(Liz Bekesz also contributed to this article)
Makeup artist and determined entrepreneur Sonia Kashuk, creator of Sonia Kashuk for Target, has always followed this mantra: You don’t have to compromise style, design and quality to provide great value and that’s what she has been doing for the past decade with her line of divine Target products, which are beautifully packaged, high quality and affordable no matter what your tax bracket.
Kashuk has won tons of awards, has worked with the most beautiful models and celebrities out there and has written a book. But it’s her commitment to closing the gap between beautiful makeup and the everyday woman is what made Beauty News NYC so excited to get the scoop from this legend for our “In the Hot Seat” column.
BN: What is your favorite product that you’ve created? And why?
SK: Two of my favorite products launched at the same time, with the same philosophy – one is a double-ended mascara with a metal comb and the other is a concealer paired with a highlighting pencil to save time and simplify your makeup routine. When the editors saw the mascara, they said, “Why didn’t someone think if this before?” I love being able to bring something new and useful to the market.
BN: One product you wished you had created (and use all the time)?
SK: The Oribe Signature Moisture Masque. I have incredibly frizzy, curly hair and it calms my hair and my life!
BN: One Sonia Kashuk item that ALL women need in their makeup bag and why?
SK: My Instructional Eye Shadow Palette in Eye on Neutral is the one thing every woman should have in their makeup bag. It is a basic matte wardrobe for your eyes that covers all your bases, so you can create everything from a natural look to the dramatic smoky eye, and it comes with directions.
BN: Favorite beauty splurge?
SK: Definitely my monthly facial with Vicki Morav!
BN: One piece of advice you would like to give all our readers regarding makeup application or trends?
SK: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Color applies differently then it may look in packaging and 9 times out of 10 bright, vibrant shades will deliver a sheer, wearable application. This is especially relevant for my collection sold at Target since you can’t try on the shades.
BN: What do you foresee as the big trends/colors for Spring/Summer?
SK: Coral coral coral and lots of color! But, don’t forget that nudes always work.
BN: Tell us about your new line – what’s the concept and unifying theme for it?
SK: It was to offer fun, easy to apply, easy to use products that make you look and feel gorgeous. My Limited Edition Collection focuses on beautiful double duty products and tools – the brush cases double as cute summer bags. For my Spring 2011 Limited Edition Collection, I was inspired by San Tropez, which translated into chic gold accents, paired with the ruggedness of natural materials such as wood, wicker and rope.
BN: You are a legend in the beauty industry – what is your biggest accomplishment?
SK: Allowing all women the opportunity to experience and purchase fantastic beauty products at an affordable price.
BN: What’s the defining trend for beauty in New York in 2011?
SK: It is a look reminiscent of the ’70s and ’80s. The most important part is understanding the trend and knowing how to interpret it for your own features and lifestyle. Lips are either super pale and soft or quite strong and color stays front and center
Beauty News’ Liz Bekesz fell in love with Kashuk’s Spring line and here she is to tell you all about it.
Season after season, Sonia Kashuk turns out luxurious, elegant, on-trend options that are easy, accessible, and affordable. The Sonia Kashuk Spring 2011 Collection and 2011 Limited Edition Collection are no exceptions. They are available at Target.
Chic all-in-one Spring Awakenings Face Palette has a slim profile that’s well-dressed in a woven wicker exterior. It’s even prettier on the inside, as it holds just about all you need (minus the mascara) for a bloomin’ fresh Spring look. Within the weave are four rich neutrals for eyes, in matte tan, matte chocolate, metallic bronze, and sparkling champagne; there’s also a deep brown eye intensifier to turn up the drama if and when desired. Three creamy, sheer glosses make for happy pouts in better-than-naked shades of shimmery nude, cocoa, and rosewood. A hit of contrast finishes it all off, courtesy of fresh coral blush flecked with a hint of shimmer. It’s the bright, yet wearable pop of color that spring is all about. Bonus: A large mirror housed within promotes frequent adoring gazes at the glowing new you.
Blink of An Eye Pencil Set includes two chubby crème eye shadow pencils in sparkling silver and gold, plus one slim eyeliner in metallic brown. Eyes are set alight in a flash, with glide-on color that defines and highlights in one smooth, simple snag-free stroke. You’ll glimmer, shimmer, shine and simmer for hours.
Super Sheer Shimmering Highlighter is yet another way to go for the glow. The fluid formula is a pale, pretty gold that instantly lends dewy, natural-looking radiance; dot over cheekbones and down bridge of nose for a dose of luminosity.
Strike gold with the Gold Mine Seven-Piece Brush Set, yet another fantastic brush collection from Kashuk. This elegant-yet-earthy brush set is made of natural materials and cruelty-free bristles. Gold accents embellish graceful, long-handles, and a smart, crafty wicker clutch (complete with organic stone closure) closes the deal. Includes Powder/Blusher Brush, Synthetic Pointed Foundation Brush, Blending Brush, Crease Brush, Small Eye Shadow Brush, Angled Eye Shadow Brush, and Smudge Brush.
Well-edited and shrunken for purse and travel size, the Small Treasure 4-Piece Purse Brush Set is glamour-to-go…in burlap! Chic-in-the-rough little sack is adorned with tribal symbols of Love, Strength, and Unity; inside resides Synthetic Powder/Blusher Brush, Medium Eye Shadow Brush, Crease Brush, and Pointed Eyeliner Brush.
Smile, warmer days are ahead! Celebrate now, with the uber-creamy, color-drenched formula that is Luxury Lip Color. Try Coraline, a bright yet wearable, wake-your-face-in-an-instant perky, pinky-coral. Pair with Eye Definer in Blue Jean, an iridescent deep denim blue liner that’s a nice departure from the usual suspects (i.e., black and/or brown); it’ll illuminate your peepers with a touch of sparkle.
