OPI: Hello Kitty Collection

 I love this collection from OPI! It's the Hello Kitty collection and it's amazing :)
This collection is rolling out all this month and is available in gel too (more info at end). Full swatches after the jump. Enjoy, it's fantastic!!

OPI: Infinite Shine swatches

There are some new OPI Infinite Shine polishes out recently and here's some swatches for you!

I love the name of this shade, Never Give Up, and the color too! A shade or two darker than Set in Stone, it's a dark brown, slight purple undertone. I didn't realize how similar the two shades were until I did a coffee tone inspired dotticure with Pretty Pink perseveres on the outside.

Another winning creamy formula that applied smoothly. 

(Two coats, IS system!) 

I do love me a rich cream brown. This has a hint of purple undertone that gives it dusty universally flattering shade. This wasn't too thick or thin, and practically applied itself! 

(I'm happy that the infinite shines wear so well on me, because I didn't want to take this off!) 

(Two coats, IS system...) :) 

This infinite shine shade of pink is the pale pretty petal I reach for. Soft, creamy, and not streaky. A little on the thin side for the typical IS formula, I needed a thinner first coat followed with a slightly heavier hand on the second. But, it dries quickly and stays shiny. (Two coats, and with the other swatches, I'm a rule follower and used the system!) 

This is one of those neutrals I want to love, but ends up giving me the heebie jeebies on my skin tone. It's a nice beige cream, with a bit of yellow undertones. I had no problems with the formula, it was a little thicker than their regular lacquer, but applied smoothly. Two coats gave me the coverage you see.

Does this system work over a different non Infinite shine base and top coat? I don't know, I'm a rule follower! (Shown over the IS base and a coat of IS top coat.) 

*press sample

OPI: Soft Shades 2015- swatches

Hi Monkeys, we have the new Soft Shades for you today. All swatches were two coats with clear over matte nail envy!  They're really great, here come the swatches!

I wanted to love this pretty pewter. But, unless you love brush strokes, thin formulas, and spending a lot of time perfecting your application skills... this might not be worth it. Even over a matte base, it caught on hidden cuticles and showed the slightest ridges.

Maybe the promo pics in the magazine have it right, using it only as a ruffian base with black covering most of it? 

I thought maybe a topper could rescue it.  It's decent... the glitter is pretty great..this is one coat of Petal Soft

I really wish my camera could have better captured the subtle shimmer of this one. The application is outstanding, and this white confection is really something special. More than just a clean look, it's got a smooth formula that isn't streaky or chalky.  
A milky cream, with hint undertone of pink, that is sheer perfection. I am not usually a sheer fan, but this was smooth and even to apply. 

And, bonus, instant amazing... add a coat of Make light of the situation. Suddenly, you have the epitome of perfect princess nails. LOVE!

If I could use only one word to describe 'put it in neutral' it would be creamy. So creamy. This is also pink leaning, but rich and decadent on the nail. This is my mannequin hand color! I love petal soft over it, but can't wait to wear it topped with Make Light of the situation. 

The formula and application is as perfect as you can get with a semi sheer soft cream.

• WHERE TO FIND THEM: Discover the collection from May 2015 at ULTA, ULTA.com, and select professional salons.

**press samples**

OPI: Brights for 2015- swatches

The New OPI Brights collection for 2015 is here and it's packing a great color punch! All swatches were two coats with clear over matte nail envy! 

 I loved applying this one! With a slightly squishy almost jelly texture, it had pigmentation for days. 

Smooth and easy glass fleck application, two coats and not sheer at all! I love that it leans to the orange coral side in the right light! So much prettier than what I thought it would be based on the bottle alone.  

Another glass fleck confection in the perfect shade of blue-teal! Easy application, smooth finish, and so sparkly! 

 Okay, this was thick. But, it self leveled in two coats, didn't pull or get patchy. It does dry on the satin side, so a top coat is a must to make it shiny. While dark, it's not at all black.  

I loved applying this one! With a slightly squishy almost jelly texture, it had pigmentation for days. Went on smooth like butter. 

On Pinks and Needles (over my car has Navy-gation) Hot pink matte glitter. Need I say more? It is surprisingly amazing, and the payout is perfection. This is ONE coat. So much win!! 

