OPI Simply Smash-ing!

Remember this post?  Now it's time to check it out!

Serena Williams is one of the only tennis players I can name, but not only is she an amazing player, she always has had some amazing nails!  I thought it was pretty neat that OPI paired with her for the Gram Slam collection which was this - Simply Smash-ing! and a Black Shatter (ooh, coming soon!).  It is a glitter without the grit, yellow-green leaning towards gold.  I'm tempted to call it glass fleck because it wore just like Zoya Sparkle's collection or the China Glaze Summer Days.  Removal was similar as well, leaving behind microglitter on my hands.


I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 coats of Simply Smash-ing! and a top of OPI Top Coat.

In the sun, you can see a few bald spots on my nails where the color didn't stick as well.  However, you can also see a bit of green in the polish.  I'm happy to say my nails did NOT stain after application - always a fear of mine.

Indirect sun picture - again you can see the smooth application with glitter but no grit of glitter.  I do love the OPI Pro-Wide brush - it helps get the polish in one stroke instead of 4 or 5 mini strokes.

Finally - shade.  You can really see the olive greenish coming out now.  I don't think this color flatters me that well, but when you add the Black Shatter... well let's just say it spices things up!


OPI is available at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and Ulta, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each Nail Lacquer. Please visit their website for details [official website].  

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Nicole by OPI Nicole ♥ Walmart

Please enjoy the following press release from Nicole by OPI!

Love, Nicole by OPI

Nicole by OPI Launches New Walmart-Exclusives

This January, Nicole by OPI turns up the heat with four fashion-forward additions to the Nicole ♥ Walmart collection, available exclusively at Walmart. From reds in hues of burgundy and mauve to purples in shades of plum and iridescent lilac, these four new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers provide a modern take on classic favorites.

 “We are thrilled to offer these four new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers exclusively to Walmart customers,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director.  “These variations of red and purple offer a burst of color for a look that’s both timeless and sophisticated.”

The new Nicole ♥ Walmart Nail Lacquers include:

Count On Me

This glimmering lavender will never let you down.

Got Style?

Mauve has never looked this chic!

He’s A Keeper

This classic red is one of the good guys.

Never Give Up

Hold onto gorgeous color with this persistent plum.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. These new Nicole ♥ Walmart Nail Lacquers will be available January 2011 at select Walmart stores nationwide.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

Awesome news Friends, I got this collection yesterday and will be swatching now!

China Glaze Jingle Bells

One of the last from China Glaze's 'Tis The Season is Jingle Bells, a champagne shimmer.  Let's be frank, I'm not a fan of gold items - from jewelry to nail polish, but I'm always willing to try!


I used a base of Seche Natural, one coat of Jingle Bells, and a top of Seche Vite.  I love the one coat application, regardless of the color!  :)

In the sun, this is just a nice shimmer gold.  it does seem a bit neutral against my skin tone.  You can tell that the application was absolutely perfect.

In the shade the color sticks out a little more but again it's a very neutral shade for me.  Nice for a day at the office or possibly a business meeting but it doesn't scream me by any means.

China Glaze [official website] can be found online through several etailers, including my favorite Head2Toe Beauty [official website], Sally's Beauty Supply [official website] as well asTransDesign [official website].

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

NYX Blue Avenue

Back in October, I made a trip to San Antonio and stopped in the local HEB that my friends work at and made a beeline for cosmetics.  They have a much larger selection of nail polish than my HEB, including OPI, Cosmetic Arts, LA Splash and this brand, NYX.  I should have known by the milky appearance that this was meant to be a layering color and not opaque, but frankly I don't know what I was thinking.


Oh yes.  I was thinking FLAKIES!  Suspended in this polish are light green, blue and orange flakies (flake like glitter - much like fish scales).


However, these flakies aren't as defined as say, Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure.


I used a base coat of Seche Natural and 2 coats of NYX Blue Avenue on my first two fingers.  After seeing how sheer it was (and not buildable), I put a coat of CND Blackjack on my other two fingers, then two coats of Blue Avenue.  Everything was topped with Seche Vite.

As you can see in the sun, the flakes are pretty non-existant on my first two nails.  The blue base that you see in the bottle isn't visible either.  You can somewhat see flakes over black.

In the shade you can see the flakes a little better, but frankly I was disappointed.  I would rather have bought a Nfu-Oh at full price and have less coats with more coverage.  Lesson learned.


I purchased my bottle of Blue Avenue for $3.99.  NYX can be found online or in stores.  You can also Like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

China Glaze Anchors Away

Spring 2011 seems to be a muted colors season from what I'm seeing but Anchors Away from China Glaze provides a bit more than some dusted colors... please enjoy the following press release

ALL HANDS ON DECK
China Glaze Introduces 12 New Glitters And Crèmes For Spring 2011


Sail away this spring in 12 nautically-inspired colors from China Glaze. These bold and confident brights are reminiscent of a carefree natural getaway, with soft ethereal hues that inspire leisurely thoughts of sand and sea. Colors in this collection include:


• Life Preserver: Highly pigmented and luxurious poppy crème.
• Hey Sailor: Vibrant crème red.
• Ahoy!: Delightfully intense pink that flashes with reflective glass speck.
• First Mate: Sophisticated and rich navy crème.
• Starboard: Hip and playful green crème.
• Lighthouse: Multi-dimensional, bright yellow glass speck.
• White Cap: Whimsical and sparkling multi-dimensional white.
• Pelican Gray: High shine, cool toned grey crème.
• Sea Spray: Calming pale blue crème.
• Below Deck: A flirty mix of taupe and violet.
• Sunset Sail: Delightful peachy pink high shine crème.
• Knotty: Micro-particle beige shimmer.


This spring, take a relaxing trip to the shore and sail away with China Glaze. Stop and smell the sea breeze!


The China Glaze Anchors Away collection will be available in two 6 piece acetates, a 12 piece display, a 36 piece rack, and as open stock colors.


China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.


China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze


China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.


About American International Industries
For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women. Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.