11 Best Pat McGrath Products to Get the Runway Look at Home

10.05.2026, 15:37 allure.com

Few names carry more weight in the beauty industry than Pat McGrath. Often referred to as Mother, the influential makeup artist (and Dame!) built her reputation across decades of transformative runway work, turning out some of the most iconic looks in fashion history—before launching her namesake brand, Pat McGrath Labs, in 2015. Needless to say, we were smitten from the get-go, and continue to use and shower love upon Pat McGrath products on the daily. After all, the brand is synonymous with high-quality pigments and innovative finishes, inclusive color ranges, and the kind of skin-like finish that blurs the line between backstage artistry and everyday luxury.

To pinpoint the true standouts, we tapped Allure editors and makeup artists to narrow down the best from Pat McGrath Labs. Ready to uplevel your glam? Then, keep reading.

Pat McGrath Labs

Nordstrom

Sephora

Ulta Beauty

Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

Why we love it: The Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Weightless Foundation was born backstage but built for just about everywhere, delivering customizable, undetectable coverage—whether you’re running errands, attending a wedding, or strutting down the runway. At its core, it boosts hydration by activating the skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid and ceramides, while the brand's patented Diamond Core Powder Technology converts and scatters light for a blurring effect that functions like a real-life filter. The result is buildable, sheer-to-medium coverage that doesn't settle into lines or emphasize pores.

Los Angeles-based makeup artist Aaron Paul swears by the formula's serum texture: "This is the most fluid foundation in my kit, so I prefer to apply it with my fingers onto my client's skin to help it really melt into the skin and make it easier to layer and build when I need more coverage." He attests the texture even improves as the day goes on. The “natural oils mix with the foundation, which allows me to do minimal touch-ups," Paul adds.

Panych before applying the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

Panych after applying the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

Tester feedback from content director Sophie Panych

“This has been one of my go-to foundation formulas ever since it launched. It's a quite liquid-y formula, so I squirt two drops onto the back of my hand, dot it onto my face, and spread it over my skin, concentrating most of the product in the center of my face. This is a foundation for people who dislike foundation. It's lightweight both in texture and in coverage—one thin layer is a little more pigmented than a tinted moisturizer. It's also one of the only foundations that has a shade that matches my skin nearly exactly. I'm Light 6, and it's the perfect neutral tone that doesn't skew too tan or too chalky on me.”

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Pat McGrath Labs

Nordstrom

Ulta Beauty

Bluemercury

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Pat McGrath Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream

Why we love it: Imagine this: ten shades, five finishes, all housed in a gorgeous palette that can take any eye look to the next level. That's the IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream—or any other Mothership palette, including the Allure Best of Beauty-winning V: Bronze Seduction. Paul calls it his most versatile go-to: "The matte shades are so pigmented and blend beautifully for creating contour and definition on the eyes, while the satin shimmer shades help to highlight." He adds that the multichrome shades are the real standout—and we couldn't agree more. They're dramatic, but elegant at the same time, and they look much more high-effort than they actually are. “I often have to create looks that make a high impact in as little time as possible, attests Paul. "I swipe these shades on with my fingertip and press them onto the lids, and they instantly add wow-factor with minimal time and effort.”

Han before applying the Pat McGrath Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream

Han after applying the Pat McGrath Mothership IX Eyeshadow Palette: Huetopian Dream

Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

“Pat McGrath eye shadow palettes are unmatched, full stop. Each color story is as mesmerizing as the next but I've been gravitating towards IX Huetopian Dream as of late. I'm a total sucker for Astral Amethyst Moon, a stunning multichrome lavender, and have been loving layering it on top of a matte shade and concentrating it in the center of my lids for a subtle pop of sparkle. (No eye look of mine is complete without sparkle, FYI.) I'm sure there are many more combos I have yet to create, which just makes using a Pat palette so exciting. I can't help but feel like I'm getting ready for a runway show, even if I'm just heading to the office. Anywhere can be a stage if you want it to be!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Pat McGrath Labs

