Filed In: Liquid Sand

OPI – Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Liquid Sand (LE)

Rounding out OPI’s epic 18-piece Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Collection (see the previous posts here, here & here) are these limited edition Liquid Sand shades. Four out of the six come in the usual textured format, while the other 2 seem to defy being properly categorized – but still unique just the same.

I like wearing OPI’s Liquid Sand shades as they’re meant to be worn: sans top coat. The only exception I made for my swatches here, is with ‘Kiss Me At Midnight’, which I felt was the only shade that actually benefitted from a top coat, as it totally enhanced every single facet that way.

A few things to note about these lacquers, is that their formula is one of those that seems to almost apply itself – neither too thick nor runny, with good body and coverage. Excepting ‘Emotions’ and to a certain extent ‘Kiss Me At Midnight’, the final finish is like the softest grit sandpaper, not lumpy and/or rough like some glitters can be prone to, and the combination of ground glitter & larger sequins serves to give them an almost blinding brilliance. Removal is also easier than traditional glitters, although not as simple as that of crème polishes, and there may be some fine glittery migration upon the skin – easily remedied with a second swipe of remover.

OPI – Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Liquid Sand

It’s Frosty Outside – A white based silvery hue that leans neither too warm, nor overly cool – filled with finely ground glitter and slightly larger hexagonally shaped silver sequins added to the mix. Good coverage even by the 1st coat, this is like fingernail tinsel – super brilliant finish despite the Liquid Sand finish. Coats applied: 2

OPI – It’s Frosty Outside

Silent Stars Go By – A totally unique take on a neutral, this is a taupe hue with some mauve hints to give it warmth, filled with a matching glitter mix like that of ‘It’s Frosty Outside’. If you’re in the market for a workplace-friendly glitter, then look no further. I was initially unimpressed by this shade as I felt it blended too much with my skin tone, but the more I looked at it, the more I loved it – it’s like a hybrid funky/antiqued kind of colour. Yeah, I know it sounds weird shrugs Coats applied: 2

OPI – Silent Stars God By

OPI – Silent Stars Go By

Make Him Mine – A dusky rose hue with a matching glitter combination as in the previous 2 shades, I find that this colour will most likely suit either the fairest or darkest of skin tones, in order to provide a nice contrast – on me, it seemed to fall a little flat, but I must say it had a really nice brilliance just the same. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Make Him Mine

Baby Please Come Home – A violet/mauve hue with a graphite overall look to it, filled with a matching glitter mix as the others before it. The formula was not significantly thicker than the others, but seemed to apply with much more opacity – you barely need more than 1 coat for full coverage. High intensity brilliance at the finish. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Baby Please Come Home

Kiss Me At Midnight – So many surprises with this shade, starting with the formula: mid-sheer and with a jelly-like feel, this vivid cornflower blue colour is also filled with what seems like several layers of varying glitters – finely ground as well as larger hexagonal shapes in both silver and blue. With all this going on, I was not expecting this to feel almost smooth to the touch – very unlike the usual Liquid Sand finish. Coats applied: 2

*Something about this particular lacquer made me want to see it glossy – love it both ways!

OPI – Kiss Me At Midnight

OPI – Kiss Me At Midnight (with top coat)

Emotions – I’m not sure how this shade qualifies as a Liquid Sand, as the finish is anything but; a sheer-ish charcoal base filled with black glitter in tiny and medium sizes, the finish here winds up shiny and relatively smooth (as shown by the first coat in the photo below). I prefer this with 2 coats even if the opacity is not 100%, as it helps the glitter pieces stand out and provides visual contrast. A third coat seemed to blur everything a bit too much for my liking. Not matte, nor overly glossy or too textural, this is definitely a very original way of wearing black. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Emotions (1 coat)

OPI – Emotions (3 thin coats on pinkie finger only)

OPI – Emotions (3 coats on pinkie finger only)

Interesting and unexpected, is how I would best describe this bunch. My favourites are ‘Kiss Me At Midnight’ and (surprise, surprise) ‘Silent Stars Go By’, with ‘Baby Please Come Home’ following close behind. ‘Emotions’ had me wavering (probably because I couldn’t quite explain it), but I do like it – a lot. ‘It’s Frosty Outside’ is the perfect holiday bling shade – it’s like Winter on your fingertips, without any fear of frostbite (sorry … couldn’t resist). ‘Make Him Mine’ is the only one that left me unmoved, but I have no doubt pink-loving lacqueristas will find it irresistible.

