New Nicole by OPI Lacquers for 2013

Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Today I have four new Nicole by OPI lacquers to show you. These shades are the fun new additions to the Nicole by OPI line for 2013. The release includes two dark vampy shades Plum to Your Senses! and Totally in the Dark and two bright cremes Please Red-cycle and Still Into Pink...


Plum to Your Senses! - "You KNOW this deep, dark plum is the perfect choice"
A dark plum with a strong blue/purple shimmer. The trick with this beauty is that the shimmer seems to settle to the bottom of the bottle so it needs a good shake before use. Once shaken, the shimmer is more than happy to come out an play. This beauty seems to glow from within. I'm truly a sucker for vampy shades as this. Application is great with full coverage in two coats. Swatches are with a top coat...




Here is a shot of my original swatch before I realized all the shimmer had settled to the bottom. It is more of a dark creme with a hidden shimmer. I actually used the unshaken version for this manicure, which is why the shimmer is so hidden...


In the bottle shots you can see the shimmer settled to the bottom (left) and well dispersed after a vigorous shake (right)...


Swatch Details
Brand: Nicole by OPI
Collection: main
Color Name/Number: Plum to Your Senses!, NI 406
Number of coats: 2
Top Coat: Yes

Free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Please Red-cycle - "Do the right thing and wear this apple red over and over"
A bright fire engine red. This has a great two coat formula and applies very smoothly. It is a classic red that is probably already a part of most collection. Swatches are with no top coat...




Swatch Details
Brand: Nicole by OPI
Collection: main
Color Name/Number: Please Red-cycle, NI 407
Number of coats: 2
Top Coat: No

Free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Totally in the Dark - "This shimmery black is completely unexpected"
Black jelly base packed with silver fleck shimmer. This is that great moody black, but with a party twist. It has a very nice formula that builds up to full opacity at two coats. Applies easily with no problems. These swatches are with a top coat...




Swatch Details
Brand: Nicole by OPI
Collection: main
Color Name/Number: Totally in the Dark, NI 408
Number of coats: 2
Top Coat: Yes

Free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Still Into Pink (no top coat) - "Our love for hot pink will never grow cold"
A hot pink creme with a slight pearly shimmer. This dries to a matte finish, which I absolutely love. Because it is matte, it has quick dry time and a velvety feel. It is nearly completely opaque at one coat, but I did use two for my manicure. I am definitely "still into pink", since I completely fell for this shade...




I couldn't help by take a few photos in the car on my way to work. This is on an overcast day and you can see just how bright the pink is...



Still Into Pink (with top coat)
Adding a top coat, brings out the pearly shimmer. It looks great both with an without a top coat. This was the base for my recent hot pink flocking manicure...




Swatch Details
Brand: Nicole by OPI
Collection: main
Color Name/Number: Still Into Pink, NI 409
Number of coats: 2
Top Coat: Yes

Free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

I would love to know what you think of these shades!

Thanks for looking and commenting!
Anutka :)


** Polishes were provided to me for review by the manufacturer or their PR. **
** For more information please see the disclosure policy **

Nicole by OPI Modern Family Stripes

Tuesday, January 29, 2013
This manicure was inspired by a coworker. She had created a black/white/gray version with random lines and I liked it so much that I thought I would try a more colorful version. I used polishes from the Nicole by OPI Modern Family collection that were still hanging out on my table after being swatched. This is a bit different for me as I tend to shy away from the random and abstract, but this was really fun to create and wear...


I started out with a base of the minty green Nicole by OPI Alex by the Books and added random lines using Nicole by OPI A Like-Haley Story..., Luke of the Draw, Candid Cameron and Back in my Gloria Days...


It was really great to not worrying about making all the nails similar. There is definitely something to be said for the randomness and how quickly this manicure came together...



I'd love to know what you think of this!

Thanks for looking!
Anutka :)


** Polishes were provided to me for review by the manufacturer or their PR. **
** For more information please see the disclosure policy **

Press Release: OPI Euro Centrale

Monday, January 28, 2013

The New Voice of Fashion


OPI Announces the Launch of Euro Centrale 
for Spring/Summer 2013


Classic meets contemporary with Euro Centrale by OPI for Spring/Summer 2013. Celebrating a region where history meets modern design, the collection’s twelve new nail lacquers offer a mixture of glamorous metallic hues; playful bright shades in periwinkle, aqua and pink; and creamy blues in indigo, midnight and aubergine.

“Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania make up an exciting new fashion hotspot,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “When visiting these countries, you’ll view Gothic churches alongside vibrant graffiti murals, blending two very different aesthetics. This fusion of old and new was also seen in runway looks during New York Fashion Week, where classic styles were reinvented with modern silhouettes and patterns.

Euro Centrale boasts a wide variety of shades, ranging from pale nude to deep blue – and featuring everything from shimmering copper to aqua in between!,” continues Weiss-Fischmann. “Whether you’re looking to spice up a black and white print, or add neutrality to a vivid brocade, these lacquers are designed to accessorize spring’s hottest looks.”

Euro Centrale by OPI includes the following shades:




Polka.com
Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.

OPI…Eurso Euro
This deep blue cream is very continental.

Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN!
Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!

You’re Such a BudaPest
If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?

Can’t Find My Czechbook
I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!

My Paprika is Hotter than Yours!
Get the extinguisher...this fiery red is sizzling!

Hands Off My Kielbasa!
Get your own...this bronzy tan is all mine!

OY–Another Polish Joke!
So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar...

A Woman’s Prague-ative
I’m changing this shimmery copper for...never mind!

Vant to Bite My Neck?
You know you want to...wear this deep eggplant.

I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw
Be seen in this deep midnight blue.

My Vampire is Buff
Creamy, pale and nude...just how I like my vampires.




OPI Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann 
Selects Favorite Trends in Nail Color

Euro Centrale by OPI offers 12 new nail lacquers in a collection where classic hues meet contemporary shades. From this Spring/Summer 2013 launch, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann shares her top three trendsetting selections – OPI…Eurso Euro, You’re Such a BudaPest and Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN!

“This season, I’ve selected three very different, equally beautiful shades,” explains Weiss-Fischmann.  “A wide spectrum of blues will be seen throughout fashion, beauty and home décor. OPI…Eurso Euro is a deep blue hue that adds rich, contrasting color to spring’s warm and bright prints.

“Purple was hot for fall, and it continues to be a must-have shade for spring. The deep, jewel-toned amethyst look has been updated with a pastel finish like the unique periwinkle hue You’re Such a BudaPest. To go along with these dark and light shades, I recommend a strong pop of bright lacquer, such as Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! This vibrant color will complement all skin tones and transition nails from cool winter months to warmer weather.”

OPI…Eurso Euro, You’re Such a BudaPest and Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

Euro Centrale by OPI will be available February 6, 2013, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, jcp Salons, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer.



Euro Centrale Collection nail lacquer shades contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

Euro Centrale by OPI will be available February 6, 2013, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!


ABOUT OPI
As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics. 


Thanks for looking!
Anutka :)


** Disclaimer: All information and images in this post provided by the manufacturer or their PR **

Quality time!

Thursday, January 24, 2013
I work a crazy schedule and don't often get to spend time with my cousin outside of family functions and friend gatherings. It was a real treat to get to spend some quality time, just the two of us on Tuesday. It also gave me the opportunity to finally give her the manicure I've been promising for way too long. She has been showing it off to everyone, so I thought I would show it off to you...


For the base polish we used Nicole by OPI Candid Cameron, which she had seen in my recent swatches and really liked. I think the teal looks gorgeous on her, so it was a perfect fit. To compliment the gold shimmer in Candid Cameron, we chose a gold stamping color of Essence A Piece of Forever. The stamping pattern is one she picked out and it is on the Cheeky Jumbo plate B.


We got really lucky and the sun came out just as we were done with the manicure so we snuck out and braved the cold for some photos...


She even humored me with a little photo shoot! :)


Coincidentally (or maybe not), I like this color combo so much that both of these polishes made an appearance in my peacock manicure from yesterday ;)

I had a wonderful time spending time with my cousin and I hope you enjoy seeing our manicure collaboration.

Thanks for looking!
Anutka :)


** Nicole by OPI polish was provided to me for review by the manufacturer or their PR. **
** For more information please see the disclosure policy **

Shimmer Sarah Peacock!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Hello lovely readers! Today I have peacock nail art to show you that was inspired by the gorgeous glitter bomb Shimmer Sarah. Just like Irene, Sarah wanted to be a part of a bright and bold manicure. With it's gold, blue and purple accents within the primarily teal glitter, I decided the peacock stamping would be the perfect way to show it off...


For the base of the manicure I started out with Nicole by OPI What's the Mitch-uation? and lightly sponged the tips with Nicole by OPI Candid Cameron to create a smooth teal to blue gradient. The gradient was pretty subtle, but more pronounced in real life than the photos...


