Who doesn't love a good cause, sis? Especially when it benefits young, Black Queens. Black Opal Beauty (BLK/OPL), the global brand that redefined beauty for Black women, is combining beauty and philanthropy with the launch of their 2019 online campaign, Shop For A Cause: The AKSANTI Collection.

AKSANTI, which translates to “thank you” in Swahili, includes two gift sets curated by international supermodel, philanthropist and BLK/OPL Global Brand Ambassador, Noella Coursari, and illustrated by French-Congolese artist, Nicholle Kobi. In BLK/OPL's efforts to give back to the community, 25% of The AKSANTI Collection proceeds will be donated to Coursaris’ charitable organization, Malaika, to empower Congolese girls and their communities through education, health and art programs.

Photo: BLK/OPL

The AKSANTI Collection two gift set names — Maisha and Malaika — were affectionately chosen by the children of the Malaika organization to evoke the authenticity of sisterhood. Through the dazzling arrays of neutral yet radiant shades and supremely vibrant, pigment-packed hues, Maisha and Malaika present us makeup lovers with a 6-well mirrored eyeshadow palette, full-size crème lipstick, liquid lipstick and crème highlighter.

Photo: BLK/OPL

“I’ve been working on Aksanto for almost a year and it brings me such joy to finally be able to share it with everyone,” Noella Coursaris shared in a press release with 21Ninety. “Like BLK/OPL, Malaika works to empower girls and their communities to self-express through beauty, education and art. It was only natural that we continue our ongoing relationship and provide a tangible item that encompasses it.”

Photo: BLK/OPL

These custom illustrations were Kobi created to further showcase the Congolese influence. By embodying the commonality between BLK/OPL and the country that sparked the collection, Kobi beautifully captures the Congo's bold spirit, authenticity, heritage and sisterhood through the collection's packaging.

“Thank you, BLK/OPL, for including me in this wonderful project. This collaboration is very special to me. To know that my artwork will help generate funds to educate young girls through Malaika is an immense source of joy and pride,” Nicholle Kobi said in a press release with 21Ninety. “My goal has always been to create imagery that young girls and women of color can relate to and be inspired by. It is such a privilege to have my illustrations serve as a visual representation of BLK/OPL’s Shope For A Cause initiative.”

Inside The Maisha gift set

Maisha, which translates to “life” in Swahili, offers “keep-it-real” shades with just enough fire and shimmer to celebrate life. The collection includes new BLK/OPL Ukweli (“truth” in Swahili) Eyeshadow Palette to honor our natural and authentic goddess with shades of amber and umber and bestowing a luxe nude to play up the eyes.

The $35 Maisha Collection Also Includes:

– BLK/OPL COLORSPLURGE™ Eyeshadow Palette in UKWELI
– BLK/OPL COLORSPLURGE™ Patent Lips in Copper Tone
– BLK/OPL COLORSPLURGE™ Risqué Crème Lipstick in Bon Bon
– BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR® Illuminating Stick in Sunrise Glow

Photo: BLK/OPL

INSIDE THE Malaika GIFT SET

Malaika, which translates to “angel” in Swahili, is a vibrant set of pigment-packed shades that celebrates fierce individuality and self-expression. And BLK/OPL's Uzuri (“beauty” in Swahili) Eyeshadow Palette ups your glam game with tones of revved up turquoise, misty teal and shimmery crystal.

The $35 Malaika Collection Also Includes:

– BLK/OPL COLORSPLURGE™ Eyeshadow Palette in UZURI
– BLK/OPL COLORSPLURGE™ Patent Lips in Dynamo
– BLK/OPL COLORSPLURGE™ Risqué Matte Lipstick in Vampy Red
– BLK/OPL TRUE COLOR® Illuminating Stick in Nude Glow

Photo: BLK/OPL

BLK/OPL's Shop For A Cause campaign, featuring the AKSANTI Collection, will launch exclusively on Black Opal Beauty on April 22, 2019. Let's support these young, Black Queens, sis. You can cop the Maisha and Malaika gift sets for $35.00, and the Uzuri and Ukweli Eyeshadow Palettes for $15.00.

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Nicholle kobi