Olivier Echaudemaison, iconic French makeup artist, dies at 84

Renowned French makeup artist and former creative director for Guerlain, Olivier Echaudemaison, has passed away at the age of 84. He died during the night of August 11 to August 12, 2026.

Echaudemaison had a distinguished career in the beauty and fashion industries. After starting in hairstyling, he transitioned to makeup in the 1970s. His professional history includes working with Givenchy in the 1990s and serving as the makeup creative director at Guerlain from 2000 until 2025. He is credited with creating iconic products such as the KissKiss and Rouge G lipsticks and had worked with celebrities including Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren. In 2019, he was named an officer of the Arts and Letters.

Tributes have been shared by prominent figures, including Carla Bruni, who recalled his intelligence and his role in her early Givenchy campaign. A moment of reflection is scheduled at the Père Lachaise crematorium in Paris, followed by a religious ceremony at Saint-Roch church on September 7. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the association La Maison des femmes.