Cover The Nyx founder talks to Tatler on what she's been up to since leaving Nyx (Photo: Courtesy of Toni Ko)
The Nyx founder talks to Tatler on what she's been up to since leaving Nyx (Photo: Courtesy of Toni Ko)
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Nyx founder Toni Ko talks about her latest venture
In the 2000s, Toni Ko’s affordable make-up brand, Nyx Professional Make-up, became known for its jumbo eye pencils, liquid lipsticks and roll-on eyeshadows. Having sold the brand to L’Oréal in 2014, the Los Angeles-based entrepreneur launched Bespoke Beauty Brands, a company that helps personalities create their own lines of beauty products. Here, Ko talks about Bespoke Beauty Brands’ latest project, male grooming, Covid-19, and life after Nyx.
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Above Photo: Courtesy of Toni Ko
Photo: Courtesy of Toni Ko
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Tell me about your newest project, Mai Johnson & Company.
Mai Johnson is Bespoke Beauty Brands’ newest line that’s going to be a trailblazer for all things in the men’s beauty space. We just launched in August. The collection includes a full suite of products designed to address dryness, cleanliness and skincare.
More and more men are open to using (and admitting to using) skincare and make-up. Why is this?
The concept of make-up for men has been around for many years, but it has always been very limited to a “guyliner” or black nail polish. Men have worn make-up throughout history, and I believe they are ripe to explore more than just eyeliner or nail polish. Male grooming is one of the fastest-growing categories in the beauty industry at the moment, and I’m very excited to enter the space.
Bespoke Beauty Brands has helped people from all backgrounds launch beauty collections. However, a majority of your clients are famous Asian personalities such as drag queen Kim Chi and designer Jason Wu. Are Asian Americans your primary clientele?
Not necessarily. [But] I happened to work with [Kim Chi’s make-up brand] KimChiChic a few years ago and immediately felt a very strong bond. I think it is the bond of our Asian heritage. Most of our meetings are over Korean BBQ and hotpots! Now that I think about it, my first meeting with Jason Wu was also over Korean BBQ, so it’s safe to say the Asian bond is strong.
After selling Nyx to L’Oréal, did you know that you wanted to re-enter the beauty industry?
I did not! I really thought I was going to retire and sit on the beach sipping a big margarita. As you can see, that did not happen.
What are your top three beauty must-haves?
La Mer cream, Acqua Di Gio perfume, and Clé de Peau body cream.
Toni’s Tips To Survive Party Season
Above Photo: Courtesy of Toni Ko
Photo: Courtesy of Toni Ko
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3 Things to Do Before The Party
1. Remember to eat something before the party starts.
2. Have a glass of milk before you start drinking to coat your stomach. This helps your digestive system cope with alcohol.
3. Take activated charcoal pills. I love BulletProof’s Coconut Charcoal Capsules.
3 Things to Do The Morning After
1. Don’t sleep in! Wake up early, get out of bed and walk around.
2. Drink fresh juice containing beetroots, which are good for the liver and kidneys.
3. Take an Epsom salt bath, followed by an afternoon nap. By the time the sun sets and it’s time for the next holiday party, you’ll feel brand new!
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Born in Hong Kong and raised between the +852 and Vancouver, Doris is a lifestyle writer and Literature grad who loves piecing together words and visuals to tell a story. Passionate about food, wellness and chihuahuas, you'll most likely find her slurping up a bowl of ramen, or escaping the city's hustle and bustle by exploring the quiet parts of Hong Kong on the weekends. Follow her on Instagram @lamgrams.
