as opposed to a rich cream, which can provide a dewier outcome.’

2. ‘Apply primer to ensure a smooth, long-wearing surface.’

3. ‘Shade matching is everything! This is a mishap I see often – when the face does not match the rest of the body. Test in several areas to ensure the foundation is unifying your overall colour. I usually apply foundation with my hands first to really warm up the product so it melts into the skin and then I blend and build using a foundation brush.’

4. ‘Powder only where needed.

The Finishing Touch

‘Gold! A touch on the centre of the eyes, the cupids bow or on the lips. It’s the ultimate accessory to any look. My favourite tip is to dampen an eye shadow brush and swirl it through a gold pigment until it creates a slurry texture. Apply wet to eyes or lips for next-level reflectiveness and dimension or add a metallic cream shadow.

READ MORE: Legendary Makeup Artist Pat McGrath Is Launching A Beauty Collaboration With Star Wars