There’s a bold shade for every look and skin tone! We recently caught up with the brilliant hairstylist and makeup artist, T. Cooper. T shared her favorite eyeshadow techniques, including how to approach all shades in a palette, layering different shadow formulas and textures, and the go-to hue that she swears by for all skin tones.
WEARING COLORFUL EYESHADOWS CAN BE INTIMIDATING.
Long gone are the days when bright lipsticks and vibrant eyeshadow colors were taboo for darker-skinned women. Today, we can wear whatever we want. It just is a matter of your personal style and confidence. From orange to pink to even blue, with the right tools and technique, all of us can flaunt vibrant, colorful and glamorous looks.
Our girl, T. Cooper, the founder of Major Face, a full-service, on-location beauty service company in New York that handles production shoots,
events and runway shows , gave us a few expert tips on choosing the right shadow to make both your skin and eyes pop.
BLK/OPL: What makeup looks do you love for this winter?
T. Cooper: I love playing with different shadow textures, for example –look for eye palettes multiple textures. A good choice are palettes that include really pretty glitter and chrome eyeshadows. My mantra has always been, “when all else fails, reach for the bronze.” I find that bronze shades look amazing on every single skin tone. The key to using a bronze eyeshadow is to start with a matte shadow applied in a winged shape and layer textures on top. A multi-dimensional winged look always shuts it down! Check out the BLK/OPL True Melanin and BLK/OPL BLK Bombshell palette collections.
BLK/OPL: We love your bronze mantra! . Do you have any tips for creating a natural eyeshadow look?
T. Cooper: Stick with neutral colors and skin-tone-inspired shades, and stay away from glitter, shimmer, or other textured formulas. You can do a little pop of color on the lid, but nothing too bright. For me, a natural look is all about making people guess whether or not you have makeup on.
BLK/OPL: With COVID lingering what kind of glam looks can we create with our masks on?
T. Cooper: A glam look is all about texture. If you are creating a glam look, you want to add dimension to the eye. A great tip is to use shimmery/glittery colors on the lid, matte colors in the crease or outer corner, create a smoky effect on the waterline, and add a nice highlight in the inner corner. That’s usually my go-to formula to make my clients look extra glam.
BLK/OPL: Love that! What advice do you have for getting the most out of all the shades in an eyeshadow palette?
T. Cooper: Don’t just use the colors you automatically gravitate to.
Try out colors you would not usually use, play with them and see how you can incorporate them into your look. Those colors often complement the shades you like and enhance the look.
The shades in a palette are carefully curated to work harmoniously, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes it’s as simple as using another color in your crease as a transition shade or using one of the shades as an eyeliner.
BLK/OPL: Which eyeshadow shades do you recommend for darker skin tones?
T. Cooper: I am obsessed with the way jewel tones pop on dark skin. I love using purple, green, pink and blue on rich, chocolatey skin. But you can never go wrong with bronze for the girl who is a little more conservative. It’s a subtle and beautiful shade.
BLK/OPL: What eyeshadow shades are you loving for brown eyes right now?
T. Cooper: I am all about the brick and clay shades right now. There’s just something about brownish reds and brownish oranges that make brown eyes pop. I’ve gotten into those colors recently, and I’ve been introducing them to my clients.
Grab your favorite palette (or pick up a new one) and play around with T. Cooper’s top three tips:
You can shop all of our eyeshadow palettes and eye definer pencils on our website, and if you’re still looking for that perfect foundation to set everything off, use the Find Your Shade tool to find your ideal match. We can’t wait to see your glam looks—don’t forget to tag us @blackopalbeauty using #blackquality
]]>The days of doubting whether full lips can rock orange or plum are over. In fact, we just talked to New York celebrity makeup artist T.Cooper and she thinks lipstick will be the beauty statement of 2022. “Many women haven’t been wearing lipsticks because of masks, but with more events taking place, and people becoming more social once again, I think we’ll see nice, bold lips,” she shared backstage at NYFW. If you're new to this, we got you! Winter is the perfect time for a bold lip, so here's a quick guide for creating a striking lip look that makes a statement and is totally unique to you.
