Getting to Know the Glam Squad: Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff

Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman, Kate Bosworth and more A-listers turned to this legendary makeup artist

By Cinya Burton Sep 23, 2014 8:56 PMTags
Glam Squad: Pati Dubroff, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Bosworth, Charlize TheronGetty Images

There are celebrity makeup artists and then there is Pati Dubroff. In some form or another she has managed to work with basically every A-lister on the planet. No really, think of a star. Got a name? Yeah, she's worked with them.  

Her client list includes three best actress Oscar winners—Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman and Charlize Theron—not to mention countless nominees. There isn't one major red carpet event that she hasn't worked numberous times or a magazine her creativity hasn't been featured in.  

She's reached almost legendary status in Hollywood and we were lucky enough to get her some one-on-one time with her. Here's what she had to share:  

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How long have you been a makeup artist?
At the age of 10, I became fascinated with makeup and decided then that I wanted to be a makeup artist when I grew up. I made up all of my friends at school and for parties, and as soon as I finished high school I moved to New York City to pursue my dream.  I started working at a cosmetic counter at Bergdorf Goodmans, and shortly after that, started to assist Francois Nars. Working with the masterful Mr. Nars was my real education and my big break in the fashion industry.  

What was your big break into Hollywood?
When I left NYC for Los Angeles, the first booking I landed after arriving was the iconic Vanity Fair Hollywood issue cover with legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz—I took it as a clear sign that I made the right move.

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What are a few of your favorite red carpet looks that you've created?
Charlize Theron at the 2013 Oscars. She so fresh, clean, polished and perfect.
Kate Bosworth at the 2012 Met Ball 2012. A Pada dress with dark wine lipstick—this was a real fashion moment!
Naomi Watts at the St. Vincent premiere at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. This is one of my most recent red carpets. I love how strong, sexy, and chic she looks.
And last but certainly not least, Allison Williams at the 2014 Emmy Awards.

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What items are always in your kit?
Tatcha Dewy skin mist, L'Oreal Paris Miracle Blur, Make Up For Ever brushes, by terry tinted rose balms, Cle de Peau concealer, Kanebo Sensai Loose Powder, Pati Dubroff Perfect Palette, Surrat lash curler, Kevyn Aucoin cream blushes, Chanel cream shadows, Nars velvet matte lip crayons, Maybelline Define A Brow pencil, new artist liner pencils from Make Up For Ever, Dior mascaras.  

What new beauty item are you currently obsessed with?
I have been really impressed with the immediate results I see from using the Nu Face Trinity. It's astounding what this at-home micro current device delivers. It's been around for awhile but they keep improving upon it—new head attachments to for lights, targeted head for the eye area, and a mini travel size device.

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What is your favorite drug store beauty buy?
I love Jergens BB Body Skin Perfecting cream. It gives a perfect sheen and blur to the skin on the body. Plus, it smells great. 

And what about your fave high-end beauty splurge?
I always keep La Prairie Eye and Lip a Porter in my purse and in my kit. This smart and chic compact holds an eye cream, a lip balm as well as a great mirror. 

What's the weirdest request you've got from a client?
One of the most challenging jobs I've had was when I had to do someone's makeup on a private plane between LA and Las Vegas. The flight is only 45 minutes and there was extreme turbulence the whole way. I felt close to getting airsick and I was really nervous I was going to hurt her with my brushes!

What's the best thank you gift you've ever recieved?
The best thank you is when a client refers me to her friends.  It's like hand-delivering a vote of trust. 

Who have you been working with the longest?
Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts and Kate Bosworth have all been loyal clients for well over a decade.

To see more of Pati's work—and trust us there is a lot—visit her Instagram.