Product: Black Opal True Color Stick Foundation, SPF 15

The premise and claims (from www.blackopalbeauty.com):

“Sometimes you do have something to hide and this crème foundation housed in a portable stick can make camouflaging problem areas on the face that much easier. This Broad-Spectrum SPF15, hypoallergenic formula protects skin from UVA/UVB damage. It delivers the maximum coverage for perfect, even skin tone. It won’t clog pores and blends smoothly to give you the flawless face you’ve always wanted.

Paraben-Free, Fragrance-Free.”

Ingredients:  Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5.0%, Titanium Dioxide 2.0% Inactive Ingredients: EthylhexylPalmitate, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, CetylDimethicone, Silica, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax (CandelillaCera), Ozokerite, Nylon-12, Propylene Glycol Laurate, OctyldodecylNeopentanoate, Octyldodecanol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol, AscorbylPalmitate, CetylPalmitate, Caprylyl Glycol. May Contain; Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

Size:  0.5 oz (14.2 g)

Price:  Varies, but is generally priced between $8-$10.

Availability:  BlackOpalBeauty.com, CVS, Rite-Aid, Wal-mart, Drugstore.com, and select supermarkets

Consistency and finish:   This is a slightly thick crème foundation that melts on contact with your skin and is very easy to blend.  This is my first stick foundation so I honestly have no basis for comparison, but I will say that it is a MUCH heavier formula than a typical liquid foundation so those of you that prefer a lighter foundation should proceed with caution. It does tend to feel heavy on the skin if you over apply…this is definitely a “less is more” product.   Also please note that this foundation is NOT oil free, though I will say that it has yet to aggravate my extremely sensitive, acne prone skin.  This foundation has a velvet finish which I would describe as a soft, luminous finish.  If you prefer a matte finish, use a setting powder after application.

Versatility: This is a full coverage foundation that can double as a spot concealer…two products in one (This is what we call #PJWinning!!!).  In the summer I use this product as a spot concealer and top with my mineral powder foundation.  Lately since I’ve been battling a cystic acne flare-up and the resulting hyperpigmentation, I’ve been using it as a full coverage foundation.

Application:  While this is a thicker crème formulation, it literally melts on contact with your skin and body heat.  I prefer to apply with a foundation brush that I spray with a setting spray.  I take the foundation stick and make 6 swipes on my face…1 forehead, 1 upper cheek (each side), 1 jaw line (each side) and 1 along my neck.  Blend, set with a setting powder, and voila!   Full coverage foundation, perfectly blended all in less than 2 minutes start to finish.

Durability:  I easily achieve 8 hours of wear and have gotten as much as 12 hours of wear from this foundation.  As with all my foundations, I apply a primer first and I always set with a setting powder.  I am extremely oily so I blot several times throughout the day and on days when I am pushing towards 10 or more hours of wear, I will blot and dust my face with a setting powder/compact powder and I’m good as new. This foundation is NOT transfer resistant, so be warned…if you are a face toucher, you will leave a trail of little brown finger prints.  Because of the thickness of this foundation and my oily skin, there is no way I can wear this as a full coverage foundation in the summer, it would literally melt off.  But in the cooler dryer winter when my skin normalizes a bit, this is a great foundation.  I think those of you with dryer skin might enjoy this year round, but oily girls, reserve this for winter use only.

Shade Range:  The Black Opal Stick Foundation comes in 10 shades which are all designed to match women of color of various ethnic backgrounds.  I’ve heard from lots of women that have a difficult time with foundation matching (myself included) that they have been able to find that perfect match with this foundation. I think the lighter end of the color spectrum is a bit lacking in this brand, but for those of us that fall in the medium, dark, or deep end of the spectrum are covered.  I use the shade “beautiful bronze” or “nutmeg” this foundation and for reference I am MAC NC 50, MAC Matchmaster 8.0, NARS Macao, and Lancôme Teint Idole 500W.

Over-all Impressions:  This is one of the best drug store foundations that I have used to date.  For the combination of price, quantity, and quality, this is a product that can’t be beat.  It honestly rivals many of the higher end foundations that I use and because of the ease of application, and full coverage sans concealer, I’ve found myself reaching for this almost daily.  Though it has its faults (not oil free, not transfer resistant, can feel thick and heavy if over applied), this has most definitely become and will remain a stable in my makeup bag!

Grading

Check out the pictures below to see the coverage and finish of this foundation in action.

Notice the hyperpigmentation along the side of my face in the photo to the left. The photo to the right is after applying Black Opal Foundation Stick only…no concealer!

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