Frank Guyton is the artistic director and brand ambassador for the Black Opal cosmetic line, and after chatting with him about full-cover foundation choices, I am confident that he loves women and understands the unique and changing needs of women in the color spectrum.
This encounter began as a true beauty emergency, and with the right mix of magic, I went from an ugly duckling to a flawless swan.
Once upon a time in Sephora, on 42nd Street, I was on a frantic search after running out of my very expensive full-coverage makeup and was told that the U.K.-based company had discontinued the line and changed its formula.
Panic took hold, and despite using their skin-color-matching system in the store, I discovered that they sold nothing to truly match my own shade.
I felt a tear escape my eye and begin the journey down my cheek. I needed magic–and just like that, I turned and found myself face to face with a beautiful, androgynous creature the color of velvet midnight, double dipped in dark chocolate.
This was my type of fairy godmother: Towering 6-foot-4 in red-soled Louboutin heels and clutching a sable-colored Berkshire tote, s/he understood the impending disaster and began to tell me about the benefits of using Black Opal.
“Say what now?” I wondered.
Taking a cue from my puzzled mug, she whipped out a full-cover Black Opal makeup stick and shared the 411 on the line and where to find the solution to my dilemma.
Tilting her head, she pointed to the 24-hour Duane Reade drugstore at 42nd and Eighth Avenue, and then shared more good news, this time about the affordable price.
“Say what–what now?” I gasped. The price seemed, at the time, too good to be true. Does this work? Is it truly so affordable that I can keep one set at home and the other tucked safely in my purse? A new urban myth?
Fast forward. The Black Opal line is designed for women of color, and yes, it works. It works. It works. The price is beyond right, and the consumer-friendly return policy at the drugstore previously mentioned is a godsend, since there are no samples on site.
Here is part one of my interview with Frank Guyton about the full-coverage line. Note: The lipstick line fully hydrates, and the color stays on for hours, keeping lips kissable moist.
Frank taught me about looking beautiful, feeling stunning and owning the rich mosaic that the creator saw fit to bestow on my face.
AmNews: I’m not sure if I am a groupie or a convert or a converted groupie. What makes Black Opal special?
Frank: Thanks for the compliment. I am very moved when I talk to our customers. We are the leading beauty destination for people of color, because our cosmetic line is specially formulated to flawlessly enhance all skin tones, while working to brighten and restore the skin’s natural radiance for a more youthful and luminous appearance.
This is an affordable luxury item that helps a woman enhance her natural beauty. There is no better example of this than the Even True cosmetics line. Now women have the best of both worlds: skin-rejuvenating benefits with a flawless velvety finish.
Frank, I’ve never looked so good and effortless in my life, and my skin is baby-butt smooth. The complete cover stick is $10 dollars. My previous brand was $45 plus tax.
Ouch. Your skin is enjoying the Skin Tone True formula, which consists of a synergistic blend of brightening encapsulated peptides, licorice and turmeric extracts and glucosamine. This improves clarity and promotes an even-toned complexion. Multi-mineral complex and vitamins C and E also help to provide antioxidant to protect from free radicals.
Say, what–what–what now? That’s fancy dermatology jargon. Keep it simple, please.
You are fun. OK, women today are looking for foundations that moisturize, hydrate and condition the skin in a light formula with maximum coverage, so that’s what we created and delivered.
I didn’t try everything. Your PR company sent the samples of the Even True full coverage and lipsticks, and all of the women that I shared with loved them and are raving too. What did I miss in round one?
Along with Even True’s eight shades are six shades of concealer and brightening under-eye concealer. These range from the whitest of skin tone to the complex dark complexions.
Handsome, yes you are. Your parents deserve a standing ovation. What is your story? Why beauty, beautiful?
At 16, I was recruited to model, moved to New York and I started traveling the world: Milan, Paris, London, Germany and South Africa. I saw, first-hand, the human color wheel. Plus, I am passionate about painting, sculpture, architecture and light.
I tried advertising, in 2003 for a minute, and was approached to join the team at Scott Barnes Beauty. Here is where I learned product development and the inside world of makeup as taught by legendary makeup artist Scott Barnes.
He saw something in me and convinced me to study the art of makeup.
I do what I love every day, enjoying editorial, film and television work with segments on “Good Morning America,” the “Today” show, CNN, etc.
Plus, the added bonus is that I work with extraordinary women.
You love women. To me, it’s clear. What do you love about women?
Thank you. That’s a great question. The world needs the balance of feminine energy. For me, women are mysterious, loyal and radiant nurturers.
In my role as Black Opal’s artistic director and brand ambassador, if I can help amplify someone’s natural beauty, bring out her best qualities and help her project who she wants to be–mission accomplished!
Black Opal’s products are hypoallergenic, paraben-free, fragrance-free, oil-free and dermatologist-approved, and are available by visiting www.blackopalbeauty.com, Walmart, CVS/Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Duane Reade and OTC Stores nationwide.