Over the gradient I applied a coat of Shimmer Sarah and then stamped using Essence A Piece of Forever with Bundle Monster plate BM-212. For the centers of each eye in the pattern, I added a dot of Nicole by OPI Back in my Gloria Days...




A closer look at the peacock...


Shimmer Sarah is a mix of primarily different sized teal glitter with some purple, blue and gold mixed in. Formula is similar to the rest of Shimmers that I have tried. One generous coat provides good layering coverage. Glitter distribution is excellent and generally no problems with applying this glitter. This is one coat over the gradient that I showed above. Swatches are with a top coat...






Swatch Details
Brand: Shimmer
Collection: N/A
Color Name/Number: Sarah
Number of coats: 1 (layered)
Top Coat: Yes

Free of Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

You can find more information about Shimmer Polish at:
Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShimmerPolish
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShimmerPolish
Blog: http://www.shimmyshimmer.com/

You can see more of my swatches of Shimmer Polishes here!

Let me know what you think of this! :)

Thanks for looking and commenting!
Anutka :)


** Polishes were provided to me for review by the manufacturer or their PR. **
** For more information please see the disclosure policy **

Born Pretty Store Hot Pink Flocking Powder!

Monday, January 21, 2013
Fuzzy nails! This is certainly one thing that I thought I would never (and I mean never!) try. The crazy thing about saying never though is that it comes back to bite you. Recently, I accepted an offer from the BornPrettyStore.com to review some of their fun nail art products including these and these nail studs. As a surprise, I also got some flocking powder! Let me tell you, I have never been more terrified of a jar of fuzz in my life. It has been taunting me for more than a month as I got up my nerve to try it. Not only is it bright neon pink, but it meant fuzzy nails after I swore  to "never". Little did I know that it would actually be so much fun...


Since the powder is bright neon pink and the Valentines Day theme is everywhere, I thought it would be a perfect fit and a great opportunity to go into pink overload. Might as well jump in head first, right?


For the base I used Nicole by OPI Still Into Pink. It is a newly launched shade for this year and I will show full swatches of it in a few days. I stamped all the nails with the heart pattern from Bundle Monster plate BM-317 using KleanColor Metallic Fuschia. Yup, I stamped all of the nails and took photos just in case this was a total disaster. Yeah, I was skeptical...


For the fully flocked nails I used a coat of Nicole by OPI A Like-Haley Story..., which is the same bright pink as the flocking powder. While the polish was still wet I applied the flocking powder working one nail at a time...


For the fuzzy hearts, I again applied A Like-Haley Story... this time with a small nail art brush. After applying the flocking powder I added a second fuzz-free heart. They turned out sooo cute. Seriously changed my mind about flocking powder...


The fuzz doesn't stand out as much as I thought it would. In fact, it stood out and bothered me less than the rhinestones and studs that I love so much...


Please ignore the heart shadow underneath. It wasn't visible in real life. The fully flocked nails were actually pretty fun. They feel soft and fuzzy and don't look nearly as scary as these macro shots make them out to be. I admit, I couldn't stop petting my own nails...


Each kit of flocking powder from the BornPrettyStore.com comes with a jar of flocking powder which has enough powder to make thousands of manicures, tweezers and a brush. To purchase you can use coupon code AG5J61 for a 10% discount.

Application really couldn't be easier... make sure you are working over a sheet of paper or other surface that you can easy clean from powder later...

  1. Apply a base nail polish that closely matches the flocking powder in color. This helps conceal any gaps in the powder if missed during application or that fall off during wear.
  2. While the polish is still wet, using the included tweezers apply flocking powder over the nail and press down with your fingers. 
  3. Using the brush, swipe across the nail to remove any excess powder that did not adhere to the nail.
It is just that simple!



A close up of the powder and the size of the fibers...


I think flocking powder is a really fun accent to a manicure. I can definitely see more uses for it now that I have actually tried it. A fuzzy pink leopard mani? I'm cured of my fear of jars of fuzz!

It wears better than I anticipated. The manicure survived multiple hand washing and even a shower. It does look pretty funny when wet, kind of like velvet, but returns back to it's fuzzy self as it dries.

In case you are curious and since I went through the trouble to photograph it, here is what the manicure looked like before I added the flocking powder...




Have you tried flocking powder for manicures before? What are your thoughts on it?

Also, if you are interested in purchasing the flocking powder or anything else from the BornPrettyStore.com, you can use coupon code AG5J61 for a 10% discount.

Thanks for looking and commenting!
Anutka :)


** Polishes were provided to me for review by the manufacturer or their PR. **
** For more information please see the disclosure policy **