The OPI Brights Collection includes:

• Brights by OPI Nail Lacquers ($4.75 salon, $9.50 retail): These bold hues are the perfect way to make an impact. To create an even more dramatic pop of color, layer Brights over a solid white base. Available in NEW shimmering metallic pink Can’t Hear Myself Pink!, hot pink glitter On Pinks and Needles, iridescent metallic blue I Sea You WearOPI, scorching hot red I STOP for Red, delectable purple The Berry Thought of You, deep navy blue My Car has Navy-gation, and core essentials like hot pink Hotter than You Pink, brilliant coral Down to the Core-al, and citrusy lemon-lime Life Gave Me Lemons.
   
• Brights by OPI GelColor ($14.95 salon): Get your favorite Brightsshades in nine durable gel color formulas. Available in the same Brightslacquer colors: On Pinks and Needles, Can’t Hear Myself Pink!, I Sea You Wear OPI, I STOP for Red, The Berry Thought of You, My Car has Navy-gation, Life Gave Me Lemons, Hotter than You Pink, and Down to the Core-al.
   
• Brights by OPI Mini Pack ($10.95 salon, $21.95 retail): Featuring six mini bottles in new, in-demand shades. This must-have kit lets you explore the full range of dialed up color. Included shades: Hotter Than You Pink, Down to the Core-al, Life Gave Me Lemons, Can’t Hear Myself Pink!, I Sea You Wear OPI, and My Car Has Navy-gation.
   
• Brights by OPI Trio Pack with Swarovski Crystals ($12.50 salon, $24.95 retail): OPI has teamed up with Swarovski to bring the latest in amplified color plus glittering nail art. With real Swarovski crystals, nail glue, and a trio of vivid Brights lacquers, you have the power to make nail art shine brighter than ever. Included shades: Hotter than You Pink, Samoan Sand, and The Berry Thought of You.
  
  
  WHERE TO FIND THEM: Discover the collection from May 2015 at ULTA, ULTA.com, and select professional salons.

**press samples**

OPI: Gwen Stefani Holiday Collection, part 2 of 2

Hi Monkeys! I have the second part of the Gwen Stefani collection from this past holiday season. The first part (most of the reds) are HERE. You could probably still find these. The second part is full of great polishes, check them out!

 Black small hex glitters mingled with large and small hex iridescent glitters in a clear base make for some shiny nails!

More after the jump!

OPI: Gwen Stefani - holiday 2014 swatches, part 1

Hi Monkeys, Happy New Year! I have the first part of the very large polish collection from Gwen Stefani that was released for the holiday 2014 season.
Here we go!

A red creme that is a bit jelly and has a some orange intentions

A true red creme that is a show stopper with blue undertones!

A true red that isn't quite a creme but not a jelly.. just squishy fun

A stunning red shimmer creme with fantastic glass flecks of goodness

A deep red\maroon crelly.. not really a creme, not really a jelly

A deep rich purple with a hint of shimmer, love this one!

A super dark purple\red\burgundy creme

 A deep forest green creme with amazing coverage

These are just a few of the new Gwen Stefani colors... more in another post. So far, there are lots... LOTS of reds.. makes sense because it's Gwen's signature color but.. may be a little over kill on the reds.. unless you really love reds. Personally, I can only wear warm colored reds so I'm biased :)

*press samples*

OPI: 50 Shades of Grey - press release

OPI to Release New Limited-Edition Nail Lacquers Inspired by Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ Movie Fifty Shades of Grey

OPI announced today the launch of six new limited-edition nail lacquers inspired by Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ Fifty Shades of Grey, the hotly anticipated film adaptation of the worldwide bestselling book by E L James. Available in January 2015, the collection includes five gray nail lacquers in varying shades and textures, along with one rich red hue. Fifty Shades of Grey arrives in theaters on Valentine’s Day weekend of 2015.

“The Fifty Shades of Grey book series is one of the greatest publishing sensations of all time, with more than 100 million copies sold to date. Fans have fallen in love with the characters and are eager to see them translated onscreen,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador.  “The collection captures the mood, feelings and emotions of this film with assorted hues of gray, ranging from glittering and gleaming silvers to cool gray crèmes to dark charcoal. The collection also features a rich crème red to represent passion.

