PRODUCT REVIEW: OPI HAWAII COLLECTION

OPI is known for launching regular mini collections, and have recently launched the OPI Hawaii Collection. Here are my thoughts;

 

 

 

 

 

What They Say:

 

Hawaii Collection by OPI brings the fresh, bright colours of its namesake island to nails and toes for Spring/Summer 2015. This new collection features a palette ranging from muted tones of mint, peach, pink and nude to bolder hues of coral, green, purple and gold to deep tones of mauve, violet, brick red and shimmery blue.

 

RRP: $19.95 each for a full size bottle, or $24.95 for the mini pack with 4 mini nail polishes – Available from Myer, David Jones and Selected Salons

 

 

What I Say:

 

Compared to previous mini collections this Hawaii Collection, which has been launched to coincide with the European Spring and Summer 2015 is rather large, featuring 12 new shades. The range features both muted tones and more bold shades, all taking inspiration from the sand and surf in Hawaii.

 

 

I have been trying out the mini kit, which includes the shades;

 

 

 

 

 

• Suzi Shops & Island Hops – ‘A light and happy pink that’s the perfect travelling companion’
• That’s Hula-Rious! – ‘Stock Up! This pastel mint green makes me dance with joy!’
• Lost My Bikini in Molokini – ‘With this reef-inspired purple, what’s one bikini more or less?’
• Aloha from OPI – ‘Let’s give a warm island hello to this bright creamy coral!’

 

Of these four shades my favourites would have to be Suzi Shops & Island Hops, which I can see myself using up in no time as it is such a classic, as well as the Aloha from OPI, which is a lovely coral shade.

 

 

I really like the mini bottles as for just $5 you get to try out several shades and not just one shade, and you still have enough polish to do several manicures, and also try out the shade. I also rarely find that use up a shade before it goes off, so that’s another reason why the mini bottles are brilliant. I just wish the full OPI range was also available for purchase a mini bottles!

  

Of the full collection, I do love the look of the olive colour ‘My Gecko does Tricks’ , the warm burnt orange ‘Go with the Lava Flow’ and the navy blue ‘The Colour’s Making Waves’ – and I will certainly be checking them out at the shops.

  

As always, the 3-free polishes are easy to apply, and has a good wear of 4-5 days with the use of a top coat.

 

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

 

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OPI LAUNCHES THE COCA COLA COLLECTION

Who doesn’t love Coca Cola. And add to that it is one of the most recognised brands around the world, and therefore OPI has partnered with Coca Cola to create a limied edition of colours.

The collection includes shades that represent evertyhing from classic red for Coca Cola, metallic silver for Diet Coke, dark red and black for Coke Zero, black cherry for Cherry Coke, cream and warm pink for Vanilla Coke, shimmering citrus green for Sprite and glitter-packed orange for Fanta Orange and deep purple for Fanta Grape.

 

 I think I personally really love the Coca Cola Red Shade the best, as it is simply such a classic, but there is no denying that the whole collection is absolutely stunning.

L-R: Sorry I'm Fizzy Today, Coca-Cola Red, Orange You Stylish!

L-R: Sorry I'm Fizzy Today, Coca-Cola Red, Orange You Stylish!

 

RRP: $19.95 – Available from Myer and David Jones


*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Are you a Coca Cola fan? Which shade do you prefer?
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PRODUCT REVIEW: MARIE CLAIRE THE PARCEL - SPRING EDIT

Beauty Subscription boxes are very popular at the moment, and new boxes seems to be popping up very frequently. And with good reason. Personally I love the idea. As a stay at home mum, these days I have limited funds to spend on myself, so I would like spending my money on beauty products I know I will love, and not some that I after first use with stash away under the bathroom sink not to be found again until years later the products is too old to use and can only be thrown in the bin. That is just a waste. But bring in the beauty boxes and you get access to generous sample sizes of products you would otherwise never thought to try or buy, and now you get the chance before wasting money on products that may not suit your skin type or tone.

The newest kid on the blog is from Marie Claire. And let me start by saying that I have been a devoted Marie Claire reader for years. And I have been saving years worth of copies, but did throw away about 5 years of back issues when we moved in the beginning of the year. Do you have any idea how much room they take up, and how heavy they are?

 

 

Anyway, I love Marie Claire for keeping me in the loop with the latest within fashion, trends, lifestyle and of course beauty, - so launching a beauty subscription box which includes the newest within beauty products seems to be like the most natural expansion of the magazine.