When we think of iconic lip looks on Black women, our minds immediately go to queens like Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Campbell and Ryan Destiny, to name a few. What these women all have in common is that they don't let the lipstick wear them—they wear the lipstick. They are perfect examples of how lip color is a powerful form of creative self-expression. Whether it’s a bright orange lip worn on zoom or a subtle pink gloss swiped on for a first date, when it comes to lip looks, you don't have to box yourself in. Remember most women look wonderful in many different shades.
Want to know what we're reaching for? Here are five lipsticks in statement shades we're loving right now. This is the perfect time to try something new!
We love impactful, color-rich glosses. Our COLORSPLURGE™ High Shine Lip Gloss in Jam Session is the perfect way to leave a lasting impression. This non-sticky, highly pigmented gloss levels up lips with an intense shine that keeps lips luscious and moisturized. Our innovative long-wearing formula ensures your color stays without feeling sticky.
We especially love to pair this color with our TRUE COLOR® Pore Perfecting Liquid Foundation for a poreless, flawless finish. The dewy foundation meets gloss combo is a bright, radiant way to transition your day from work to play.
For some, our COLORSPLURGE™ Liquid Matte Lipstick in Amethyst might feel like an unexpected choice. But don't knock it until you've tried it. This sultry purple is beautiful on darker skin tones. The fade-proof liquid lip formula is rich not just in color but in impact, offering a velvety matte finish that will last for hours. To further define your lips, pair it with BLK/OPL Precision Lip Definer in Woodlawn.
If you're feeling luxe, the shades in our Fairy Glamuva – 6 Well Eyeshadow Palette top off your look with a dreamy, moody, memorable eye.
Our go-to red is sexy sangria, the chic cousin to the ever-classic red but makes a statement all its own. Our COLORSPLURGE™ Risque Matte Lipstick is built to last. Infused with sunflower oil, it's formulated to keep your lips hydrated, lush, plump, and velvety smooth all day long. Here's a multi-use hack: Double up and use your lipstick as a blush to give your cheeks a rosy, flirty look. Just swipe it on your fingertips and press the color onto the apples of your cheeks.
There is a reason people are obsessed with a classic red. For some, it's an elevated special occasion look. For others, it's an everyday staple. Our COLORSPLURGE™ Risqué Crème Lipstick in C-Suite is the ultimate statement-making red for all skin tones. The long-lasting crème formula is highly moisturizing and designed to last well into the night.
Lipstick should be a fun form of self-expression—not something to fear. And sometimes, when you think you can't carry a shade, it's just because you haven't found the right hue for your unique undertone. (And not, because you can't wear red!)
When it comes to choosing the right color for your skin tone, T.Cooper says trying different shades and getting a sense of how they look on your skin is key. “Lipstick is such a personal thing,” she explains. “ I always recommend trying on different shades and seeing how you feel about them. Two different women can be wearing the same shade, one will hate it, and one will love it, that’s just how it goes. The only way to find your perfect lip is to play.”
Our Virtual Try On is your best friend. Try on different shades from the comfort of home, and don't be afraid to be bold! On our website from your phone or computer you will be able to try on as many shades as you like from the comfort of your home. You might be surprised at how good you look in shade that you have not tried before. Have fun with it!
It’s been a while since we have traveled regularly! Whether you’re heading home to visit family or doing a weekend getaway, if you are any- thing like us, trying to get your packing groove back is no easy task.
HOW TO THINK ABOUT PACKING
Everyone needs to de-stress, so we turned to designer, entrepreneur and packing pro Karyn to get her top tips. . She makes packing fun by routinely condensing all of her essentials into a single bag and looking fabulously fresh no matter how many days she’s away. Karyn has channeled her genius as founder and CEO of 1 Bag Travel Warrior and its signature clothing brand ZoeGoes. The fashion collection is a sustainably made, multi-functional, six-piece wardrobe capsule designed for seamless packing.
