OPI – ‘Ahoy, Me Hearties’ part 1 (swatches & review)

Coming this May and to coincide with the release of the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, OPI will launch their latest collection aptly titled ‘Ahoy, Me Hearties’. Part 1 which I bring you today, consists of three out of the six polishes; ‘Skull & Glossbones’ – a ghostly grey, ‘Stranger Tides’ – a dusty moss green, and ‘Mermaid’s Tears’ – a delicate sea green. Surprisingly, the entire collection is made up of pastel hues, but they all somehow seem to come across as modern and fresh, never washed out. All swatches are with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and three coats of lacquer, no top coat except where indicated. Also, the following bottle photos were taken with flash and in sunlight respectively, in order that I can give you the most accurate depiction of the shade as possible.

‘Skull & Glossbones’ is an interesting bone grey shade, with the slightest hint of tan in its base, giving it a very wearable warmth. Whether seen in full sun (top swatch photo) or indirect lighting (bottom swatch photo), I love how the hue still seems to bear a slight tint to it and it is one of the few shades I’ve come across in this range, that will suit practically every skin tone. I applied three very thin coats, and was pleased to note not only how streak free it was, but how smoothly it went on and how quickly it dried to a high shine.

‘Stranger Tides’ is one of those totally unpredictable shades that rides the line between hues; I absolutely love its muted and dusty quality, and the hints of delicate sage green in its base only add to its uniqueness. Note how in full sunlight (top swatch photo), it cannot be mistaken for anything other than a delicate green shade, but how indirect light (bottom swatch photo) seems to lend it a cooler and greyer cast. Again, the application was excellent and basically self-levelling. This one will surely become a staple for me….love it!

‘Mermaid’s Tears’ is what I like to call a nostalgic hue; apart from its obvious watery references, this shade of aqua green is a throwback to the popularity of many 60’s appliances, as well as a classic Surf Green Fender Stratocaster electric guitar. Once more, the two swatch photos show how vibrant and warm toned it appears in full sun (top photo) while indirect light tones the shade down to a much cooler hue (bottom photo). The formula was on a level with the others,virtually streak free, creamy and so very glossy. The part I love the most? The name, of course….so fitting and so utterly romantic!

Along with the collection itself, OPI will release a new effect polish in their lineup, namely ‘Silver Shatter’. Just as with ‘Black Shatter’ (reviewed here), this one is applied under the same principle: you must wait until your base colour is completely dry, then apply a layer of ‘Silver Shatter’ on top, wait a few seconds for the effect to take place, then seal everything in with a top coat, in this case OPI’s Start to Finish Base & Top Coat. The differences I found between the two effect polishes, is that first of all ‘Silver Shatter’ has a metallic finish and secondly, the effect is not as harshly pronounced, which gives the most interesting lacy finish to your nails, at once ethereal and just so unique.

‘Skull & Glossbones’ with ‘Silver Shatter’

‘Stranger Tides’ with ‘Silver Shatter’

‘Mermaid’s Tears’ with ‘Silver Shatter’

Final thoughts: With a collection inspired by a pirate movie, I was expecting somewhat drab shades or maybe even more watery hues; instead, these polishes are all an interesting take on traditional pastels, but what makes them stand out is the amazing formula, lovely shine and smooth finish. I love how haunting they appear on their own, as well as how ‘Silver Shatter’ layered atop lends an intricacy to the overall effect…I am absolutely LOVING all three! Stay tuned for my upcoming review on the second part of this collection.