Here are my thoughts on the very first edition of Marie Claire The Parcel, The Spring Edit*, which arrived just as I was about to take off to the airport for my Europe holiday, so apologies for the delayed review, but I hope you have been following my social media pages where I did post a sneaky teaser of the contents..



What They Say:

RRP: $25 per quarter (1 box), or $90 for a year (4 boxes), or alternatively $149 for a year (4 boxes) plus you will get a years subscription (12 issues) to Marie Claire


What I Say:

So what was in the launch box from The Parcel; 

OPI Nail Lacquer in Love Angel Music Baby – Full Size, 15ml, RRP $19.95

 

This shade is a lovely gold shade, and comes from the Gwen Stefani range. The golden shade is perfect of a the upcoming Xmas festive season. I believe that the Gwen Stefani range is a slightly older collection by now, but regardless, I love OPI polishes and do not have a gold shade in my collection, so it is a very welcome addition.




REVLON Colorstay Moisture Stain in #010 Exclusive' – Full Size, RRP: $25.95

 

This lip stain is quite pigmented and is a combination between a gloss and a stain, still leaving a nice colour on the lips. The shade ‘Exclusive’ is a lovely medium pink shade that is perfect for daytime casual wear.




Benefit They're Real NEW Push-Up Liner – Sample Size, 0.10g (RRP: $35/Full Size)

 

I have heard so many good things about this eye liner and have so been wanting to try it out, and see for myself if it lives up to all the hype - so timing with this cute little sample just couldn’t be better.

 

Benefit They're Real Beyond Mascara – Sample Size (RRP: $38/Full Size)

 

I already know this mascara and have previously reviewed it. Like most others I love it, and have repurchased a few times already. And fact is that I actually prefer the smaller sample sizes to the large full sized mascara as that way it doesn’t dry out on me, plus it is more convenient for the handbag!

 

Lancome Visionnaire LR2412 4% Cx Advanced Skin Corrector – Sample Size, 7ml (RRP: $97/30ml)

 

I was lucky to go to the exclusive Lancome launch of this serum, so I have already been using this for almost a month now and absolutely love it, so while the small sample is not news to me as such, I certainly don’t mind getting a small top up so I can continue to use it for a little longer. It promises to help refine the skin and correct the appearance of wrinkles, pores and uneven skin tone, and so far I am loving the results!



L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Absolute Extreme Hold Hair Spray – Purse Size, 75ml (RRP: $4.95)

 

I have used this hairspray for years, even before it was introduced in Europe! I always have a large can as I like how it controls especially the small flyaways around my hairline, yet without making my hair feel heavy or stiff. And it easily brushes out again. And this purse sized bottle is always handy to have at hand for getaways to even pop in the gym bag!


Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner – Sample Sizes, 40ml each (RRP: $4.99/200ml each)

 

This cute small set of shampoo and conditioner from Pantene is listed as bonus items. The products are newly formulated so they should offer more intense hydration while working on repairing and revitalising damaged hair. I have already tried the original formula which is lovely for a budget shampoo and conditioner, so I look forward to seeing how this improved version performs.

So there you go the first Parcel from Marie Claire. And generally I have to say that I am very impressed with the contents. It contains two full sized items, or really three if you count the hairspray, and these three items along retail at over $50, twice the cost of the box. And in addition you also get to try two great products from Benefit and the newly launched serum from Lancome. Well done Marie Claire on your launch box, The Spring Edit, I can’t wait to see what the next Parcel will bring..

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think of The Parcel? Keen on subscribing? Tried any of the products?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: OPI NORDIC COLLECTION

I love OPI Nail Polishes, so when I heard of the new Nordic Collection, I naturally got excited. And even more so as being Danish, this collection just felt so close to home.

 

 

What They Say: 

 

Inspired by the great northern lights in Finland, deep blue fjords in Norway, and colorful houses in Copenhagen, Nordic Collection by OPI brings the diverse colours of its namesake region to nails and toes. This new collection of 12 lacquers features a palette ranging from spicy browns in shades of bronze, cinnamon and caramel to rich purples in wine, black cherry and blue-violet hues, with accents of creamy coral, pink and sea green.

