I knew The Lion King was going to find a way to get in my pocket.
Real talk? I’ve never been the biggest fan of The Lion King—apparently, I’m one of a handful of people who were deeply traumatized by seeing it at the ripe old age of 19, and I’ve never quite gotten over it. (What can I say? I’m a sensitive soul.)
But that doesn’t mean that I’m immune to some good marketing, and clearly, Beyoncé’s longtime makeup artist Sir John knows the way to my heart wallet is through a bangin’ eyeshadow palette. (Good God, these pigments. The shimmer! The adorable names!)
As reported by the Cut, Sir John has teamed up with cosmetics brand Luminess for the aptly named Sir John x Luminess Lion King Limited Edition Collection—and it looks like my next paycheck already has a lion-sized bite out of it.
Of course, The Lion King is far from the first cinematic vehicle to find a way to capitalize on the booming beauty market; M.A.C. and Disney recently teamed up on an Aladdin collection, and, as the Cut reminds us, ColourPop also released a line based on Disney villains and princesses. (And let’s not forget the numerous Game of Thrones-inspired beauty offerings that emerged in conjunction with the final season).
But none of them have muses who look like this:
Now, we’re not saying that Bey was wearing the new collection when she stunned (and stunted) at last weekend’s Wearable Art Gala. But we’re not saying she wasn’t wearing it, either.
But onto the good stuff. The Sir John x Luminess Lion King Limited Edition Collection “has everything you need for a full look,” the Cut writes.
[A] 6-shade sculpting palette, a 12-shade eyeshadow palette, two matte lipsticks, two liquid lipsticks, a tinted lip balm, and a highlighter — all with shades named after your favorite fictional animals (Pumbaa, Zazu) and favorite songs (‘Be Prepared,’ ‘Circle of Life’) that were written by another Sir John (Elton).
Personally, I’m already sold on the “Can’t Wait to Be Queen” eyeshadow palette Sir John demoed above and below ($42), though the “Legacy” tinted lip balm ($24) is looking just ripe for summer, and that “Circle of Life” highlighter ($40) is, well, giving me life. That said, a girl may just have to splurge (if so, look forward to a Lion King-themed Big Beauty Tuesday); the entire eight-piece, limited edition Collectors Vault is also available (for a smooth $250).
Sold yet? The Sir John x Luminess Lion King Limited Edition Collection will go live on the Luminess Cosmetics website on June 15 (yes, I’ve signed up for updates; you already know), followed by Ulta.com on June 16. And if you’re the type who must try to buy (understandable) it will debut in select Ulta stores on July 1 (I wish I could say “Hakuna Matata,” but good luck with that).
I just have one question: Will it make me look like Beyoncé?