The OPI Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Collection is limited and available now. For all updates, feel free to follow via website/twitter/facebook

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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OPI – San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand (the textures)

August 26, 2013

The last instalment of OPI’s San Francisco Collection (see part 1 here, part 2 here), consists of three new shades in the brand’s popular & innovative Liquid Sand finish – colour, with a twist of texture. Something I’ve loved from the very first introduction of this type of lacquer, is how EASY they are to work with (quick drying + no top coat = one fast mani/pedi), while the more glittery versions not only attract attention, but look like like minor works of modern art.

As these shades are not meant to be worn with an added top coat (although you certainly have the option of applying one), I’ve chosen to show them au naturel, in order to best display their true effect.

San Francisco at night (source)

OPI San Francisco Collection – Liquid Sand

It’s All San Andreas’s Fault – a warm taupe/pale tan hue with a hint of mauve undertones in the base, in OPI’s Liquid Sand finish – but with a twist; while there’s no shimmer to be found here, the end result is actually textured AND shiny – totally unexpected. The raised surface is not as pronounced as some other Liquid Sand lacquers, and it’s actually hard to pin down the final look in words – definitely original, in an understated way. Coats applied: 2, no top coat

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – It’s All San Adreas’s Fault

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – It’s All San Andreas’s Fault

Wharf! Wharf! Wharf! – a deep royal blue shade bearing no shimmer and ending in a shiny finish, in OPI’s Liquid Sand textured formula. The raised surface seems much denser and more apparent than that of ‘It’s All San Andreas’s Fault’, while the shine at the end gives an edgy & new kick to this type of lacquer. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, no top coat

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – Wharf! Wharf! Wharf!

Alcatraz…Rocks – definitely the star of the three Liquid Sand polishes in this collection, this shade is UNBELIEVABLE! A greyed-out/cobalt blue mid-sheer base colour filled with blue, gold, green, lavender and silver pulverized glitter in OPI’s Liquid Sand formula. The finish is true to previous lacquers of this type: matte, although the glitter raises the brilliance to a whole new level. While the formula may be on the thinner side, 2 coats applied with a loaded up brush should be more than enough for full opacity, especially on short nails. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 3 (thin), no top coat

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – Alcatraz…Rocks

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – Alcatraz…Rocks (detail)

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – Alcatraz…Rocks (blurred)

Last word: While I may not be a huge fan of glitter polishes (although I can’t resist their brilliance), and stamping/nail art is not for me, I seem to have fallen for texture – especially that of OPI’s Liquid Sand format. My personal favourite is without a doubt, ‘Alcatraz…Rocks’ – something about the soft grit combined with the darkling hue & glimmering surface – just totally grabs me, while ‘Wharf! Wharf! Wharf!’ (I feel like a seal) is a drop-dead killer blue – I may have to add a matte coat to that and see what it does to the finish. All in all, these 3 lacquers are all a unique addition to OPI’s San Francisco Collection, and perfectly round out the character of this city: unique, historic, charming, and somewhat eccentric!

The OPI San Francisco Collection should have already started trickling into stores – you can follow via their website, twitter/facebook for all updates.

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

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OPI – Couture de Minnie Collection 2013

May 14, 2013

Who would have thought that a mouse would spawn not 1, but 2 nail polish collections? Well, if that mouse happens to be none other than la belle Minnie, you can understand how (see my OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse post here). Always put-together from her spotless white gloves, the jaunty bow atop her head, to her ladylike dress, there still happens to be an edge to this iconic Disney character – I mean, she’s kept Mickey on his toes for quite a few decades now, right?! For 2013, OPI brings us this lady’s more fashion-conscious side with the Couture de Minnie Collection, a grouping of 3 “Minnie-esque” hues along with a matching glitter and a brand new Liquid Sand shade, adding in some modern textural elements.

This rodent has some style, I tell ya.

