OPI Spiderman Collection + Shatter the Scales – Part 1 (swatches, comparisons & review)
It may sound like a bizarre pairing – a nail lacquer collection inspired by a superhero, a MALE superhero, who happens to have his powers based on an arachnid, no less. But … it works, and I’ll tell you why: the extravagantly colourful world of this cult comic book character is a veritable goldmine of hues that were just waiting to be made over into these 6 vibrant shades, along with a mysteriously shimmering green shatter for those wishing to add a dangerous edge to their nail looks … villain, optional! All swatches are with base and top coats.
This latest instalment of the Spiderman franchise set to hit theatres on July 3, 2012, takes us back to Peter Parker’s roots (played by newcomer Andrew Garfield), where we learn more about Spidey’s family life & his beginnings, along with the requisite love interest, Gwen Stacy (played by Emma Stone), and a nefarious bad-guy, The Lizard (played by Rhys Ifans) to complete the story. The following trailer gives a glimpse into what promises to be this summer’s mega-blockbuster!
… and now, on to the swatches! Please note that I’ve split this collection into 2 parts so that all shades can be fully & individually appreciated.
‘My Boyfriend Scales Walls‘ is a lustrously vivid, yet somehow still amped down white hue in a very easy flowing formula. The first coat applied somewhat streaky, but that issue was quickly resolved by the second layer making it surprisingly opaque (for a white, that is), although I applied 3 coats here for 100% coverage. I really liked how non-chalky this hue finished, along with the gorgeous glossy shine at the end – very modern, fresh & wearable.
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
‘My Boyfriend Scales Walls’ with ‘Shatter the Scales’ Green Shatter – reminds me of peppermint bark candy!
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
‘Call Me Gwen-Ever‘ is summer captured in a bottle of lacquer! A rich canteloupe-coral shade in a simply amazing crème/jelly hybrid formula, this beauty flowed like silk along the nails, perfectly self-levelling and needing only 2 coats for perfect opacity, while the ultra high gloss finish rounded off this gorgeous shade.
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
‘Call Me Gwen-Ever’ with ‘Shatter the Scales’ Green Shatter – a great complimentary contrast
in sunlight
indoors
with flash
‘Number One Nemesis‘, a semi-sheer grey based shade filled with tons of pewter and brass ultra-fine glitter, bears a slight jelly-ish quality to the formula, and is a seriously gorgeous complex hue. Easy flowing, fairly self-levelling and finishing off with a nice high shine, 3 thinly applied coats as I applied here, gave very good coverage. There also seems to bee some hints of murky green in its base colour, giving it a slightly “oxidized” cast – so LOVE this!
in sunlight
in sunlight/alternate view
indoors
with flash
The only lacquer in my collection that bears any similarity to ‘Number One Nemesis’ is CHANEL’s ‘Graphite’ (previously reviewed here) – how it compared:
- index & pinkie fingers – ‘Graphite’: higher concentration of glitter giving a denser appearance, sparklier as a result of more of the silvery/pewter colour giving it a true “graphite” look, similar sheer quality to both
- middle & ring fingers – ‘Number One Nemesis’
in sunlight
in sunlight/alternate view
indoors
indoors/alternate view
indoors/alternate view
with flash
‘Number One Nemesis’ (and CHANEL’s ‘Graphite’) with ‘Shatter the Scales’ Green Shatter – love this understated look
in sunlight
in sunlight/alternate view
closeup
backlit
indoors
with flash
Final thoughts: The first 3 varnishes of this collection did not disappoint; I wouldn’t ordinarily reach for a white hue such as ‘My Boyfriend Scales Walls’, although that being said, I did like its retro 60′s vibe it seemed to impart. The salmon warmth of ‘Call Me Gwen-Ever’ will most likely work on all skins tones across the spectrum, making it the most versatile (and seasonally-appropriate) of the three, while ‘Number One Nemesis’ is not only unique & sophisticated, but an excellent alternative to the much pricier & now unavailable CHANEL version. I have stated several times before that I’m not the biggest fan of shatter-type effect polishes, but I have to make an exception for ‘Shatter the Scales’, if only for its deep green and teal glitter that gives it a whole new feel – fabulous! Stay tuned for the conclusion of this collection in my upcoming part 2! With a May release date set for this collection, feel free to follow OPI on facebook or twitter for their latest news and updates.
*Disclaimer: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
*Trailer courtesy of Youtube
Btw, someone had asked about a non-crackle substitute for the “Shatter the Scales”….. found one!
Walgreens is having a sale all week of Sinful Colors polish for .99 cents- Their “Kissy” color isn’t dead on, but it sure is close! It’s got a bit more teal-y sparkle to it, but it’s beautiful!
Thanks for the heads up! I have the savviest readers out there!
Oooo!! They didn’t have any of that crack while I was out at the store, I gots ta have it!
As far as shatter polishes go, this one is definitely one of the most amazing I’ve seen & used!
Love the shape of your nails! I’m gonna get my boyfriend scales walls – but mostly because alpine snow is sold out
Thank you so much! Alpine Snow is sold out? I wonder why — I thought that was a staple in the OPI lineup. In any case, ‘My Boyfriend Scales Walls’ is a really nice white; not too vivid, which makes it easily wearable or great for layering!
