Nicole by OPI Sounds Grape To Me

Sounds Grape To Me from Nicole by OPI doesn't seem too grape to me.  Granted, I think of grape as being something like China Glaze Grape Pop - purple and vibrant.  This is more of a brownish red to me.  This bottle had the old brush, not the pro-wide... I forgot how much I like OPI's Pro-Wide brush.


I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail, 2 coats of polish and a top of OPI Top Coat.  The formula was nice and smooth.

See what I mean about this brownish red going on?  I don't see purple.  Am I alone in this one?

Shade picture shows how pretty this color is - even though I'm still not seeing purple in there.  I'm also still not totally sold on the bottle shape, despite the cool way it allows you to hold the bottle while painting your nails.

Finally indoors with the flash and more of that reddy brown.  Sorry Nicole, I'm not seeing purple at all and grapes to me are purple (or green!).  Still a really nice color though!  (To be fair, the press release says "A shimmering burgundy that up's for anything!")

Nicole by OPI is available beginning at ULTA, Meijer, Harmon, HEB, Sears, Wal-Mart and more for around $8 a bottle.  For more information, visit their website, follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter or become a Facebook fan.

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

China Glaze Eye Candy

Ever since I saw these at Cosmoprof North America, I was excited. I have a nail wheel of these colors and they all felt gritty to me but a coat of Seche Vite smoothed them out. I'm definitely looking forward to Marry A Millionaire which has some "hairy glitter" (also called bar glitter) on it.

3-D GLITTERS ARE A GIRL’S NEW BEST FRIEND

China Glaze Introduces Six New Innovative Glitter Polishes for Winter 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (October 2011): Forget diamonds! This winter China Glaze introduces a nail industry first: utilizing 3-D glitters in its new “Eye Candy” collection. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe and her timeless allure, this innovative new glitter technology provides a knock-your-eyes-out, super sparkly effect to your manicure. Multi-sized and differently shaped glitter particles are cleverly combined to create a sexy, super decadent, 3-D finish in six bright, eye-popping shades. Whether you prefer gleaming gold or glamorous smoky grey, China Glaze’s “Eye Candy” collection adds a dazzling finish to your holiday look with a glimmer that is sure to catch everyone’s eye! Colors in this collection include:

Love Marilyn

Vivacious Red with Shimmering Silver Particles

Blonde Bombshell

Glistening Multidimensional Gold Flecks

Lorelei’s Tiara

Sterling Silver Infused with Blue Sprinkles

Material Girl

Posh pink with Holographic Bubblegum Glitter

Some Like It Haute

Graphite Gray with Holographic Glitter

Marry A Millionaire

Alluring Amethyst with Multi-tonal Fibers

Celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Ivanka Trump, Rosario Dawson and Emmy Rossum regularly rock China Glaze and now you can get your bling on with “Eye Candy.”


The China Glaze “Eye Candy” collection will be available in an amazing 3-D 12-piece counter display 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.

Nicole by OPI I Love You Cherry Much

I was most excited about this next shade from the Something About Color Collection - Target Exclusive... I Love You Cherry Much.  While the promo pictures didn't really show it, this was not your ordinary red... it had flakies!  Granted, it's red flakes, but it's flakies.  I actually didn't love the shade of red but really wanted to use this for a pedicure so I first used a coat of OPI Stranger Tides which helped tone down the brightness of this red.


For this manicure, I used a base of OPI Natural Nail, 2 coats of polish and a top of OPI Top Coat.  The brush is the old skinny brush but application was a dream.

Look how happy this color is!  I think the best way for me to explain flakies is look at fish food - the little flakes?  Yeah, that's what you're seeing in the bottom of my nail polish bottle down there.  It gets a bit lost on the nail but I still love it.

Even in the shade, this color is hot.  You can almost see a bit of a purple tint coming through but I think that's just the really BLUE sky I had going on that day.  Yay for good weather!

Finally indoors with the flash and it's still just really hot hot hot!  Definitely in my top 10 Nicole by OPI colors ever.  Totally the star of this collection.


Nicole by OPI is available beginning at ULTA, Meijer, Harmon, HEB, Sears, Wal-Mart and more for around $8 a bottle.  For more information, visit their website, follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter or become a Facebook fan.

