Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin was an influential American makeup artist, widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative figures in the beauty industry. Here's an overview of his life and work:

  • Full Name: Kevyn Aucoin

  • Born: February 14, 1962, in Shreveport, Louisiana, USA

  • Died: May 7, 2002, in New York City, USA (aged 40)

  • Nationality: American

  • Occupation: Makeup artist, author

Kevyn Aucoin’s impact on the world of beauty and fashion remains profound. He worked with many high-profile celebrities and models, creating iconic looks that influenced beauty trends worldwide. His work transcended makeup artistry, and he became a beloved figure in the fashion industry for his creativity, skill, and vision.

Key Aspects of His Career:

  • Makeup Artist for Celebrities: Aucoin’s clients included some of the most famous names in the entertainment industry, including Cher, Cindy Crawford, Christina Aguilera, Madonna, Lauren Hutton, and Tina Turner. He helped define many of their signature looks.

  • Innovative Techniques: Known for his transformative makeup skills, Aucoin popularized the use of contouring, highlighting, and other advanced techniques that have since become staples in makeup artistry. His work often aimed to accentuate natural beauty while creating bold, statement-making looks.

  • Books: Aucoin published several bestselling books, including Making Faces (1997) and Face Forward (2000). These books shared his makeup techniques and beauty philosophy, giving readers the tools to recreate his iconic looks. They remain influential in the world of beauty.

  • Product Line: In 2001, he launched his own makeup line, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, which reflected his artistic vision and expertise. The brand is still popular today, known for high-quality products that deliver professional results.

  • Legacy: Aucoin’s influence continues through his work, books, and the beauty brand that bears his name. His legacy as an artist is remembered for his ability to enhance and celebrate individual beauty, breaking boundaries in makeup and fashion.

Kevyn Aucoin passed away at the age of 40 due to complications from a rare genetic condition, but his work and influence in the beauty world live on.

Articles by the author

Beauty has a lot to do with character.

Kevyn Aucoin

Today I choose life. Every morning when I wake up I can choose joy, happiness, negativity, pain... To feel the freedom that comes from being able to continue to make mistakes and choices - today I choose to feel life, not to deny my humanity but embrace it.

Kevyn Aucoin

Soon I realized that if beauty equalled forgiveness, I was never going to be forgiven.

Kevyn Aucoin

Today I see beauty everywhere I go, in every face I see, in every single soul.

Kevyn Aucoin

Another thing that's pathetic is this rule that you have to look ugly to get respect as an actress. Jessica Lange had to make herself look really bad to prove that she had amazing talent.

Kevyn Aucoin

I'm not saying that putting on makeup will change the world or even your life, but it can be a first step in learning things about yourself you may never have discovered otherwise. At worst, you could make a big mess and have a good laugh.

Kevyn Aucoin

Growing up, my ideals were Barbra Streisand, Cher, and my mom.

Kevyn Aucoin

I'd rather have huge success and huge failures than travel in the middle of the road.

Kevyn Aucoin

Fear is the most debilitating emotion in the world, and it can keep you from ever truly knowing yourself and others - its adverse effects can no longer be overlooked or underestimated. Fear breeds hatred, and hatred has the power to destroy everything in its path.

Kevyn Aucoin