“Color is so much more than something to admire. The colors we choose to wear represent our personalities, our moods, our feelings,” continues Weiss-Fischmann. “The collection bottles the film’s passion, luxury and power in six beautiful nail lacquers ideal for expressing sensuality through beauty.”

The OPI collection includes the following shades:

My Silk Tie

This silky, gleaming silver has got me all tied up.

Romantically Involved

I’m in a deep relationship with this luscious crème red.

Dark Side of the Mood

This brooding, stormy charcoal is dangerously gorgeous.

Shine for Me

This shimmering silver with subtle blue sparkle really turns me on!

Cement the Deal

I’d sign anything to get my hands on this stony, cool gray.

Embrace the Gray

Let this chic, moody gray crème become one with you.

Each nail lacquer shade features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The collection will be available beginning January 2015 for a limited time only. Nail lacquers will retail for $9.50 ($11.50 CAN) each at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Chatters, Dillard’s, Regis, ULTA and ulta.com.

            OPI is guaranteed only when purchased through authorized professional beauty outlets and prestige stores, not from a drugstore, supermarket, mass outlet or other unauthorized source. For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter and Instagram @OPI_PRODUCTS and go to Facebook to become a fan! 

OPI: Mod About you studs mani

Hi Monkeys! I am quite backlogged so don't be surprised if you see some Thanksgiving manis in the next few days :)
Today however, I have a mani for you that I did for a friend. She is a breast cancer survivor (and an amazing lady anyhow!) and wanted a pink mani so we started with OPI Mod About You (that perfect soft pink creme). Her accent finger is the matte glitter Power of Pink that came in the 2014 breast cancer awareness set but I top coated it to be shiny! I added small round matte studs to the rest of her nails for some rock n' roll fun... ok, really just for contrast, but you get the idea. 

OPI: Peanuts Collection for Halloween 2014!

A few months ago, OPI released images of the Peanuts collection for Halloween this year. I was stoked about the glitters, they looked so different from any glitters OPI has done recently or ever! I managed to do a cute Charlie Brown themed mani and even got a few compliments on it while out and about :)

I did the signature yellow (Good Grief) then an accent and chevron stripes in black (Who Are You Calling Bossy?!?). I alternated the glitters on Good Grief: little finger has To Be Or Not To Beagle (LOVE this one!) and that's on the top of my middle and index fingers along with all on my accent, Where's My Blanket is on the accent finger as well (mixed in with TBONTB) and on the bottom of the chevrons. 

Good Grief has your usual yellow problems and would benefit from a base of white underneath to make it brighter and smoother. Beagle is awesome though with red, yellow, blue, green, orange, light blue, light green glitters mingled in a light black base with small black round glitter and small black bar glitters. The small glitters are the same in Where's My Blanket but the large glitters are only a peach and subtle lime green. 

This collection is available now!

Each of the four shades is also available in the Little Peanuts mini pack, which is sold with ten nail decals ranging from popular Peanuts phrases like “Good Grief!” and “Pow!” to sketches of Snoopy and the signature squiggle of Charlie Brown’s shirt.

“These stickers offer a playful, kitschy way to add instant art to nails,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “My favorite decal pays tribute to Snoopy’s many kisses – ‘Smak!’”

 Peanuts by OPI and Little Peanuts mini pack will be available beginning September 2014 at Professional Salons, including Chatters, Planet Beauty and ULTA. Peanuts nail lacquers will retail for $9.50 ($11.50 CAN) each; Little Peanuts mini pack will retail for $13.95 ($17.50 CAN).

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter and Instagram@OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan! For more information on Peanuts, follow @snoopy on Twitter, @snoopygrams on Instagram, and like the characters at www.facebook.com/snoopy.

*press sample*

OPI: Pink of Hearts 2014 swatches

It's finally October and that means breast cancer awareness month! OPI has another great Pink of Hearts set that comes with a cute sparkle nail file, Mod About You and The Power of Pink.

 Mod About You is from OPI's main line and it is a dainty pink creme that's perfect coverage in 2 coats.

The Power of Pink is a really fun glitter mix. The pale pink base is home to dark pink, light pink, white and micro dark pink glitters. I layered it over Mod About You and this was one coat. This glitter is nice and dense and makes a fabulous topper!