 

 

RRP: $19.95 – Available from David Jones, Myer and selected beauty salons

 

 

What I Say:

 

I am not very good at doing manicures. To be quite honest, I really suck at it. I always get it everywhere, and struggle to get an even finish. And then I can rarely sit still for the few minutes it takes these days for it to dry completely, so I usually end up with it being scuffed more or less immediately.

 

However, the OPI nail polishes, do make it easier to achieve a nice results as the wide brush and the formula of the polish just applies so nice and evenly, with just two coats required.

 

And I really love, and give the polishes bonus points for being 3-free – that is, for not containing DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

 

The collection boast 12 gorgeous shades including;  

 

• Going My Way or Norway
• Ice-Bergers & Fries
• OPI with a nice Finn-Ish
• My Voice is a little Norse
• Can’t aFfjord Not to
• How Great is Your Dane?
• My Dogsled is a Hybrid
• Suzi Has a Sweede Tooth
• Do Y Have This Color in Stock-Holm?
• Thank Glogg Its Friday
• Viking in a Vinter Vonderland
• Skating on Thin Ice-Land

 

 How cool are those names!!

 

 

L-R: How Great is Your Dane?,
Viking in a Vinter Vonderland, Thank Glogg Its Friday

 

 

The OPI Nordic collection hence includes warm metallic in cinnamon and toffee hues and pastels of blue-violet, creamy coral and sea greens as well as dark purples and reds.

 

Here I’m wearing (of course!!) How Great is Your Dane with two coats – and yep, in case you were wondering, I am fluent in Danish!!

 

  

As always, OPI wears really well, and I manage to get four to five days from a manicure if I use a top coat, which personally I find quite good.

I absolutely love the colours in the Nordic Collection and wouldn’t mind adding a few more of the colours to my collection. My only complaint is that I do find the colours more suitable for use during autumn and winter being a little dark – so really they would be perfect for wear in the Nordic Countries right now as they head towards autumn. But… as I still love the colours I will still be wearing them during the Australian spring and summer, and besides, the colours were perfect to wear during my recent trip back to Denmark, so on the other hand, timing couldn’t be better..

* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


What do you think of the OPI Nordic Collection? Ever visited any of the Nordic Countries?

 

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Industry News: OPI Launches the Muppets Most Wanted Collection

Inspired by Disney’s new film Muppets Most Wanted OPI announces the launch of eight new limited edition nail lacquers.

With an all-star cast including Kermit the Frog, Constantine, Ricky Gervais, Miss Piggy, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey and the whole Muppet gang, this family comedy is directed by James Bobin and written by Bobin and Nicholas Stoller. 

 
“The Muppets are a fun-loving, colourful cast of characters. These eight new nail lacquers were inspired by their latest adventures in Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted, which includes a glamorous international stage tour – and lots of surprises”, explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP.

Top Row: Intl Crime Caper - Muppets World Tour -
I Love Applause- Chillin Like a Villian
Bottom Row: Lets Do Anything We Want - Gaining Mole-mentum -
Kermit Me To Speak - Miss Piggy's Big Number

“Fashionable Miss Piggy is represented through soft pink, peach and pearlescent hues, as well as a frosty sapphire blue – Miss Piggy’s Big Number – to match her fabulous tour gown. The remaining four shades highlight the film’s unexpected elements and include a colour-shifting mauve and three sparkle-packed lacquers – including my personal favorite Gaining Mole-mentum, a gold and rose chunky shredded glitter.”


RRP: All shades: $19.95, Mini Pack: $24.95, Full size duo pack: $24.95
- Available from selected MYER, David Jones stores and selected salons


What do you think of his OPI Muppets Collection? Keen on getting your hands on some of the shades? Are you a Muppets fan?

Industry News: Free OPI Nail Lacquer

Who doesn’t love nail polishes – and even more so when they come from the quality brand OPI. OPI has long been available for purchase in David Jones, and to celebrate the long weekend – for those lucky ones in NSW – as a one-off exclusive offer for those shopping over the Long Weekend, OPI would like reward you with a complementary bottle of OPI lacquer, with every purchase – simply purchase any OPI Nail Lacquer 15ml and be rewarded with a second lacquer complimentary from OPI.

What a great offer is that!! And of course this offer is also available to the rest of Australia (although we unfortunately have to make do without the long weekend), but note that this offer is exclusive to David Jones.

Are you going to take advantage of this offer from OPI offer? Which colours will you be getting?

