OPI Soft Shades 2013 Collection inspired by Disney’s ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’
While I anticipated a new Soft Shades collection by OPI, I confess to being taken by surprise upon learning it would also include glitters. And inspired by an upcoming Disney movie featuring Oz, who is apparently great and powerful now (“pay no attention to the man behind the curtain” – watch the original Wizard of Oz movie, if you don’t know what I’m referring to). Still, what I never expected, was how deeply & madly I would fall for each shade … I don’t know about the movie, but “great and powerful” is quite accurate where these beauties are concerned.
All swatches are with base and top coats.
Disney’s Oz the Great and Powerful (source)
Soft Shades 2013 Collection & What Wizardry Is This?
Acting as anchors for the collection, are the 3 delicate pastels (left to right): Don’t Burst My Bubble, I Theodora You, and Glints of Glinda
Each of the 3 glitters brings a fresh & unique tone to this collection (left to right): Which is Witch?, Lights of Emerald City, and When Monkeys Fly!
Don’t Burst My Bubble – a sheer, cool-toned, and milky baby pink hue in a jelly formula, applying in a self-levelling way and leaving a high gloss finish behind. Coats applied: 3 (thin)
OPI – Don’t Burst My Bubble
OPI – Don’t Burst My Bubble
Which Is Witch? – (layered over Don’t Burst My Bubble) a clear base filled with prismatic/holographic glitter in ultra-fine, small, and mid-sized hexagonal shapes, along with razor thin prismatic threads thrown in for even more visual appeal. Application is effortless, with a good amount of glitter dispersed along the nail per brush stroke. Coats applied: 2
OPI – Which Is Witch?
OPI – Which Is Witch?
OPI – Which Is Witch? sandwiched between Don’t Burst My Bubble layers
I was curious to see how Don’t Burst My Bubble compared to similarly hued Soft Shades:
- index finger: Barre My Soul (2012 NYC Ballet Collection, reviewed here) – the most beige leaning, sheerest
- middle & pinkie fingers: Don’t Burst My Bubble
- ring finger: Step Right Up! (2011 Femme de Cirque Collection, reviewed here) – closest in tone, most opaque & thickest formula
Glints Of Glinda – a warm toned and sheer milky nude/peach shade in a jelly formula, with an exceptional glossy shine at the finish. An Ultra clean-looking neutral hue that is also perfect for sandwich layering combos. Coats applied: 3 (thin)
OPI – Glints Of Glinda
OPI – Glints Of Glinda
When Monkeys Fly! – (layered over Glints of Glinda) a transparent base with gold and holographic glitter in small, medium, and large hexagonal shapes, as well as ultra-large gently curved hexagonal gold pieces. Fairly easy to spread, there is minimal placement required to disburse the larger glitter – best to apply thin layers. Coats applied: 2
OPI – When Monkeys Fly!
OPI – When Monkeys Fly!
OPI – When Monkeys Fly! sandwiched between Glints of Glinda layers
OPI – When Monkeys Fly! sandwich detail
From the last 2 Soft Shades Collections released, the was only one shade that looked to be in the same family as Glints of Glinda:
- index & ring fingers: So Many Clowns…So Little Time (2011 Femme de Cirque Collection, reviewed here) – similar formula, several degrees lighter, more beige toned
- middle & pinkie fingers: Glints of Glinda – slightly more jelly-like, flesh toned
I Theodora You – a semi-sheer and warm leaning milky pale rose hue in a jelly formula, which needs a touch more care in application than the other two pastels to avoid any visible bald spots, ending in a high gloss shine. Coats applied: 3 (thin)
OPI – I Theodora You
OPI – I Theodora You
Lights of Emerald City – (layered over I Theodora You) a clear base with an incredible array of small mylar square glitter that gives off iridescent flashes, offset by larger white square glitter throughout. Minimal effort is required to get a fair amount of each type of glitter along the nail, although I found it best to place a drop of polish on the nail then quickly spread the pieces around with the brush. Coats applied: 2
OPI – Lights Of Emerald City
OPI – Lights Of Emerald City
OPI – Lights Of Emerald City sandwiched between I Theodora You layers
OPI – Lights Of Emerald City sandwiched between I Theodora You Layers
From the previous Soft Shade Collections that I own, there were 2 contenders for I Theodora You:
- index finger: You Callin’ Me A Lyre? (2012 NYC Ballet Collection, reviewed here) – same formula, a degree more peach-leaning
- middle & pinkie fingers: I Theodora You
