M•A•C Cosmetics Prep + Prime Highlighter | Review

Posted on September 2, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Where do I begin this post?…Mmmm maybe I could start with the fact that highlight is like the biggest deal now in makeup application. It’s become truly the highlight of the whole application process.

We now live in a makeup world where under eye brightening is a focus in makeup styling and, dare I say it but it appears to me that this is the “Millennial’s ” offering to an eras makeup styling.

So to be sure one gets the maximum effect in highlighting in my estimation is a two step process. Best scenario a highlighter pen and a wisp of some glorious shimmery pressed pot, mineral or baked powder.

Here’s my review for M•A•C’s Prep + Prime Highlighter. Now lets be perfectly clear several companies now have highlighter pens that are also designed to act as a highlighter.

Here I have 3 colors, (waiting on the 4th color, Radiant Rose) I have

Light Boost
Bright Forecast
Peach Lustre

The highlighter comes in this convenient click pen dispenser. I like how you can control the liquid product within the confines of the pen and brush with a cap top to prevent leaking spills. Only one drawback to all products that have this style of packaging is that you have to twist and click a couple of rounds before the product comes gushing out!

Once the product is out it’s perfect! Love the fact that you get so much product in this small slender pen. Please note that it’s 3.6 ml or 0.12 ounces which I think is quite ample for just a highlighter. And trust me on this one, a little goes a long way!

Another note, you’ve gotta work quickly when applying this product because it tries quickly and sets in place for extended wear!! You can use it over or under your foundation. I wouldn’t attempt to build this product up too much because its kinda opaque and may not look good with another layer added ontop.

My favorite of the 3 is Bright Forecast for sure! Okay now, all three have a shimmer to them and are quite lovely but the Bright Forecast to me has the most noticeable shimmer of the 3 and I simply adore this one. It’s like a pink/golden color, it’s a keeper! Only drawback in this color is it’s the in between color which means it may be too dark for lighter complexions and too light for darker complexions.

I also feel like these pens colors can be versitile for use as a blusher or blush transition color. You can always add more shimmer with a shimmery powder as I’d previously suggested.

This product seems to be water resistant as well. When I last used it, it stayed on for about 10 hours without retouching and was best removed by an oil based makeup remover. Overall I do like this product again for several reasons. This one will also become a staple in my Pro Kit!

M•A•C Prep + Prime Highlighter is sold for $26.00.
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/shaded/153/15746/Products/Eyes/Primer/Prep-Prime-Highlighter/index.tmpl

M•A•C Cosmetics Pro Conceal and Correct Palettes Review

Posted on August 30, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Recently I acquired the entire Pro Conceal and Correct Palettes for a film I’m currently working on, in the colors :Light, Medium, Medium Deep and Dark.

It appears to me that all of the corrector colors (2 in each palette) at the bottom of the palettes in colors :

(Light Palette)
Pale Yellow & Pale Pink

(Medium Palette)
Mid-Yellow & Mid Peach

(Medium Deep Palette)
Rich Yellow & Burnt Coral

(Dark Palette)
Ochre & Pure Orange

The remaining colors in each palette (4 colors) appear to be the concealers or foundations. These colors are all creams and can go on sheer or more densely depending on the method you choose to apply them.

These colors are rich, long wearing and give great color deposit. But most of all it doesn’t move and appears to be water resistant! My actresses will be more than happy because the look great and I’m happy because the finish is beautiful and I don’t have to do an excessive amount of retouching during last call touch ups on set! Yay!!!

What I also love about this product is like the sister Lip Palette is the PACKAGING! Simple easy square shape (great for stacking in your case), 6 pots, cleartop acrylic window and magnetized closure! WINNER!!! LOVE IT SIMPLY GENIUS!!!

Okay, here below are several swatches from all four palettes. I used my fingers for these swatches. The first swipe was pretty sheer so I built up the color by dipping into the colors a bit more building up layers.

