Patrick Ta Emphasizes the Importance of Wellness in Beauty: 'Makeup Can Enhance, But It Can't Replace Taking Care of Yourself'

Patrick Ta is doubling down on one message this fashion week season: beauty starts from within.

The celebrity makeup artist dishes on his skin-first approach to glam during an exclusive chat with OK! while opening up about all things wellness, behind-the-scenes makeup moments and his partnership with Vital Proteins.

"Makeup can enhance, but it can’t replace taking care of yourself. Skincare, nutrition, wellness – they all matter," the Patrick Ta Beauty co-founder explains. "I’ve always taken skincare seriously, but having recently turned 35, I’m even more focused on what’s happening underneath."

"After 30, collagen production naturally slows, and you really start to see it over time. That’s why supporting my skin from the inside – with collagen like Vital Proteins, along with good nutrition – is just as important as the products I put on my face," he emphasizes. "When your body feels nourished and energized, it shows on your skin. That energy carries through to your makeup, helping it sit better, wear longer and look effortlessly luminous."

The professional beauty guru — whose client roster includes some of Hollywood's biggest names like Gigi Hadid, Shay Mitchell, Ariana Grande, Chrissy Teigen and Camila Cabello, among many others — says he’s seen a major shift in how A-listers approach glam in recent years.

"I’ve noticed so many clients thinking about beauty as something deeper than the surface," Ta shares. "They’re focused not only on what goes on the skin, but also on how wellness and nutrition affect their radiance. Collagen has become a big part of those conversations. It’s amazing to see people caring about supporting their skin from the inside out, because when your body feels nourished, it really shows – and makeup just enhances what’s already there."

Ta says the same inside-out philosophy is reflected on the runway during fashion week.

"This season, skin is really the centerpiece – fresh, glassy and luminous. A healthy glow starts with a strong base, and taking care of your skin from the inside out – through skincare, wellness and nutrition – really helps that foundation shine. When your skin feels nourished, it shows, and makeup just highlights it," he notes.

Ta's preferred skin-first approach is especially relevant during New York Fashion Week, as celebrities experience one of the most demanding weeks on the beauty calendar.

"Fashion Week always inspires me creatively. It’s where I get to really push my artistry and collaborate with some of the most talented people in beauty and fashion," Ta admits. "Stepping backstage more recently gave me a whole new appreciation for the precision, teamwork and nonstop energy it takes to bring a show to life. Whether I’m backstage or front row, the excitement is contagious. I just try to stay present and grounded so I can really take it all in."

For Ta, staying grounded during the chaos requires intention.

"Fashion Week is nonstop, so I stick to a few simple rituals that keep me grounded – skincare, moving my body and my iced coffee with Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I always keep stick packs with me since you never know when you’ll get your next cup," he reveals.

Ta continues: "Those little habits help me feel my best, even during the long, hectic days. I also keep a few self-care essentials in my bag: blotting papers, face mist, lip balm, hand cream, and sunglasses. And I always try to carve out a little time each day to reset. Fashion Week is major, but taking care of yourself makes all the difference."

That mindset is what made partnering with Vital Proteins during NYFW feel like a natural fit. The brand's Vital Diner activation spotlighted the often-overlooked teams working tirelessly behind the scenes.

"Backstage is where the magic really happens," Ta spills. "Fashion Week is exciting, but it’s intense – and the people behind-the-scenes are usually the last to put themselves first. My team and I know that pace well. What really spoke to me about the Vital Diner is that it shines a light on the people who don’t walk the runway, but make every show possible. And while I may be obsessed with glow, real radiance starts with how you take care of yourself."

"Vital Proteins is all about supporting people from the inside out, and this felt like such a meaningful way to give these artists and crews a moment to refuel, reset and feel taken care of," he adds. "I loved being able to welcome my peers and collaborators into the space, so they could recharge and keep creating at their best."

For Ta, the message is simple — whether he's backstage at Fashion Week or prepping an A-list client for the red carpet, beauty is about more than what meets the eye.