OPI Spring/Summer 2015 Hawaii Collection | A preview luncheon

November 7, 2014

Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending the launch of OPI’s Spring/Summer 2015 Hawaii Collection, held at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, Toronto. This occasion marked the finale of a whirlwind 2 days of events that began with the Elizabeth Arden Spring/Summer 2015 launches, followed by the Nicole by OPI Spring/Summer 2015 launch.

Upon arriving, I was greeted with gorgeous island-themed displays featuring the collection – a welcoming sight indeed, considering how gloomy the weather was that day. After quickly reconnecting with several familiar faces and some who were only names to me up until that day, I headed to the manicure stations where I chose That’s Hula-rious! – a fresh mint hue – as my mani du jour, a shade that turned out to be overwhelmingly popular with several attendees, from what I later noticed.

The tempo really picked up once VP and Artistic Director of OPI, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, arrived and after welcoming us all to the luncheon, we sat down for a delectable Hawaiian-themed meal (which unfortunately I barely did any justice to, as I was hit with the migraine to end all migraines — still not sure how I survived the flight back home a few hours later). Capping off the day, I was able to sit down once again (see my previous interview here) with Suzi for a quick interview and to get the scoop directly from her on what we can expect to see from OPI.

I hope you enjoy the preview photos and interview.

Thank you to my wonderful hosts for inviting me to be part of such an incredible event

♦

Welcome! Tell me about this latest collection

What was I going to do for Spring? I alluded to it when I spoke earlier and mentioned how women have arrived – we want to be more relaxed and comfortable, a common theme I also noticed from the Spring runway shows. Hawaii was the perfect inspiration; it’s an exotic locale and makes you feel wonderfully relaxed and alive at the same time – from the climate, the people, the food, the music and the colours.

As seen all over the various fashion shows, neutrals were once again dominating but with a twist; the new ‘midi’ look was shown where you leave the moon of the nail bare. Another way to wear neutrals is with a differently coloured free edge, or even applied as just one graphic line down the nail. The 70’s free-spirit vibe is represented by a mauve hue, a shade OPI hasn’t featured for quite some time, mint – very on trend and a perfect representation of Spring/Summer, the lavenders, purples, corals and pink – must have a pink, of course! Gold which I’ve also shown for the Holiday 2014 Collection, and metallics – which I’ll be showing more for Fall 2015. Rounding the collection out, are a lot of classics such as crèmes – which also happens to be the trend that I’m seeing coming up for future collections.

How do you go about selecting a country/city for a collection?

It usually begins with predictions/trend books from Milan and Paris, that look at the direction of colour in fashion, which in fact begins on the streets by observing people – a type of historical summary of colours and fashion, if you will. Then it’s up to the individual to translate this information to their own application, whether it’s in furniture, fashion, package design, colour cosmetics, or nail colour.

How does this process differ from celebrity collaborations?

To begin with, selecting a celebrity to collaborate with is not trend-driven, but more of my own personal choice. With Gwen Stefani, for example, she’s very much a part of the entire process and she personally chose the colours and finishes for the collection, even going as far as selecting individual glitter shapes from an assortment presented before her, for the creation of some shades.

The OPI shade names – how do you go about creating them?

First, I create the shades and then there are about 6 of us – from Nicole by OPI, Creative, Marketing, Purchasing, even Customer Service, basically the same team for many years now, that get together. We gather in a room with food representative of the country/city the collection is themed after, and then we brainstorm. The process can take an entire day and is very democratic; we all need to agree on the final name, but we also have fun with it.

I can just imagine the names that do NOT make the final cut!

That’s for off-camera! The blooper reel! We’ve have many good laughs over the years, believe me!

Can you briefly tell me about the creative process behind bringing forth a collection?

Taking the Hawaii Collection, for example, the entire process was very personal for me as it’s a place I’ve visited many times with my family. I was inspired by the ocean, the hula skirts, even the smells of the island that evoke images and which spark colour ideas in my mind. I also have to factor in which shades/colours the consumer will be attracted to as well as make sure it works in harmony with the current fashion styles. Don’t ask me to try to pin it down exactly; all I know, is that for 25 years this method has just worked for me.

This continued success and longevity just confirms that you’re doing something right!

[laughs] I hope so!

What territory, with regards to nail polish, has OPI not yet explored?

Definitely China, as I believe Chinese women are starting to explore and embrace beauty much more. With India, and while we previously released an Indian-themed collection, there’s a new middle class that is becoming more interested in – along with buying – beauty products as well. Another country is Brazil – latin women love and indulge in beauty products, and outside of North America and Europe, I feel that we need to venture out and include these women who have made beauty such a huge part of their everyday lives.