To get ahead on travel planning, we sat down with Karyn to get tips on minimal packing for clothing and beauty products—to maximize looks for every occasion.
You embraced this idea of effortless traveling after missing a connecting flight while traveling internationally. How did that experience shape the way you pack?
Karyn Pettigrew: It changed everything. I was coming back from Spain and got stuck in London, and it dawned on me that if I had just had a carry-on bag, I would have been able to wheel myself straight through to the next security gate after customs. So, I started thinking, how can I travel with fewer pieces?
It’s safe to say travel is presenting new challenges post-COVID. For example, previous non-stop flights may now have connections, which is changing how people pack. Do you apply this effortless traveling mindset to your beauty products as well?
Karyn Pettigrew: There’s no question. Everything is vetted before it hits the bag. The BLK/OPL Even True Blemish Control Bar is a great travel cleanser because it’s solid, so I don’t have to worry about the liquid issue. I also always travel with my Fashion Fair SKINFLEX Stick. It’s easy to grab and go and pair with one or two of the FF Iconic Lipsticks. Then you’ve got your daytime essential and something that can jazz up your evening look. My favorites are Coy and Rebel.
What essentials are your go-tos? What would you reach for when traveling across the country but still wanting to get glammed up?
Karyn Pettigrew: My absolute minimum on the makeup side would be a clear gloss that’s got some sparkle or the Lip Oil from BLK/OPL. If you took one lipstick, you could apply the oil over it and get a second look. Liner and mascara for sure. The BLK/OPL Precision Eye Definers and BLK/OPL COLORSPLURGE™ Super Volumizing Mascara are a great duo.
We love the tip of using your liner to do your brows. Any other suggestions for products you like to pack?
Karyn Pettigrew: The other trick is a good palette with a range of tones. The BLK/OPL True Melanin 12 Well Eyeshadow Palette has a ton of warm colors, so you can just swipe across the eye or cheek, and you’re good to go. The BLK/OPL BLK Mermaid 12 Well Eyeshadow Palette has blue, green and purple shades in it as well, giving you a pop of evening colors. I usually choose one of these.
How do you embrace effortless traveling when it comes to fashion?
Karyn Pettigrew: When I designed my line, ZoeGoes, I made it so that you could have the diversity of mixing and matching. If you wear the shirt and the skirt in the same color, it looks like a dress. If you wear the top and the pants in the same color, it can look like a single jumpsuit. Now, just pick your jewelry carefully! If you have a killer piece of jewelry, that’s all you need. We often underestimate the use of accessories.
Very similar to makeup, you put a base on and then pop it with color to create a single mood or transition.
Karyn Pettigrew: That’s right. It is easier than it seems. It just requires a little bit of upfront work. Then once you’ve identified what those pieces are, it’s so much easier the next time you go to do it. My other secret: Have you ever used luggage cubes? They help you organize everything inside your suitcase. I highly recommend grabbing some of those and practicing with them because it helps organize your suitcase in a whole other way. It’s super-efficient and really practical.
Those are the best! What wardrobe staples are most essential when packing your luggage cubes?
Karyn Pettigrew: Scarves are the magical element because you can do so many things with them. A black and white t-shirt and a good multi-use sweater. Pants with pockets and an elastic waistband. Wrap tops. Anything that gives me a sense of fashion and flair, but with functionality.
What’s your biggest piece of advice when trying to pack with a minimalist perspective?
Karyn Pettigrew: Don’t take mediocre pieces with you. Take the ones you love wearing. Go to your closet and find a favorite piece that can be worn over and over that’s got the flexibility. That’s what the ZoeGoes line does. It creates a canvas with great neutrals. And you can have a lot of fun with it because there’s a really interesting challenge in peeling it back.
No matter what pieces make it into your carry-on, a look that makes you feel confident is the best accessory. Pack an oil-free, true-tone, radiant complexion with your Fashion Fair SKINFLEX Stick favorites or refresh your routine with some of the new BLK/OPL Eye Products— bolder hues are perfect for making a statement.