Medium Deep & Dark Palette

Light & Medium Palette

Here all the colors are listed on the back of each of the palettes for your easy distinguishing of colors. I think it’s a great que to take from Makeup Artists who have always organized their kits in the same way by labeling their products to fit into empty palettes.

In closing I think this is a great item to have in your Pro Kit! My only suggestion for this item would’ve been to simply have a Corrector Palette alone. The Corrector Palette would have all 8 correctors in one, because all Pro MUA’s have concealers that they like but so far the M•A•C correctors are really the star of this show!

Price of a single Pro Conceal and Corrector Palette is $40.00. http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/157/23772/Products/Face/Concealer/Studio-Conceal-and-Correct-PaletteMedium/index.tmpl

*Artist Spotlight | Janice & Denise Tunnell

Posted on May 26, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

An online beauty conversation with Muas and Beauty Experts Denise & Janice Tunnell. Our goal is to inspire and educate one conversation at a time. We bring the Beauty Industry to you every Sunday night at 9pm EST. …read more

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beautytalkwithillusions#ixzz34lBJMtIB

*Artist Spotlight | Pat McGrath

Posted on May 26, 2014 by queennzingha

*Artist Spotlight | Max Factor

Posted on May 19, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Max Factor – The Man Behind The Make-Up

Max Factor born September 15, 1872 was of Polish Jewish decent who worked as a wigmaker and makeup artist for Russian stage productions in the late 1800s. Factor fled the east European pogroms and emigrated to the U.S. in 1902. He found himself in California 10 years later as the motion picture industry took root there.

Factor took work as a makeup and hair stylist for film stars, and in 1914 he invented “Supreme Grease Paint,” a face makeup that still exists today

Max Factor began his career as an apprentice to a wig maker. By the age of 20, he was running his own makeup shop. Before Max Factor, few women used cosmetics. Factor popularized both the word “makeup” and the use of the cosmetic repertoire.

Back in the 1930’s and 40’s, during the glory days of Hollywood, the world of movie make-up was dominated by Max Factor. Creating false eyelashes, the eyebrow pencil, lip gloss, and pancake makeup, Factor created a whole new language for big screen cosmetics.

Jean Harlow, Claudette Colbert, Bette Davis, and virtually all of the major movie actresses were regular customers of the Max Factor beauty salon, located near Hollywood Boulevard.

Inevitably, once the actresses had been made to look so stylish on screen, they wanted to maintain the same effect in everyday life, so they wore the new Max Factor ‘makeup’ in personal appearances.

Soon, women unconnected with the theatre or the film industry were asking for the makeup, so that they too could look glamorous. It was in 1927 that Max Factor introduced his first cosmetics to be sold to non-theatrical consumers.

Max Factor specialized in transforming ordinary people into dazzling stars. Its glory days were with the golden age of the movie studios, when the stars used to provide product endorsements for as little as a dollar. Their glamour rubbed off on Max Factor, and vice versa.

Max Factor developed the celebrity endorsement concept, beginning with Clara Bow in the 1920s. Since then, stars including Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Jaclyn Smith and Denise Richards amongst numerous others have all represented the brand. Many of his celebrity clients also appeared in full-color magazine ads to promote his cosmetics.

The first Celebrity Makeup Ads began with Max Factor Cosmetics. The ads featured movie stars: Judy Garland, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rita Hayworth, Dorothy Lamor, Susan Hayward and a host of others.

The advertising campaign claimed that every girl could look like a movie star by using Max Factor makeup.

Max Factor is credited with many cosmetic innovations. Some of his innovations were the first motion picture makeup in 1914, lip gloss in 1930, Pan-Cake Makeup, forerunner of all modern cake makeups in 1937, Pan-Stik Makeup in 1948, Erace, the original cover-up cosmetic in 1954, and the first “waterproof” makeup in 1971.

