Marie Redding, Senior Editor08.24.20
Ellis Faas, founder of Ellis Faas Cosmetics, died on August 12. The Dutch makeup artist was 58 years old and had a cult following. While building her company in Amsterdam, she also raised her daughter Flavia, as a single mom.
Faas' brother and business partner, Thijs Faas, posted the tribute below on Instagram, writing, "Ellis still had many plans for her brand, and even though it will never be the same without her, we will carry out those plans and thereby pay tribute to Ellis’ legacy."
Ellis Faas Cosmetics debuted in 2009 and is known for its innovative liquid makeup line in pen packages. (Photo, far right: Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation Pen via Dermstore)
Vogue Paris once stated, "Faas is one of the most influential makeup artists of her generation."
Faas said the colors of human skin inspired her makeup line. "The turquoise blue of veins...It is precisely that red that makes blood so distinctly red," she stated. The photo on the far left, 'Lipdrip,' shows Ellis Red --the brand's signature color, "based on the natural color of blood."
In 2015, Faas' vintage self-portraits were sold at The Makeup Show exhibition in Los Angeles. French Vogue interviewed Faas for the article, Ellis Faas' Beauty Exhibition.
After the news of her passing, Dutch Vogue reported, "In 2018 Ellis got bad news about a rare cancer. The last two years have been a rollercoaster of treatments, emotions, good and bad news."
More About Ellis Faas
Early in her career, in 1999, Faas worked with fashion photographer Mario Testino -- and became known internationally as a makeup artist for major magazines, fashion campaigns, and shows. She also worked with Karl Lagerfeld on Fendi and Chanel's runway shows and campaigns.
In 2002, Faas designed a makeup collection for L'Oréal's Biotherm.
In Faas translates to "face" in English, coincidentally.