Celebrating the icons and best make-up artists that are responsible for generation-defying make-up trends. Season after season they continue to innovate and impress with their genius and creative prowess.
The Mother of Make-Up
Pat McGrath
View this post on Instagram
Labelling her a legend may almost seem like a disservice. Officially Dame Patricia Ann McGrath DBE, Pat McGrath is a visionary and has played a pivotal role in defining make-up trends for more than two decades. Over her admirable career, she has been the brains behind over sixty runway shows—spanning from Dior, Louis Vuitton, Margiela and more. Translating her skill and undeniable know-how of beauty, McGrath finally gave the world what they’ve been demanding: her own cosmetics brand—Pat McGrath Labs. Launched in 2015, she sneakily debuted her first ever product at Prada’s SS16 show, showcasing the Pat McGrath Labs: Gold 001. Safe to say that people were more than obsessed, as the collection ended up selling out in a mere 300 seconds when it was made available to the public. From her billion dollar beauty line, to her indisputable influence on the market and the way she can create an absorbing conversation with just a swipe of a make-up brush, she has truly earned the right to be called one of the worlds most influential make-up artists.
King of Innovation
Peter Philips
View this post on Instagram
Peter Philips has leveled up far beyond make-up extraordinaire—he is an artist, innovator and the creative and image director of Christian Dior Makeup. Having previously been Chanel’s creative director, He is no stranger to the immersion of beauty in fashion, with past runway collaborations with the likes of Alexander McQueen, Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons, Maison Martin Margiela and Fendi. Not only does he take on the role of creating make-up looks to emulate each Dior collection, he is very involved in the innovation and introduction of new products to the ever growing Dior Makeup collection.
Self Taught Maestro
Thomas de Kluyver
View this post on Instagram
A true testament to hard work and passion, Thomas de Kluyver is a self-taught make-up artist that has now taken over most beauty wavelengths with his kaleidoscopic library of unrestrained creations. Moulded by the philosophy that make-up was an avenue of power and strength, compared to a tool for covering up and shielding away—this approach is very apparent in his dramatic, wild and colorful make-up looks. Breaking away from classical make-up techniques and application, it was his unconventional, bold and raw take on beauty that has allowed him to flourish in today’s industry. Making his mark on the runways of Jason Wu, Jil Sander, Simone Rocha and more, it was no surprise that his art caught the attention of Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, who has now appointed de Kluyver as Gucci Beauty’s global make-up artist.
The Avant Garde Artist
Isamaya Ffrench
View this post on Instagram
Impressing with her unrivaled artistry in wearable art and prosthetics, Isamaya Frrench’s creations break through all ceilings to always reveal the unexpected. Avant garde, future-forward and never shy to challenge the ordinary, Ffrench’s off-beat approach has landed her star-studded opportunities to create runway looks for the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Louis Vuitton, Kenzo and Giambattista Valli. Her impressive and unique vision has now landed her the position of Burberry Beauty’s global beauty director as well the brain behind Byredo’s latest foray into make-up. The jack of all trades, she also adds model to her resume as she features in Vivienne Westwood’s SS21 collection.
A Visual Visionary
Tom Pecheux
View this post on Instagram
From budding pastry chef, to creating make-up looks on Princess Diana, Tom Pecheux is one of the all-time greats. Having been in the industry for over three decades now, he has become a renowned household name at fashion shows, helming the likes of Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Balmain and more. Pecheux’s signature style often revolves around the exploration of the eyes and he’s not afraid to add a touch of sensuality and a satisfying mix of colours to his looks. His philosophy roams around the idea that at the end of the day it’s all about respecting women’s beauty and how to find the right make-up that works best for the individual and not by trend per-se. He is the current global beauty director of YSL Beauté, and embodies the fashion house’s character and charm as he is synonymously known for his smokey eye look—which is always present at YSL.