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

NCLA Polish

I have a new line to tell you about today - NCLA, which stands for Nail Couture Los Angeles.  They launched in February of this year with "Nail Wraps" (think Minx, Nail Rock, etc) but now they are launching a complete line of nail lacquers to include an all-in-one base/top coat.  You can find their Nail Wraps in most high end boutiques - Harvey Nichols, Kitson, Fred Segal etc.


NCLA is big 5 free (DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Camphor and Formaldehyde Resin) and does not test on animals.


Here's their own little love letter about their line (I absolutely love about us pages!)

We love Fashion. We adore our nails. Our goal is to effortlessly combine both by creating true, high-end, luxury nail fashion products. For us the perfect outfit starts with your personal style and it ends at right the tip of your fingers. NCLA is born, bred and brewed to perfection in sunny California and fast becoming an LA icon.
What started as a line of exquisitely unique, fashion-inspired, super easy to apply nail wraps, quickly became a new industry standard. All designs are unparalleled, unique and influenced by the cosmopolitan diversity that is our city. Our one-of-a-kind products are sprinkled with a dash of LA style and available to Fashionistas around the world.
Following the success, we launched a luxurious collection of exclusive nail lacquers. And just as we like to - or at least try to - take care of the rest of our bodies, here is a guarantee: All our top of the line color formulas are 5 Free. No harmful carcinogens such as DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde or Camphor. And nothing is tested on animals. Ever!
We offer the ultimate in nail fashion accessories. Whether you choose our amazingly easy to wear nail wraps or lavishly high-end nail lacquers, your style deserves an immaculate finish!
We want to share a little bit of LA love and sunshine with every woman - no matter where!
xoxo, NCLA Loves You!

Need a breakdown of their new "LA Collection" colors?  Here ya go!  (Please click to see a much higher res image!)

Hollywood and Vine Starlet
If you ever went out in Hollywood, you most likely know this intersection. And if you’ve ever been there, then you know exactly why we named this ultra rich black with silver glitter. Oh yeah, in case if you haven’t visited, you must come one day! Long live Hollywood!


Downtown Dollface
Tall buildings, big business, edgy fashion and one color that matches is all. Whether you’re having a rooftop lunch or aim to impress in the board-room, this easy to wear light grey crème color will go anywhere.


LAX Jet Setter
While looking up into the bright blue LA sky, we saw a sparkling, shimmering plane reflecting the sunlight while speeding through the open sky. This space metallic silver is definitely First Class!


Bel-Air Trophy Wife
A walk-in closet that you can get lost in, a crystal clear infinity pool to relax and a shiny new convertible in front of the well manicured lawn. And to top it all off, this brand new luxury color! A lush, bronze metallic gold. Without any question, life is grand!



Mulholland Maneater
There is something mysterious about Mullholland Drive. Sneaking its’ way along the spine of the Hills, you can see the never-ending ocean of city lights to both sides, huge gated mansions and a dangerously curvy road that bisects the mountains. Opulent, rich, dark purple, hitting the nail on the head!


Venice Beach Vixen
Full of eccentric energy, expressions of individuality, striving on non-conformity and floating in an ocean of blue. Welcome to Venice Beach. To stand out here, you need something with a little extra pop. Et voila: Our electric blue crème kicks ass!


Rodeo Drive Royalty
Shopping, lunches, spas and pampering. One thing is for sure: No work today! This lavish, dark cran-apple color not only fits right in, it will make heads spin.


Rush Hour
Only in LA. It drives you mad, it drives you crazy, it makes you want to scream! But in the end, the sun sets in a fiery red ball into the ocean, all is peaceful and you just can’t help but love it! Here is a luxuriously rich, loud, bright crimson red crème, what else?


West Hollywood It-Girl
Party, party and another party. Then a quick change of outfits and now this striking burgundy cherry glitter is really happening. On to the next one! It’s not your fault that you’re so popular!




Malibu Beach Babe
Well, driving along Pacific Coast Highway, breathing the fresh ocean air, watching the waves crash on one side and having lush mountains as a backdrop on the other, we kind of understand why people are living it up here. This ultra light and creamy turquoise sums the whole scenery up pretty well.


