Yesterday evening it was announced that makeup artist AJ Crimson had died. Crimson was beloved by the industry for his expertise in Black beauty as a celebrity makeup artist. In 2013, he started his own beauty line, AJ Crimson Beauty, a brand for Black women that featured formulations like lip glosses and silky-smooth finishing powders. His most recent Instagram post, shared a week ago, was a video of him excitedly showing off his latest line of vegan fiber brushes.
From the early 2000s, Crimson was a pioneer in the industry, before diversity was a trending topic. His clientele included Lauren London, Missy Elliott, Regina King, and Angela Bassett.
Friends, family, and peers of Crimson expressed an outpouring of love for him on social media once the news hit last night. Almost everyone who posted their condolences mentioned what a kind-hearted and giving person he was. Beyoncé’s longtime makeup artist, Sir John, and hairstylist, Kim Kimble, were among the industry experts who posted their heartfelt notes about his sudden passing. “Holding space for Black women was at your core,” Sir John said, adding that Crimson negotiated rates and advocated for him when he was new to the industry.
The cause of Crimson’s death and his exact age remain unknown and unconfirmed. There is no news yet on what will happen to his brand.
