Beauty lovers, and fans all over the world, were left in shock yesterday when various news outlets reported that founder and CEO of AJ Crimson Beauty, AJ Crimson, had passed away.
Supporters flocked to his Instagram page to share their grief and reactions of shock and disbelief. One follower commented, “I just can’t believe this man…. Love you AJ!!!” while another added, “I’m speechless.” Even celebrities like Misa Hylton and Erica Campbell left messages to pay tribute to their fellow industry insider.
If you were unfamiliar with the makeup guru and CEO, here’s eight things to know about AJ Crimson and the legacy he leaves behind.
He is the founder and CEO of AJ Crimson Beauty.
Crimson founded AJ Crimson Beauty in 2012 and launched its first collection in 2013. From there, the makeup expert was able to open his first boutique, in Los Angeles, in 2017. The beauty brand is vegan free, cruelty free, and includes products for those of all ethnicities and skin tones.
AJ Crimson Beauty has been worn by some of the hottest celebrities across all industries.
AJ Crimson Beauty has been a go-to brand for many celebrities across the music, film and television industries. It has been worn by the likes of Hilary Duff, Fergie, Adrienne Bailon, Christina Milian, Brandy, Estelle, Regina King, Amerie, LeToya Luckett, Keyshia Cole, Missy Elliot, Angela Bassett, Raven-Symone and so many more!
Crimson’s beauty brand has appeared in numerous high profile magazines and publications.
Crimson’s beauty brand has been featured in publications like Essence, Allure, Vanity Fair, and HelloBeautiful. Through these outlets, he has shared information about his brand’s various beauty releases, his experience working with high profile figures like Diddy, and his beauty brand has been highlighted as a must-have, gift to give.
Crimson was a self-taught makeup artist.
Crimson was an extraordinarily talented makeup artist, but even more stunning was the fact that he was self-taught. In his earlier days, Crimson worked at MAC Cosmetics and was able to further enhance his skills from there.
Crimson’s work has appeared in various movies and TV shows.
It’s said that Crimson broke into the industry by assisting the Oscar-winning fashion designer, Mark Bridges, on the film 8 Mile. The makeup guru’s work was also featured on television shows like American Horror Story, Empire, Scandal, Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce, The View, VH1’s Hit The Floor, The Real and The Hunger Games.
Crimson has assisted the greatest names in beauty and had his work displayed on various runway shows.
Crimson himself shared some of his accolades on the AJ Crimson Beauty website. He wrote, “I’ve also had the honor of developing unmatched beauty techniques under the tutelage of makeup magnates Joanne Gair and Mathu Andersen and working side-by-side with top names in the beauty industry, including Pat McGrath for Paris Fashion Week.”
Crimson paid homage to the ladies of R&B and Hip Hop through his beauty brand.
In 2021, Crimson released a 90’s-inspired set of lipsticks via his beauty brand, AJ Crimson Beauty. The collection paid homage to the likes of Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Xscape, and Whitney Houston. In an exclusive interview with Essence, he shared, “I wanted to create this collection because there is nothing like ’90s R&B. The songs of that time are so iconic that they are being sampled in today’s music… The women of the ’90s were revolutionary, beautiful, trendsetting and record-breaking!”
Crimson’s cause of death still remains a mystery.
Many fans were shocked to see the news that Crimson has passed away, partially because the beauty influencer had been active on Instagram sixteen hours prior to the news being shared. Family and friends of Crimson have not yet confirmed the news, and his cause of death has not yet been revealed to the public.