Beverly Hills Bunny
90210. The most famous zip code on the planet. A deep perfect hot pink, here is our take on the most popular nail color in history. Today, let’s paint the city pink!


Like…Totally Valley Girl
Spoiled like a princess, a no limit black card in your new IT-purse and High School just never ends! Yeah, don’t we all just want to be daddy’s little girl forever? Quintessentially California! Live the dream with this perfectly smooth pink crème. So cute!


Poolside Party, All Eyes On Me!
Summer is in the air. You can smell the heat, see people smile everywhere and you sooo can’t wait for Sunday afternoon. Whether it is a rooftop pool with all the movers and shakers, lounging with friends in the backyard or just strolling to watch the sun set, glorious summer is here. All year long! Lovely rich and bright peach crème, here you go!


Pick Me Up At Melrose Place
Hip stores, high-end restaurants and hot summer nights. A lot is happening around Melrose. And a lot more with the rich bright purple that screams just loud enough for the right kind of attention. 



Santa Monica Shore Thing
Bright white beaches, streaks of sun-bleached blond, brown tan bodies and a clear, cool ocean breeze. Yes please! Seriously, this minty green crème has the potential of a mild obsession in the making.


Hollywood Hills Hot Number
The big full moon, sparkling like a disco ball over the city that is wrapped in a warm and comfortable evening breeze. The night filled with excitement and anticipation. You are lighting up the room as soon as the door opens. Glasses drop. The champagne bottles pop. Here is a large flake multi color glitter that is special. Just like you!  Can also be worn over our nail wraps for some extra credit!


Miss Sunset Strip
Your little black dress: absolutely flawless. Your six inch heels: sharp enough to cut through the velvet rope. You don’t spread gossip. You’re it! Flaunt in the flashing lights with this thick large flake purple glitter.
Can also be worn over our nail wraps for an extra bang!


GLOSS IT!
Our superlative All-In-One Base/ Top Coat for that perfect high-gloss finish. It collaborates utterly well with our nail wraps or as an All-In-One with nail lacquer. Prepares nail surface for best possible adhesion and lacquer application. Plus it has the characteristics of a really high-shine top-coat.
Trust us, you will absolutely love this.


So now you know who they are and what they have - now where to find them?  They are launching today in top stores and department stores.  They retain for $16.00 each.  You can purchase their Nail Wraps from their website as well.  For more ways to connect, you can follow their Twitter, like them on Facebook, and even follow them on Tumblr!

Nicole by OPI It's Not Me, It's Blue

Jumping back to the "Something About Color" collection that was a Target exclusive, today I have It's Not Me, It's Blue from Nicole by OPI.  My nearest Target is over an hour north, so I miss sometimes seeing things like this.  I went to my local Wal-Mart (which is pretty much all we have in my town) to see the new Kardashian Kolors collection completely picked over.  So this color is a "pretty periwinkle, you had me at shimmer".  My first car was a Chevy Corsica in periwinkle blue but it was more creme than a shimmer.  This color reminds me more of new blue jeans, which I thought was awesome considering the Chanel/nubar new colors that came out this fall.


I used a base of OPI Natural Nail, 2 coats of polish and a top of OPI Top Coat.  The formula seemed to apply well but the brush is the "old style" and was not the new pro-wide that was introduced earlier this year.

You can imagine my shock when I got out into the light and saw nothing but nail beds and smile lines.  I was very shocked in the opacity of this color.

It's a little better in the shade, but still a bit thin.  I think this color would be best layered over another blue.

Indoors with the flash.  Not much else to say.


I'm not sure what's up with this color... most of my blogging friends loved it - thought it had hints of violet and grey - a very metallic looking shade.  I wasn't a fan at all, on the other hand.  Maybe blues just aren't really my thing?  Good thing, is that there was no staining of my nails or hands after removing this polish.


Nicole by OPI is available beginning at ULTA, Meijer, Harmon, HEB, Sears, Wal-Mart and more for around $8 a bottle.  For more information, visit their website, follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter or become a Facebook fan.



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