Filed In: OPI DS Series

OPI | Designer Series 2015 Charcoal & Imperial

For 2015, OPI has added two new shades to their Designer Series (DS), Charcoal – a colour shifting hue (that also totally reminds me of a gasoline spill looking at it in the bottle – love!) and Imperial – a majestic & royal purple, if ever there was one. Viewing a wall of OPI goodness, it’s easy to spot the DS shades thanks to their silver caps – although you do have to look (and grab) quick, as they seem to sell out lightning-fast.

OPI | Designer Series 2015 Charcoal & Imperial

DS Charcoal | OPI describes this as a “jaded smoke with hints of violet” and while that seems about right, it’s also WAY more than that. To my eyes, this is a rather shifty mix of pewter/grey, purple, teal & bronze, and depending on the light + angle of your hand, you will see one or more of the afore-mentioned colours. With a self-levelling application, as well as perfect density & flow (which means it won’t pool around the cuticles), Charcoal displays an excellent opacity and if you load your brush up, you can probably get away with one coat – although I suggest 2 thinner ones instead for an even better look. The finish is unique as well, with its buttery satin matte tone (so hard to capture in photos, but trust me when I say it’s actually perfectly smooth when seen in person), while adding a top coat (as seen in the last swatch photo) takes things to a whole other level and really brings out the prismatic effect. Bonus: ombré nails without any extra effort. What can I say? There’s a lot of love for this magical shade. A lot.

OPI | DS Charcoal

OPI | DS Charcoal swatch

OPI | DS Charcoal swatch (macro)

OPI | DS Charcoal swatch (alternate angle)

OPI | DS Charcoal swatch (with top coat)

DS Imperial | A deep & rich magenta violet shade, filled with ultra finely ground shimmer (seen in the bottle), that seems to play more of a supporting overall role in the final look. Self-levelling as well, the application is somewhat semi-sheer at first coat, but reaches full opacity by the second – and also comes to the same satin matte finish as Charcoal. I confess that I originally dismissed this shade as ‘been there, done that’ — but that was BEFORE I actually swatched it; then, it was more ‘WHOA’. I’m also a little confused (but in a good way) by Imperial – mainly because once applied, it seems to morph into more than just your average purple lacquer, at times looking vivid then with a flick of the hand, becoming more grape-like and deep. Interesting how OPI managed to create a colour-shifting shade without the usual holographic/prismatic-ness associated with that effect. Like a mood polish, if you will. Adding top coat (as seen in the last two swatch photos) not only brings out that shy inner shimmer, but also creates a moiré pattern. Ok, so I love this one too.
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OPI | DS Imperial swatch

OPI | DS Imperial swatch (macro)

OPI | DS Imperial swatch (with top coat)

OPI | DS Imperial swatch (alternate angle, with top coat)

These are both spectacular, and if you can get your hands on them, I say DO IT. Don’t even hesitate, just grab. And yes, as with previous DS shades that OPI has released, both Charcoal and Imperial are limited edition. Le sigh……

Available now through OPI retailers and fine salons. Find more information via www.opi.com
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Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

OPI: Designer Series Raw Granite – DS Lapis & DS Pewter

September 30, 2013

New in OPI’s Designer Series, are DS Pewter and DS Lapis – two shades inspired by raw granite, the diamond’s “edgier” cousin. The finish on these shades leans more on the matte side, albeit with a mineral-like reflection from the glitter and diamond dust within. With a subtle textured look that actually feels a lot softer to the touch than other such lacquers, these beauties are meant to be worn as is, although adding top coat is always an option — and guaranteed to bring out every facet. Take THAT, diamond!

OPI – DS Lapis & DS Pewter

DS Pewter – a somewhat sheer charcoal base hue with a jelly-like feel to the formula, filled with silver and black micro glitter, as well as mid-sized silver hexagonal glitters. Self-levelling and coming to a brilliant matte finish (sounds strange, but while the overall look is matte, the inclusion of the glitter gives it major shine power), this shade stays exactly where applied – no cuticle pooling. Coats applied: 2

OPI – DS Pewter

OPI – DS Pewter, top coat added

DS Lapis – a rich denim/sapphire/inky blue shade, filled with blue and silver micro glitter in a medium thick formula that is almost a 1-coater – highly pigmented & colour saturated, self-levelling and ridiculously easy to apply. The finish leans more satin than matte with this hue, giving it the look of “studded denim” — but when top coat is applied (optional), you have what looks like the night sky at your fingertips. Either with or without top coat, this is GORGEOUS! Coats applied: 2

OPI – DS Lapis

OPI – DS Lapis, top coat added

To be fair, I wasn’t sure what to expect from these two shades, as the last few DS lacquers haven’t been too memorable for me – but WOW! Textured polishes are something I’m kind of obsessing over right now, especially the ones with some shimmer which keeps them from appearing too 1-dimensional, but these take that to a whole new level. Of the two, my hands-down favourite is DS Lapis: the finish, the application, the overall look – either as is, or with top coat … which surprised me, actually as I’ve always veered more into the “dark side”. Unique, sophisticated, urban & edgy – the new DS Raw Granite finish is a complete win!

Available now wherever OPI products are sold, find information via the website, twitter or facebook.