Celebrity makeup artist Carmon Veronica Springs, known for her remarkable talent and artistic flair, passed away at the age of 70 on June 18 at her residence in Bahia, Brazil. A series of health issues culminating in a fall led to her unfortunate demise. The news of her passing was delayed due to autopsy proceedings and the complexity of repatriating her remains to the United States. Her funeral service is scheduled for Thursday at the Inglewood Park Grace Chapel in Los Angeles.
Born in Wisconsin, Springs spent her formative years in Los Angeles, where she also laid the foundation for her illustrious career. A self-taught artist and an avid reader, she was introduced to the beauty industry by renowned makeup artist Fran Cooper. Cooper, who has worked with high-profile celebrities including Diana Ross, Shakira, Janet Jackson and the late Tina Turner, mentored Springs, helping her carve out a successful career spanning over four decades in the fashion and beauty industry.
Springs’ talent was innate and irreplaceable, as described by her friend Ty-Ron Mayes, a celebrity stylist and editor of The Untitled Magazine. Her penchant for details and her ability to connect languages and their roots were remarkable. Her love for 1950s cinema significantly influenced her work as a celebrity makeup artist, often incorporating elements of the era’s elegance and beauty into her creations.
Her career took her overseas to Germany, Paris, and Milan in the 1980s where she continued to work as a celebrity makeup artist and trained hairdresser. She fluently spoke English, Italian, French, German and Portuguese, a skill that was put to good use during her time abroad. Springs collaborated with renowned photographers like Gilles Bensimon, Francesco Scavullo, Patrick Demarchelier, Tom Clayton, Udo Spreitzenbarth and Frank Otten.
Upon returning to the U.S. in the 90s, she settled in New York where she met Mayes during a cover shoot with Tyra Banks. Springs’ artistic style graced the faces of numerous celebrities including Shakira, Angelina Jolie, Aretha Franklin, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé Knowles, Celine Dion and many more.
Springs considered herself an artist first and a makeup artist second. She often incorporated techniques from her paintings into her makeup applications, creating luminous depth with shadowing. Her work reflected influences from artists such as Rembrandt, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Pablo Picasso.
Her signature looks included a ’60s-inspired razor-sharp eyeliner on Beyoncé, mosaic gold leaf lip appliqués for Franklin, diamond-like accents for Keyes’ eyes, a pouty lip and doe eyes for Banks, and platinum-coated makeup for Dion. Beyond creating stunning looks for celebrities, Springs also worked backstage at runway shows for designer houses like Chanel during its Karl Lagerfeld years and on campaigns for Dark & Lovely hair care.
Despite retiring to Bahia, Brazil about 17 years ago attracted by its lush greenery, Springs maintained ties with Los Angeles. She lived life on her own terms and loved all things beautiful. She is survived by her mother Anna Louisa and siblings Pamela Maxton, Darlene Springs-Dylan, and Helena Hamilton.
In accordance with her wishes, Diana Ross’s music will be played at Springs’ funeral service at Inglewood Park Grace Chapel in Los Angeles. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Inglewood Park Cemetery. Her legacy in women’s beauty and makeup artistry will continue to inspire future generations.