OPI Euro Centrale Collection for Spring/Summer 2013 – part 1 “Hot & Spicy”

I really enjoy travelling with OPI and look forward to seeing how they interpret the countries they feature, into polish. The 2013 Spring/Summer Collection takes us into the heart of central Europe, with all its diversity and lushly vibrant colour – perfectly captured into nail lacquer. I’ve decided to separate the 12 shades into two parts, beginning with part 1, or what I call the “Hot & Spicy” group, shown here.

The formula on every single one of these hues was absolutely amazing, flowing easily, self-levelling, drying relatively quickly, and leaving behind a gorgeous shine – with a few looking almost mirror-like. All swatches are with base & top coats.

OPI Euro Centrale SS 2013 the “Hot & Spicy” group!

My Paprika Is Hotter Than Yours!, My Vampire Is Buff, Suzi’s Hungary Again!

Hands Off My Kielbasa!, Oy – Another Polish Joke!, A Woman’s Prague-ative

My Vampire Is Buff – an ultra creamy and warm leaning blush white hue, which gives decent coverage even at 2 coats. Never stark looking, I found this shade the easiest white to wear that I’ve ever come across – pure LOVE! Coats applied 3 (thin)

OPI – My Vampire Is Buff

Suzi’s Hungary Again! – a vivid rose/coral/pink hue in a hybrid crème-jelly formula, and with incredibly fine pearly shimmer throughout – although it’s very subtle on the nail. Beautiful high gloss at the finish. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Suzi’s Hungary Again!

Hands Off My Kielbasa! – a dusty/antique nude-rose hue with finely ground gold, silver & pink shimmer in the base, as well as brush stroke-free in application. I’m not sure how I feel about this shade; on the one hand, it can come across as somewhat dated, but it’s also strangely appealing – it looks very much like NARS’ cult Orgasm blush. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Hands Off My Kielbasa!

My Paprika Is Hotter Than Yours! – a searingly hot coral red crème hue that applies with all the qualities of a jelly: squishy-looking and ultra glossy. Very colour saturated, this can almost be a 1-coater but don’t skip base coat, to avoid any mild staining. Coats applied: 2

OPI – My Paprika Is Hotter Than Yours!

Oy – Another Polish Joke! – (oy – the name…) a clear base filled with pale yellow gold and some scattered pink finely ground shimmer. There’s almost an oxidized look to this finish, sporting a brilliant canary gold veneer with some slight greenish flashes, although the formula itself is on the sheer side – also excellent as a layering polish. Bonus: easy removal. Coats applied: 3

OPI – Oy – Another Polish Joke!

A Woman’s Prague-ative – a semi-sheer pink/orange base filled with gold, bronze, and copper ultra-fine shimmer that gives an overall honey/amber look and bearing a subtle duo chrome effect – definitely more visible in the bottle than on the nail. A complex shade that will also translate well for fall, you can also layer this beauty over a complimentary base colour for even more depth. Bonus: easy removal. Coats applied: 2

OPI – A Woman’s Prague-ative

Final thoughts: I cannot stress enough how impressed I was with the formula on every single one of these shades; flowing like silk across the nail for an effortless application. ‘My Vampire Is Buff’ took me completely by surprise with its lush & simple beauty and if I’d have to pick a favourite here, that one would be it. ‘Hands Off My Kielbasa!’ is an odd duck and will definitely appeal to the nudie-lovers out there, while ‘My Paprika Is Hotter Than Yours!’ will make an epic pedi shade come the summer. All in all, this first group gets a thumbs up from me – stay tuned for part 2, where the shades take on a darker vibe.

The OPI Euro Centrale Collection will be available early February. Feel free to follow the brand on facebook/twitter for all updates.