Apart from the shade ‘Big Hair…Big Nails’ (review forthcoming) , I bring you my final instalment of OPI’s The texas Collection (the first two parts I reviewed can be found here and here) . The three lacquers I bring you today, are in a word: luscious. Brings to mind those cool, shiny popsicles and much like those frozen treats, you literally want to bite into these shades as well! These are OPI’s ‘sorbets’, which is just a fancier word for ‘jellies’, but the formula seems somehow different – both smoother and shinier. All swatches are with OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and three coats of lacquer, no top coat (none needed!)
‘Y’All Come Back Ya Hear?’ is tangerine done right! While fairly vivid, especially when viewed in full sun (bottom photo), it still seems to be toned down enough to not be blinding. Even with three coats this shade is never fully opaque, but you don’t want it to be; I love how the sorbet finish keeps it from becoming heavy but instead imbues this with a fresh summery lightness. It’s like Tang on your nails!
‘Too Hot Pink To Hold ‘Em’ is a hot pink, with what looks like coral leanings to it. Once again, the more jelly-like finish prevents this shade from entering neon territory and thus much more wearable on either fingers or toes. The bright pink of this hue means that cooler skin types can wear it with ease, but it can also be carried off by warmer skin types thanks to the melon undertones. You can see from the photos how it can appear as either ‘cold’ (top) or ‘hot’ (bottom), depending on the light. Again, full opacity is not reached, but I still loved the contradiction of its muted/brightness.
‘Houston We Have A Purple’ is more of a beet shade, but still well within the purple family. There appears to be some blue in its base tone, which gives it a duskier cast. This was the thinnest formula of the three and even with all coats applied, not only do you not reach opacity (which technically it’s not meant to), but you don’t reach the bottle shade either. That being said, I find that it has a lovely jewel-like look to it and feel it will be so flattering to a number of skin types. The bottom photo taken in sun, shows how much more pink it can look verses the deeper magenta tone of this shade.
Final thoughts: Can we take a minute and talk about how insanely glossy these three shades are? Even without a top coat, not only do they dry quite fast, but seen in full sun, these colours are practically blinding! I was also impressed with the formula; applies easily and streak-free from the very first coat, and while two coats is more in keeping with a breezier summer look, I opted for three to give it a touch more opacity. The formula itself is basically self levelling and super smooth. I personally cannot wait to sport any of these three as either a full mani or pedi this summer…but why wait until summer, right? Start the season early by wearing them right now!
*Disclaimer: product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