"This duo pack is designed to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. In 2014, OPI will donate $25,000 to Susan G. Komen^® in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). OPI will also donate $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada."

Mod About You and The Power of Pink feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.Pink of Hearts 2014 will be available September and October 2014 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, beautybrands.com, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com for $16.95 ($21.50 CAN) suggested retail. 

*press sample*

OPI: DS Titanium & DS Tourmaline (for 2014) swatches

I have the new OPI DS polishes for you today that I told you about a while ago. The new DS polishes have a "polished quartz" finish to them. Basically it's like a texture but much more shiny.  It's described as "a semi-shiny matte finish with intense three dimensional sparkle"... I agree. 

Here's a macro blurred shot of the two, Tourmaline on the left, Titanium on the right.

 Titanium is this awesome blue\black\purple with amazing sparkles throughout. This was 2 coats and it went on thin but the second coat did the trick, no problems. 

Tourmaline is a pink, a bit more sheer, this was 3 coats. It's bright and has the same great sparkle from the glitters and leaves a little visible nail line but it's worth it!

These recently became available, so you can go stalk your stores for them :) 

Designer Series by OPI nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.  DS Polished Quartz lacquers should be worn without Top Coat for a semi-matte finish.  DS Tourmaline and DS Titanium will be available beginning September 3, 2014 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Chatters, Dillard’s, Regis, ULTA and ulta.com for $12.50 ($14.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer. 

*press samples*

JORD Wood Watch Review and themed mani!

Hi Monkeys, I have a different type of review for you today... more of a fashion accessory review, and also a great holiday gift idea for men or women! Recently JORD wood watch company contacted me and extended the opportunity to review one of their timepieces. Amazing. Let me tell you a bit about the watches: made from natural (sustainable)  materials sourced from around the world, each piece is unique due to different grains in the wood. It's pretty much art on your wrist. I also did nail art to compliment the watch. 

The mani that I did for it was a bit of a new experiment. I did a sort of distressed wood look using Milani Silhouette and OPI Going My Way Or Norway? and stamped the watch from BMH14 and the trees from BM407. I also matted the distressed look with OPI's matte top coat. I really like how this turned out and matches the theme of the watch. 

I was sent the 94A model and here's some deets from their site:

• Hardened, Scratch-proof glass face: 26mm x 33mm
• Wood frame / bezel: 48mm x 42mm
• Band width: 26mm - 37mm transition design (5pc links)
• Lug ends: 42mm
• Stainless face
• Single action clasp
• 3-hand Citizen Miyota movement with date window
• Includes stained bamboo display box

Each JORD watch is designed to be splash proof but is not intended for complete submergence in water. Also note that due to the nature of the wood chosen for each unique timepiece, colors and grain pattern may vary from photos.

This one retails for $159 and in my opinion is well worth it for such a unique timepiece, plus that's affordable as far as higher quality watches are concerned. It's a win win. 

OPI: Gwen Stefani 18K Top Coat (Don't Speak)- press release

OPI Launches Limited Edition

Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat

           OPI announces the release of Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat, inspired by No Doubt singer/songwriter and L.A.M.B. designer Gwen Stefani.  Featuring gold leaf flakes dusted with iridescent glitter, Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat adds gold foil texture to nails when worn over any OPI lacquer shade. This genuine 18-karat gold leaf and glitter top coat comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable box.

“As the name suggests, Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat will render you speechless. This luxurious top coat was inspired by Gwen Stefani’s chic, sophisticated style and is the must-have accessory for the holiday season,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador. “I recommend layering the top coat over a rich jewel tone like OPI nail lacquer in Just BeClaus, or pairing it with a charcoal brown like OPI nail lacquer in Love is Hot and Coal for a truly show-stopping effect.”

Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This limited edition promotion will be available beginning October 2014 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, beautybrands.com, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, ULTA and ulta.com, for  $30.00 ($37.50 CAN) suggested retail.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter and Instagram @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

OPI: Gwen Stefani Holiday 2014- press release

Gwen Stefani Joins OPI to Release 18 New Limited Edition Holiday Nail Lacquers

          OPI announces the launch of 18 new limited edition holiday nail lacquers inspired by No Doubt singer/songwriter and L.A.M.B. designer Gwen Stefani. This seasonal collection includes an assortment of red, maroon, burgundy, and forest green hues, along with shimmer-packed silver, gold and black shades.

