Celebrity makeup artist and beauty mogul AJ Crimson passed away on Wednesday at the age of 37.
The self-taught beauty guru reportedly drowned while on vacation in Aruba. AJ hailed from Detroit, Michigan and quickly became one of Hollywood’s go-to makeup artists (MUA) with an impressive roster of celebrity clients.
He glammed up a wide range of celebrities, including Angela Bassett, Christina Milian, Brandy, Lauren London, Regina King, Amerie, Missy Elliott and Keyshia Cole. The entrepreneur initially launched his beauty brand in 2012 under AJ Cosmetics. AJ Cosmetics eventually morphed into AJ Crimson Beauty. The acclaimed product line consisted of luxurious foundations, vegan makeup brushes, MUA kits and his popular lippies.
AJ was an industry sweetheart whose energy was infectious. Upon hearing the news of his passing, folks took to social media to express their condolences.
Run The World star Bresha Webb posted a touching tribute to AJ on Instagram.
“I have no words. I won’t for a while. I’ll love you forever, AJ. You had so many plans and was one of the most inspiring, sweetest, giving, multi-talented, multi-hyphenated people I’ve known. I’m blessed to have been a part of your journey, and I will keep your legacy alive. And wow, did you leave a legacy. Praying for your spirit to be lifted up to the heavens and that the angels usher you in with all of the harmony and sweetness that you shared on this earth. Praying for his family and everyone who loved him. ????.”
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Love & Hip Hop Hollywood alum Milan Christopher expressed his shock over AJ’s death.
Nigerian celebrity stylist and makeup artist Heidi shared how much the Detroiter’s support inspired her and impacted her career.
“I woke up to an aching heart from the news of my friend, a visionary, an entrepreneur and a brother,” she wrote.
“The first time I met AJ was at @themakeupshow, and minutes after, we were chatting like we were buddies…I knew right away that he had something most in his class didn’t; HUMILITY,” she continued. “We exchanged contact and after a series of conversation business and non-business related. He said, ‘Yeap!! Let’s do it. I’m coming to Nigeria with you.’”
“With no visa and literally no idea where he was coming .. he laid a carpet straight into my vision, and he took my hand; a MENTOR. December 16th, 2016, AJ was in Nigeria!”
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The Upshaws star Gabrielle Dennis dedicated a poignant message to AJ on her Instagram.
“After getting the call, I just kept hoping it wasn’t real. I’m still stunned. Life is so fragile,” Dennis penned.
“You were such a special, bright, warm, and talented human being whose light and love will be missed by so many. You now have wings to go with your crown King. Rest in love. Rest in peace.”
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Ironically, one of AJ’s last posts on social media talked about self-care and celebrating himself. He shared a funny video of himself doing a luxe designer retail therapy haul.
“A lil Detail Therapy… (it’s in the details),” he wrote.
“I rarely do anything dope for myself. I’m usually pretty conservative and always reinvesting my resources into my brands and businesses. However, its become increasingly important that I celebrate me. Today, the Miami sun was shining, my energy was vibrant, and I so decided to do something awesome for me.”
He continued, “I’ve earned it. 
Treat yourself. No sense in working so hard and not enjoying yourself in the process.”
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Rest in peace, AJ.
