With names like Aliengelic, and Pale Fire Nectar, it is clear that Pat McGrath is a literal makeup genius. Her innovative style, which somehow still pays homage to the past, is what drew us makeup lovers to her brand. It is her artistry that we all love and respect. Despite the creative hold that Pat McGrath continues to have on the beauty industry, her brand, Pat McGrath Labs, appears to be struggling. Tanking in sales, tanking in creativity, and tanking in relevance 😦
So, what does it mean that Pat McGrath Labs is no longer matching the creative capacity of its founder? I recently read an article that both irked my spirit and saddened me emotionally. The article titled “What Happened to PatMcGrath Labs” describes how this once billion-dollar company has significantly reduced in financial worth, noting several unsavory and seemingly lazy business practices as the catalyst. Sadly, I had to agree. Why did it take the brand a whole year to release the product for glass skin when the look for the Margiela show literally took over the internet? It’s lost its moment and it shows a disconnect. For me, this is absolutely heartbreaking because it is so vital for Black beauties to have representation that is consistent, relevant, and respected.
Pat McGrath is a luxury, Black owned brand. And in 2025, where diversity is no longer the trend, so many Black beauty brands are going under. Ami Cole is another. I am exhausted and saddened because even when Black women are leaders in their industries, they are more likely to fail or be railroaded. In 2025 alone, 300,000 Black women lost employment in the United States. While I understand that the brand may have made poor business decisions, it still disgusts me to see the presence of Black beauty fade. It is also indicative of a lack of experience that has been forced upon Black people in various countries, due to politics and structural racism. Seriously though, Hailey Bieber’s Rhode, a company with mid products (sorry, that’s my opinion) and a lack of creativity, was just acquired by ELF for bookoo bread? AKA a whole lot of money. In contrast, Pat McGrath Labs, a brand founded by a makeup genius whose creativity is sought after by top fashion houses, is tanking. Make it make sense…
Angrily Signed,
-The Lipstick Diaries
The Lipstick Diaries 