As a woman whose talent, drive and creativity is so highly admired in the industry, can you tell me what trend(s) you forecast next?

I continue to see textures; you’re going to see some new mattes from OPI for next year, as well as a continuation of this classic theme – such as crème hues. Shades such as mauve will be making a comeback and you’ll be seeing new shades in our Fall 2015 collection that have not been shown from OPI – or other brands – for a long time now. Nail colour continues to be important in women’s lives and it always amazes me how a bottle of nail polish can engineer a feeling of empowerment with women. Not everyone can afford a designer wardrobe, but a shade inspired from luxury fashion makes you feel a part of the entire experience.

Finally, do the rumours of a ’50 Shades of Grey’ collaboration have any truth to them?

Yes! The movie is being released on Valentine’s Day 2015, and the collection will include 6 shades – and not all grey, but a beautiful collection just the same! As with other collaborations, the author of the book was very hands on in the development and creation of these shades. This movie is not so much about sexuality, as it is about exploring our emotions and in the case of the collection, it also ties in with how colour affects our emotions as well.

I thank Suzi Weiss-Fischmann for taking the time to speak with me – it’s always such a pleasure!

♦

BEAUTY SCOOP! So, you heard it here first and directly from Suzi Weiss-Fischmann herself: get ready for a 6-bottle 50 Shades of Grey Collection collaboration (and not all grey!), new textures and mattes for next year, as well as retro shades making a comeback for Fall 2015.

fuel to start my day: Belgian waffles with fruit compote & lemon cream … and plenty of coffee

my look: Banana Republic cream vegan leather skirt, Denim & Supply bone oversized cowl-neck sweater, black over-the-knee socks, black Prada suede high-heeled boots and my beloved Theory moto jacket

the gorgeous Autumnal display in the lobby of The Thompson Hotel, Toronto

the venue: Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, Toronto

Introducing: the OPI Hawaii Collection

what’s an event without the ubiquitous candy bar?!

it’s not easy for me to sit back and have someone else to do my nails #controlfreak

the shade I chose: That’s Hula-rious! (the name, right?!)

Welcome speech given by Suzi Weiss-Fischmann

Pineapple-Hawaiian style slaw

Mahi-Mahi

Coconut Haupia

chillin’ with my friendly neighbourhood mani-geek, Karen

matching tips with Marta of ChitChatNails

ignore my frown face – I swear that I was really enjoying the conversation

Apparently our hosts all got Suzi’s memo and wore coordinating outfits!

My box/bottle of OPI’s Don’t Speak 18k Gold Top Coat personally autographed by Suzi

Nicole by OPI | Spring/Summer 2015 Collection preview

November 6, 2014

In my previous post, I gave you a glimpse into the Elizabeth Arden preview event I had attended – I should have added a ‘stay tuned for more’ at the end of that post, because my day did not actually end there; a couple of hours after that event, I was headed for the airport and along with my hosts, we flew to Toronto to continue the next round of activities – starting with a blogger dinner that took place early evening of that same day.

After checking in at the Thompson Hotel, the car service picked me up and I was brought to Gusto 101 in Toronto, to attend the blogger dinner that officially launched the Nicole by OPI Spring/Summer 2015 Collection (review/swatches to come). Unfortunately, Executive VP & Artistic Director of the brand, Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, had to cancel her attendance at the last minute due to personal reasons (although she was able to make a luncheon on the following day – stay tuned for that post, where I was also able to sit down and chat with her). Despite this unexpected snag, my colleagues and I (along with our wonderful hosts) took advantage of the opportunity to freely mingle & connect, eat endless amounts of food (I swear, the trays just kept on coming), enjoy copious amounts of good wine (naturally), explored the new Nicole by OPI Spring/Summer 2015 Collection at our leisure, and just generally had a great time.

What made the event even more special for me, was in finally meeting so many of the bloggers that I’ve known for some time now but have never actually met in person – in particular, Aire of The Obsessed, who has also recently experienced the loss of a beloved pet, as have I, and with whom I’ve forged a special bond. (Today also happens to be her birthday … Happy Birthday, Aire! ♥)

I hope you enjoy these preview photos of the collection!

PS: If you haven’t already done so, please take a quick moment to vote for my blog by clicking on the ‘Vote for me’ button in the sidebar – last year, ommorphia beauty bar finished up as one of Canada’s top 3 Beauty Blogs, and I’d so love to be able do even better!