Nordstrom

Sephora

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: One swipe makes it obvious why the SatinAllure Lipstick holds a permanent place in Pat McGrath Labs’ lineup, and why it earned an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2023. Botanical collagen plumps and conditions lips with every wear, while passionfruit oil delivers a surge of moisture that keeps them soft throughout the day. The creamy texture glides on without drag, building from a sheer wash to medium coverage with a dewy finish that wears comfortably for hours. Twelve shades, ranging from soft peachy nudes to rich wines and vivid reds, mean there's no skin tone left without a flattering match.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Pat McGrath SatinAllure Lipstick in Fleur Fatale

Han after applying the Pat McGrath SatinAllure Lipstick in Fleur Fatale

Tester feedback from Han

“For a lipstick that has ‘satin’ in its name, I was pleasantly surprised at how budgeproof this was. (I'm a messy eater, ok?!) It glides on so smoothly, thanks to botanical collagen and passionfruit oil, and a true one-swipe formula. I'll add a second layer for a punchier look, because when I'm wearing a bolder-than-usual pink such as Fleur Fatale, you have to commit. And I'm happy to! The bow packaging is super cute, to boot. This is a keeper, even for someone who usually reaches for lip tints.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

Pat McGrath Labs

Nordstrom

Sephora

Ulta Beauty

Allure beauty closet associate Edward Horgan applying the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder

Why we love it: Undereye powder has a reputation for aging the look of skin, setting into fine lines and texture, but the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder was formulated with exactly that in mind. Light-reflecting mineral powder and mica diffuse and scatter light, visibly blurring imperfections and creating a brightened finish, while silica absorbs excess moisture to keep the undereye area smooth throughout the day. Available in seven shades with a natural finish to complement every skin tone, it blends seamlessly over concealer to brighten, lift, and lock everything in place.

Horgan before applying the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder

Horgan after applying the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under Eye Powder

Tester feedback beauty closet associate Edward Horgan

“I can't count how many times I've recommended this powder to everyone I know. Packing this powder under my eyes guarantees that I'll have locked-in bright undereyes all day. No other product achieves the same blurring effect that gives me that flawless airbrushed finish I'm looking for!” —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate

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Pat McGrath Labs

Sephora

Ulta Beauty

Revolve

Why we love it: If you’ve ever experienced your makeup melting off before you make it to your event, you need the Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Longwear Blurring Setting Spray. This backstage-born formula locks makeup into place, while delivering a natural, multidimensional finish that keeps everything looking fresh all day long. Rice bran oil softens and conditions skin, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. The hero ingredients are a blend of glycerin and xylitol-derived humectants that work together to pull moisture into the skin. It leaves a barely there second-skin veil that resists heat and humidity without leaving a sticky film.

Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Longwear Blurring Setting Spray

Jusu after applying the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Longwear Blurring Setting Spray

Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu

“I tried this mist for a midday, no-makeup makeup look before an after-work event, and I was genuinely impressed. (I’d also wear it over makeup when I’m out all day.) Between warm subway platforms, humid weather, and a little perspiration, my makeup still held up beautifully. I let the spray set for a good minute and could see the blurring effects after letting it completely dry and set in. It gave my skin a fresh, dewy finish without feeling heavy, and a light T-shaped mist across the face went a surprisingly long way. Only note: The spritz can be a bit drippy. I would recommend it for all skin types, particularly people who prefer matte makeup and have dry skin.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant

More to know

Pat McGrath Labs

Nordstrom

Sephora

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Pat McGrath Labs Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil

Why we love it: Sharp definition, smoky diffusion, and graphic wings are all within reach with the Permagel Ultra Glide Eye Pencil, which offers precise, reliable control across techniques. The gel formula swipes onto the lids without any skipping or tugging, giving you ample time to smudge, sculpt, or sharpen the line before the brand’s patented PermaLock Te