Famed Makeup Artist Alexis Vogel Passes Away

Famed Makeup Artist Alexis Vogel Passes Away

LOS ANGELES — Celebrity makeup artist Alexis Vogel, 61, has passed away Sunday morning of complications resulting from an ongoing battle with breast cancer.

Vogel rose to fame in the '80s after becoming one of the go-to makeup artists for Vivid Entertainment box cover shoots. The daughter of veteran industry photographer Ron Vogel famously worked with Suze Randall and Anna Nicole Smith for several magazine covers and was the makeup artist behind Pamela Anderson’s iconic “sex-kitten” look. Former Playboy Playmate Shanna Moakler credits her as someone who "revolutionized makeup [and] created that Playboy look that captured generations.”

Vogel was a beloved figure and as adult performer Amber Lynn explains, “she was more than our makeup artist — she was like a big sister to many of us.”  

As the news of her passing has begun to spread, friends and colleagues have reached out to share fond memories and pay their respects. Fellow makeup artist Christopher Milone hailed the "queen of the smokey eye," and memorialized Vogel as one of the "greats" in the makeup world. 

View this post on Instagram

We lost a great in our industry @alexisvogel the queen of the smokey eye !! RIP #alexisvogel #smokeyeye #playboy #pamelaanderson

A post shared by Chris Milone (@chrismaquillage) onApr 15, 2019 at 11:00am PDT

Adult performer and director Melissa Monet said that she knew Vogel for her "sweet soul and incredible talent."

In addition to creating her own makeup line, Ravishing Cosmetics, she had a “passion for helping others” and was a top consultant for post-surgical makeup lessons. Vogel encouraged others to “be the star in your own life” and dedicated her career to giving other “star-quality confidence.”

Lynn, a longtime friend and colleague concluded, “it is a great loss of history to our industry.”

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Anna Claire Clouds Leads Dorcel's 'Fusion'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Fusion.”

Elise London Makes Her Elegant Angel Debut

Elise London has made her debut for Elegant Angel in a new release titled “Raunchy Redhead Anal.”

X3 All-Stars Party Heats Up Hollywood Thursday Night

XBIZ is pleased to announce this year’s X3 All-Stars party, sponsored by Adult Time and Fleshlight, kicking off the 2026 X3 Expo.

Naughty America Launches AR Video Format

Naughty America has launched "Shows," a new AR video format, on its Real Girls Now platform.

Alexis James Makes Her Kink.com Debut

Alexis James has made her Kink.com debut alongside Vince Karter in "Three Hole Domination."

Eris Jolie, Leah Hayes Front Latest From TransAngels

Eris Jolie and Leah Hayes star with Baxxx in the latest release from TransAngels, titled “Varsity Vixens.”

Olivia Del Rio Returns to Dorcel for 'PL4Y Vol. 2'

Olivia Del Rio stars in the new Dorcel title “PL4Y Vol. 2.”

Eve Sweet Leads Dorcel's 'Couture No. 3'

Reigning Euro XMAs Female Performer of the Year Eve Sweet headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Couture No. 3.”

AEBN Reveals Ariel Demure as Top Trans Star for 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 10 trans stars list for 2025, with reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure landing atop the leaderboard.

Agatha Vega Returns to Dorcel for 'Agatha's Secrets'

2024 Euro XMAs Performer of the Year Agatha Vega stars in the new Dorcel title “Agatha’s Secrets.”

Show More