Kimara Ahnert, Makeup Artist and Entrepreneur, Dies at 56

Kimara Ahnert, the makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur who founded Kimara Ahnert New York, died July 9. She was 56.

The cause of death was ovarian cancer, as confirmed by Nancy Behrman, the veteran beauty publicist and founder of Behrman Cesa Communications.

Ahnert, who opened her eponymous studio on Madison Avenue in New York more than two decades ago, initially grew up in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania before relocating to Manhattan, according to the studio’s website. She had graduated with a degree in business management from Goucher College in Baltimore.

A post on the business’ Instagram read: “Kimara was widely recognized for her inner and outer beauty. Her legacy and significant contributions will continue to be honored through our commitment to maintaining the high standards she set — working diligently, valuing family and exemplifying excellence in all endeavors. Kimara’s family, along with her dedicated team of artists and aestheticians, remain devoted to upholding her vision of timeless beauty and personalized care.”

According to the boutique’s website, past clients included Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Anne Hathaway, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Isabella Rossellini, Meryl Streep and more. In addition to a robust assortment of Ahnert’s own formulas in makeup, the boutique carried products from Patchology, Revitalash and Eminence.

On the services front, Ahnert offered bridal services, in addition to body services, waxing and tinting, facials, peels, waxing and tinting.

“Kimara was a friend I loved with all my heart. She was so understated and chic, yet what made her truly extraordinary was her kindness. Sitting in her chair, you always felt like the most special person in the world,” Behrman said. “That was her magic, and I will miss her deeply.”