We have a lot of make up ranges now that imply they’re for the ‘pro’ but adding that prefix doesn’t make the products any better or different. In most working make up artists’ kit you’ll find Kryolan, which really is ‘pro’. Created by Arnold Langer, a chemistry student, in the 1920’s, the brand has been supplying film, theatre and TV with make up for over 70 years. It’s easy to forget, with the instant gratification and glamour of Instagram, that behind the scenes of any film, play or TV programme, there are working artists making people screen ready whether they’re the leading lady or playing a world weary tramp. Think about the diversity of what we watch from period dramas, apocalyptic horror to soaps and game shows – working make up artists rarely have the luxury of making people pretty over being true to a demanding script but the chances are your favourite actors in your best loved Hollywood films are wearing Kryolan.
Based in Berlin, which is where the brand began, Kryolan has over 16,000 products! And 750 different colours. It’s mind-boggling really. The difference between a range built for screen and what you can buy on the high street is texture, colour and last. These lip stains DO.NOT.MOVE. from your mouth! They don’t have the sleek, silky feel of high street lip stains, but neither will they disappear after your first sip of coffee. The pigment is off the scale and the colour stays true. Every genre has its own expectations – theatrical make up needs to be extremely hard wearing, film and TV has HD lighting where every single flaw or mistake shows: stuff can’t move when you’re on stage! Kryolan also produces make up for many consumer brands and of course, their own make up is available whether you’re anywhere near a professional kit or not. If durability is a deal breaker for you, you need to take a look at the lip stains.
The shades I have in the swatch are: Rock, Metal, Classic, Funk and Latin. They’re £19.80 HERE. I’ve used one swipe of the doe’s foot so you can expect to double the volume with another. The Kryolan shop is at 22 Tavistock Street WC2.
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
1 comment
The unknownmakeup blog, written by the legendary Olivia (or Faulivia), taught her readers about Kryolan several years ago, especially raving about their foundation palettes. Nice to see the brand still produces good things!