]]>Let’s be real. Shopping for makeup as an African American woman can be a struggle. From foundations that don’t match to lipsticks that don’t complement our beautiful skin tones, it definitely takes some patience (and practice) to not only find go-to products, but know how to use them properly.. Thankfully, we tapped into Emmy-winning makeup artist, Andrew Sotomayer, who is no stranger to working with brown skin. His celebrity clientele includes A-listers like Jourdan Dunn, Wanda Sykes and Kerry Washington and he knows a thing or two about applying makeup to deep skin. Not to mention, he’s a huge fan of Black Opal. Keep scrolling to find his top 7 tips to mastering flawless makeup on African American skin.
Whether it’s a lipstick or eyeshadow, we love neutral shades. But not all nudes are created equal. If you choose the wrong undertones, a neutral shade can go on chalky making your makeup look gray or ashy. Sotomayor suggests opting for warmer hues in eyeshadows and lipsticks to better compliment your brown skin. Instead of beige, silver and ivory tones, grab colors with gold, caramel and terracotta tones in the high gloss nudes and true melanin eye palette. As for highlighter, Sotomayor recommends always leaning towards metallic bronze shades, but points out that and reddish-brown hues can double as a blush. If you prefer powder formulas, try swiping on the True Color Illuminating Powder. This powder is formulated to work with all skin tones and has a high-shine finish, but isn’t too glittery.
Women of color tend to have a variation of colors on our faces. From under the eyes to the foreheads to the jawline, don’t be alarmed if you find that one shade of foundation doesn’t match your entire face. Instead of compromising on a shade that isn’t quite the perfect fit, Sotomayor suggests grabbing more than one foundation to apply to the face. “Applying a lighter color under the eyes, the center of the face and the chin helps to brighten your appearance,” Sotomayor says. “While a deeper shade along the jaw, under the cheeks and on the forehead, will help create a subtle contour and prevent your base from looking ashy.” Though if you do decide to stick with one shade, you can try adding contrast with a bronzer or deeper shade of powder like the Ultra Matte Foundation Powder in Dark or Medium Deep.
If you’re not using a pressed powder, we highly suggest trying one out. It’s the secret weapon that keeps your makeup in place all. day. long. No lie. If you have oily skin and find your T-zone looks greasy before lunchtime, try the Invisible Oil Blocking Loose Powder that keeps shine at bay. Or grab our best-selling True Color Soft Velvet Finishing Powder infused with color adjusting pigments that blend-in seamlessly and look like a second skin. Sotomayor’s rule for applying powder is to press, not sweep. "You can totally apply powder with a brush, however, I suggest you follow with a powder puff or use the BLK/OPL Makeup Blending Sponge to press the powder into the skin," he suggests. "The light pressure works the makeup into the skin so it doesn’t look like it’s sitting on top." And since no one wants cakey makeup, adopting this method will keep your base makeup looking smooth and natural.
Sure, no one ever aspires to have oily skin, but the truth is using too many mattifying cosmetics can actually hinder your overall look instead of helping. No one’s face is completely matte all-over so creating a no-shine look doesn’t make your skin appear naturally beautiful. Sotomayor says his rule of thumb is to create a variety of finishes for that ‘I woke up like this’ glow. “If you love shine, sweep it across your cheekbones, but keep the center of your face matte using a soft velvet finishing powder,” he suggests.
There’s nothing wrong with sporting color on your lids or your pout. Let’s just say it now, African American women don’t need to be afraid of color. Instead embrace it with bold jewel tones like emerald green, cobalt blue, shimmery copper and ruby red. According to Sotomayor, these look best on melanin-rich skin. “When you have rich pigment to your skin, you need rich pigment in your makeup to match,” he says. “The most important think when choosing color is to find one that is dense and vibrant.” For an eye-catching pop of color, we love to reach for the ColorSplurge High Impact Mascara in Royal Blue. and BLK/OPL Precision Lip Definers. Trust us, sporting this bright blue mascara against golden brown skin will get you endless compliments wherever you go.
