Regencycore swept the nation almost a year ago as Bridgerton hit our screens. By “us” I mean the collective as I’ve grown to see. We worshipped at the altar of corsets, feathered headbands and empire-length gowns, and developed an intense love of the smouldering Duke of Hastings—and we were not alone. The Mother of makeup—and British Vogue’s beauty editor-at-large—Dame Pat McGrath, was right with us too, and conjuring up ideas for her next makeup collaboration as she watched.
Yep, the new Bridgerton X Pat McGrath Labs collection is everything you want it to be and more. Comprising a next-level eyeshadow palette (named Diamond of the First Water, in homage to the very first episode of the hit show), blush palette (Love at First Blush), and a duo of highlighters (Sublime Skin Highlighter) to gild the face, all three deliver the beautifully blendable, butter-soft gel-cream formulas that McGrath does so well. And they make achieving fresh, Regency-esque skin (with a modern twist) a breeze.
For McGrath, the Bridgerton look is all about eye blusher: “Blushing isn’t just for rosy cheeks anymore,” she tells Vogue. “And I suspect that Bridgerton made the eyes of its 63 million-strong viewership blush. Every shade in the MTHRSHP Eye Palette, Diamond of the First Water, is designed to accomplish just that. These shades were created to drape the cheeks and eyes in divine warmth and illuminate the eyes.” Her top tip is to apply shades “Art of the Swoon” and “Love Match” as a wash of color across the eyes for a gentle flush.
In fact, eye blusher is the trend to try for skin that radiates subtle health. A method which can be built up for high-impact glamour or used as a subtle hint of colour, it draws attention to the eyes and harmonizes the face. “It is perfect for creating the effect of emotion coming from within the skin,” McGrath adds. Of course, she has been doing it for years, and name-checks Dior’s 2004 and 2005 couture shows for some past examples.
Fronting the campaign for the launch are McGrath’s muses, Ava Philippe (who is Reese Witherspoon’s daughter, and her doppelgänger), and model Vinetria Chubbs, both of whom embody the spirit of the collection, according to McGrath. “Can you imagine the sheer pleasure of being on set with such a captivating group of intelligent, confident future legends? So much about this collection is about the idea of making your debut and celebrating what makes you special—it was wonderful to work with such a brilliant mix of talent on a modern take on Regency era beauty, while reveling in their iconic individuality.” In true Bridgerton spirit, she calls the pair a “divinely diverse range of dynamic #DowntownDebutantes”—and we are here for it.
Available to buy from December 26 on Patmcgrath.com, the new range is limited-edition, so get in there fast. Mother, for one, is excited: “It’s such an honor to collaborate with Shondaland and Netflix on the Pat McGrath Labs X Bridgerton Collection,” she tells Vogue. “Shonda’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and disruptive thinking aligns with my own brand, as outspoken voices for body positivity, racial diversity, gender variance and iconoclastic individuality. She passionately invites people to see the past, present and future through a new lens.” Regencycore beauty? It’s a yes from me.
Kassy Rose Makeup Artistry 