Let’s examine the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection foundation and discuss if it’s actually the best foundation of 2019. Survey says?
As a fan of the unique and striking makeup looks she creates for the fashion week runways, Pat McGrath is a name that’s been hot on my radar for quite some time. From Maison Margiela to Burberry, she’s worked behind the scenes at must-see high fashion events for years. She has a genius approach that reimagines makeup in general, putting a fresh perspective on the high fashion runways and reinventing the way we craft makeup looks as a whole.
Whenever a show hits the runway and I find myself wondering just WHO did the makeup – more often than not, Pat’s the artist at hand. She’s brilliant. She’s talented. And so it made complete sense when she launched her own makeup line back in 2015: Pat McGrath Labs.
The brand originated with a collection of lipsticks that garnered rave reviews and has since expanded to offer a number of successful eyeshadow palettes. This summer, Pat McGrath Labs finally launched their much-anticipated foundation…and I, of course, had to purchase and test it out for you guys.
The Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation
Truth is, I’m always on the hunt for the next best foundation and am admittedly a bit picky when it comes to finding one I like.
With that in mind, I purchased the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection foundation with HIGH hopes that it would very much tick every box of perfection in my book. Namely, I look for a foundation to be:
- Weightless on the skin
- Long-lasting
- Does not require any touchups throughout the day (I’m lazy)
- Flawless finish
- Available in a generous selection of shades
- Bullet-proof, essentially
Given Pat McGrath’s history as an in-demand makeup artist for the biggest runway shows around the world…I speculated her foundation might very well be the best foundation of 2019. So far, despite an admittedly high price tag, I have not been disappointed.
I was immediately impressed and happy to see that the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection is available in 36 shades in total – with varying undertones. On the brand’s website itself, you’ll find that Pat McGrath Labs takes things a step further by featuring 36 models wearing all 36 shades. This helps customers see the foundation in action and is incredibly useful to those trying to best pinpoint their proper color match. Anyone who’s ever purchased a foundation online can tell you how tricky it can be to match themselves to nothing more than blob of color on the website — so this is a really nice touch!
After a couple weeks of testing, I’m ready to give you the full report on how well the foundation lives up to my expectations! Enjoy a rundown of all the must-know details below:
The Finish: A Natural Satin
The Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection has a natural satin finish — veering towards matte. When applying, you’ll notice a more dewy finish to the skin but that definitely will go away as the foundation sets. From there, you’ll see a near flawless finish that looks like you’re walking through life with an Instagram filter on. Not bad! Not bad indeed.
Level of Coverage: Medium to Full Coverage
As a rather light liquid formula, it’s quite impressive how much coverage the foundation offers. With one coat, you will get a solid medium amount of coverage. Layer on a bit more? And the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection foundation is instantly kicked up to full coverage.
To help you get a precise picture of how the foundation wears on the skin — here’s a photo of me modeling it below.
Wear-Time? Incredibly Long
Now is where things get super exciting! I’m beyond thrilled to report that the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection foundation is virtually bullet-proof.
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve experimented with wearing the foundation in a number of weather conditions. From high heat and humidity to chilly, rainy afternoons. I even wore this to the gym and in the swimming pool! Across the board I found that foundation holds up no matter the circumstances with no touchups required. It stays put till to you take it off at the end of the day. Hallelujah!!
Can Be Applied with Brush or Fingertips
Given how attached I am to my makeup brushes, it never would have occurred to me to even try applying the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection foundation with my fingers had it not been mentioned on the website. Since it was mentioned, though, I decided to go ahead and try applying it both ways. In the end, I’m still partial to my blending brush — but it might please you to know the foundation does also apply beautifully and evenly with your fingers.
There is also a makeup brush (here) specifically designed for the foundation, but I didn’t bother buying it as it looks so similar to many of the blending brushes I already own.
Added Skincare Benefits
To help fight wrinkles, the Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection foundation includes a Vita-Serum Complex that moisturizes and fight wrinkles. The serum also preserves the skin barrier and boosts your skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid. Fancy!
While wearing the foundation, not only do I enjoy a beautiful flawless finish…I also enjoy knowing that it takes steps to moisturize and protect my skin in the meantime. Win, win!
Pat McGrath Sublime Perfection Foundation Rundown:
- $68 for 1.18 fluid ounce bottle
- Available in 36 shades with varying undertones
- Available for purchase directly from Pat McGrath Labs and Sephora
- Medium Coverage
- Satin Finish
Pros
- Beautiful, filter-like finish
- Incredibly long lasting
- Lightweight on the skin
- Easy application with brush or fingers
- Smooths easily over fine lines and pores
- Glass bottle packaging with pump
- Free of parabens and fragrance
- Oil free
Cons
- Not Leaping Bunny certified as cruelty-free. Pat McGrath Labs says they do not perform tests on their animals, but it’s unclear in relation to sales in China.
- Pricy. At $68 per bottle, the foundation is priced quite high. To make it more affordable, I suggest keeping your eye out for sales from Pat McGrath. Such as, I picked the foundation up at 20% off during a site-wide sale.
- Note: Pat McGrath does offer 10% off your first order with the code PMGFriendx10.
Overall Grade: A
I know we’re only in October, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and declare Pat McGrath’s Sublime Perfection foundation as the BEST foundation of 2019. Yes, that’s a lofty declaration but I’m pretty confident in that title.
It’s quite remarkable the level of coverage you get from this foundation, the flawless finish and impossibly long wear-time…all while feeling virtually weightless on the skin.
Interested in discovering more beauty? Find all my makeup and skincare reviews in the Beauty Directory!
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Pat McGrath’s Skin Fetish ‘Sublime Perfection’ Foundation
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Kelly
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