"In my career, Kevyn stands out in so many ways. He was the cosmetics superstar of his generation, and was an ACTUAL celebrity makeup artist, back when no one else really was (or called themselves that).

"He was always so animated; he had a childlike wonder and humor about things — an innocence. The first time I interviewed him, which was over the phone, it was one big TMI fest! Of course, I stayed mum about his forthcomings, but it did kind of take me aback and crack me up. 'Who IS this guy???' I remember thinking. 'He’s so affable and sweet for being so famous!'

"But it’s his influence on the beauty industry that is unparalleled. He could transform one famous face into another, but, more importantly, he showed us — and taught us — the magic of enhancing our own features without looking garish or overdone. His touch just said 'effortless beauty,' and, at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all strive for?"

— Jane Larkworthy, W beauty director


Gwyneth Paltrow channels Sophia Loren in Two Women.

Photo: Courtesy of Kevyn Aucoin