Words Dominique Slaughter
FASHION / BEAUTY · SPRING 2018
The name Masika Kalysha may ring bells for those who are super fans of Love and Hip Hop on VH1. Love and Hip Hop is all about drama and romance. But Kalysha has made an even bigger name for herself with her successful, affordable luxury beauty brand called Khari Barbie Beauty. Khari Barbie Beauty is a completely cruelty free, paraben free and vegan cosmetic line.
Kalysha explains that there is more effort and investment required in a vegan line than the average cosmetic product.
It’s definitely more expensive because you have to put more money in it.
While it is a little more expensive and it may take a little bit longer, but in the long run if you’re looking for longevity and growth over a period of time, I think it’s well worth it.
The Khari Barbie Beauty products are all about helping women achieve a flawless celebrity look that is free of all unhealthy ingredients, yet is sold at an affordable price.She is able to balance luxury formulas while maintaining affordable prices.
“I just hate when you see a celebrity wearing something and the price is not for average Americans. So I really wanted it to be under $20 for most of my products. Of course it’s more expensive for me, but it’s about longevity of thecompany, the brand and making customers want to keep coming back. I don’t feel like you should have to save up to get what you want.”
There are specific qualities that set Khari Barbie Beauty line apart from the rest.
“I really feel like our products are some of the best and I’m not just saying that because they’re mine. I’m saying that because I’ve learned through research and testing out products that I felt were adequate. Everyone’s doing the liquid lip craze, it’s amazing, but not too many products out there will last all day without drying out your lips. Ours is a stay-put product that moisturizes your lips, feels good and lasts long. That’ the most important thing.”
Glow Kits are among the new products Kalysha’s bringing out this year.
”These are highlighters for every skin tone, every time of day and every kind of mood. I am also adding skin illuminators. They’re very quick and easy . You can wear them with no makeup. You can wear them under your makeup or you can accent on top of your makeup. It gives you that beautiful flawless glow. We’ll also be releasing brow kits and 30 new lip colors and our foundations will be available later in the year.”
Kalysha is also expanding the Khari Barbie Hair Oil Blends and Hair Line by importing oils from India, Jamaica and different islands.
“It’s a raw blend of oils that you can’t always find and you can’t always get, but they all do specific things. There’s an oil that’s good for gray hair, there’s an oil that stops breakage, there’s one that’s good for moisture, and there’s one that’s good for repairing. All of them combined together work so, so well.”
Kalysha expects to be one of the top pioneers of the beauty community right alongside some of her favorites such as FENTY Beauty and M.A.C. Cosmetics. Hers, however, are unique because they are vegan. She believes there is more than enough room for everyone to win within the beauty industry. She is not planning to compete but rather to focus on growing her brand at her own pace. Kalysha considers herself free from popular opinion and wholeheartedly believes:
“People who mind don’t matter, and people who matter don’t mind.”
The full line of Khari Barbie Beauty products are on view here:<kharibarbiebeauty.com>
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Dominique Slaughter
- Photography
- Shane Russeck
- Photography
- Adam Torgerson
