Taraji P. Henson BET Awards Beauty Report – Ashunta Sheriff for Black Opal

Already a BET 2015 Best Actress winner, superstar and TV’s reigning diva Taraji P. Henson hits the red carpet as a nominee once again for her role as Cookie Lyon in FOX’s hit music drama “Empire.” The actress stunned with a glowing beauty look created by celebrity makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff.

TARAJI P. HENSON:
“I wanted to go for an understated, soft and clean look on Taraji for the BET Awards. It was a hot day and the look was effortless and easy to create. Black Opal was perfect for achieving great skin with a gorgeous glow as the rest of her makeup look was accented with luxe lips and cat winged liner.”
– Ashunta Sheriff for Black Opal

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 26:  Actress Taraji P. Henson attends the 2016 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.  (Photo by Paras Griffin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 26: Actress Taraji P. Henson attends the 2016 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/BET/Getty Images for BET)

GET THE LOOK:

FACE:
I started with clean and moisturized skin before applying Black Opal True Color Perfecting Primer. I used a wedge sponge starting from the inner parts of the face, moving outward.
Then, I applied Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation in Rich Caramel with a foundation brush only on areas that needed coverage to even out her complexion.
Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Concealer in Tan was applied onto the under-eye area and brow bone to give a natural, clean lift to brows. I then set her face with Black Opal Invisible Oil-Blocking Powder.
To contour and sculpt the face, I used Black Opal Color Splurge Eye Satin Matte duo in Bordeaux Bliss. Using a fluffy crease brush, the darker color softly contoured as the lighter shade created a soft lift on the tops of her cheekbones.

EYES:
I used the same Color Splurge Eye Satin Matte duo in Bordeaux Bliss, using the lighter shade on the lids and darker shade on the outer corner of the eyes to create a blended out, smoldering look.
With a thin liner brush, I created a cat winged eyeliner look with Black Opal Luxe Crème Liner in Onyx.
To finish the look, brows were shaped and groomed with Black Opal Precision Eye Definer in Coffee Bean.

Black Opal Flawless Concealer_Tan Invisible Oil Blocking Powder Closed Black Opal Perfecting Primer Medium True Color Stick Foundation Basic CMYK InvisibleOilBlockingPowderOpen InvisibleOilBlockngPowderBlack Opal Precision Eye DefinerLuxe Creme Eyeliner

 

PRODUCTS USED:
Black Opal True Color Perfecting Primer – $14.95
Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation – $9.95
Black Opal Flawless Perfecting Concealer – $5.25
Black Opal Invisible Oil-Blocking Powder – $9.25
Black Opal Color Splurge Eye Satin Matte – $6.95
Black Opal Luxe Crème Liner – $7.95
Black Opal Precision Eye Definer – $5.50

AVAILABILITY: All Black Opal products are available online at blackopalbeauty.com and select retailers nationwide, including: Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, Kmart and OTC Stores.

TARAJI P. HENSON AT THE BET AWARDS:

Taraji P. Henson was nominated for Best Actress at the 2016 BET Awards

Beauty Regimen in Winter Months – Editor Talk and Products

Yesterday was the first day of December and that means we are officially in the cold weather season.  Not only does the seasons change but our beauty regimen alters with the weather.  The reason we must change our beauty routine is because the external environment can damage our skin, hair, and nails.

Every year I look in the mirror (around the month of November) and my skin is excessively dry.  My first instinct is to panic but then I realize it’s time to visit the drugstore or cosmetics counter.  I have a few beauty products that I am actively using from foundation to nail polish remover pads.

Beauty Regimen

To begin, let’s talk about foundation.  We often forget to change our foundation because it’s our favorite shade or brand.  Here’s what I learned, foundation in the winter months should have hydrating and moisturizing functions. This helps to counter-act dryness and use a lighter press powder.  Also, if you tend to look a shade darker (or tan) in the summer months, you may consider a foundation that’s lighter.  The foundation color should match the exact shade of your face and neckline.

In terms of face lotion, it is suggested that we stay away from light-weight lotions and use a cream.  Lotions are not heavy enough to protect the skin from the dry air.  I suffer from dry skin due to eczema and prefer a cream lotion whether in the winter or summer months.

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Always opt for a deep hydrating mask to use on your hair in the winter.  The cold air can create brittleness no matter the hair type or texture.  If you can’t afford an expensive hair mask, visit your local drugstore or Pinterest.com to create a DIY hair mask at home.  Either way, your hair can not afford to be shampooed with a leave – in conditioner alone.  The result will be breakage and frizz!

