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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