An abbreviated timeline of Max Factor:

1914: Created the first makeup made specifically for motion pictures, a thinner greasepaint made in 12 shades. It was in cream form and packaged in jars, as opposed to the thicker stick grease paints used for theatre.

1920: Developed the “Color Harmony” principles of makeup, which held that “certain combinations of a woman’s complexion, hair and eye coloring were most effectively complemented by specific makeup shades”.

1925: Introduces “Max Factor’s Supreme Nail Polish”, a metal pot of beige-colored powder that is sprinkled on the nails and buffed with a chamois buffer. It gives nails shine and some tint.

1927: Creates “Society Nail Tint”, a small porcelain pot containing rose colored cream. Applied to the nail and buffed, it gives a natural rose color. “Society Nail White” also hits the market. It is a tube of chalky white liquid that is applied under nail tips and left to dry. The end result resembles the modern French manicure.

1928: Developed makeup, made specifically for use in black-and-white films. Max Sr. was awarded an Oscar for this innovation.

1930: Invented Lip Gloss

1932: Developed a line of “Television Makeup”, specifically to meet the needs of television.

1934: Introduces Liquid Nail Enamel, forerunner of today’s nail enamels.

1935: Opened the unique Max Factor Makeup Salon in Los Angeles.

1937: Created PanCake, forerunner of modern cake makeup, originally developed for color films.

1938: Max Factor died at age 59. Max Factor Jr. expands the family run business internationally.

1940: Created Tru Color Lipstick, the first smear-proof lipstick.

1948: Developed PanStik makeup.

1954: Created Erace, the original concealer, and developed a line of cosmetics specifically for color television’s needs. (This line remains the standard for TV makeup.)

1971: Invented the first “waterproof” makeup.

First African American Super Model to represent Max Factor Cosmetics | Beverley Johnson

Max Factor CC Creams

Thank You Max! — in Ode’ to Max Factor.

Book written about the life of Makeup Artist, Inventor, Innovator, CEO Max Factor written by Fred Basten

http://www.nytimes.com/1996/12/29/magazine/the-man-who-made-the-faces-up.html

*Artist Spotlight | Alex Box

Posted on May 5, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Every now and again there comes along that just inspires you to do the unconventional, the unexpected…strictly ART MAKEUP. Designs, shapes, colors… It is Makeup… But for what? It’s like going to a museum and examining detail , purpose and the direction of the intention of the makeup. How does it make you feel? The face truly represents the canvas. Alex Box is that kind of Makeup Artists….one who inspires you to dare!!!

*Artist Spotlight | Sharon Gault Mama Makeup

Posted on April 21, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

It was last year (2013) April at IMATS (International Makeup Artists Trade Show) that I’d first met Sharon Gault aka Mama Makeup. We’d know of each other for many years as she and I both have worked with world renowned photographer David LaChappelle over the years (very few MUA’s get that opportunity because his “family” is tight knit). I was with a friend of mine while passing through the myriad of vendor booths and standing quietly at the RCMA booth, I saw the profile of one fire red head diminutive girl speaking with an older man. I immediately knew who she was,…it was indeed Sharon!

I walked over to her and said “Hi Sharon, I’m NZINGHA.” Immediately she hugged me ,”NZINGHA! OMG! For real, finally I get to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you!” We hugged and giggled like two little girls in a candy store. “Sharon I’m so happy to meet you too! I looked and instantly knew it was you! How are you muffins?! How’s David doing? Tell him I said hi!”

We talked for quite a bit before I was able to introduce her to my friend who was with me shopping and enjoying the show. Sharon immediately introduced me to the makers of RCMA cosmetics and we all chatted. She and I immediately found a place to sit down and chat for about an hour! We spoke to each other with no reservation and telling our life stories to each other. It was truly a sister bonding moment, like we’ve known each other for years. And in a way we have…through our art.

I wanted to talk with Sharon forever it was such a joy. Her presence is warm and fuzzy yet powerhouse all rolled into one. We talked about everything but makeup!!! Hahaaaahaa! We mostly talked about life in the fast lane of life and family.

