The Makeup artist who changed beauty forever

Before celebrity makeup artists became celebrities themselves, there was Kevyn Aucoin!

Born in Louisiana in 1962, Aucoin became fascinated by makeup as a child, experimenting on his sister and best friend before moving to New York in the early ’80s with little more than a portfolio and a dream. He eventually landed work with Vogue and became one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the world.

Born in Louisiana in 1962, Aucoin became fascinated by makeup as a child, experimenting on his sister and best friend before moving to New York in the early ’80s with little more than a portfolio and a dream. He eventually landed work with Vogue and became one of the most sought-after makeup artists in the world.

His client list was basically a beauty hall of fame: Janet Jackson, Madonna, Cher, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Gwyneth Paltrow. His work with Janet included the iconic Scream video, where he created her futuristic, anime-inspired makeup.

But Kevyn wasn’t just painting famous faces. He changed how we understood makeup. He helped bring contouring into mainstream beauty, championed a much wider range of skin tones and made transformation feel like artistry rather than simply covering imperfections. He also wrote The Art of Makeup, Making Faces and Face Forward, educating an entire generation of beauty obsessives.

In 2001, he launched Kevyn Aucoin Beauty, introducing products that would become cult favourites, including the Sensual Skin Enhancer and Sculpting Powder.

Tragically, Aucoin died in 2002 at just 40. But his brand didn’t disappear with him. More than two decades later, it continues selling his signature products alongside newer releases, while maintaining his focus on professional artistry, inclusivity and education.

Kevyn didn’t just create makeup. He helped create the beauty industry we recognise today.