This rule isn’t based on skin color, but will surely help save your skin from unwanted bacteria. Ladies, don’t neglect cleaning your brushes. Sotomayor’s go-to cleanser is the Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap. Not only will clean brushes help keep bacteria and germs at bay, it will also ensure your makeup shades apply true to color. “If you use the same brush for a lighter shade, but then follow with a darker shade, it may lighten up your makeup,” Sotomayor warns. “If you have a formula that’s difficult to remove, try a waterproof makeup remover before cleansing with soap for a more thorough clean.” On average, skin experts recommend cleansing brushes every week, especially those used for base makeup.
We’ve all been there, it’s midnight and you’ve had the longest day ever and there’s nothing you want more than to lay your head on a pillow and sleep. But trust us, the extra three minutes it takes to wash your makeup off won’t ruin your snooze. You see, when we leave our makeup on for too long, we become prone to breakouts. And women of color, especially, are more likely to get hyper-pigmentation aka acne scars that are a pain to get rid of and even more of a pain to cover up. So, save yourself the hassle and wash your makeup off before bed. For a gentle cleanse that removes dirt, grime and makeup, try the Even True Pore Refining Gel Cleanser and follow-up with Even True PHA + BHA Exfoliating Toner.
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Model: @_sabateur / Photographer: @thomasskirk
Finding the right foundation shade can be a challenge, especially for darker skin tones, as they can have a mixture of red, blue, and golden undertones. Not to mention the new normal of beauty brands having up to 40 shades to choose from, making the right selection may have gotten a little more complicated. If you're wondering where to start, don't worry because we have editorial makeup artist Brittany Whitfield, to share what steps we should take on the road to finding the perfect foundation shade.
Before we get started, there are a few questions you need the answer before you settle on a new foundation. First, you want to get a full understanding of your undertones. Now, this may sound like you need a degree in color theory, but we promise it's a much simpler.
"My anecdotal tip way of self-matching is to flip your arm so your wrists and veins are visibly upright," Whitfield shares. "If you see mostly green toned veins, you have yellow/ cooler undertones; if they seem blueish/plum, you're probably neutral /warm. We all have multiple tones in our skin, so that's my ideal starting point where you can easily narrow down. Having the right shade, but the wrong undertone happens all the time, sadly."
Pretty simple, right?
Now, these next two steps are essential in the color matching process, so you'll want to pay close attention.
Most makeup artists start by matching a new foundation to your jawline, and Whitfield leans into that same matching method. "I prefer to match clients on the jawline first. It's a common misconception that your foundation should match your neck exactly." But she tells us that isn't always the best idea. "Your neck specifically is more often than not much lighter or darker [if you have hyper-pigmentation] than your actual face or body. Of course, you don't want your neck and face to be completely different colors. Ideally, you should match the center of your face with your neck color [if it's fairer] to keep everything consistent.
One other important place on the face to keep in mind is the perimeter because, as Whitfield explains, "your forehead shade is always deeper than anywhere else as it's the highest point of your face and naturally hits the sun the most. Whereas your neck is usually hidden beneath the shadows of your chin, by your clothes, etc."
Once you find your perfect shade match and formula, put it to the test just in case the foundation oxidizes. "Think of oxidation as biting into an apple and leaving it on the counter for 30 minutes. After the time has passed, you'll notice the inside will begin to brown," says Whitfield. If you notice the foundation looks darker or more yellow or red than you remember when you tested it at the counter or drugstore, it's likely due to oxidation. You can thank science for that since exposure to oxygen, and your unique skin chemistry (oils and body temperature) can change the color of your new foundation.
"There are so many factors that can affect how your makeup oxidizes, such as environment and weather, oily vs. dry skin, types of preservatives in the product, etc.," Whitfield explains. "When testing foundations, blend a swatch on your hand for a few minutes and walk around the store. If you approve of the dry down shade, then you've met your match."