As I looked at her I thought what a doll baby, how could anyone treat her with malice or cruelty. I recalled briefly in my mind her time on tour with Madonna and the ugly behaviour Madonna displayed in the film “Truth or Dare” and I thought about Sharon “You can’t stop a great woman from being who she is destined to be!!!” Sharon moved past Madonna and anyone or anything else that may have appeared to be an obstacle! “Team Mama Makeup” all the way!!!

I also recalled many years back while I was on tour with Janet Jackson, as the tour was coming to a close I got a call from someone telling me about Madonna’s tour and her looking for a Makeup Artist, I’d been referred.

After seeing that Truth or Dare all I could think of was “not gonna work for any amount of $$$” my West Indian self and her…”Nah man, mi a haffa go beat her pon she head, mi no take tea fa di feva, she come bruk up mi son! Mi give her new eyeshadow called “FIST”!”

I was young and extra spicy then, Lololol! My reply to that person who called me was a healthy no and boy am I glad about that. Had I gone out on that tour I would’ve missed the whole new wave of R&B artists that were about to kick the door down.

Sharon was also on that wave with her roster of musicians and actors that seem endless to even mention. Did I mention Lady Gaga? No?…Lady Gaga….team MAMA MAKEUP all the way! Needless to say Sharon is a fabulous face force to be reckoned with! Some say their brush is not a magic wand but in the hands of Sharon Gault I beg to differ!! Sharon is pure magic on makeup,…the skin comes alive with warmth, depth and boldness.

Mama Fashion

Mama Music

Mama Actors

Mama Means Business

The original interview with Sharon Gault aka Mama Makeup by Vaga Magazine
Like many people who grow up with little means, the choices are: become a victim of your situation, or use it as an impetus to break free. Though her childhood may have been bleary, her escape (as it is for many) was the world of fashion. Collecting fashion magazines like some people collect baseball cards, Gault had every issue of Vogue: “I was obsessed with collecting my Vogue magazines, and I loved the make-up in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.”

Surprisingly, make-up was not where Gault started off. Sharon Gault got her start as a wannabe photographer in California after she became infatuated with a sexy boxer named Lee Canalito. “He looked like a Michelangelo sculpture – he is so beautiful. I started photographing him and photographing things at the gym.”

But as a babe on a budget, photography soon proved to be an expensive habit this was back in the days when people still used film – imagine that. So Gault got a job as a receptionist at Vidal Sassoon.

And thus a new chapter began.

“I used to have a Farrah Fawcett kind of hairdo, like feathered hair and highlights. So I became a hair model.” Her mane soon became the sounding board for Vidal Sassoon. Red, black, platinum, asymmetrical cuts, shaved, she did it all. “I’d go from having this long gorgeous lion’s mane hair to cutting all my hair off, being a house model at Sassoon.”

Though she loved modeling the different looks, Gault’s interest ran deeper than just the superficial.

“I was fascinated at how hair revolutionized fashion and I was really excited about studying what Vidal Sassoon did and how he created his signature shape.”

Her fascination with hair soon led to Gault doing hair for others. She studied at the Vidal Sassoon Academy where she honed her skills as a hair and make-up artist.
Her charming, personality and skills soon took her to the top of the celeb circuit where she notably became famous for appearing in Madonna’s movie, Truth or Dare. Under the guidance of Peter Savic, she keyed the hair for the background dancers and singers for Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour.
Though she may not have become Madonna’s BFF, she did find a soulmate in David LaChapelle. “He’s the closest thing to a husband I’ll ever have,” she jokes. After meeting LaChapelle at a photo shoot in New York, the two became fast friends.
“I was assisting a hairdresser and someone on set said, ‘If you and David LaChapelle meet each other, you will be inseparable.”

And inseparable they were. She went on to become LaChapelle’s muse, working with him on an i-D magazine shoot in which she appears naked lying underneath a bubble perched on a field. Gault may have appeared calm and serene, but in reality she was lying on a trash landfill.