An additional beauty product that I’m actively using are nail polish remover pads.  Surprisingly, my mom (the other contributor) introduced me to this product last summer.  You can purchase a box for about $2 at the drugstore and they serve two functions.  Nail polish remover pads will remove polish quickly while also conditioning the cuticle and nails.  I was relieved to discover this product and since that time disposed of liquid remover (and cotton balls.)

I’m always searching for beauty tools to make my life easier because I’m managing my brand and have mommy duties.  The ultimate makeup tool the everyone should own in their bag is a Beauty Blender.  I have to admit that I own three because they serve a different function (and if I lose one there’s always an extra.) The Beauty Blender surfaced several years ago but has recently become available to beauty enthusiasts.  This is not your normal sponge due to the shape, texture, and use of the blender.  The Beauty Blender can be used to apply foundation, bb cream, tanner, bronzer, and concealer.  It can also be used for highlighting, contouring, and strobing.

Fall 2015 Lipstick

Lastly, with so much dryness in the air and having a hectic holiday schedule, we need an at home facial in between our spa treatments.  Purchasing a Sonic Face and Body Polisher can be an investment.  I am totally in love with my system and received it as a product review.  This little hand-held machine exfoliates and softens the skin while tightening my pores.  I love makeup but I’m a huge advocate for natural, glowing skin and we must take care of it!

I hope the tips I provided will help your winter beauty routine.  Also, stay connected to the site because I will be visiting a few local wellness spas very soon!

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ESSENCE MAGAZINE NAMES BLACK OPAL WINNER OF 2015 BEST IN BLACK BEAUTY AWARDS

Black Opal, the cosmetics and skincare line that offers limitless possibilities to enhance the diverse beauty and address the unique needs of skin color, is excited to announce that their Flawless Perfecting Concealer has been named a winner of the 2015 Essence Magazine “Best in Black Beauty Awards”.  In the May issue of Essence, on stands now, celebrity makeup artist Porsche Cooper says, “it provides excellent coverage in a wide range of warm and cool colors”.

Black Opal’s Flawless Perfecting Concealer is a hypoallergenic, full coverage crème concealer that easily blends away dark circles and other complexion imperfections. Vitamins A, C & E help protect skin while the crease-resistant formula is designed to give you natural-looking results without caking. Flawless Perfecting Concealer is available in 5 shades and has been developed for all complexions and skin types. The product can be purchased at retailers including Wal-Mart, CVS/Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, and OTC Stores nationwide, or online at www.blackopalbeauty.com ($5.25)

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About BLACK OPAL

BLACK OPAL offers limitless possibilities in cosmetics and skincare to enhance the diverse beauty and address the unique needs of skin of color. With this targeted focus, BLACK OPAL has solidified its position as the most trusted beauty brand for women of color.  BLACK OPAL is a global brand available in 30 countries worldwide.

 

BLACK OPAL products are available by visiting www.blackopalbeauty.com, Walmart, CVS/Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, and OTC Stores nationwide.

 

COCOTIQUE Beauty Review: January Subscription Box

COCOTIQUE is the latest subscription box for women of color and diverse ethnicities.  Once you become a member, subscribers receive a monthly box with a variety of (sample) hair, skin, and nail products.  The company also features brands such as Black Opal, Milani, Creme of Nature, OPI, Revlon, and Shea Moisture to name a few.

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The theme of January’s box was to refresh and renew with a collection of products from every category such as cosmetics, bodycare, and fragrance.  The products included were ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Shampoo, ACURE Triple Action Repairing Morrocan Argan Oil and Stem Cell Conditioner, BEFINE Assorted Skincare Products, HARVEY Prince Hello Fragrance, NAKED BAR SOAP Lemongrass Grapefruit Foaming Sugar Scrub, NICKLA K New York Quad Eyeshadow, NUBIAN HERITAGE Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

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I was excited to receive my COCOTIQUE box and pleasantly surprised at the beautiful packaging.  I can’t wait to fully indulge in every product but the one item I can’t live without is the Honey & Black Seed Hand Cream.

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I’m in between manicures and seeking to restore moisture back into my hands and cuticles.  This luxurious moisturizing treatment instantly restored my hands with a nice cooling effect.  The hand cream’s also formulated with Black Seed Oil, Honey, and Apricot Oil.  It’s the perfect size to carry in my handbag (and use) while wearing a pair of gloves.

I love beauty products that work and COCOTIQUE offers product samples that are infused with natural ingredients and gentle cleansers.  To learn more about COCOTIQUE and become a subscriber click here.