OPI – Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Liquid Sand (LE)

Rounding out OPI’s epic 18-piece Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Collection (see the previous posts here, here & here) are these limited edition Liquid Sand shades. Four out of the six come in the usual textured format, while the other 2 seem to defy being properly categorized – but still unique just the same.

I like wearing OPI’s Liquid Sand shades as they’re meant to be worn: sans top coat. The only exception I made for my swatches here, is with ‘Kiss Me At Midnight’, which I felt was the only shade that actually benefitted from a top coat, as it totally enhanced every single facet that way.

A few things to note about these lacquers, is that their formula is one of those that seems to almost apply itself – neither too thick nor runny, with good body and coverage. Excepting ‘Emotions’ and to a certain extent ‘Kiss Me At Midnight’, the final finish is like the softest grit sandpaper, not lumpy and/or rough like some glitters can be prone to, and the combination of ground glitter & larger sequins serves to give them an almost blinding brilliance. Removal is also easier than traditional glitters, although not as simple as that of crème polishes, and there may be some fine glittery migration upon the skin – easily remedied with a second swipe of remover.

OPI – Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Liquid Sand

It’s Frosty Outside – A white based silvery hue that leans neither too warm, nor overly cool – filled with finely ground glitter and slightly larger hexagonally shaped silver sequins added to the mix. Good coverage even by the 1st coat, this is like fingernail tinsel – super brilliant finish despite the Liquid Sand finish. Coats applied: 2

OPI – It’s Frosty Outside

Silent Stars Go By – A totally unique take on a neutral, this is a taupe hue with some mauve hints to give it warmth, filled with a matching glitter mix like that of ‘It’s Frosty Outside’. If you’re in the market for a workplace-friendly glitter, then look no further. I was initially unimpressed by this shade as I felt it blended too much with my skin tone, but the more I looked at it, the more I loved it – it’s like a hybrid funky/antiqued kind of colour. Yeah, I know it sounds weird shrugs Coats applied: 2

OPI – Silent Stars God By

OPI – Silent Stars Go By

Make Him Mine – A dusky rose hue with a matching glitter combination as in the previous 2 shades, I find that this colour will most likely suit either the fairest or darkest of skin tones, in order to provide a nice contrast – on me, it seemed to fall a little flat, but I must say it had a really nice brilliance just the same. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Make Him Mine

Baby Please Come Home – A violet/mauve hue with a graphite overall look to it, filled with a matching glitter mix as the others before it. The formula was not significantly thicker than the others, but seemed to apply with much more opacity – you barely need more than 1 coat for full coverage. High intensity brilliance at the finish. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Baby Please Come Home

Kiss Me At Midnight – So many surprises with this shade, starting with the formula: mid-sheer and with a jelly-like feel, this vivid cornflower blue colour is also filled with what seems like several layers of varying glitters – finely ground as well as larger hexagonal shapes in both silver and blue. With all this going on, I was not expecting this to feel almost smooth to the touch – very unlike the usual Liquid Sand finish. Coats applied: 2

*Something about this particular lacquer made me want to see it glossy – love it both ways!

OPI – Kiss Me At Midnight

OPI – Kiss Me At Midnight (with top coat)

Emotions – I’m not sure how this shade qualifies as a Liquid Sand, as the finish is anything but; a sheer-ish charcoal base filled with black glitter in tiny and medium sizes, the finish here winds up shiny and relatively smooth (as shown by the first coat in the photo below). I prefer this with 2 coats even if the opacity is not 100%, as it helps the glitter pieces stand out and provides visual contrast. A third coat seemed to blur everything a bit too much for my liking. Not matte, nor overly glossy or too textural, this is definitely a very original way of wearing black. Coats applied: 2

OPI – Emotions (1 coat)

OPI – Emotions (3 thin coats on pinkie finger only)

OPI – Emotions (3 coats on pinkie finger only)

Interesting and unexpected, is how I would best describe this bunch. My favourites are ‘Kiss Me At Midnight’ and (surprise, surprise) ‘Silent Stars Go By’, with ‘Baby Please Come Home’ following close behind. ‘Emotions’ had me wavering (probably because I couldn’t quite explain it), but I do like it – a lot. ‘It’s Frosty Outside’ is the perfect holiday bling shade – it’s like Winter on your fingertips, without any fear of frostbite (sorry … couldn’t resist). ‘Make Him Mine’ is the only one that left me unmoved, but I have no doubt pink-loving lacqueristas will find it irresistible.

The OPI Mariah Carey Holiday 2013 Collection is limited and available now. For all updates, feel free to follow via website/twitter/facebook