My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
Eight years ago I shared a post on, Kevyn Aucoin, who was one of the most gifted and inspiring makeup artists who ever lived. And it wasn't only his talent as a makeup artist that made him so special, it was also his ability to put everyone at ease the minute he touched their face. There was something about his spirit that made people instantly trust him.
"That's why I began doing makeup in the first place. I was hoping that through helping people see the beauty in themselves, I could try and find it in me. "
I was a huge fan of Kevyn Aucoin. In fact, I had every book he ever published. I remember getting his first book back in the 90's when I was very involved in the art of makeup. Ironically he was an influential makeup teacher for thousands of makeup artists all over the world, yet Kevyn was never taught how to do makeup. He was born with a natural talent.
Early this week I watched a documentary, titled: Kevyn Aucoin: Beauty and the Beast In Me. In fact, I watched it twice.
Not only is this documentary about his journey through makeup, but it's also a very open and honest view into parts of Kevyn that he struggled with his whole life.
"At the heart of the film is a treasure trove of found footage: hundreds of hours of personal video and audiotapes that Kevyn recorded throughout his life and career. The never-before-seen archival footage takes you behind the scenes of iconic, intimate and uncensored moments in 1980s and 1990s fashion with the celebrated photographers, models and actresses of the era."
"Kevyn was the most sought after celebrity makeup artist of his time while battling the unhealed “primal wound” of his adoption, and his abusive childhood growing up in Louisiana. This film delves into why someone who was able to achieve all of his dreams and help create so much beauty, struggled to see the beauty within himself."
At the peak of his career, Kevyn was diagnosed with a rare pituitary tumor. He had been suffering from acromegaly resulting from the tumor for much of his life, but it had gone undiagnosed. He underwent a successful surgery and had the tumor removed, but continued to experience intense pain and became addicted to painkillers. In 2002, he passed away at 40-years old.
In the end, this bittersweet documentary leaves you with a feeling of understanding and compassion. Regardless of Kevyn's struggles and wounds, he lived a life that was filled with tremendous passion. For the short 40 years he was on this earth, Kevyn lived a very full life because he knew what he came here to do, and he did it.
He not only touched people's faces, he touched their hearts.
Here are some images I found of Kevyn; his art; photos from the documentary; and several of the women who adored him.
-Kevyn Aucoin-
"The fact is, there is really no such thing as "normal" - everyone is different, and that is the essence of their beauty."
The fabulous, Tina Turner
Kevyn at work
Kevyn's makeup magic -- Janet Jackson as actress, singer, dancer, Dorothy Dandridge
Barbra Streisand, who Kevyn idolized since he was a young boy growing up in Louisiana
Kevyn worked with Whitney many times on her videos
Kevyn did Cindy Crawford's makeup for her very first Vogue cover. They remained friends for life.
With Hilary Swank and Gwyneth Paltrow
A photo collage of those who loved Kevyn
"That's why I began doing makeup in the first place. I was hoping that through helping people see the beauty in themselves, I could try and find it in me. "
Here is a short trailer from the documentary:
Have a beautiful weekend, everyone....💗
In case you're interested in watching the complete documentary on YouTube for free, here is the link:
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