EVENTS: MAYBELLINE PRINCE

Maybelline Prince

DANNÉ MONTAGUE-KING’s movie is a must-watch for skincare enthusiasts and beyond, and we got an exclusive preview screening.

Danné Montague-King, the founder of skincare brand DMK, is one of the most recognised beauty moguls in the world, with DMK being stocked in hundreds of skin clinics worldwide. Not many know about his life before DMK, his ties to Maybelline, and his immense influence for the LGBTQ+ community. This is soon to change, as Danné is just about to release his first movie, Maybelline Prince, which is telling the story of his illustrious life.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the beauty industry, the film chronicles Danné’s - or Danny’s, as he was known then - journey from Newport Beach to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he encounters Evelyn Williams, known as “Miss Maybelline.” As he navigates a world filled with swindlers eager to seize her Maybelline fortune, Danné discovers profound lessons about loyalty and the true essence of beauty.

The film, which stars Robyn Cruze, Greyson Chance and Elisheva Glaser, combines elements of drama and biography, offering a unique lens on an iconic figure in the beauty industry.

“It’s about a young man coming from California who was gay, openly gay, but not flaunting, and came into a town with a very powerful, wealthy, glamorous woman,” says Danné. “His mentor and muse kind of took over the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, in a nice way. He influenced all the young people to be more than what they were. Most of them were poor. Most of them were like Rugrats street kids. He did a tremendous amount of life changing, and didn’t realise what he was really doing. That was me, and it was the kickoff for the rest of my life.”

Danné was approached by a friend who wanted to turn Danné’s book, his autobiography, which was released in 2014, into a movie, and so they produced it together. Danné thoroughly enjoyed the experience, saying “in movie productions, a lot of people are lost and forgotten about. They’re just techies, and nobody pays any attention. But we paid attention to everybody, and I think it was a family affair that really made this film so unbelievable and so viewable.”

In August 2024, Australian media and friends of DMK were invited to an exclusive preview screening of the movie at Golden Age Cinema in Surry Hills with Danné present as well. Many in the audience praised the film for its rich storytelling and compelling performances, noting how it brings to life the challenges and triumphs of its characters. Attendees, including DMK clinic owners, shared their thoughts after the screening, highlighting the film’s ability to inspire and provoke discussion about the complexities of ambition and the impact of personal relationships in achieving one’s dreams. The ending of the film captures how the “Maybelline Prince” went on to found a skin care dynasty of his own, DMK.

Maybelline Prince is due to be released later this year.