I appreciate every ounce of support you all give me – thanks so incredibly much!

Thank you to my wonderful hosts for inviting me to be a part of such an incredible event.

travel basics

I never tire of this view …

the venue: Gusto 101, Toronto

Nicole by OPI | Spring/Summer 2015 Collection

with my amazing hosts

with my gorgeous colleague, Aire

Elizabeth Arden | 2015 Spring/Summer Color Collection & Fragrance launches

November 5, 2014

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending an Elizabeth Arden media launch held at Newtown, Montréal, where we were treated to gorgeous visual displays of Elizabeth Arden’s Spring/Summer Sunkissed Pearls 2015 Color Collection, along with several new fragrance launches (one of which I can’t reveal just yet, but I can tell you that the bottle is absolutely lovely!). Members of the Elizabeth Arden team were on hand to answer all questions and provide in-depth information on all products, as well as offer makeup touch-ups as well as a personalized foundation colour matching for each guest.

After a brief presentation, we sat down for a delectable lunch along with our host and the Elizabeth Arden team, and the wine – as well as the excellent conversations – were flowing. Capping off the event, we were invited to enjoy the goodies on offer at the overflowing candy bar (I may or may not have filled a few bags to bring home. For my daughter, of course).

The upcoming Elizabeth Arden Sunkissed Pearls 2015 Color Collection will sport iridescent exterior packaging and includes: cream eye shadow pencils (3 shades), black gel eye liner, a lip gloss trio, and the pièce de résistance, a combination bronzer/highlighter compact – all new. From quick swatches I did at the makeup stations, I was quite impressed with the quality of the cream eye shadow pencils – saturated, complex shimmers, easily blendable and all felt like they were literally gliding along the skin. The gel liner was equally impressive, bearing an intense level of black pigment and an incredibly creamy feel. I did not swatch the bronzer/highlighter, but it doesn’t matter; I’d go for it just for the embossed seashell pattern alone – although if past Elizabeth Arden bronzers are anything to judge by, I just know I’m going to love this one too.

A huge thank you to all involved for having me take part in this wonderful event!

Newtown on trendy Crescent Street, Montréal

roasted salmon with season market vegetables

Elizabeth Arden | Flawless Finish Foundation

Elizabeth Arden | Untold Eau Fraiche

Elizabeth Arden | Green Tea Bamboo

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Spring/Summer 2015 Color Collection

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Cream Eye Shadow Stylo

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Gel Eye Liner

OPI | Ford Mustang by OPI (Limited Edition)

November 3, 2014

This year, Ford Mustang celebrates its 50th Anniversary as well as an induction to a very exclusive club: vehicles in continuous production for 50 years. Inspired by the rich heritage behind one of North America’s original muscle cars, OPI has created the Ford Mustang by OPI Collection, 6 limited edition shades (CAN $11.50/each), with Race Red a signature vehicle colour that is still available to this day.

On a personal note, I love what this collection represents: fierce feminism, a concept that happens to resonate with who I am as well. After all, is there anything sexier than a woman who not only knows how to rip up the road in a car with this much horsepower, but can do so with perfectly manicured nails? (not to mention stiletto heels … and yes, that was me).

Ford Mustang Convertible

Ford’s iconic Mustang

OPI | Ford Mustang by OPI

50 Years of Style | A semi-sheer pale gold metallic hue with a subtle pink opalescent tinge in the base, that veers a bit towards the frosty side and which leans both cool & warm, making it easily wearable by a wide range of skin tones. A steady hand is definitely needed in application to avoid overly visible brush strokes. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Girls Love Ponies | An intensely colour saturated and vibrant – but still classy – fuchsia with blue undertones in the base, in a crème/jelly hybrid formula. Self-Levelling and with a super glossy shine at the the finish, amazing coverage is reached even with the first coat. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Angel with a Leadfoot | A brilliant white crème hue with cool undertones, which displays amazing coverage even by the first coat. Self-levelling, non-patchy and quite glossy at the finish, this may very well be the easiest and best white lacquer I’ve tried to date. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

The Sky’s the Limit | A cerulean base hue filled with ultra fine glass-flecked bits in: green, bronze and copper. Self-levelling and with a brilliant (almost hypnotic) shine at the finish, the effect is like that of stars captured at the surface level of the polish shrugs (or a slightly bluer version of OPI’s cult shade Catch Me In Your Net). There’s a serious incandescent glow going on with this shade – love it! Relatively non-staining upon removal (but do NOT skip base coat). Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