- ring finger: In The Spotlight Pink (2011 Femme de Cirque Collection, reviewed here) – sheerest of the three, similar tone
What Wizardry Is This? – a semi-sheer (but easily buildable) bronze hue with olive undertones bearing minute pink & green glints, in OPI’s new Liquid Sand finish. Effortless to apply and relatively quick-drying, removal was also a breeze, with no staining left behind, and no top coat needed. Coats applied: 3 (very thin)
A word on OPI’s Liquid Sand finish:
First of all, my photos do not capture every nuance of this finish; from the many questions I received regarding this new texture (and by the way, I really should have begun with OPI’s Mariah Carey Collection where this finish debuted, but I couldn’t resist showing these first!) allow me to clarify:
- it’s nowhere near as bumpy as glitter, nor as coarse-looking as shatter
- the finish most closely resembles the ultra-fine grit of a nail file
- finishes matte, but not dull
- there is an embedded fine shimmer
- softy gritty to the touch, quite pleasant actually
- takes a few minutes for the effect to fully develop
- does not easily chip
- can be switched up by the addition of top coat, but I personally feel it defeats the purpose that way
OPI – What Wizardry Is This?
OPI – What Wizardry Is This?
OPI – What Wizardry Is This, detail
OPI – What Wizardry Is This, top coat added
Final thoughts: I almost don’t know where to start; suffice it to say that this entire collections is a resounding smash hit for me! The pastels surprised me by being wearable both alone, as well as useful for layering – and were not simply rehashed hues from previous Soft Shades Collections. The glitters took my breath away; unique, original and proportionately balanced, I would say that OPI has taken notice of all indie glitter lacquers permeating the market at the moment, and has definitely jumped into the game with this group. Another bonus is the addition of the new Liquid Sand shade, acting as the perfect yet quirky counterpoint to some of its more flamboyant companions here. The good thing is that OPI got it absolutely right with this collection, and something about the look of all these lacquers just. totally. works.
This collection will be available as of early March, set to coincide with the release of Disney’s ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’. Mark your calendars, my beauties – you don’t want to miss these shades!
*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
Wow! Seeing this has made my mind up.And on the way as I type is “I Theodora you” whitch is witch” and ” Lights of emerald city” ,and I cant wait! But the more and more I come back to your photos I have to have “when monkeys fly” too!
I have yet to find these in the UK shops though
Thanks for your help .:)
Glad you liked the swatches, Tania! I’m not really sure which UK stockists carry the range, as I’m based in Canada – if I find out, I’ll be more than happy to pass the info along … or perhaps one of my super-savvy readers will see this & respond with some info for you!
This post is what absolutely convinced me to buy the whole collection. As a big fan of jellies I couldn’t pass this up & in real life, the taco glitters look really cool imo. I did the same sandwich with Glinda & have receive multiple comments on how gorgeous it is & how amazing it looks. I know it’s a personal preference thing but I had absolutely no problem with it once I put a top coat on it. I’m so glad I own these because they really are much more stunning in real life, especially the glitters.
Awww…thanks so much, Adrienne! After the flak I received from a specific makeup forum regarding my review on these glitters, it’s a welcome change to hear that others find When Monkeys Fly as inoffensive as I do, lol! Seriously – who would have thought that a glitter polish had the power to set off such a debate?! Enjoy your lacquers and have fun creating with them!
After I saw your pos, it was clear to me that i HAVE to get the glittery ones and ‘I Theodora You’
I’ve already swatched ‘Which is Witch’ and I love it!
OPI released the collection on friday here in Germany and I love the polishes
Thanks again for the pictures!
You’re welcome and I’m so glad to hear that my post helped in your choices! Enjoy your new beauties!
When is this being released in the US? Also, how do you pre-order collections?
This collection should already be out in the US – it was slated for early March. As to getting the collections early, I receive them for review – I don’t pre order.
