miss whoever you are

beauty destination: kenig + alcone

I’m 99.9% sure that beauty is hard wired into my system because I can spot a makeup brand or a new beauty store a block away (and that’s without my glasses!). During my usual rounds of exploring the city, I spotted a new store along 6th avenue and decided to walk in. All I needed to see was the word “Alcone” to get excited because that meant they had to carry professional products or tools. Imagine my delight when I saw a Sigma brush display in the window - I practically ran inside the store!

Kenig + Alcone is a new venture founded by Ricky Kenig (as in THE Ricky of Ricky’s NYC). The store is about two weeks old and they were still setting up boxes and displays so I’m definitely going to go back in a few days. As I perused the store I actually bumped into the man himself! There, in front of me, was Ricky schlepping boxes and asking customers if they needed help. No longer part of the Ricky’s franchise, he started up his own place with a bit of fresh air. He explained the concept: a professional makeup store where you can walk in and buy your Alcone products- not in bulk- but sort of like a candy store where you can cherry pick what you need and how much (all placed in a handy tin) along with all of your other professional needs. There’s way more to it but he and I started talking beauty (him: why do people love Sigma brushes so much? They’re synthetic! Me: YouTube, I swear). The downstairs level is primarily haircare (shampoos, conditioners, extensions, etc.) while upstairs was heaven for a girl like me.

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From pro brands like Kryolan and Cinema Secrets to the hard to find like Lucas Paw Paw Ointment all the way to the brands of YouTube beauty guru-land (Sigma, Velour lashes, Sugarpill Cosmetics) - this place is it! The staff was super friendly and inviting (I spent a solid five minutes chatting up an artist upstairs about Jaclyn Hill and Camila Coelho). I ended up walking out with a small haul consisting of Ben Nye Chestnut Finishing powder (to set my under eye concealer), Cinema Secrets brush cleaner (review tomorrow!), and Sigma F80 and F86 brushes (again Jaclyn Hill).

I can’t wait to see what other brands they will carry. It’s great to finally have access to these hard to find or predominantly online only brands on the East Coast (at least the West Coast has Naimie’s!)

Kenig + Alcone Beauty Curators is located on 538 6th Avenue in NYC; 917-261-2640; www.kenigalcone.com.

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mac indulge (get it while you can)

Am I a little late to this party? Yes. Do you still love me? Below are reviews from press samples I received.

Description from M·A·C Cosmetics

You’re invited to a dinner of supreme decadence, where no taste is too extravagant and no behaviour beyond limits. On the menu: Cremeblend Blush flushes skin with a sensual glow while Eye Shadow smoulders for the ultimate in seduction, intensified by Fluidline in Gilt Gourmet and Deliciously Rich. Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash darkens and lengthens lashes, while Lipstick and Lipglass further intoxicate the senses, as lacquered nails shimmer in jewel tones and molten metallics.

M·A·C Indulge has been out for some time now and while some items may be sold out, you can still purchase a thing or two. I guess what took so long was nothing truly stuck out as OHMIGOD I NEED TO GET THIS NOW - kind of like how Retro Matte got me. There are some standouts, highlighted below:

Lipglass $15

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(L-R) Ultimate Dish, Utterly Tart, and Lust for Life
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Like all of M·A·C’s lipglasses, these are a bit tacky and thick but what I love about Utterly Tart is that it’s opaque in its coverage. Ultimate Dish is described as a “light beige with pearl,”n and isn’t something I’d typically wear alone. Over another lip color, maybe but alone it’s a bit too light for me (perfect for those with fair skin). It has visible shimmer underneath the peachy beige color and is somewhat opaque but can be sheered out a bit. Utterly Tart is a beautiful, deep crimson with a creamy finish. As I mentioned before it’s opaque which means I don’t need a lipstick or lip liner underneath. The third color pictured above is Lust For Life, which is similar to Utterly Tart but has visible shimmer in it. It’s a slightly darker, more berry hue that’s semi-opaque. The shimmer throws me off from making it my go-to but it is pretty nonetheless.

Lipsticks $15

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In a surprise to absolutely no one, my favorite of the three pictured above is Just A Bite (center) which is coming off as a true red in the picture but it is definitely deeper. Described as a “mid-tone blue red” this Satin finish lipstick is a medium-deep shade with a creamy texture that layers beautifully underneath Utterly Tart if you so choose. By Design (left) is a surprisingly pretty color against my dark skin, coming off as a shimmering peachy pink that can be worn with a more intense eye look, while Feed The Senses is quite similar except minus the sheen a bit creamier.