Couture de Minnie Mouse (source)

OPI – Couture de Minnie Collection

Chic From Ears To Tail – a cool toned baby pink hue with hints of blueish undertones, filled with silver & pink ultra fine shimmer in a crème formula that bears some jelly-like qualities. While the shimmer is almost imperceptible once applied, it still reflects somewhat when light hits it. As with most pastels that can be streak-prone, you’re better off applying thinner layers in order to achieve the smoothest coverage. Coats applied: 3 thin, plus top coat

OPI – Chic From Ears To Tail

A Definite Moust-Have – a hot fuchsia coral/pink hue with subtle finely ground ribbons of blue & pearly shimmer. This absolutely STELLAR formula can almost pass for a 1-coater due to its intense colour saturation, applying in a totally self-levelling manner and leaving a glossy finish in its wake. Paradoxically both cool and warm leaning, there is no staining left behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

OPI – A Definite Moust-Have

Innie Minnie Mightie Bow – a blue based true red hue loaded with pink, gold, and silver pearlized shimmer in a spectacular formula. The high level of pigmentation almost makes this shade a 1-coater, while the crème-jelly hybrid feel of this lacquer helps it apply incredibly easily. Absolutely LOVING the embedded glass-flecked effect of this shimmer — really special. Coats applied: 1, plus top coat

OPI – Innie Minnie Mightie Bow

Minnie Style – a clear base filled with white & metallic fuchsia mid-sized hexagonal glitter. Each brush stroke yields a good amount of glitter pieces for a very good distribution along the nails, though you can vary the final look by simply adding more coats. When layered over the shades of this collection (with the exception of Magazine Cover Mouse Liquid Sand), you get Minnie Mouse’s iconic polka dot dress effect — so very Disney! Coats applied: 1 per swatch, plus top coat

OPI – Minnie Style over Chic From Ears To Tail

OPI – Minnie Style over A Definite Moust-Have

OPI – Minnie Style over Innie Minnie Mightie Bow

Magazine Cover Mouse Liquid Sand – a strawberry red hue brimming with gold and pink finely ground shimmer. The first coat applies slightly sheer-leaning, interestingly enough, although that becomes completely opaque by the second layer. I adore OPI’s new Liquid Sand finish, which actually feels like the softest grit sandpaper when you touch it, but with glittery pieces added in for even more visual interest. Coats applied: 2, NO top coat

OPI – Magazine Cover Mouse

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Last word: I thought last year’s Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection was cute, certainly “girly” and bearing a definitive “Disney” vibe, but this year’s Couture de Minnie Collection takes Ms. Mouse in a whole new grown-up direction. While ‘Chic From Ears To Tail’ needs a bit more attention than the rest of this grouping, it’s redeemed by the shimmer it holds. ‘Minnie Style’ is one of the most fun-filled glitter polishes I’ve ever come across, and completely spot-on (spot … get it? LOL!) – and I loved how it looked layered over each & every one of the other shades, while ‘Magazine Cover Mouse’ is like a wear-and-go lacquer, with a little something-something going on. My favourites? Hands down, ‘A Definite Moust-Have’ and ‘Innie Minnie Mightie Bow’, for their phenomenal formulas and attention-grabbing colour. Why should Minnie get all the fun?

OPI‘s Couture de Minnie Collection will be available as of early June. You can also follow on twitter/facebook for all the latest OPI news

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

OPI – The Bond Girls Liquid Sand Collection

May 1, 2013

If I could be any Bond Girl, it would be a mix of Solitaire – for her other wordly beauty & psychic abilities, and Honey Ryder – for her fierce sensuality and kick-ass body. Yes, I have always wanted to be a Bond Girl … who wouldn’t? A Bond Girl always has a cool name, is super-handy with any number of weapons, and always gets THE guy, namely James Bond. Like I said, I always wanted to be a Bond Girl but since that’s not going to happen any time soon, I’ll settle for wearing a Bond Girl lacquer.