Thankyou. I have pre ordered when monkeys fly and what wizardry. I am so excited and more now I have read the reviews. I did get a tad worried as fb has a huge opi bashing session going on about the spelling and a defect in polish. I am confused but your review has cleared up some of my doubts. Thanks lisa in uk desperate to get polish as noy relesed till march 12th
Happy to hear my review was able to help you narrow your choices, Lisa! As to facebook and certain makeup/nail polish forums, I wouldn’t pay them any attention at all; they comments you read there, in particular the negative ones, come from a bunch of pre-pubescent girls who are just plain nasty & miserable. Seriously, do yourself a favour and NEVER turn to them for an opinion!
Hi, Eugenia, I am an OPI fan from Taiwan, and I am totally excited about the upcoming OPI Oz collection, thanks to your post. I have never been a great fan of sheer nude shades, but now I am totally intrigued. I have been wearing heavy dark shades like ” Lincoln park past dark” ” black onyx” ” Suzi skiis in the Pyrennes” ” My private jet”. Now I am thinking of collecting everyone of the glitter shades in the OZ collection, and possibly the nude shades, too. Also I am thinking of buying the entire NYC ballet collection after reading your related post. I have never heard of the jelly sandwich technique until. Great job! I love your posts!
Thank you so much, Demi and welcome! I’ve always favoured the dark & vampy shades as well, and they will always be the ones I’m most attracted to, but lately I’ve been craving nudes and whites too! Glad you enjoyed the “jelly sandwich” – it’s so much fun to create!
Hi! I was wondering which top coat you use? Thanks!
I actually have many that are in my rotation and it’s never the same one every time; for the OPI swatches here, I believe I used Seche Vite!
Wonderful comparisons! Just what I needed! That jelly sandwich is awesome!!!
Thanks you and so glad you liked it!
Thank you so much for swatching these! I found your blog when I was googling images of the collections. Your post has just convinced me to purchase the whole collection! I was wondering if you could tell me how many coats of the jelly polish you use in your jelly sandwich above and below the glitter level? I have never done a jelly sandwich manicure and love the way you did yours so I want to be able to replicate your technique! Thank you so much for conducting such an in-depth review!
You’re very welcome, Erin – glad you found me!
For my post, I began with the non-glitter shades first, and each colour was 3 coats worth, then I added the various glitter polishes & topped everything off with 1 more coat of the jelly (solid) shades. Sounds like a ton of layers (in this case, it works out to 6 levels of polish, along with base & top coats), but you could achieve a similar look by eliminating 1 coat of the solid hue, and 1 coat of your chosen glitter — this way, you’ll end up with 4 layers all together (plus base & top coats). Hope this helps!
Love them. Do you know if all 6 will come as OPI GelPolish?
Sorry…I’m not that familiar with the gel polish range, so I wouldn’t be able to say; you could always try emailing the company directly or perhaps through their facebook page and/or twitter!
Thanks
Phenomenal efforts, Eugenia! A review can’t get any more thorough than this. While none of the individual shades and finishes (including liquid sands) appeals to me, I LOVE the sandwiched looks. It never occurred to me that sheer jellies would be so perfect for the layered creations. I think you managed to extend the magical theme of Oz beyond what OPI did.
Awww….thanks, Liz! I really appreciate your words! Glad you enjoyed the layered combo effect!
Wow it sure does look like OPI is looking at what Indie Polishes do! Not sure if these are for me, but sure looks cool!
It was only a matter of time, right Lil Sis?! Thos glitters, by the way, have ignited quite the controversy — it seems people are either loving them, or totally against them, with ‘When Monkeys Fly’ seeming to garner the most attention, lol!
I’m crazy in love with that collection!
These would all look awesome on you, Danisha!
Lovely review – thank you! I’m probably going to pass on the majority as I don’t get along with sheers/jellies (knackered, horrid nails that need hiding!) but I do like the Lights of Emerald City.
With regards to the ‘taco’ glitter, does it lie flat or stand a little proud of the nail at the edges? If it lifted, I’d be driven to distraction by the need to pick at it!
PS – have been reading your blog for a couple of months now and wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed it. You should write for a newspaper as it’s head-and-shoulders above the beauty stuff in our national press (UK).
Thank you so much, Fliss – what a compliment!
