Why I LOVED "Sparkle"! PLUS Get The Look with Black Opal Cosmetics

Glamazons,

I have a confession to make. I had no intention of going to the movie theater to see “Sparkle.” After Whitney Houston‘s death, I thought it would be too heartbreaking (yes, I’m still reeling over Whitney‘s passing as a former little girl who sang “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” in her hairbrush). But now that I’ve watched the film, I see that it actually provided healing.

Let’s start at the beginning. I was invited to go to a screening of “Sparkle” by Black Opal Cosmetics (love them!) at the Empire 25 theater in Times Square. It was pouring rain that day (and I had on THESE blue suede shoes!) but how could I give up a chance to see Whitney Houston‘s last film for free before it hits theaters?

I’m glad I sucked it up and went. The film was worth it.

Yes, we’ve seen the plot before (Girl wants to be a star. Girl overcomes adversity. Girl becomes a star) but this coming of age story is more deep, provocative and touching than “Sister Act,” “Dreamgirls” and the like. It boldly delves into the complexities of mother/daughter relationships, sisterhood, drugs, violence, self esteem, religion and more to great effect.

Incredible performances by Whitney Houston, Carmen Ejogo (in her first film!), Tika Sumpter (breakout star!) and Mike Epps (seriously, he’ll surprise you) help bring all these themes to life.

Whitney, of course, is especially compelling as “Emma,” the girls’ no-nonsense mother with a sordid past, and wisdom they won’t appreciate until later in life.

She performs a stirring rendition of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” in one of the more poignant parts of the film. And when she says lines like “Was my life not a cautionary tale?,” you’ll get chills thinking about how the story of her own life ended with her laying lifeless and alone in a hotel bathroom.

But her performance is one that fans, friends and family can be proud of. With all the praise she gets for her extraordinary singing ability, you forget what a talented actress she was. She shines in “Sparkle” enough to remind you.

Sidenote: I also left the theater imagining what a great mom she must have been. She emotes that tender, nurturing, strong, motherly love so well that you know she’s felt it herself for daughter, Bobbi Kristina.

Overall, the singing isn’t as powerful as “Dreamgirls” and Jordin Sparks doesn’t have the emotional range to win over your heart like Lauryn Hill in “Sister Act” but Sparkle’s story and the strength of its supporting actors help the movie shine on its own.

Now onto the fashion and beauty!

The costumes designed by Ruth Carter were on fire! There’s one scene (below) where they rock unique versions of sultry sheer cut-out gowns that could each put a prom queen to shame.

WERQUE.

The makeup was just as flawless.

If you want to recreate their stunning beauty looks, check out these tips from Black Opal Cosmetics:

Sister (Carmen Ejogo):

1. Cover the under eye area with Black Opal’s Flawless Concealer by applying your color match from the inner corner of the eye to underneath the rim of your bottom lash line, sweeping downward in broad strokes across the top of the cheek bone then up and back towards the temples on your face.
2. Use Perfecting Powder Foundation to even out the skin tone and to create a flawless complexion. Blend where the foundation and concealer meet with finger tips.
3. Use the Mosaic Powder Shimmer in Bronze as blush on the cheeks.
4. Use and apply the black eye shadow from the palette with a crease brush in the crease and blend the color just a tad upward above the crease of the eye to give the eye a strong lift. Take the same black shadow and smudge along the base of the lash line and underneath the bottom lash line. Next, use the charcoal silver color on the entire eye lid. Finally, apply the lightest of the three colors on the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eye for a subtle pop.
5. Draw on a thick wing tip line with the black liquid liner by starting from the inner corner of the eye lid to just past the end of the eye (almost to the point at the end of your eyebrow).
6. Gradually build the mascara on the lashes instead of clumping it on. A way to achieve this is to wipe off the excess mascara on the wand before applying to the lashes each time.
7. Pucker up and use Spiced Rum True Color lipstick all over the mouth.
8. Along with Black Opal’s pony haired dome brush, use Deluxe Finishing Powder in the t-zone area when needed.

Delores (Tika Sumpter):

1. Apply Black Opal’s Stick Foundation evenly over entire face.
2. Use the Oil Absorbing Powder in the T- Zone area.
3. Use Black Opal’s Raspberry Powder as a blush on the cheeks. Not only will it give the apples of your cheeks some color but also a glow that will illuminate your smile.
4. Using the eyeshadow palette in Zanzibar, create a smokey eye by applying the darkest shade at the base of the lid and under the bottom lash line. Then, apply the medium shade in the crease. This will blend the two colors together so there aren’t any hard lines on the eye and gives you the smokey eye effect. Finish the eye by using the light shimmer color in the palette on the brow bone.

Sparkle (Jordin Sparks):

1. Start by applying Flawless Concealer one to two shades lighter than your actual complexion. Apply in the center of the fore head, bridge of the nose, center of the chin, underneath the eye from the inner corner back to the hair line.
2. Apply Black Opal’s True Color Liquid Foundation for luminescent and radiant skin.
3. Use the Oil Blocking Powder in the areas you used Flawless Concealer. This will set the makeup and prevent it from creasing.
4. Apply the Mosaic Bronzer in Golden Shimmer on the apples of the cheek and across each brow bone.
5. Line the lips with French Roast lip liner and smudge the inner-corner of the lips with the same liner. Apply and blend Pink Champagne into the lips and lip liner.
6. Using the Gold Galaxy eye shadow palette, apply the darkest color at the base of the eye lid, onto the lid and smudge the color into the crease of the eye. Use the lightest color in the palette on the brow bone.
7. Softly brush brow powder along the brow hair shaping and filling in any holes. Start out light handed and build to desired shape and intensity.
8. Apply mascara to the lashes by starting at the base of the lash line, wiggling the wand and pulling through. Repeat several times.