“I’m lying on this landfill, sweating, thinking I’m going to get some bad toxic thing in my system. I’m sitting there crying. And they had no permits and the police were driving by, and here I am naked, and everybody is looking at my coochie.”

Though most people might be a little hesitant about appearing naked even if they have model-perfect bodies, Gault says she was comfortable being photographed nude.

“My mom tried to teach us to honor our bodies. It’s that side of me that likes to show that people love me for me, not for my body.”

Not unlike what she did for the Calvin Klein “Pepper” fragrance commercial.
The commercial was all about encompassing different body types, different people,
and different looks.

“Kate Moss used to live with me, and it’s so nice because it opens up with Kate talking – and at the end it’s
me, and I’m like, ‘It’s for you, it’s for me, it’s for everyone.’ Like we’re all one.”

What’s in the Pro Makeup Kit?

Posted on April 21, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

Okay, so Ive been asked this question over and over again by Pro’s as well as novice Makeup Artists and makeup enthusiasts alike…”What’s in a Professional Makeup Artists Kit?” Young Makeup Artists have you ever wondered how much money it will take to build your Pro Kit?

Have you ever been asked by the production company the “INVENTORY LIST” for your Pro Kit during filling out your “Start Paperwork” (this is required for the reimbursement of product in the rental of your Pro Makeup Kit)?

Well, every Professional Makeup Artist should have an “INVENTORY LIST” of what’s in their kit and the makeup and makeup supplies, tools and miscellaneous items they have in storage. If you don’t have it it’s time to do some “Spring Cleaning” and organize that kit! Out with the old and in with the new!

Just to help you get started, here’s a sample of an older version of my former Pro Makeup Kit. Some items are a staple in the kit and others have been updated as new and more efficient products are being manufactured. Your inventory list would best serve you in an Excell Spread Sheet so you can list all items, quantities and price points for each item.

