OPI – San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand (the textures)

The last instalment of OPI’s San Francisco Collection (see part 1 here, part 2 here), consists of three new shades in the brand’s popular & innovative Liquid Sand finish – colour, with a twist of texture. Something I’ve loved from the very first introduction of this type of lacquer, is how EASY they are to work with (quick drying + no top coat = one fast mani/pedi), while the more glittery versions not only attract attention, but look like like minor works of modern art.

As these shades are not meant to be worn with an added top coat (although you certainly have the option of applying one), I’ve chosen to show them au naturel, in order to best display their true effect.

San Francisco at night (source)

OPI San Francisco Collection – Liquid Sand

It’s All San Andreas’s Fault – a warm taupe/pale tan hue with a hint of mauve undertones in the base, in OPI’s Liquid Sand finish – but with a twist; while there’s no shimmer to be found here, the end result is actually textured AND shiny – totally unexpected. The raised surface is not as pronounced as some other Liquid Sand lacquers, and it’s actually hard to pin down the final look in words – definitely original, in an understated way. Coats applied: 2, no top coat

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – It’s All San Adreas’s Fault

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – It’s All San Andreas’s Fault

Wharf! Wharf! Wharf! – a deep royal blue shade bearing no shimmer and ending in a shiny finish, in OPI’s Liquid Sand textured formula. The raised surface seems much denser and more apparent than that of ‘It’s All San Andreas’s Fault’, while the shine at the end gives an edgy & new kick to this type of lacquer. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, no top coat

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – Wharf! Wharf! Wharf!

Alcatraz…Rocks – definitely the star of the three Liquid Sand polishes in this collection, this shade is UNBELIEVABLE! A greyed-out/cobalt blue mid-sheer base colour filled with blue, gold, green, lavender and silver pulverized glitter in OPI’s Liquid Sand formula. The finish is true to previous lacquers of this type: matte, although the glitter raises the brilliance to a whole new level. While the formula may be on the thinner side, 2 coats applied with a loaded up brush should be more than enough for full opacity, especially on short nails. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 3 (thin), no top coat

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – Alcatraz…Rocks

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – Alcatraz…Rocks (detail)

OPI San Francisco Collection Liquid Sand – Alcatraz…Rocks (blurred)

Last word: While I may not be a huge fan of glitter polishes (although I can’t resist their brilliance), and stamping/nail art is not for me, I seem to have fallen for texture – especially that of OPI’s Liquid Sand format. My personal favourite is without a doubt, ‘Alcatraz…Rocks’ – something about the soft grit combined with the darkling hue & glimmering surface – just totally grabs me, while ‘Wharf! Wharf! Wharf!’ (I feel like a seal) is a drop-dead killer blue – I may have to add a matte coat to that and see what it does to the finish. All in all, these 3 lacquers are all a unique addition to OPI’s San Francisco Collection, and perfectly round out the character of this city: unique, historic, charming, and somewhat eccentric!

The OPI San Francisco Collection should have already started trickling into stores – you can follow via their website, twitter/facebook for all updates.