OPI | The Sky’s the Limit

Race Red | A warm toned chilli pepper red hue with orange undertones in the base, in a hybrid crème/jelly formula. A superb application: self-levelling, high pigment concentration and über-glossy at the finish, it’s also relatively non-staining upon removal, provided you do not skip base coat first. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Queen of the Road | What appears as just another black shade at first glance is in fact incredibly complex; a semi-sheer charcoal base hue that oddly enough holds olive/khaki undertones. The crème formula displays some jelly-like characteristics in the glossy & plush finish, with the first coat appearing like a blackened khaki, but which then turns into a pearlized gunmetal by the second layer (think: black pearl). There’s this stunning, albeit subtle, moiré effect seen at the finish which I so did not expect (but absolutely love). Note: on longer nails, the tips may seem translucent at 2 coats, easily resolved by adding a 3rd coat. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat.

OPI | Queen of the Road

The sports/muscle car fiend in me loves the entire concept behind this collection, but the lacquer fiend in me is even more thrilled by the reality of these shades. With the exception of 50 Years of Style (not the best gold for my skin tone), I adore each and every hue – as well as the names. My love affair with white hues is still going strong, and Angel with a Leadfoot is beyond spectacular in this colour category. Naturally, Queen of the Road has my name all over it (car fiend, remember?), but I did expect to fall for Girls Love Ponies – and I never, ever, wear pink. The gorgeousness of The Sky’s the Limit is not to be missed – just giving you fair warning.

Available now, but for a limited time. Find more information via the website.

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eyeshadow in ME-50 (Metallic Golden Taupe)

October 29, 2014

Having never explored MAKE UP FOR EVER products to any great degree in the past, it is nevertheless the first brand I think of when I’m looking for long-lasting & top-quality beauty items. The recently launched Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eyeshadow pencils (CAN $25.00) are available in 10 shades: neutral, vibrant, satin, metallic, diamond and/or iridescent finishes, and are meant to stay smudge and crease-proof all day, affording high pigmentation with a lightweight finish. I was sent ME-50 Metallic Golden Taupe to test out, a rich taupe shade and one that is exactly the type of colour I naturally gravitate to.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eyeshadow ME-50

Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eyeshadow ME-50 (CAN $25.00) | A warm-leaning burnished taupe hue with a complex pink/bronze shimmer in the base. These eyeshadow pencils come in a retractible twist-up format and can be applied by either using the broader portion of the pencil (i.e.: along its side) to reach a larger area of the eye, or with the tip for more intense colour laydown and precision work, such as lining. The pencil does indeed glide effortlessly across the lid, exactly as claimed.

Application couldn’t be easier; if you’ve ever used a crayon or coloured pencil, then you already know the concept – twist up the pencil and literally ‘write’. Since the colour doesn’t set right away, I am able to gain a few minutes of play, useful for layering another shade on top or when wanting to buff out any harsh edges. Once the shadow has set, there still seems to be an almost mobile feel to the product, possibly due to the combination of Silica, oils, and polymers in the formula that create a type of flexible film – and yet, a finger swiped across the surface of the shadow, comes away clean.

After applying directly to the lid, I then either use my finger to help spread the colour out to the consistency I want, or lightly swipe at it with a flat synthetic-haired brush to help with any unevenness in the colour. To buff out edges or to blend with other shadows, I follow up with a natural-haired fluffy and slightly dense eyeshadow brush (such as the one by Tom Ford). As to lasting power, I am able to get minimum 6 hours without primer before it shows creasing, but with primer, the colour lasts – without fading or creasing – until removal (I suggest a dual-phase eye makeup remover to do the job easily).

The closest product I have in my collection, is CHANEL’s Stylo Eyeshadow 07 Moon River (discontinued) that was a limited edition release from the Spring 2013 Collection, but the CHANEL is several degrees lighter and more silvery-leaning in comparison. Still, if you missed out on 07 Moon River, MAKE UP FOR EVER’s ME-50 Metallic Golden Taupe is a good alternative, and one that’s part of the brand’s permanent range.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Eyeshadow ME-50

I can’t speak for the other shades and finishes that are available, but my experience with the Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On pencil in ME-50 Metallic Golden Taupe has been excellent. Apart from the colour, which is a universally flattering shade and a welcome addition to any taupe-lover’s collection, I love how portable this product is; perfect for travelling or on-the-go touch ups, requiring nothing more than your finger (if needed) for application.

Available now at all MAKE UP FOR EVER boutiques & through Sephora. Find more information here.