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.

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.