NZINGHA’s Makeup Inventory (SAMPLE)
Shu Uemura Makeup Case 2 Small Lavender Suitcases Makeup Brushes (Various Brands) 1 MAC Lip Conditioner 1 MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner w/SPF 1 MAC Embelish Glitz Gloss 8 MAC Brow Set (Various Shades) 6 MAC Eye Brow Pencil 1 MAC Fix + Spray 1 MAC EZR 1 MAC Day SPF 15 Light Moisture 1 MAC Moisture Feed/Skin 1 MAC Strobe Cream 8 MAC Select Cover Up (nc20, 1 MAC Fast Response Eye Cream 20 MAC Lip Glass (Various Shades) 6 MAC Lipliners 1 MAKE Ready Brightening Mist 1 MAKE Away Mist Away 1 MAKE Under Transparent Coverage 4 MAKE UP FOR EVER Waterproof Eyebrow Kit 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Corrective Makeup Base 6 MAKE UP FOR EVER Diamond Powder 2 MAKE UP FOR EVER Loose Powder 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER #5 Camouflage Cream Palette 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Lipliner Concealer 6 MAKE UP FOR EVER Glitters 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Metalizer 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Puff Pouch 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Freelancer Bag 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Touch Up Smock and Bag 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Makeup Brush Case 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Set Bag 1 MAKE UP FOR EVER Makeup Apron 2 Kevyn Aucoin Liquid Shimmer (Various Shades) 3 Kevyn Aucoin Pencil Liners 2 Kevyn Aucoin Lip Gloss (Bliss, Aurora) 2 Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow 1 Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Eye Shadow Set 4 Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Tint 12 Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer 1 Revlon Fineline Natural Brow Pencil 2 Revlon Fineline Natural Brow Pencil Refills 6 Prescrptives Liquid Eyeshadow 6 Prescriptives Adjustable 6 Prescrptives Colorclick 12 Prescriptives Liquid Foundations 12 Lancome Juicy Tubes (Various Shades) 1 Laura Mercier Foundation Primer 1 NARS Body Glow 6 JAPONESQUE FAST LASH THICKENING FIBERS 2 JAPONESQUE Heated Eyelash Culers 2 JAPONESQUE Preo Prescision Lash Curler 1 Calvin Klien Liquid Crystals for Body 1 Calvin Klein Eye Glass 6 Posner Cover Cream 7 Vera Moore Lipstick Palettes 3 Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs 6 Posner Derma Color Camouflage Crème 6 NZINGHA Beaute` Lipglosses (Various Shades) 6 Pack of Purell Hand Sanitizer 2 Double Sided Metal Makeup Pencil Sharpener 1 Samuel Par Blemish Pen 1 Duo Eyelash Glue 1 Mavala Clear Nail Polish 1 Travel Size Visine 1 Box of Square Cotton Makeup Remover 1 Box of Square Makeup Blotters 1 Carmex Jar 1 Nosehair Clipper Small Set Lip Palette Cases (Various Lipstick) 2 Alcone Professional Foundation Palette 1 Hard Candy Training Brow Dark Hair Girl 1 Small 5 Comparment Makeup Pallette 1 Small Tortoise Set Foundation Palette 1000 Small Pink Cotton Squares 1000 Triangular Sponges 1000 Small Clear Spatulas 25 boxes Double Sided Point Q-Tips 2500 Double Sided Small Round Q-Tips 1 Viseart Professional Makeup-Palette 12 Mark Traynor’s Temporary 1 Dozen Alcone Professional Makeup Sponge 1 Small Black Fan 2 Double Sided Black Mesh Makeup Bags 1 Prestige Individual Eyelash Curler 6 Small Pack Brumisateur Evian 2 Small Artisan & Artist 3 Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner 32oz Containers 1 Box of Dental Floss Sticks 1 Travel Size First Aid Kit 1 Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil Gel 24 Case Lashes (Various Styles) 1 Pack of Straws (36 units) 6 Pack of Wet Wipes List
$800.00
$300.00
$2000.00
$12.50
$14.00
$14.00
$12.50
$13.50
$15.00
$29.00
$25.00
$27.50
$25.00
nc45, nw30, nw25, green, peach, nw40, nc30) $14.00
$27.50
$14.00
$12.00
$32.00
$32.00
$32.00
$24.00
$24.00
$24.00
$26.00
$36.00
$18.00
$18.00
$36.00
$35.00
$45.00
$
$32.00
$45.00
$30.00
$24.00
(Black, Brown, White) $26.00
$27.00
$37.00
$45.00
$34.00
$45.00
$3.14
$3.00
(Various Shades) $24.00
Coverage Pressed Powder (Various Shades) $35.00
Eye Sticks (Various Shades) $16.50
(Various Shades) $32.00
$16.50
$34.00
$60.00
$14.00
$14.00 2 JAPONESQUE Brow/Groomer/Scissor/Comb $13.40
$34.00
$20.00
$25.00
$6.99
$30.00
$12.95
$6.99
Not Yet Priced
$4.00
$20.00
$12.00
$3.00
$3.75
$4.00
$12.00
$30.00
$5.00
$12.99
$25.00
$30.00
$24.00
$27.95
$30.00
$36.00
$100.00
$36.00
$51.25
$.33ea
$30.00
Face & Neck Lift (Brown) $19.00
$20.00
$19.99
$12.99
$16.00
$10.00
Standup Hand Mirror $30.00
$25.00
$4.35
$5.00
$3.95
$24.00
$.99

Now here’s a visual update of my current kit found on Pinterest. This visual display makes it easy for me to know what’s in my kit as assisting me in creating the updated inventory list.

Kenig + Alcone…Beauty Curators…a beauty ingenues heaven

Posted on April 16, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

It was just an ordinary day for me on my way home from work. I happened to be walking towards 14th Street up 6th Avenue (in NYC). And I stopped by a window and saw beauty items. I originally wanted to go to Ricky’s that night for a special product I always use. This place would be a detour for me on the way.

