NEW YORK, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Opal is proud to name Brookell Barber as the winner of its True Beauty Model Search. Chosen from over 700 applicants as Black Opal's True Beauty, Barber is a 20-year-old aspiring college student from Davenport, Florida.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/NY82446 )

As the grand prize winner, Barber will be featured in Black Opal's marketing material worldwide. Barber will also get an all-expense paid trip to New York City to star in a photo shoot, complete with professional hair and makeup courtesy of Black Opal. Additionally, Barber will receive a $20,000 scholarship and a year's supply of Black Opal skincare and cosmetics.

"Our panel chose Brookell as Black Opal's True Beauty because her essay reflected what we as a brand believe to be true, that beauty is found within," said Maya Brown, senior marketing director. "She's obviously a beautiful girl on the outside, but she showed us that she values what's on the inside as well. We believe that she will truly represent the essence of the brand."

A prestigious panel of judges from the beauty and entertainment fields evaluated applicants based on essays, community service involvement, educational aspiration and photo to represent Black Opal's True Beauty. The panel included such luminaries as: Grammy Award-winning musician Michelle Williams; makeup artist Lanier Long; beauty editor Marcia Cole; stylist Andre Austin; actress Taral Hicks; and beauty educator Evelyn Manson Miller.

In addition to the grand prize winner, 20 finalists, chosen by online fan voting, were rewarded. Each will receive complimentary Black Opal skincare and cosmetics products and may also be given the opportunity to be featured in Black Opal worldwide marketing material. Each finalist will also receive a $2,500.00 scholarship award.

BLACK OPAL products are available by visiting www.blackopalbeauty.com, Walmart, CVS/Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, and OTC Stores nationwide.

SOURCE BLACK OPAL