The Hairpolitan Magazine Vol-1 August-Sept 2016

INDUSTRY
MAKING MAKE-UP
By Evie Dondi
The Kenyan colour cosmetics industry is estimated to
be worth KES 5.4 billion and it is going through some
exciting times. We have seen the launch and growth of
local brands such as Suzie Beauty, Pauline Cosmetics
and Ciku. We have also witnessed the entry of
cosmetic giant MAC recently opening a flagship store
in on of the City’s uptown malls.
Ciku, launched in 2015, quickly made a name for itself
as being the go-to lipstick brand for make-up savvy
Kenyan women; and also introduced us to Kenya’s first
High Definition Foundation. We decided to catch up
with the brand’s founder Ciku Wamae to get a clearer
picture of this iconic make-up brand.
What’s your career background?
My background was in the finance sector where I held
various positions with a slight bias towards investment
management. I later on trained as a make-up artist in the
UK it was the probably the one time education was fun.
Going from finance to into the beauty industry, one
has to wonder, what sparked your interest?
For as long as I can remember, I have been interested
in beauty; be it hair, skin or make-up. I could cornrow
and braid my own hair by the time I was thirteen.
I could also do a full face of make-up and I was already
experimenting with a lot of the beauty home remedies
that are currently popular on social media. I guess it’s
one of those things you are born with - like singing or art.
I started planning the make-up line roughly 10 years
ago. However finding the right people and products to
work with takes a long time. Being active in the
growing online Kenyan hair and beauty community
fortified my belief that the line would work there.
What inspired this make-up line?
I got tired of buying make-up that was the wrong
undertone, or that made my skin break out, which
made me especially fussy about ingredients. There are
some ingredients that are quite common in make-up
products that a lot of people react to. These we have
left out of Ciku foundations.
“
I GOT TIRED OF
BUYING MAKE-UP
THAT WAS THE
WRONG
UNDERTONE.
Contact Person: Ciku Wamae
Brand/Business: CIKU
Tel No. +254 701 241 399
Email: info@cikubeauty.com
www.cikubeauty.com
www.facebook.com/cikubeauty
www.instagram.com/cikubeauty
www.twitter.com/cikubeauty
“
How Ciku would like to see the current standard of
beauty redefined?
It is complicated as it encompasses socio-economic
issues that can hardly be solved overnight. However, I
think that if we were to change the controllers of the
beauty, advertising and entertainment industries then
we will be in a position to re-define beauty standards
to include Africans/people of colour.
Apart from foundation, which other products are
within the Ciku make-up stable?
Our foundation comes in two formulations: HD liquid
and crème. There are six shades under each
formulation, which we hope to grow the shade
offering with time. The foundations are hypoallergenic,
non comedogenic, tested for skin sensitivity and
conform to FDA and EU standards and give medium
to full coverage. We have also found that concealer
is not necessary once our clients get used to the product.
We started with twelve lipstick shades but these have
now grown to twenty-two shades and are available in
moisturising and matte formulations. The main
ingredients are beeswax, castor oil and Candelila.
These ingredients ensure that even our matte
formulation will not cause dry, cracked lips.
Face powder is available in two formulations i.e. loose
and pressed, and one translucent shade to ensure they
work with all skin tones. We also have four shades of
blush as well as an eyebrow powder.
What are the make-up rules?
There are no rules when it comes to make-up – do
what you are comfortable with and what enhances
your beauty.
Which products do you consider gold?
This is like asking a mother which child is her favourite!
All the products serve a purpose – the HD foundation
is AMAZING for pictures – you don’t need filters or
photo-shop and if you are active on social media, this
is a must have product. The crème foundation is
perfect for oily skin as it keeps skin matte for a long
time. The blotting powder is a lifesaver when it comes
to keeping shine at bay and the lipsticks – all our
clients have come back for more lipstick! However,
I am still on a journey as there are many other products
in the pipeline.
Where can customers find your products?
Ciku products are currently available at Markucha,
Mezzanine 3, Corner House in Nairobi CBD and we
offer free tester sessions.
As an entrepreneur, work-life balance, how do you
do it?
I don’t! Along the way I have learnt not to be
superwoman by trying to handle everything. I always
ask for a helping hand when I feel myself floundering.
I have family and friends who have got my back
24/7/365 and I thank God every day for them and I let
them know how much they mean to me often!
What mantras do you stick to?
What you send out to the universe always comes back
to you!
My biggest brand promoters are clients who I gave
tips on how to sort out their hair or skin issues for free
– at the time, I thought we were just having a chat but
the advice actually meant a lot to them and they are
now my biggest supporters! Many times I shed tears
over messages in my social media in-boxes!
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