http://www.compasscayman.com/observer/2012/01/29/BlackUp–launched-at-Kirk-Freeport/
It’s taken a while, but the world of beauty has finally realised that no two people are created with the same skin tone and that there is a need for products to suit a wide variety of skins.
BlackUp is the first makeup brand created for and dedicated to women of colour, especially those with darker complexions. The high-end brand was launched in Paris, France, in 1999 and has grown to become a huge hit across Europe. Now, the brand has made its way across the pond and is available at Kirk Freeport.
BlackUp was created by a young makeup artist from the Ivory Coast who was inspired by his Mother who would frequently complain that she could never find makeup to suit her complexion. The brand focuses primarily on makeup, including a wide range of highly pigmented powders, eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks and glosses as well as a number of luxurious skincare products specifically tailored for darker complexions.
BlackUp Makeup Artist, Kadian Edie, said that she has never worked with a brand that works and delivers so well.
“The textures are fantastic. The products are highly pigmented so they go on true to colour. For women of colour, there’s not another brand out there that can match this. Some of the products are also fantastic for those with lighter skins. The eye shadows and lip glosses come in a stunning range of colours and look beautiful on all and are effortless to use.”
Kadian said that among the most popular products is the matifying base. This oil free product ensures skin stays shine free thanks to its silicone base and gives the complexion a beautiful and smooth finish, as well as helping to keep makeup in place.
Other popular products also include the two way cake, a best-selling two in one compact pressed powder available in 12 colours. The product can be used as a foundation on its own for medium coverage, or as a finishing powder over foundation for matte and perfected skin. The powder also contains vitamins A and E to help skin look smooth and naturally beautiful.
The Kohl smoky eyeliner has also proven a top seller. This exceptionally smudgy and creamy pencil can be used as a traditional eyeliner or smudged into an eye shadow before it sets. The eyeliner comes in a range of stunning colours, from traditional blacks and greys, to a vivid purple, green and blue for a stunning pop of colour to the eyes. The gold shimmering body oil illuminates skin and can be applied anywhere you want a hint of shimmer, even to the hair.
Kirk Freeport Buyer, Ruth McGee, said that they decided to stock the brand to fill what was missing in the market.
“We have some of the top makeup brands at Kirk Freeport, but we realised that we were missing a brand that catered specifically to women of colour. We now really do have something for everyone.”
As well as BlackUp, Kirk Freeport stocks many of the top makeup sellers, including Nars blushes, Chanel Inimitable mascara, Dior Show mascara, Lancome Definiciles mascara, Guerlain Terracota powder, YSL Touche Eclat and Chanel Quick Cover to name just a few.
“It means that whatever your skin tone, or makeup look you are after, Kirk Freeport has something to suit,” Ruth added.
BlackUp must haves
- Matifying base
- Two way cake
- Waterproof smoky kohl pencil
- Volumising and lengthening mascara
- Gold shimmering body oil
Joanna Lewis 