OPI – Gwen Stefani Collection, Crème Gloss

OPI has become somewhat synonymous with celebrity partnerships, and this latest collaboration with singer/fashion designer Gwen Stefani, is poised to hit it out of the park. This collection includes 7 new shades and 1 brand new specialized base coat, in finishes that are not only innovative in texture, but brand new for the OPI brand.

Gwen Stefani in Martin Margiela at the Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala (source)

Inspired by the 2013 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala that featured the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” OPI Executive VP and Artistic Director Suzi Weiss- Fischmann decided to create a collection of lacquer celebrating the role of music as a major influence in fashion. “With her expertise as a singer, songwriter and designer, who better to collaborate with than Gwen Stefani?” asks Weiss-Fischmann. “Known for her trademark red lips, bold eye makeup and nail art, Gwen uses beauty to accessorize her style.”

The 3 crème gloss shades of this collection that I’m showing today, all have 2 things in common: a killer formula that almost applies itself, and hands down one of the glossiest finishes I’ve come across to date – top coat is really redundant with these lovelies, but I did add it for photography purposes.

NOTE: as my bottles are press samples, they did not come with the limited edition shrink wrap packaging that will be sold in stores. Colours shown are all the same, however.

OPI & Gwen Stefani

Over & Over A-Gwen (CAN $10.95) – Gwen Stefani’s signature red “nailed” (I could not resist). No one does reds quite like OPI, and this shade is as close to perfection for all red-lovers out there, as it can possibly get. Absolutely SUBLIME formula, self-levelling and über-glossy, it’s an intense hue that’s neither too orange or blue-leaning – just pure & vibrant RED. Do not skip base coat, as it can be lightly staining. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

This particular shade is available in a boxed set (CAN $18.95), which includes Swarovski black crystals and silver, gold and pewter studs in bar, square, diamond and circle shapes for creating unique nail designs, as well as nail glue for easy application

OPI – Over & Over A-Gwen

Hey Baby (CAN $10.95) – A vivid magenta pink hue that borders on the edge of appearing neon, but in a grown-up kind of way. This highly pigmented and amazing formula can almost be a 1-coater, while the application is totally self-levelling and ends in a vinyl-looking glossy finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

OPI – Hey Baby

I Sing in Color (CAN $10.95) – A deep eggplant hue with maroon undertones, following the same superb formula as the previous two – self levelling and ridiculously glossy natural finish. Deep, vampy, sexy and edgy, this is a fabulous alternative to dark-but-not-black nails. Do not skip base coat, as it has the potential for light staining. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

OPI – I Sing in Color

What sets these lacquers apart from the herd, is not their uniqueness of colour (we all have pink, red and burgundy/vamp shades stashed away, right?) but their formula: unbelievable easy flow and a gloss that can put a mirror to shame. I’m not particularly fond of pink tones, but I found myself not wanting to part with Hey Baby; with the dreary weather all around me, it served as a major pick-me-up. BUT THAT RED! Pictures do NOT do Over & Over A-Gwen justice: vibrant & sassy and sexy enough to start a fire — that’s the kind of red this is. My moody-hue loving heart is thoroughly sated with I Sing in Color, and it’s also the perfect backdrop for fancying up (as you’ll see in my next post!).

Stay tuned for the second half of this collection, which will showcase the three textured shades.

The OPI Gwen Stefani Collection will be available in stores early January 2014. Find more information via website/twitter/facebook