As to the glitter in When Monkeys Fly!, it definitely does not lie flat, but neither does it protrude; the debate has been raging about this type of glitter an dI don’t have experience with everything that’s come before it, but I can tell you that with this one at least, top coat keeps it sealed in quite nicely – sandwiched between layers, and you don’t feel a thing! The idea of it being prominent is more of an optical illusion than reality, mainly because it’s metallic and the slight curve give that reflection!
Thanks for the extra info – most helpful! And as far as optical illusions go, it is *very* successful as it does look so curved! Really like the glitter sandwich look so that’s possibly the way forward for me
You’re welcome!
I am definitely getting What Wizardry is This?, I Theodora You, and When Monkeys Fly!
Yay!
I might purchase ‘Glints of Glinda’ because it is a very nice nude shade, but this collection seems lacking to me. No green for Emerald city? There is so much more OPI could have done, especially with the significance of color in the original movie. It would have also been nice to have a color after the movie’s namesake – Oz.
On a more personal note, my sister and I used to have an Avon laquer when we were kids that reminded us of Glinda. It was a warm nude/gold jelly base with iridescent glitter throughout. I was disappointed to not see something like that in this collection, but I recognize that’s totally a personal preference.
I actually thought something similar, Amanda; I was definitely expecting something green, and I assumed it would be the Liquid Sand shade. It’s odd that they didn’t include anything with “Oz” in it; OPI’s Spiderman Collection didn’t have a red in it either, a colour long-associated with the web-slinger! Who knows how their R&D teams justify their decisions? I haven’t seen any trailers on the movie yet either, so I don’t know if the shades are relevant or not!
I’m surprised to read that Avon had a shade that seems so avant-garde; the combination of nude/gold jelly base and iridescent glitter, sounds amazing! Someone needs to produce that today! Thanks for sharing!
I wouldn’t have thought of the Avon shade as avant-garde until I thought about it, but that was about 20 years ago! I did find something similar in a drugstore brand about eight or nine years ago and I think I still have it around. I’ll have to see if I can swatch it for you. It’s like sunbeams in a bottle.
Sounds awesome! Sometimes inspiration isn’t always about what’s ahead; it could also come from what’s already been!
Huh. Really interesting collection for sure. I’m not so sure that I actually LIKE it though! Actually, that’s not true: I definitely like Which is Witch? (plus, cute name!). The jellies are cute but not for me. The other two glitters are really interesting but I’m not sure that I actually want them/would enjoy owning them–I bought OPI The Living Daylights because it was “interesting!” and “unique!” despite the fact that I didn’t really like it and…I don’t really like it and don’t know what I’m going to do with it
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What Wizardry is This? is clearly the most fascinating shade. I LOVE it in the bottle but I’m not sure about it on the nails…I’m pretty sure I’ll get it though. I’m at the end of day 4 of my OPI “Stay the Night” mani and it’s absolutely a new favorite polish, so I have high hopes for the liquid sand trend. That said, Stay the Night is an absolutely awesome color combo for the liquid sand finish–I really wonder if it can be topped! I anticipate your swatches of the Mariah Carey collection because I’m feeling like I need to return and pick up a few siblings for Stay the Night
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This collection is definitely stirring up quite a few people – I didn’t expect that, lol! As to the Mariah Carey Collection, I hope to have my review on it up soon!
I’m not sure about the ‘sand’ effect just yet….but I’m surprized at how much I like the other ‘soft’ shades! I usually dislike sheer polishes, but you make these look exceptionally lovely, Eugenia! And the layering combos with the glitters – fabulous!
Thanks, Toya! The Liquid Sand finish is very, very, different and one I’m personally liking quite a bit! Not as flat as matte polishes or as grainy as some/most glitters, it’s like nothing I’ve seen before! Glad you liked the combos!
I’m glad you posted these swatches instead of the Mariah Carey collex as a lot of photos have been popping up about them but not very many on the Oz collection. Having all the shades from NYB (except the grey), I thought I could pass these pastels up, but after looking at your comparisons I can see now they are quite different! I really appreciate you putting them side by side
As for the glitters, I thought Emerald city was THE glitter to get, but truthfully I’m not very fond of those giant matte white squares. I wish they were smaller. Do you think you’ll be wearing Emerald City often?
