Kevyn Aucoin was one of the most revered makeup artists of his time, painting the faces of some of the world’s most beautiful women. His untimely death left a void in both the fashion and beauty industries but, thankfully, we can still enjoy his artistry through his extensive body of work (a few of my favorite images are posted below).

Lisa Marie Presley as Marilyn Monroe by Kevyn Aucoin

Kate Moss

Nadja Auermann

And then there is his eponymous beauty line. While I’m a fan of the entire line (for all those daily readers of my site, you’re well aware of my adoration for cream blushes – Kevyn Aucoin Beauty’s cream blush – The Creamy Moist Glow – is brilliant and the colors are supremely vibrant yet much more sheer than that of MAC and Hourglass, giving off a “glow” effect), I’m having a real moment with The Lip Gloss. They are the perfect, clutch-approved sized glosses (about 2 inches in length) with extra large sponge tip applicators in 12 extremely flattering shades. Ranging from a sheer red, to taupes, berries and a spectrum of pinks, The Lip Gloss doesn’t play up the season’s trend du jour but rather keeps lips looking classic year round. Made with vitamins and oils from sunflower seed, castor and lanolin, this gloss keeps my lips hydrated and moisturized without flaking or over-drying. And there is no gooey, sticky residual effect left from the application of this super formula. On occasion, I’ve actually pulled out the gloss instead of my 8-Hour cream because it is that spectacularly hydrating (and I love the way it dresses up my lips with a hint of gorgeous color). Shades I love: Nyalia, a sheer berry, Hydraa, a mauve-y pink, Tulapina, a sheer coral, Peonine, a taupe-y beige, and Lilium, a barely-there baby pink.

But it really is the sponge applicator that sets this gloss apart from all of the rest. The sponge is larger than any other I have ever tried, making application easier and swifter. And it seems to really soak in the formula so that the transfer from sponge to lips is pure, soft, punchy color. No need to re-dip into the tube, one spongeful will cover your entire lips: even if you’re blessed with an Angelina Jolie pucker (lucky you).

PRICE TAG: $29.00

Kevyn Aucoin was an artist in the truest sense. He painted people; people’s faces. While you’re at out, check out his book, aptly titled Making Faces. It does not disappoint.