“During the holiday season, women adopt a more glamorous beauty look,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador. “OPI’s 18 new shades are inspired by Gwen’s edgy, sophisticated style. There are several rich, warm reds – Gwen’s signature color – deep, jewel-toned amethyst, garnet and emerald, as well as silver and gold. I recommend wearing these festive nail lacquers to instantly accessorize party dresses and elegant winter-wear.

“Gwen Stefani Holiday for OPI also includes an array of unique glitters in shades of black and white, with iridescent and chrome accents,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “The holidays are all about indulgence, and these sparkly shades epitomize luxury!” 

Just BeClaus

This magnificent maroon came into my life just in the “nick” of time.

Kiss Me – or Elf!

There’s no denying the allure of this amorous red violet.

I Carol About You

I just fa-la-la-la-love this deep royal purple!

Christmas Gone Plaid

I sure am plaid I found this tree-mendous forest green.

In a Holidaze

I’m dizzy-in-love with this maroon beauty.

Love is Hot and Coal

Turn the heat up with this deep grayish brown.

Fashion a Bow

So busy – all tied-up today loving this bright reddish-orange!

Cinnamon Sweet

Sugar and spice…this deep, warm red is everything nice.

What’s Your Point-settia?

So what if I think this is the one truly perfect holiday red?

Red Fingers & Mistletoes

This smooch-worthy red shimmer is holiday-perfect.

First Class Desires

This mélange of gold and eggplant shimmer is #1 on my wish list.

Sleigh Parking Only

Tell the valet to take good care of this exclusive dark burgundy.

Rollin’ in Cashmere

Wooln’t you just love wearing this warm, luxurious gold?

Unfrost My Heart

The shimmery cool glamour of this gleaming silver is beyond hot!

I’ll Tinsel You In

Black and white confetti and fine glitter adorn this ornamental glitter.

Snow Globetrotter

Shake up your world with this glitter swirling with white and rainbow flakes.

Comet in the Sky

Iridescent beams and midnight black create cosmic art in this glitter.

So Elegant

Black and chrome confetti add sophisticated drama to this glitter.

Gwen Stefani Holiday nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Gwen Stefani Holiday will be available October 2014, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, beautybrands.com, Chatters, Dillard’s, Regis, ULTA and ulta.com for $9.50 ($11.50 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.

            For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter and Instagram @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

Norse Waterfall Tips

 Hi Monkeys, today I have a little easy nail art (barely, more like a spiced up creme manicure) mani for you today. I used 2 polishes from the OPI Nordic collection. I did two coats of Ice-bergers & Fries (medium brown creme, kind of reddish) and then with a striper brush I did some different length lines starting from the tip of the nail with My Voice Is A Little Norse. I love this glitter- silver and holographic goodness and it's very dense! This would probably have looked even better if I added in a lighter brown like Going My Way Or Norway? yes.

OPI: Nordic Collection- swatches

Hi Monkeys, today I have the OPI Nordic collection for you. I've shown you a dotticure using some of the polishes as a teaser but here's the full collection! I changed up my photo setup and put a warm hued light so the colors appear warmer then they actually are... trying something new, not so sure I like it. But anyways, the collection is fantastic! These are available now (locations below). Click after the jump for individual swatches. 

OPI: Peanuts, Pinnk of Hearts and 2 new DS- press releases

All info including when, where and how much after the jump... 

Nordic Dotticure

 I have an OPI Nordic dotticure today for you guys... yes, dotticure, another one. I told you I was on a roll with my dotting tools. My base coat is Do You Have This Color in Stock-holm? and it's an electric deep violet blue creme. Arming myself with my trusty dotting tool I used Angel With a Leadfoot (from the Mustang OPI collection) and My Dogsled Is A Hybrid which is a great light jade color creme. Great thing about a dotticure is you do 2 different sized dots in 2 different colors and as long as they contrast enough, you can top coat it and call it a day. Easy peazy. What do you think; are you tired of seeing dotticures yet?