Hmm…I can’t seem to get excited about this collection, although you did make the polishes look quite pretty, Eugenia
Of course ‘Gwen-Ever’ is beautiful, and I’ll give it a look in person. Also, while I’d never wear white polish, it does look great on you and you’re right about the cool retro vibe! I’m also not a fan of shatter but this one looks like a better option than most I’ve seen.
It’s actually an interesting collection, but that could also be because I grew up with Spiderman so it just naturally draws me in! As to Gwen-Ever, I can totally see that shade working on you – definitely give it a look when you have a chance!
Does anyone know of a non-shatter dupe for Shatter the Scales? I love the colour, but hate shatters!
Hi Helena, I’ll have to check through my stash and get back to you on that, but off the top of my head, I can’t think of an exact match — yet!
Wait-I missed this part one! Yeah, I’m not really with it today haha!
But, I like the second half better anyways lol!
Hahaha! Not a problem – at least you saw it now! I’m betting it was the deep blue that caught your eye, right?! I could so picture that one one ya, Lil Sis!
WHOA. I knew that this collection had a potential Peridot dupe in the mix, but I was not expecting to see a Graphite “the one that got away…” doppelganger as well! Now I definitely need ‘Call Me Gwen-Ever’ AND ‘Number One Nemesis’! I can’t wait to see Part 2 of your beautiful swatches my dear! ^_^
Haha! I think ‘Number One Nemesis’ is taking everyone by surprise; the promo photos did not do it justice so everyone seems to have overlooked it, but yeah….it’s a keeper! I can’t wait to see your awesome swatches of any or all of these, Rie!
Part 2 comin’ up……….!
I have my sad face on, Eugenia. This collection does not make me happy
. I have a good white that cost me $1 at the drugstore. The orange doesn’t do it for me. I don’t use the shatter I have. Even Number One Nemesis is only making me say “meh”–I certainly prefer Graphite! Sniffle! Last year’s movie themed collection, Pirates of the Caribbean, was one of my favorites of 2011! I think I will get the last of the Holland collection in lieu of these.
Lol..that’s ok, Julia! I’ve never been the biggest fan of white shades, but there have been a few lately that have definitely caught my eye — and this is one of them! Glad you have your own preferred bottle…and at such a steal! As to not liking this collection, maybe you should reserve judgement until you’ve also seen part 2…..
!!
PS: I am a major fan of the Pirates movies, and believe it or not, I only saw the last one a couple of weeks ago!
Oh no Eugenia, now I want more. I just picked up two cuties today (although I had a hard time narrowing it down) and now I want more. Must keep myself in check. Can’t bend to these gorgeous colors.
Then I’m guessing perhaps you shouldn’t check out the second half of my review when I post it, cause there just may be more to tempt you, lol! What did you wind up choosing today, my friend?
Well I went with A Crewed Interest, but I sort of regret that. I have so many shades similar to it already and it wasn’t the most perfect thing on earth to warrant the voyage home with me. And I also got this ridiculously gorgeous color from this small brand called Dare to Wear, the color is called Mermaid. It’s so beautiful. It’s a neutral beige with shimmers of green strewn about. But that description does not do it justice. I am in love.
I’ve never heard of Dare to Wear, but the shade you describe sounds very unique! It’s too bad that you have some regrets with A Crewed Interest; if it’s too difficult to bring back, another option may be to use it as a summer pedi shade, when you’ll have a bit of a tan going on? Just a thought….
It’s not terrible, but I could have chosen another color.
I’d never heard of Dare to Wear till today. The color and formula was sublime. And the price is so low.
Good to know about this new line (new to me, at least!)
Oh and I wanted your thoughts on color Aranciata , I am torn. It looks so unusual, but will I like it and use it? I need your thoughts!!!!
I have absolutely NO idea what this “Aranciata” is; is it the name of a colour, a brand or both? I want to help you, but I don’t know how!!
I don’t know why that link doesn’t go. But it’s a Face Stockholm color sold by J.Crew
Not to worry….I’m sure I’ll be able to check it out online!
Love the semi-new layout changes!
Wow. My Boyfriend Scales Walls looks like a great spring/summer polish too! Never knew white polish can be so lustrous looking.
Love Shatter the Scales over Number One Nemesis! The green crackle polish looks devine.
Thanks, Eileen….you have a very sharp eye to notice the little details like that!
I was surprised as well with the white hue….never thought I’d like it as much as I did. My favourite shatter combo is the one with Number One Nemesis too, plus it doesn’t hurt that Shatter the Scales is awesome to begin with!
I don’t usually go for crackle finishes, but I really liked how Shatter looked over Nemesis!
I know exactly what you mean, cause I was really stunned by how much I liked the two together as well!
Oh my oh my,nemesis now catch my eye,gorgeous!
I was planning on take the green shatter and the chanel peridot dupe,but now nemesis officially on my list.
Can’t wait on part 2 of the spiderman collection and of course still waiting on your china glaze prismatic review lol
I think a lot of people were taken by surprise with ‘Number One Nemesis’ — I know I was, lol! So glad you liked it! I’m preparing the China Glaze review … hope to have it up soon!
