Pat McGrath is one of the beauty industry’s most celebrated makeup artists, with a career that’s seen her work on renowned magazine covers, fashion shows and models.
It’s not surprising then that when she launched her eponymous line Pat McGrath Labs in 2015, the makeup community went wild. Some of the brand’s most iconic releases include its glitter lip kits and Supreme lipstick collaboration; both of which gained cult status and become near-impossible to access.
Truthfully, I don’t think anyone else in the space is doing it quite like Pat McGrath. The products blend high-fashion concepts, editorial finishes (none of them would feel out of place on the runway) and Pat’s signature packaging.
There’s no denying that PMG is one of the most expensive makeup brands out there, with the eyeshadow palettes costing upwards of £100. Buying a product from the range will definitely be a treat.
Pat McGrath Labs are one of those rare brands that I’d recommend saving up for as I think its products are truly worth it, however, if you’re looking for an affordable alternative in the meantime, these are the best dupes I’ve found.
Dupe for Pat McGrath Labs Divine Skin Rose 001 The Essence: Neogen Dermalogy Hyal Glow Rose Essence
This product was Pat McGrath’s first skincare launch (with Naomi Campbell fronting the campaign, no less), so safe to say expectations were high.
Pat obviously delivered, creating an essence that gives a gorgeous, ethereal model-like glow to the skin. It can be worn under makeup or alone; either way, it gives a lit-from-within luminosity.
A very worthy dupe is Neogen’s Dermalogy Hyal Glow Rose Essence, £29.95, Beauty Bay, which includes the same main ingredients of rosa damascena flower water, glycerin, and rose extract, as well as eight different types of hyaluronic acid to give that plump, hydrated appearance to the skin.
Dupe for Pat McGrath Labs Mothership X Moonlit Seduction Palette: Peaches and Cream Pigments
I saved up for my Pat McGrath palette a few years ago and absolutely treasure it to this day (probably not great in terms of hygiene, but what can you do). Pat does eyeshadows like nobody else, and so I hate to break it to you, but if you’re looking to find a complete dupe of the palette, you won’t.
However, I have found that Peaches and Cream’s pigments are seriously impressive dupes for Pat McGrath’s duochrome pans, which in my opinion are the hardest shades to recreate outside of a Pat palette as they’re so unique.
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The shade Fangulous is near spot-on dupe for the shade VR Sextacy in the Mothership X: Moonlit Seduction Palette, while Pixie is similar to Astral Lilac Aura.
Dupe for Pat McGrath Labs Divine Blush Desert Orchid: Physicians Formula Butter Blush in Copper Cabana
Pat McGrath’s blushes are incredible: buttery, soft and with an incredible pigment payoff. The blushes also come in a gorgeous range of shades which compliment all skin tones, from pearlescent pinks to brick reds.
Desert Orchid, a warm, slightly burnt orange, is one of the most popular shades, and Physicians Formula Butter Blush in Copper Cobana is a very close match.
Although it is less pigmented than PMG’s Divine Blush, you can build it up to get a similar finish, and the shade looks almost identical once on.
Dupe for Pat McGrath Labs PermaGel Ultra Lip Pencil: Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner
Pat McGrath’s Ultra Lip Pencils are one of the most long-lasting lip liner formulas I’ve ever tried, and that’s down to the unique Permagel formula, which melts into the lips and stays PUT.
However, £26 can be pretty spendy if, like me, your lip liners tend to go walkabout after a few uses, never to be seen again.
I’ve found Rare Beauty’s Kind Words Lip Liners, £14, Sephora, to be pretty close in terms of the soft texture as well as the colour range. Rare Beauty’s shade range is less than Pat McGrath’s, but there are some similar hues, such as PMG’s Brownnouveaux and Rare Beauty’s Strong.
L.A Girl’s Ultimate Intense Stay Auto Lipliners, £5, L.A Girl, are another dupe that are an absolute steal at £5.
Featuring a similar gel texture and feather-proof formula, this is a lip liner that you can afford to have in every bag.
Again, the shade range is much more limited than PMG’s, but there are a few close dupes: L.A Girl’s Non-Stop Nude is comparable to Pat McGrath’s Structure, although it’s a little warmer.
Neither are as long-wearing as Pat McGrath’s lip liner, but they’re worthy affordable alternatives.
Dupe for Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation: L’Oreal Infalliable 32H Fresh Wear
TikTok has been going crazy for Pat McGrath’s first foundation. Not only is the design of the bottle incredibly chic, but the formulation of the foundation itself feels super lightweight on the skin while giving impressive, buildable coverage and a covetable glow.
While I think it lives up to the hype, if I’m paying £61 for a foundation it had better change my life. So, for an affordable alternative that you can wear every day, L’Oreal’s Infalliable 24H Fresh Wear, £11.99, Boots, is a great option.
This foundation has a very similar barely-there hydrating texture and glowy finish that makes it a worthy comparison to Pat McGrath’s, and I’d argue it even lasts slightly longer. However, PMG’s does have a more extensive shade range at 36 vs L’Oreal’s 26.
Dupe for Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance Lipstick: Maybelline Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick
When it comes to lipstick, I’m always torn between luxury and affordable buys. Some of the best formulations I’ve tried have been by high street brands, but you can’t dupe the feel of a gorgeously packaged, high-end lipstick, and Pat McGrath’s MatteTrance embellished lipsticks are truly one of a kind.
However, there are a few affordable dupes that really knock it out of the park when it comes to finish and shade comparison. A fantastic dupe for Christy (the peachy beige shade Adele wore on the cover of Vogue) is Maybelline’s Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick in More Buff, £8.99, Boots.
Milani’s Bold Color Statement Matte Lipsticks, £10, Boots, are also a worthy contender, with a creamy but super long-lasting matte finish. The shade I Am Confident is a close match for Flesh 3, which is currently out of stock.
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