Having named its first black ambassador, Lupita Nyong’o, earlier this year, L’Oréal’s signature prestige brand Lancôme has entered the East African market for the first time via a deal with the largest distributor and retailer of luxury beauty brands in the region, Lintons Beauty World.

The first Lancôme concession opened in Garden City Mall last week. “It’s such an honor to stock some of the biggest beauty brands in the cosmetics industry, Lancôme being one of the most cherished brands by customers,” said Lintons Managing Director Joyce Gikunda.

Both Lintons and L’Oréal will no doubt be hoping that the Kenyan-raised actress will help consumers identify with the brand. Other international brands have tested the market ahead of Lancôme, with Oriflame, Revlon and Estée Lauder all launching in Kenya since 2010.