A word about OPI’s Liquid Sand finish, something that has stirred up quite a bit of conversation since its debut with OPI’s Mariah Carey Collection (which I have yet to post — bad beauty blogger…). Picture the finest-grit sandpaper, if you will, then superimpose the colour of “sand art” over that, then finally throw in some mirage-like shimmer — THAT’s what this finish looks like to me. Paradoxically gritty and soft to the touch, what keeps this type of lacquer from coming across as flat, is most definitely the embedded shimmer. Of course, you can always throw on a layer of top coat to bring all the sparkly bits into prominence, but I prefer to wear these polishes as they are meant to; they are just so incredibly unique in their natural state. Another plus, is how goof-proof they are to apply & the perfect varnish to slap on if you’re in a hurry. Have I convinced you yet?

In the collage below, check out the timeless Bond Girls who were the inspiration behind these shades!

top row, left to right:

Ursula Andress as ‘Honey Ryder’ from Dr. No (1962)
Jane Seymour as ‘Solitaire’ from Live and Let Die (1973)
Halle Berry as ‘Jinx’ from Die Another Day (2002)

bottom row, left to right:

Honor Blackman as ‘Pussy Galore’ from Goldfinger (1964)
Eva Green as ‘Vesper Lynd’ from Casino Royale (2006)
Jill St. John as ‘Tiffany Case’ from Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

Bond Girls, baby!

OPI – The Bond Girls Liquid Sand Collection

Solitaire – a soft-focus white hue infused with small silver glitter in a semi-sheer formula, with excellent coverage by the 2nd coat. Brush stroke-free, the finish here is the glossiest of the 6. Coats applied: 3, thin (for photo purposes only)

OPI – Solitaire

OPI – Solitaire, top coat added

Pussy Galore – an icy pink hue filled with densely packed vivid pink micro glitter. I find that this shade of pink in this particular finish, makes it very easy for all skin tones to carry off. Coats applied: 3, thin

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OPI – Pussy Galore

OPI – Pussy Galore, top coat added

Honey Ryder – a pale gold hue with golden glitter flakes & small hexagonal glitter, as well as platinum-like undertones. The excellent pigmentation of this shade almost makes it a 1-coater, and I’m totally loving its vintage vibe. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Honey Ryder

OPI – HOney Ryder, top coat added

Tiffany Case – a sky blue hue (the rhyme!) with aqua leanings and filled with ultra-fine light blue glitter, as well as silver shimmer dust & larger metallic blue & silver hexagonal glitter pieces. Amazing saturation of colour, and even without top coat, this shade has a simply brilliant natural look. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Tiffany Case

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OPI – Tiffany Case

OPI – Tiffany Case, top coat added

Jinx – a semi-sheer coral base with definitive pink undertones, filled with gold and coral glitter in varying ultra-fine to small sizes – absolutely sizzling HOT and so incredibly easy to apply. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Jinx

OPI – Jinx, top coat added

Vesper – a quasi-sheer deep aubergine base hue loaded with black micro-specks. Unlike the rest of this collection, there is no overt glitter to this shade, and while I would have personally loved to have seen it with a touch of shimmer, I thoroughly love its oddly mysterious look. Two coats provides a gorgeous translucency – the best way to appreciate its inner flecks, while 3 coats will give it more depth.

OPI – Vesper, 2 coats

OPI – Vesper, 2 coats + top coat

OPI – Vesper, 3 coats

Last word: I. Am. A. Fan. – a fan of Bond Girls, as well as OPI’s Liquid Sand finish. Easy to work with, quick drying, and stunning colour complexities due to the formulations, there is nothing I don’t like about these shades. When a brand can take hues such as white & pink – notoriously difficult colours to pull off for many – and create something totally unique with them, to me THAT speaks volumes. I also love the tactile feel of wearing one of these lacquers, taking polish from a 2-D to an almost 3-D experience, although you do have the choice of adding a top coat for even more oomph (like they need it to begin with). My favourites here are Solitaire, Honey Ryder and Jinx – and that’s probably as much for the colours as for the names!

The OPI Bond Girls Liquid Sand Collection is available now at all OPI retailers. You can follow the brand via twitter & facebook for all updates.

*Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

OPI Soft Shades 2013 Collection inspired by Disney’s ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’

January 19, 2013

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

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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? 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)
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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! 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

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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

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 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, 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!