Black Opal

Makeup For Beginners: Loose vs. Pressed Powder /  by Erin Baynham

Loose vs. Pressed Powder Powder is one of those makeup must haves that I absolutely recommend in your makeup collection. The main purpose of powder is that it helps to set your foundation and concealer. You don't necessarily need to wear so much that it gives you a dry mask all over your face, but just a dusting will usually do.

Powder helps to set the foundation, giving it a "complete" appearance. Dusting powder all over the face will help minimize shine as well. Some people opt to only use powder to give a matte, "no makeup" look. There are also powder foundations which are a great quick way to even out the skin. Some of these include MAC Studio Fix and Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder Foundations. These would be ideal for people with oilier skins, since it works to absorb oils while covering.

In my years of experience using these two types of products, I've founded only a few differences.

  • Pressed powder is easily transportable for touch-ups throughout the day. It also gives the least amount of coverage, unless you're using a powder foundation.
  • Loose powder can give you a more coverage.  Due to the nature of the product, It's best to leave at home.
For less coverage, use a large, fluffy brush. You can also buff powder into the skin using a kabuki brush. For more condensed or precise coverage, use a sponge.
Which color to choose: When in doubt, use a translucent powder. It may appear white in the bottle/compact, but it won't add any color to your face.

Pressed Powders I Recommend:

1. MAC Blot Powder ($23)

2. Smashbox Anti-Shine ($28)

3. Iman Cosmetics Luxury Translucent Powder ($20)

Loose Powders to Check Out:

1. Ben Nye Loose Powder (I prefer Banana, $7)

2. Black Opal Invisible Oil Blotting Powder ($9)

3. Make Up For Ever HD Loose Powder ($38)

4. Becca Cosmetics Fine Loose Finishing Powder ($34)

Brushes I prefer:

1. Crown Brush c320 Pro Precision Pointed Powder Brush ($14)

2. Sonia Kashuk Powder Brush ($15)

3. Make Up For Ever HD Kabuki Brush ($50)

If you have any powder or brush recommendations, feel free to leave them below! I'd love for you to share your faves!

Neutral Lip Of The Day: Black Opal So Natural Lipstick and Maybelline Touch of Toffee Lipgloss /  by Erin Baynham

 Neutral Lips on a Budget: Black Opal and Maybelline

Today's Lip of the Day is a mix of budget brands. I totally forgot I owned the Maybelline lipgloss, and it worked perfectly with the Black Opal lipstick!

My go-to brown lip liner is NYX Expresso. It's the $3 knockoff for MAC Chestnut. I apply it first, then rub my lips together like there's no tomorrow. The goal is to not have a super defined lip aka no harsh brown lines. The particular Black Opal lipstick that I have isn't as smooth and creamy as the others that I own, and kind of has that old lady lipstick smell. Either way, I'm pleased with the results!

Black Opal Launches New Foundation Shade: Rich Caramel /  by Erin Baynham

Great news! Black Opal has added a new color to their roster! The new shade is called Rich Caramel, and it falls between Honoluly Honey and Truly Topaz.

  • True Color Crème to Powder Foundation SPF 8
  • True Color Stick Foundation SPF 8
  • Total Coverage Concealing Foundation
  • Perfecting Powder Makeup

This shade is available now on blackopalbeauty.com!