Share This Article
I’ve never received as many questions and comments about a foundation as I have about Pat McGrath Labs’ Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection. After casually showcasing it on Instagram and in some of my videos, I’ve been flooded with inquiries about its longevity, coverage, and shade. Now, it’s time for a detailed review. Be warned about the price, it’s £60 in the UK, which is quite steep. Yet, surprisingly, people aren’t too bothered by the cost, suggesting Pat McGrath has successfully marketed her brand as a luxury choice in the beauty world.
The brand is known for its clever formulations and luxurious packaging, heavily powered by Pat McGrath’s reputation as a top makeup artist. The Sublime Perfection foundation is a standout product, though I might be biased due to my preference for foundations that make skin look natural.
This foundation isn’t the typical “real skin” product; it offers a flawless, believable finish with a touch of dewiness and freshness that blurs away imperfections. However, I need to mention that I have clear skin, which might affect how I perceive its effects. It’s slightly sheer but buildable, cleverly masking minor imperfections rather than offering heavy coverage.
Sublime Perfection’s standout feature is its buildability. You can achieve anything from the lightest coverage to a medium one, all while maintaining a fresh glow. Unlike many foundations, it doesn’t appear flat as you add more. Instead, it keeps a radiant, glowing finish that never becomes fully opaque. Those seeking full coverage might find it lacking, but its ability to retain a sheen as you build it up is impressive.
Pat McGrath describes it as offering a “customized couture finish,” perfectly embodying an editorial or runway look without creating a mask. It highlights the skin’s natural beauty rather than hiding it, enhanced by blurring particles and a lit-from-within glow. However, it might work best on relatively blemish-free skin.
A surprising feature of this foundation is its durability. It combines the comfort of a tinted moisturizer with the elegance and lasting power of a high-end foundation, maintaining its look throughout the day. While Estée Lauder’s Futurist comes close, it doesn’t quite match the refined coverage and glow of Sublime Perfection.
Even at its sheerest application, it provides a noticeable glow without needing to build it up unless for special occasions. Applying it with fingertips, similar to skincare, is particularly effective. Before and after photos might not capture its true impact, as the real magic shows when you’re moving and in natural light. It evens out skin tone subtly while preserving the natural look.
Despite the high price, I really like this foundation for its “my skin but better” finish. Available in 36 shades, it’s suitable for all skin types, though using a primer might help if you have oily skin. I might experience minor slippage on my nose by day’s end, but overall, it’s a solid option. Apply it after moisturizer and sunscreen (since it lacks SPF) using your fingers for a sheer finish or a brush for heavier coverage. I typically mix shades 13 and 8 in a two-to-one ratio, though a shade 10 or 11 might suit me better from in-store matching.
For those after that fresh glow, Clinique’s Even Better Glow or Estée Lauder Futurist foundation are worth considering too.