The boutique like store was closed! I knocked on the window for the attention of what looked like a sales person. We spoke through the closed glass door, I asked if they carried the item I was originally going to Ricky’s for. I thought perhaps they may have it. He said wait hold on let me look. He looked and said “No, but you may find that at Ricky’s it’s just up 14th Street.”

The original brand store in NYC called Ricky’s

I thought to myself how sweet of him to stop to talk to me even as they are closing up the shop. I asked what time they’d be open again tomorrow so I could be sure to come back. I turned on my heels and found my way over to Ricky’s for my products.

I returned again the next day again after work but a bit earlier. Again looking through the clean clear glass windows of this beauty boutique I could see what seemed to be an endless wall of hair goodies and supplies. Well, you’ve already reeled me in! As I walked in the door to this sleek airy and modern space to my left was what looked like an electric chair. I didn’t bother to examine it because I was pulled in by what I saw…PRODUCTS!!! Turns out that that “electric chair” is the original hair perm machine used in the 1930’s. A magical, historical and vintage find!

As a beauty Artist you find yourself always on the lookout for the next best thing that will become the “SECRET WEAPON” in your makeup kit. And sometimes the “SECRET WEAPON” is… a place. I always want to be surprised by the latest and greatest new thing on the market that will wind up becoming legendary and something my clients (celebrity & non celebrity alike) will absolutely love.

When I was deep into the store a most stunningly handsome man asked if he could help me. In my usual frank and nautily witty way I replied “Mmm you don’t even know!”, “What’s this place?…it’s new. I’ve not seen this store here before. And it says outside Kenig + Alcone? I know about Alcone I’m a big supporter of Alcone are they the owners of this store?”

He said yes. And began to tell me of the merging of my two favourite brand stores. OMG!! I’m in love!! Truly an amazing find I thought. And funny just the night before I came here looking for products I usually find at Ricky’s!!! The irony of it!! Well, just then the same young man who spoke to me through the glass just the night before came barreling down the steps.

He said “I remember you. How are you? Where you able to find your products? My name is Ray. Ray Holt.” I loved him instantly! He took me for a tour upstairs as I told him my specialty is makeup. He asked if I knew Ricky then. I said “Ricky who?”, he said “Ricky Kenig. The owner of this store and the founder of the original Ricky’s beauty supply.” Me “WHAT?!?!” Wait a minute, Ricky’s beauty supply and Alcone merged? GENIUS!!!! Who knew! No I don’t know Ricky.”

Ray, “Surprising, everybody knows Ricky.” I guess Ray was right everybody does know Ricky if they’ve been in his store but do I know him personally,…no. “He knows everyone in the beauty industry you had to have met him.” “I should know him, his store has been my go to all throughout my career! Guess, if you think about it,… you can say I know him and he knows me.”

Well, upstairs was a virtual smorgasbord of beauty and makeup items a beauty ingenues heaven!!! There were two young MUA’s up there browsing like myself. We wound up chatting all four of us.

This time I had to run because I was going to my next job but I wanted to meet Ray and browse the store. I would return again and upon my next visit after sending several clients to pick up items at the store, I walk in and there’s a handsome distinguished gentleman who greeted me at the door he said “Hi! Welcome to the store, I’m Ricky (with a firm handshake).”

I’m now floored by all the irony surrounding Ricky and myself today. I finally after years of supporting his other stores get to meet him today…, genius serendipity and not accidental! We spoke for at least an hour and a half ( such an amazing man, with the warmest heart and incredible brand knowledge). Please look for upcoming classes from yours truly at Kenig + Alcone Boutique.

