Kevyn Aucoin Beauty – featuring model Tatiana Turan

Kevyn Aucoin was an American make-up artist and photographer who was interested in makeup from the time he was a child, and frequently did his sisters’ makeup, photographing the results – something he would do throughout his career.

In the early 80s Aucoin moved to New York putting makeup on test models for free to build up his portfolio before he was discovered by Vogue.  Aucoin’s motto was that it was far more important to help a woman feel beautiful no matter what, and that makeup was simply his tool for helping her discover herself.  He felt that every woman is beautiful within.  (Photo/courtesy)

In 1983 Kevyn Aucoin, then 21, was hired as a Creative Director for Revlon’s prestige Ultima II line of cosmetics. A year later, Aucoin would launch The New Nakeds (later renamed The Nakeds), a groundbreaking line that was a strong counterpoint to cosmetics available at the time.

Turan (bottom right) (Photo/Kevyn Aucoin Beauty)

Linda Wells, editor of Allure magazine, of the line said:

“It may not seem like it, but it was a powerful moment. Before, there were makeup lines for white women and others for black women. But he [Aucoin] worked to design makeup for all skin tones. The idea was to empower a woman by revealing her natural beauty, and not to cover her up with layers of product.”

Aucoin was approached by Vincent Longo and Luara Mercier to endorse their lines, but instead, in 2001, Aucoin launched his own brand of makeup, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty.  He worked with celebrities Cher, Janet Jackson, Tina Turner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lisa Marie Presley, Courtney Love and Vanessa L. Williams making him one of the most highly in-demand makeup artists, often acquiring $10,000 per session for photo shoots or award shows.

Aucoin also published his work in books: The Art of Makeup, Making Faces, and Face Forward and made appearance on such shows as Good Morning America and Oprah.  He, too, appeared as himself in an episode of Sex and the City called “The Real Me” (Season 4, Episode 2), doing Carrie Bradshaw’s make-up for a fashion show during New York’s Fashion Week.

In September 2001 Aucoin 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, and he died on May 7, 2002 of kidney and liver failure at the young age of 40.

On a brighter note, Aucoin’s make-up line continues.  The models chosen for it have to be special.  This writer has been fortunate enough to discover one such model, Tatiana Turan.  She lives in Los Angeles County, and among her many gigs as a fashion model and actress, working for Aucoin’s line has been one of her favorite.  Here is what Tatiana has to say about working for Aucoin’s makeup line:

Tatiana, first of all, how were you chosen to model for Kevyn Aucoin?

I was chosen as one of the four faces for Kevyn Aucoin’s new make-up launch campaign thanks to my website! World-renowned fashion photographer, Luke Duval found me on-line and liked my look, so he asked if I would be interested in being one of the models. We met and he hired me on the spot! It pays to have a website as an actor and model in this industry. It’s a must!

What was it like working or modeling for Aucoin’s line?

It was one of the best career experiences I’ve had so far! Simply exhilarating and amazing! I have always admired his books, Face Forward and Making Faces. And I know, in his day, he was the hottest make-up artist around. He paved the way for many make-up artists today and gave himself a name in not only the modeling industry, but he was able to cross over into the acting industry as well. As we all know, he was gone too young, and yet, he had already accomplished so much. So it was a true honor to be there representing what he created and believed in! You could feel the love and respect for such an extraordinary talent in that room that day.

Plus, I got to work with some of today’s most respected talents in the modeling industry (photographer – Luke Duval, make-up artist – Donald Simrock and hair stylist – Damien Carney).

What is your modeling background?

I am an actor who also models. I think because I have such a unique look – I am mistaken for being Hispanic, Italian and Meditteranean quite often – I get booked on a variety of different jobs. I have done bridal magazines, to runway shows for Flora Zeta Designs, to the Kevyn Aucoin make-up campaign! I cherish all of the work I am able to get. I feel blessed. I also think my dance background helps in so many ways. In front of a camera, I know how to move and on a runway, I know how to walk in high heels and not fall. LOL! If you can dance in high heels, you should be able to walk in them…..well, okay not always!

Are you active in other areas of the entertainment industry?

Yes, I am an actor and dancer/choreographer. I love being able to be creative for a living! It’s what I love to do, so it doesn’t feel like work.

What is one of your favorite and/or current entertainment projects?

Currently, I have launched my new dance company, Bling Divas Entertainment. I am the owner and choreographer of this company and I offer dance and atmosphere entertainment for any themed event! I have choreographed around the world for over 15 years, so this is nothing new for me. I just have now finally decided to make it official – with a name and all! Bling Divas Entertainment provides fully costumed and choreographed dance production numbers for corporate events, trade shows, private parties, industrials….and just about any other event under the stars! We have top notch talent and fabulous costumes for…. showgirls, can can dancers, break dancers, ballroom dancers, flamenco dancers, go-go dancers, mermaids, candy girls, burlesque dancers…..you name it, we have it!

And Bling It On! is my slogan! It came to me out of the blue one day when I was in the beginning stages of designing my site. It’s great when things like that just fall into place. Then, you somehow know for certain, you’re in the right place and on the right path.

Tatiana, thank you for sharing some of your modeling, as well as other entertainment experiences with us.

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