In truth, I should have posted the Mariah Carey Collection first (since it came out before this), but after showing some quick swatches o Instagram, I was flooded with requests to show this collection instead!
As to Lights of Emerald City, I don’t often wear glitter polishes in general, but I do want to experiment with more layering options using this one; I also applied it over OPI…Eurso Euro from the upcoming Euro Centrale Collection, and it looked amazing!
Hi Eugenia! Every one of your readers knows that you swatch your items beautifully and you never impose your opinion on them, regardless if it’s given to you or bought by you. We all know that you are not a liar
With regards to this collection, I am curious about the liquid sand polish. I am aware that OPI launched this for the Mariah Carrey collection, but I don’t like the colours (if it was black with red glitter instead of pink…). Now What Wizardry Is This is definitely the shade that will make me try the liquid sand effect this season.
Thank you so much for your words of support, Sonia..means a lot!
The Liquid Sand finish is so hard to capture on camera and even to describe; it’s one of those unique things that needs to be seen & felt in person. From the Mariah Carey Collection, I actually loved Stay the Night – I found the shimmer to be more ruby than red, which was set off beautifully by the charcoal base. Still, if that shade didn’t float your boat, maybe this new one will!
Oh wow, what a treat! This collection, and the movie – are news to me, but it cheered me up to read this post!
I really love OPI. Afterall, when I started collecting nail lacquers, it was OPI
I had the most of, and it still seems to be the foundation of my collection.
Anyway, back to the shades. Those glitters, how wild! I think I need all three, but I have a feeling I’ll be sandwiching them to make them more wearable, as I’m a ‘woman of a certain age’ lol.
Thank you for showing swatches of them sandwiched, it seems just a touch more subtle that way – which suits me. That way, I can get away with wearing them to work!
Brilliant post, as always Eugenia!
Thanks so much, Nancy!
The glitters seem to have ignited quite a controversy with readers — long boring story, but to sum it up, I believe they need to be seen in person, in order to really appreciate them. It’s a fun collection, nevertheless! And for the record, nail polish doesn’t judge, so wear whatever combination or shade your you feel like!
OMG! You already got them! I love Lights Of Emerald City and Which Is Witch?, this colection is so… etheral. I don’t like this light shades, but they work so well together
Gotta get some when they arrive in my country!
The pale shades surprised me too, although they’re probably the 3 easiest to duplicate. The glitters, on the other hand, were quite a departure from what OPI usually makes!
I love these soft pinks; I was wondering how this ‘Bubble’ stacked up to ‘Bubble Bath’ but see others think ‘Theodora’ is closest. I understand there seems to be two versions of ‘Bubble Bath’, though, to make it more confusing! I’ve been on a quest for the right soft pink, seems this collection may have it! I liked ‘Which is Witch’ the best and not sure how I feel about the Liquid Sand lacquers just yet.
In my opinion, this was another great post! Thank you!
Aww….thanks, Linda! The bottle of Bubble Bath I own, is seriously too old; not even sure if it’s colour accurate any more, lol! As to the Liquid Sand finish, I was skeptical as well — until I swatched it! It’s unique, and personally, I love its multi-dimensional look & feel!
Your swatches are beautiful, as always! I love the look of the liquid sand polish, and I’m really excited for the Euro collection swatches.
Thanks, Sarah! I have a ton of backlog, but I hope to get to the Euro Centrale Collection very soon!
I really like the different kinds of glitters, and I LOVE the inspiration.
You’re a visonary, Larie!
Great post ! i want all
Sounds good to me!
Thanks so much for swatching this collection! At first, i wasn’t going to buy any of them – simply because every time OPI comes out with a new Soft Shades collection, I buy at least one or two bottles, which means that I have quite a few sitting at home. However, now that I’ve seen I Thedora you, I’m thinking “maybe just one more…”. As always, your photography is outstanding.
The collection I’m really looking forward to seeing is the OPI Euro Centrale spring and summer collection, as well as Dior’s and Chanel’s spring collections.
Thanks for the kind words, Barbara – so glad you like the swatches! I’ll be swatching the Euro Central collection and posting it soon — awesome shades, especially the blues! I’m almost done with swatching CHANEL’s spring shades, and I did the 2 new Dior hues….so much to post, but I’m working on it! I can tell you that this year’s crop is really special!
