In a thrilling collaboration, makeup artist Pat McGrath teamed up with rapper Nicki Minaj for her latest project, resulting in a visually stunning album release. McGrath, known for her iconic makeup looks, expressed her excitement about working with Minaj, stating that it was a dream come true.
The two artists collaborated remotely over Zoom, with McGrath in New York and Minaj in Los Angeles. Prior to the album's release, Minaj teased Barbz (her fans) with visuals on Instagram, showcasing a glamorous Barbie-themed aesthetic that would inspire both date nights and girls' nights out.
McGrath drew inspiration from her extensive archives in runway, red carpet, and editorial looks, and collaborated with Ronald Watkins, a makeup artist on Minaj's team, to bring the vision to life. Minaj publicly thanked McGrath for her makeup direction and revealed a surprise Easter egg in the visuals - an unreleased product that is now available for purchase.
The collaboration also featured the use of ChromaLuxe Artistry Pigments, which were sent to Watkins to use and test on Minaj. These pigments, known for their luxuriously creamy texture and foiled metallic finish, were popular during McGrath's Star Wars collection and were brought back for the album release in six new shades.
Minaj's album visuals were a celebration of pink, with McGrath's Pat McGrath Labs creations playing a key role in bringing the inspirations to life. Working with Minaj allowed McGrath to embrace her love for pink and create dynamic makeup looks that reflected Minaj's distinct style and alter egos.
The creative process involved deep understanding and interpretation of Minaj's vision, similar to preparing for a fashion runway or editorial shoot. McGrath emphasized the importance of executing excellence and bringing each look to life with meticulous attention to detail.
In terms of collaboration with hairstylist Arrogant Tae, McGrath praised the seamless coordination between their work. The team successfully balanced the hair and makeup looks, creating a harmonious visual symphony that complemented each other without overpowering the overall style.
For Minaj's skin, McGrath and Ronald focused on creating a flawless base with a luminous finish. They used products like Divine Skin: Rose 001 The Essence and the Divine Glow and Divine Blush ranges to enhance Minaj's natural radiance and add a signature McGrath glow.
The album project was a labor of love for Minaj, who poured her heart and soul into it. McGrath hoped that the beauty and creativity displayed in the visuals would inspire fans as much as it inspired her.
As for McGrath herself, outside of her work, she enjoys activities such as sailing, thrifting, and appreciating Naomi Campbell's runway walk. She is also a fan of Japanese whiskey and can often be found commenting on Rihanna's posts.