Nail Lacquer $16

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Last but not least in my faves from this collection are the nail polishes. M·A·C does make pretty good nail polishes but I’m afraid the price gets in its way. At left is Magnificent Feast, a sparkling gold that has a shiny, metallic finish to it. It does not have chunky glitter but there are visible sparkles. Great for the cliched holiday nails. Screening Room (right) is a gorgeous - absolutely stunning- teal shade with a cream formula. Apparently it’s a repromote but I’m glad I have it this time around as it truly is beautiful. It’s creamy so two coats is more than enough (I got away with one to be honest).

Again, I wish the sun wasn’t directly hitting the products when I was shooting because a lot of them are coming off brighter than they actually are (for example, Screening Room isn’t that blue but more of a deep teal) but c’est la vie! Get this collection while you can at various M·A·C counters and online.

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nordstrom anniversary sale

I haven’t posted about a sale happening at a store because, really, who cares? That’s not what this blog is for. That said, I do think there’s something special about the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (starting July 19 - August 5). Why? Because…

The beauty offerings are splendid and there deals on everything from makeup tools (Laura Mercier) to makeup (MAC sets) to skincare (Clarisonic). Brands are rolling out the red carpet, like butter LONDON who will have a limited edition, Backstage Basics (a set that contains Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat, Hardwear P.D. Quick Top Coat, Powder Room, Nail Lacquer in Thames, and a Nail Lacquer of your choosing).

Philosophy also has a killer gift sets (Living Grace Trio or Amazing Grace Trio) which includes Jumbo-size 32 oz Full Body Emulsion, Jumbo-size 32 oz Shampoo, Bath, Body and Shower Gel and 5.8 oz Satin Finish Body Oil for $72 ($144 values).

The sale starts July 19 (have your credit card ready!)

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sam fine for fashion fair supreme color collection

When it was announced that Same Fine was appointed the new creative makeup director of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, I was a bit excited since I felt that the brand could use an update. No shade. Seriously. I’ve always seen the counters at Macy’s but never really connected since I always assumed it was for older women, like my mother.

Last week, I was able to preview the 11-piece collection with the man himself and witness a little demo on just how to wear the products. Inspired by his international travels, Fine wanted this initial collection to have products that he could use on a variety of his clientele (which includes Iman, Jennifer Hudson, and Vanessa Williams to name a few). The lipsticks (eight total, $22 each) range from wearable nudes for brown women to shocking reds and pinks to deep purple hues.

lipstick swatches on Lipstick Fashion Mascara

The Supreme Eye Color Quads (two total, $38 each) are created with four high pigmented, complementing shades that allows you to create an everyday look or bang it out for a full blown smokey eye. Not only are there four colors to choose from but different textures, too, which include a sheer sparkle, satin, shimmer, and a matte. My favorite is Amalfi Coast, a quad that contains a sand, forest green, copper, and chocolate brown combo that is simply divine. The lone gloss in the collection is Canary Diamond ($20), a high shine, sheer gold gloss that Fine created since it works with women of all skin tones and can be worn alone or over a lipstick.

model is wearing Supreme Lip Color in African Violet

The Sam Fine for Fashion Fair Supreme Color Collection is available now at select stores including Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, Belk and online.

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we see beauty // make

A few weeks back I attended a blogger preview for a new cosmetics line called MAKE.

“MAKE is the first for-benefit color cosmetics line launching on WeSeeBeauty.com - a for-benefit marketplace of ideas, stories and products that support the cooperative movement. One-third of all MAKE product sales will support the non-profit organization, the We See Beauty Foundation, dedicated to incubate and accelerate women-led, worker owned cooperatives. The foundations first project is establishing a cooperative in Brooklyn, NY called Do Good Be Beautiful, that will create and sell its own healthy cleaning and personal care products.” - From the brand

The products in the collection are beautiful, intensely pigmented, and last a long time. I’d say it’s comparable to MAC Cosmetics or Make Up For Ever in terms of pigmentation. My favorite product, to date, is the matte eyeshadow in Siberian Blue (third blue from the left in the photo above). It’s a shocking bright electric blue that really makes eyes pop and doesn’t crease throughout the day. It’s even more gorgeous when paired with NARS Palladium soft touch shadow pencil. The pencil is a beautiful turquoise that enlivens the blue.


MAKE launched with over 200 sku’s (pretty ambitious for a new brand) and encourages creative self-expression. They have an interesting approach to how they create their collections that should be noted. In addition to their core products, MAKE will pair two unique artists each season to create a concept collection. The first partnership pairs furniture and interiors designer Faye Toogood with makeup artist Ayami Nishimura to create the New Medieval Collection. Interesting concept and definitely goes beyond simply pairing with a celeb or designer.

Pricing isn’t too bad and, again, is similar to what you’ll find at MAC or MUFE. I’m itching to get my hands on the foundation and powders since I’m a face product junkie and that blush is SCREAMING my name. To purchase the collection or see more, visit weseebeauty.com

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