Gorgeous swatches and the glitter sandwiches! Must try them too!
Thanks! Feel free to send me pics when you do!
Lights Of Emerald City is amazing!
Pretty crazy, huh?! I love it!
Glints of Glinda and Lights Of Emerald City are my absolute favorites from this collection. The Liquid Sand polish looks a bit out of place in between the soft shades. I wish they made it a lighter color.
It’s not what I would have expected from a movie about Oz either; perhaps if they made it more of an emerald green Liquid Sand it would have fit in better? Then again, I don’t know what the movie’s about, so I’ll trust that OPI’s R&D team know what they’re doing!!
I’m really impressed with this collection! I love the glitters so much, they are really unique! great swatches btw!
Thanks, Karine! So glad you enjoyed the review & I look forward to seeing your swatches of these as well! xx
While I recently heard about the movie, I had not heard that OPI was releasing a collection inspired by it. So glad they are though! I never though to layer glitter under more nude shades but I’m diggin it and most of these have gone on my wish list. Great review!
Thanks so much and good to know I’m not alone in not knowing about the Disney movie, lol! I was inspired by all the great nail bloggers out there, who have been layering indie glitters for some time now!
Such a great review. I don’t normally read through nail lacquer reviews, but this was impressive. And made me want a few bottles for myself!
Thanks for the kind words, Carina..I appreciate you taking the time to read it through! It’s such a fun & happy collection!
Hi Eugenia! Lights Of Emerald City & When Monkeys Fly are sooo cute! I am glad that OPI is releasing a very fun
Hey Meryl! I know, right? A bold & interesting new direction for the brand, I agree!
As always your swatches are the best Eugenia
. Love the idea of using the glitter shades for sandwiches. As soon as I can I’m going to pick up “Which is Wich? “, “When the Monkeys Fly” and I think the Liquid Sand too. This shade and texture is giving me some ideas of manucures 
.
Merci, Amélie! I look forward to your original ideas on this collection!
Beauteous swatches and I particularly love your sandwiches!! I’m very excited for this collection!!
Thanks, Maribeth! I can’t wait to see what you do with these – they’re all so totally YOU!
I want all the glitters, that textured one, and Glints of Glinda…and maybe I Theodora You if it’s not too similar to Bubble Bath! I love OPIs SoftShade collections…the glitters are amazing in this one!
My bottle of Bubble Bath is quite old now, so I didn’t swatch the 2 to compare, but I believe I Theodora You is a touch more pink and opaque. It’s a great collection in all!
I love this whole collection! I can’t wait until its available in stores so that I can buy the entire thing! Love the jelly sandwiches! The glitters are awesome.
They’re so different from anything OPI has shown before!!
These is a really lovely collection!!
Glad you liked it, Marisa! xx
Love your swatches! Beautiful colors. I might have to buy one… Or two… Or seven…
Thanks you and a huge lol at the number of polishes you’re planning on….!
Oh, I want so many of these! I love the Wizard of Oz, I’m excited about this movie, and the nail polishes are gorgeous, yay!
I didn’t even know a movie was in the making, lol! Glad you liked them!
Gently curving? Please be upfront and honest with your readers (and the company) by saying what it really is. Taco-ed and unattractive.
I was thinking of deleting your comment, then thought I’d respond, but decided against that and I’m leaving it open for anyone else wanting to have a say. Not that I need to explain anything to you, but rest assured that I may be many things, but a liar is NOT one of them.
By the way, Christine, do you already have this collection? Not that it makes a difference; you’re entitled to your own opinion, as am I.
Eugenia has a distinct writing style that I really appreciate in that it finds the positive in everything. You may not see things the same as her, but that’s your opinion and what the swatches are for. Based on her last review of an Urban Outfitters polish with “taco” glitter you’ll see how much she enjoyed the texture/look of it. So she’s not being dishonest or holding back at all. I personally don’t care much for taco glitter, but who are you to decide what’s attractive and what’s not for anyone but yourself?
Anyways with that out of the way. I’m jazzed and then not too jazzed about these soft shades. I am in love with the most recent NYC Ballet collection, but I’m not sure if I can rock these pinks and nudes. Pastels/sheers are extremely hit or miss for me so I’ll have to check them out in store
Those glitters however, can we all just admire Lights of Emerald city for a moment? It’s amazing. I know indie glitter aficionados have been there and done more already, but I’m so excited these trends are hitting salon retailers. That means that something even bigger is probably coming from the indie crowd.