Wow, I am blown away by these swatches! I really like all colors and that shatter is truly something else. Also, How does Number 1 Nemesis compare to something like Zoya Edyta for example?
Please you enjoyed the swatches, Deborah! Unfortunately, I don’t own Zoya’s Edyta, so i couldn’t say if there are any comparisons, but from some online images I’ve seen, they do seem to be in the same family group, although the Zoya may lean a bit more olive than Number One Nemesis — but that’s just a guess on my part. Sorry I couldn’t be more accurate than that
!!
I am so excited about this collection! I can’t wait for it to come out. I want this as my early birthday present. My birthday is the 15th of May so yay! I can’t wait for the other half. I am considering the whole collection except that dusty rose looking color, I never liked those colors. They remind me of grandma colors. But like always I love your swatches.
Thanks, Lissette! What a great birthday present this will be! It is a great collection, I agree — as to the rose shade, I was on the fence about it too but have since changed my mind! You’ll see what I mean in part 2!
I adore the white + shatter combination! Did this one shatter a bit better than some of the other OPI shatters? I can never get them to work for me, it seems. Also, that’s a pretty good dupe of Chanel Graphite. Pretty to look at in the bottle <3
Do you know how this white compares to another white, like OPI Alpine Snow, for example. Or other white creme polishes.
Getting shatter to do it’s “thing” is fairly simple if you follow a few basic rules: make sure your base shade is completely dry before applying the shatter, load up your brush with just enough to cover the nail, and work quickly. If you don’t have enough of the shatter lacquer on your brush, you’ll get a weird application (which could also be an interesting look in itself!) and reapplying is tricky because it begins to work immediately & dries fairly quickly. Too much shatter and it doesn’t break up into nice segments — stays sort of chunky. Another trick you could try, is apply one layer of top coat over your base shade, let it all dry completely, then go with the shatter…that sometimes helps the shatter formula apply more evenly.
As to comparing the white shade, I haven’t had a chance to do so yet, but off the top of my head, I can say that while it is quite white, it’s not fluorescent so it winds up being quite wearable, actually. Hope this helps!
Hm…I have a botched up version of the Turquoise shatter then…I’ve waited 2 days between polish app and shatter app. (Was trying to rejuvenate an old mani) and I even experimented with different amounts on the brush. All I got were weird striations lol.
& yes, that really does help. Once my Alpine Snow mini runs out, I need to buy a new white anyway!
YAY!! I have such a spot for this collection in my heart because it combines 2 things I love- Nail Polish plus Spiderman, which has been a hot topic in our house ever since my oldest son was 4 and donned his first Spiderman suit (which, btw, he would not take off-ever! I had to sneak it all the time to wash it and it has been handed down to each of them. Imagine how bittersweet it was when I glanced over the other day to see #4, Sebastian, putting on the suit-now full of small runs and holes in the thin polyester fabric. It is still too big for him, but I was bummed out at the thought that he is the last of them to wear it!). Growing up with 2 sisters (my brother didn’t come along til I was older) I knew NOTHING about superheros. I never once imagined that I would become so familar with all things comic-related. Now that I’ve rambled on about that part, I have to say, I LOVE THESE! I cannot wait to see the second half!
PS The oldest 3 watched the trailer on your post with me (school vacation this week!)and were frozen. Then came the flood of questions
Liam (the oldest) gave me a quick lecture on how The Lizard comes into being and also was shocked to see that Spiderman’s love interest in this version is Gwen Stacy instead of MaryJane Watson 
(Which, I just Wikipedia-ed and I see that Gwen was his original love interest…who knew?!)
Beautiful swatches as always!! XOXOX
LOLOLOL!!! Maribeth, you had me riveted with your comment! Your boys obviously have excellent taste in superheroes!! So sad about the costume, and you KNOW how sentimental we Cancerians are about things like that (you know that you’ll have to clean it one last time, then enshrine it, right?!) I grew up with something like 4 cartoons (all that were available at the time), and the original Spiderman tv show was one of them, so you can bet that I have a soft spot for the ole web-slinger! As to Gwen being his high school sweetheart, I knew that only because my brother was an avid Spiderman comic book collector, and I remember reading that (back in the day), but to be honest, I may have forgotten it until now!
Glad you liked part 1….hopefully part 2 will impress you equally! xx
I love Number One Nemesis!!! I’m going to have to pick that one up. Great swatches as usual hon.
Thanks so much, MariJo! This shade will look spectacular on you!!
Gwenever is gorgeousness . . . !!
You need to see it “live”….I can’t wait to flash this colour as a summertime pedi!
Number One Nemesis is one of the polishes from this collection on my wishlist when I first saw the promo shots & your impactful swatches and comparisons reaffirms that decision!
Shatter The Scales over Number One Nemesis = villainous nails
Can’t wait for Part 2!
Haha! “Villainous nails” — love that! When I saw the promo photos of this collection, to be fair, I didn’t think that ‘Number One Nemesis’ would look like that, but boy am I sure glad it does!! Glad you enjoyed the swatches!