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Pat McGrath has the secret to glowing glass skin that gives her the effect of a porcelain doll. After Maison Margiela Couture’s Spring 2024 runway show, the internet wondered how the British makeup artist achieved the poreless skin look on runway models based on several theories shared on TikTok and Reddit We were all in a frenzy to find out, but according to McGrath’s Instagram post this morning, the truth will soon be revealed. We’re thrilled that this launch gives makeup and skincare enthusiasts what they need to try out runway looks at home.
Immediately following the Paris Couture Week shows, beauty enthusiasts and experts quickly began dissecting McGrath’s incredible makeup artistry, with one of the makeup artist’s Instagram posts receiving over 130,000 likes. Over the weekend, the praise continued to pour in. Bobbi Brown said, “Yeah, you’re the best living makeup artist of all time.” Katy Perry said, “My favorite of all time. Iconic. I’ve only used that word twice. First. I think it was Beyoncé.”
While this haute couture collection has been hailed by critics as one for the history books, the reaction to McGrath’s porcelain doll make-up became an equally unforgettable viral sensation, marking the end of McGrath’s and John Galliano’s long-standing work together. A reminder of the awe-inspiring creativity that can come from. Collaboration with runway show.
Here’s what we know about McGrath’s glass skin makeup magic. According to a press release issued by the Pat McGrath Institute, McGrath used her product line to create barely-there eyebrows, a watercolor blush look, and cool-toned eyes and lips. Products include Pat McGrath Labs’ Divine Skin: Rose 001 Essence, Divine Blush: Legendary Glow Color Balm, Mothership I Subliminal Eyeshadow Palette, and Lust Gloss. A backstage video shows the artist airbrushing the makeup onto the model’s skin and giving it a lacquer finish, but it’s not yet clear what McGrath used for the reflective finish.
Redditors were quick to investigate. As of Saturday, January 26, the crowdsourced verdict was that McGrath used Cryolan liquid glass, a vinyl polymer that forms a transparent reflective film on the skin. The product is sold out on Kryolan’s website and will be back in stock in three weeks. However, McGrath responded to Nico Hagenson’s TikTok about the Cryolan theory by saying, “Great!! But we’ll show you the real thing soon! Stay tuned.”
Makeup artist Erin Parsons supports a different theory, claiming on TikTok that Freeman’s cucumber peel-off gel mask was the secret to her glass skin. Parsons said the face mask needs to be diluted for the airbrush machine to work. Parsons DIYs his mask and water combination, which he sprays on with five layers of water and uses a hair dryer to hold the mask in place and seal between coats.
Whether it’s Kryolan, cucumber, or a mother’s own custom concoction, special effects makeup isn’t known for nourishing skin the way a strict Korean-inspired glass skin routine can. Consumer trends show growth in the skincare category, which was the fastest growing segment in Q4 2023, but the public still continues to appreciate the products McGrath used to achieve a poreless look. I’m fascinated by shortcuts that prioritize special effects and makeup.
While you wait with bated breath to see what your mom thinks, try the products below to achieve that glass-like porcelain look. Also, don’t forget to bookmark this page as we will always update you with updates regarding this story.
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Freeman Renewing Cucumber Peel Off Gel Facial Mask
Google’s Amazon Top Quality Store Badge: 4.5/5 stars
TikTok cites Freeman’s Renewing Cucumber Peel-Off Gel Facial Mask as a top choice for creating McGrath’s porcelain makeup look. Makeup artist Erin Parsons recommends thinning with water, applying thin layers with an airbrush, and setting with a hair dryer between layers.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $3.86
Pat McGrath Labs Divine Skin: Rose 001 Essence
Google’s Nordstrom Highest Quality Store Badge: 4.8/5 stars
Google’s Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge: 4.8/5 stars
Pat McGrath Labs Divine Skin: Rose 001 Essence was an essential step in preparing Maison Margiela models’ skin. This product is a bi-phase formula containing milky emulsion and rose water essence to set a dewy foundation. Use as a base before your moisturizer or makeup base, and dab on top of cream or liquid makeup products for extra shine.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $86
Kevin Aucoin Glass Glow Face & Body Gloss
Google’s Amazon Top Quality Store Badge: 4.5/5 stars
One TikTok user used this gloss by Kevin Aucoin to achieve a porcelain look, using a makeup sponge to layer the glaze over cream blush, foundation, lipstick, and eyeshadow for a glossy finish. I posted a video of it. The product is available in six fantastic shades, but the Clear colorway includes blue tones that match the cool-toned look of the Margiela model.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $23.53
Gucci Beauty Eclat de Beauté Effete Lumière Gel Face Gloss
Google’s Sephora Highest Quality Store Badge: 4.8/5 stars
Think of it as a lip gloss for your skin. Gucci Beauty’s face gloss is a translucent jelly that gives a wet glow wherever you apply it. It’s easy to use by dabbing it over foundation or blush, or mixing it with eyeshadow for a dewy finish. The silicone-free formula is incredibly breathable and can be easily removed with hot water.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $37
Tower 28 Beauty Super Dew Shimmer Free Highlight Balm
Google’s Sephora Highest Quality Store Badge: 4.8/5 stars
A word of caution with the appearance of porcelain doll skin is that many glossy products leave a greasy finish that can trap loose hair. Tower 28’s Highlight Balm is not. It melts into your skin and gives you a brighter look without making you feel wet.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $18
Mac Cosmetics Jelly Slime All Over Highlighter
This limited edition highlighter from Mac is a buildable gel. Apply 1 to 2 coats to create a sheer shine, and layer it to bring out a metallic shine. The silver hue brings a touch of cool tones, matching McGrath’s porcelain skin look. Available only to Mac Lover members, registration is free.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $28
KJH.Brand Hyper Shine Highlight Kit
KJH.Brand’s highlighter kit includes a pot of shimmering pigments, including a liquid glaze that can be used to adjust the shine and shimmer of your product. The pink shade layers beautifully against blush and bare skin, and slathers on the included Hyper Shine Serum for a glass-like finish.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $75
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meet the author
claire sullivan She is the senior beauty and lifestyle commerce editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle articles. She has over 6 years of experience as a writer and editor at national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She stays on top of the latest shopping trends and clothing brands as well as all things related to beauty and health.