As for liquid sand finishes. They’re okay on their own, but I think they’re at their best with top coat every time. I love me some greens, especially deep forest greens so I’ll probably pick this up as an impulse buy at some point haha
Thanks for such a well thought-out comment…I appreciate your support! I understand that everyone is entitled to their own view of things & opinions. Just don’t go calling me a liar, lol! Ok…that’s out the way for me too!
Every so often, I switch things down by wearing a neutral shade, so I can appreciate the subtlety of these here, but as I showed in the comparisons, you may already have something similar – no need to double up. The glitters, however, were quite different from anything OPI has ever done, and certainly worth a look – especially Lights of Emerald City which looks different with every polish it’s layered over. I look forward to learning what you finally wind up with – let me know!
I have to add that I agree with Ari’s comment- I know many people do not like the ‘taco’ glitter thing, but it’s not an issue for me. I know I am majorly in the minority, but it looks kind of cool. I totally get why others wouldn’t like it though. You clearly stated that it was curved in your review, which is being honest.
Thanks for speaking up, Maribeth! The thing is, is that this particular glitter is exactly as I described it, but people can’t see past the optical illusion it gives as being more bent than it really is. Oh well….everyone’s entitled to their own opinion — even me!
I honestly agree with the assessment of the curling glitters being unpleasant and unattractive. They look like they would snag on everything, and mess with the smoothness of the rest of the polish.
Could you explain what the appeal is of glitters that do this? it just looks really impractical.
There’s been quite the backlash with regards to this type of glitter that people are referring to as “taco”. I don’t personally have a ton of experience with every type of glitter, but I can tell you that because of the metallic hue and the slight bend, it gives off the illusion that it’s way more curved than it actually is — something most people may not be aware of. As to it catching everywhere, I wore it with top coat and had NO problems, and when it’s sandwiched between 2 layers of a jelly polish, snagging becomes a total non issue as well. As to its appeal, that’s in your personal preferences – some like it, others can’t stand it!
Something about that Liquid Sand finish just calls to me…
I seriously do not have the skills to accurately capture its finish; it’s one of those “you-need-to-see-it-to-believ-it” kind of things, but it’s really cool!
Thanks for the comparisons and showing the sandwiches too – I can clearly tell now that I only really want one out of this group – I have a lot of old OPI’s from the days when we all were wearing sheers for French and Am. Manis – many of them are so similar except of course they are the old Black Label – then I have all of the NY City Ballet ones from 2012 and one or two from the Circus theme collection from 2011. I think I have enough with a few sheer Essies in there as well! Really GREAT photos! Thanks so much.
You’re welcome & glad that you’re able to make use of your existing shades – no reason to double up!
I love this post Eugenia! I’m wanting Don’t Burst My Bubble, I Theodora You, Lights of Emerald City, and When Monkeys Fly!
Great swatches and I love the sandwich effect!
Thanks, Melissa! I’m usually not a glitter person, but lately I’ve been getting more into them….and I love how you can totally change things up with a simple “jelly sandwich”!!!
Ahh these soft shades totally remind me of spring! I really love the glitters as well but I can’t bring myself to spend time to take them off. I think I’ll end up getting Don’t Burst My Bubble & Glints Of Glinda
Thanks for the swatches Eugenia!
My pleasure! The shades you’ve chosen are gorgeous as well; as to glitters, you could always try a peel-off base coat or the craft glue method to help with removal!
I am absolutely obsessed with Glints of Glinda..I have been looking for a nice, neutral jelly for jelly sandwiches and for nail art designs that don’t cover the whole nail. I will definitely be picking this up. Thank you for the great swatches!
You’re welcome! The good thing about this shade, is that it doesn’t have that yellow undertone that some nude jellies can, so it won’t look dirty on the nails!
I think out of all of these I only want I Theodora You, it’s like OPI Bubble Bath, but pinker & more opaque…it’s calling my name!
It’s pretty close to Bubble Bath, you’re so right! I didn’t compare it to that cause I decided to stick with a Soft Shades comparison this time around!