OPI has just recently launched their limited edition Fifty Shades of Grey Collection (CAN $11.50/each) in collaboration with the movie of the same name that comes out in theatres this Valentine’s Day. While the book that inspired the movie (that also spawned a billion other Fifty Shades-related marketable items) left me unmoved (check out my original ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ post here for a much better read in this genre), I happen to have a major weakness for the colour grey, so for that reason alone I would have fallen for this collection anyway.
And while not exactly all 50 shades (thank God, or I’d probably still be swatching), the five greys shown here are all luscious & gorgeous representatives of this somewhat ephemeral colour, all grounded by that one sensual red note for even more visceral appeal.
OPI | Fifty Shades of Grey Collection
OPI | Fifty Shades of Grey Collection
Cement the Deal | With its blueish undertones in the base hue, Cement the Deal can appear either concrete grey or more of a softer dove grey hue. The formula is simply superb: a hybrid crème/jelly that applies in a self-levelling way, finishes ultra-glossy, and displays an excellent opacity. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
Embrace the Gray | With a formula that is basically identical to the one above, the main difference here is that Embrace the Gray falls a few degrees darker in tone, making this more of a sealskin grey. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
Dark Side of the Mood | At first glance, this appears as just another blackish hue, but it is well named, for it has a slightly moody nature. Dark Side of the Mood is a deeply smoked charcoal colour with tiny, sparse silver flecks throughout that make occasional appearances. The formula is jelly-like in texture and semi sheer at the first coat, but becomes completely opaque with the second layer. There’s a subtle moiré pattern you can see at some angles – total LOVE. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
My Silk Tie | An utterly brilliant white-based silver foil/metallic hue. Not as quick drying as other metallic shades (which works in the formula’s favour), you do need a steady hand in application to minimize any visible brush strokes – although they do seem to level out on their own to some degree. My Silk Tie comes to a fully opaque gleaming finish at 2 coats
TIP: for the smoothest finish, start with base coat followed by your first coat of polish, then apply a layer of matte top coat, finishing with your second coat of polish. For a foil/metallic texture like this, top coat is optional, as it only adds protection and no extra shine factor (in fact, it may even dull the natural brilliance).
Shine for Me | Complex doesn’t even begin to cover this; Shine for Me is a semi-sheer pearlized base hue with navy coloured fine and ultra-fine hexagonal glitter bits. The formula is another surprise, with an excellent density that means it will stay exactly where placed (no pooling into cuticles or running along the sides of nails) and while 2 coats are more than sufficient to reach full opacity on shorter nails, longer lengths might need a third layer (or simply left at 2 coats for a different take altogether). Relatively smooth to the touch with a top coat, an extra plus is that no major effort is needed for removal either (at least, not compared to other glitter polishes). Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat
OPI Fifty Shades of Grey Collection | Shine for Me (detail)
Romantically Involved | Let me begin by saying that OPI sure knows how to do red. With its balance of both blue and brown undertones in the base of this crème/jelly hybrid formula, Romantically Involved appears rather cool-leaning with the first coat, but then takes on a much warmer tone with the application of a second layer. Lush, seductive, and somewhat carnal (which is what OPI was definitely going for, I’m guessing), the best part is that this shade is 100% non-staining upon removal. And absolutely, ridiculously glossy. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat
Shine for Me & My Silk Tie nail art | A simple, yet effective nail art look (especially if you’re nail art-challenged like me): Start by applying 2 coats of My Silk Tie and letting that dry completely. Take Shine for Me and wipe of most of the excess off the brush, and starting at the cuticle end of the nails, apply in a downward motion, feathering & fading it out as you go (leave the nail edges free of any glitter). Repeat with slightly more at the top for added depth. Finish with top coat to seal everything in and smooth out any delineation marks.
Wouldn’t this look make for a spectacular ‘Ice Queen’ mani?
The book, Fifty Shades of Grey, may have had me reeling in laughter (true story: I ultimately committed the most blasphemous thing a book-lover can do; I actually ∗gasp∗ threw away all 3 books of this series), but OPI’s Fifty Shades of Grey Collection has me ooh-ing and ahh-ing in appreciation … redemption. An entire collection of grey lacquers may have turned out, well, rather boring – but the little twists & turns of this grouping is a winning combination, in my opinion. Go ahead: surrender to this collection. You know you want to.
Available for a limited time through fine salons and spas nation wide. Visit www.opi.com for more brand information
press samples provided for my unbiased consideration
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