After doing a bit of homework after my meeting the charming, stylish and enigmatic Ricky, I found out that Ricky’s was not his first beauty supply shop but “LOVE” Beauty Supply during the 80’s was! I lived for Love’s back then at the the beginning of my budding makeup career out of HS. My how we both have grown, I thought. Not only is Ricky a man with a Midas touch for beauty stores he’s got a creative talent for making things happen. Ricky Kenig is the originator of the fashion runway worlds choice hair clips and matte hair pins only found at Kenig + Alcone and created by Ricky Kenig himself.

Well, in closing, I’ll say this…Kenig + Alcone is certainly no kitschy novelty store but a sleek, modern boutique with an almost millennium apocathary feel. It’s for the more mature polished consumer who knows about Pro Makeup and Hair brands. NY’s answer to LA’s Frends and Naime’s (I dare say Kenig + Alcone will give the West Coast brands a run for their money!). Not to mention you can find just about all of your beauty needs that a Sephora cannot fill. Specialty beauty items never seen before and only used by Celebrity Pro Makeup Artists and Hair Designers. The items as only Ricky Kenig and Alcone can deliver. BRAVO Kenig + Alcone, BRAVO 👏👏👏👏

KENIG & ALCONE LLC 538 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011 (917) 261-2640 10am-8pm

Ombré * Reverse Ombré * Ombre??

Posted on April 16, 2014 by queennzingha

Written by NZINGHA for ZFACEINC,nyc

There’s one thing I’m a stickler about is correct information. I’ve been seeing and hearing this word being used a lot in the past year into this current year…Ombré (correct use with an apostrophe, refers to artistic color gradation starting from light to dark) or Ombre (incorrect use in this case referring to fashion, without the apostrophe, referring to a card game)

Ladies are getting their hair colored Ombré (Light to dark) or either “Reversed” Ombré (dark to light) fashion. Here’s the breakdown from Webster’s Dictionary.

The latest lipstick trend Ombré Lips

Main Entry: om·bré
Pronunciation: \ˈäm-ˌbrā\
Function: adjective
Etymology: French, past participle of ombrer to shade, from Italian ombrare, from ombra shade, from Latin umbra — more at umbrage
Date: 1893
: having colors or tones that shade into each other —used especially of fabrics in which the color is graduated from light to dark
— ombré noun

Main Entry: om·bre
Pronunciation: \ˈäm-bər; ˈäm-brē, ˈəm-, -ˌbrā\
Function: noun
Etymology: French or Spanish; French hombre, from Spanish, literally, man — more at hombre
Date: circa 1661
: an old three-handed card game popular in Europe especially in the 17th and 18th centuries

Ok so there you have the breakdown for the meaning and correct way to say the word. In fashion we are not talking about a 17/18th century card game, so say it correctly. If you’re in fashion or into styling you should know the difference!!

Now the fashion look concerning the reverse Ombre’ lip (which has been more popular) in particular had its origin in the theatre world to help greater define the lip for stage. Theatrical makeup is done heavily and colourfully so that the performers face does not get lost with all the stage lighting, and that the audience can see the face.

How this and when this look really met mainstream is unknown to me. However my personal exposure to the look was in the 1980’s. Women of color (black & latino) in NY city wore this style and still do. Lipliners back then were either too light or non existent in colors that were comparable to the women’s skin tones so they began to use darker lipsticks or simply eyeliners to not only line their eyes but also line their lips.

Like many other fashion trends that came out of urban America so did this look. Most white women rarely wore the look and those that did used other colors besides black or dark brown pencil. In the performers realm many female impersonators would and still do wear the look. In the 80’s music scene Grace Jones (Caribbean decent) bought the look to the mainstream through her music and personal style.

Some people love the look, some people amplify the look and others despise the look calling it “the worst look ever”. Well now it’s back and you all are calling it “Ombre”!!

Here are a few sketches of makeup I did for Lil’ Kim featuring a strongly lined lip that is now called “Ombré” back then it was just a lined lip. Some people loved the look and others hated the look.

Here you can see the “Reverse Ombré” lip look I featured frequently on singer Mary J. Blige in the mid-90’s.