Industry News: OPI launches limited edition Halloween 2013 Rock Goddess

Like most others I love OPI nail polishes, and love when new collections are launched – and now OPI is launching an amazing looking edition in the lead up to Halloween – the Halloween 2013 Rock Goddess.

Traditionally an American celebration, Halloween has become a popular Australia with many people using the spooky festivities as an excuse to dress up and kids going trick or treating. And in honour of the spooky black cats and witches, OPI is releasing a limited edition Halloween pack, Rock Goddess.

 

 

"The mini pack features 4 mini (7.5ml) lacquers in ghoulish colours that will rock your world.  The fancy dress theme is 'rock chick' this year, with colour hues in bright yellow, slime green, charcoal and blood red."

• Yellopalooza – a vibrant yellow
• Stand in Lime for Days – a shade of green slime
• Rolling Bones – a dark charcoal grey that will rock your world
• The Drummer is Hot – a piping hot blood red

The pack also includes a complementary Skull Bracelet.

OPI’s Halloween 2013 Rock Goddess has an RRP of $24.95, and will be available from 29^th September 2013, at selected beauty salons, David Jones, and Myer.

 

I love the look of this new collection, but especially Lime green and the Charcoal… must definitely put the date this collection is available in the diary!

 

What do you think of this limited edition collection? Will you be heading to the shops next month when it becomes available? Which colours do you love? And do you even celebrate Halloween?

 

Product Review: David Jones Delux Sampler Tote – Winter 2013

As many others I can’t resist at good beauty gift with purchase, and so I got drawn in to getting the current beauty sampler tote from David Jones.

But thing is, I really didn’t need anything, so I was wondering around in the beauty department, looking at what I could get that that I needed... And so I got a nail polish remover, which I was actually basically out of - fantastic, and at just $4.95!

 

So what did this Deluxe Sampler Tote include…

David Jones Beauty Natural Regeneration Day Cream (30ml) and Deeply Purify Facial Cleanser (30ml)

 

 

I have never tried any of the David Jones products, I have no idea what to expect, but I am looking forward to trying these.

SKII Facial Treatment Essence (30ml)

 

I have heard a lot of good things about this treatment essence, but I have never tried it. I have heard some say that it has made their skin break out, so I am a little concerned that will also be the case with my combination skin prone to breakouts, but this 30ml sample will at least give me a good chance to try it, and see what it is like on my skin without spending up big to buy a full sized product.

The bag also contained a voucher giving you a free SKII Facial Treatment Mask with your first consultation and purchase.

Molton Brown Toko Yuzu Bath & Shower Gel (30ml)

 

 

Another brand that I’ve never tried before, although I’ve heard so much about it, so can’t wait to try it. The shower gel is only small, but at least I can use it once or twice and get a good idea of what it is like.  

There was also a voucher giving you 20% off Molton Brown products when you spend $80 or more.

Circa Home Scented Soy Candle in Vanilla Bean & All Spice (mini size)

 

 

I love scented candles – with two dogs living inside the house, I frequently burn scented candles so that our house wont smell too much of dog. And this Circa candle not only looks so nice, but it smells absolutely divine. The candle was one of the reasons why I selected this particular bag.

OPI Nail lacquer in 37 (3.75ml mini size)

 

I love OPI polishes; they are 3-free, easy to apply, last well, and have a nice colour range, so I’m loving the inclusion of this mini size. In the bottle it looks dark brown or black, but once on the nail it is actually a very dark eggplant/purple colour – I love it!

Billie Goat Soap Lip Balm (Full size, 15ml)

 

 

Yet another brand that is new to me, yet I was aware of. I knew Billie Goat made soaps, but never knew that they made lipbalms too. I love that this one contains no chemical nasties including no parabens, SLS, colour, fragrance etc, yet it still has the most delicious scent of peach.

Roger & Gallet Bois D’Orange Perfumed Soap (25g)

I have seen this brand around before, but again, one I’ve not tried, mainly because I don’t really use soap bars – but in saying that, it smells fantastic so for now it can sit and look pretty in my powder room making it smell nice at the same time, before possibly making into my underwear drawer.

 

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion (7g)

 

 

I love Burt’s Bees, in particularly the lipbalms and the citrus cuticle balm. This day cream smells fantastic, so I look forward to trying it, although I could worry that being intensely hydrating it will be a little too rich for my skin, but time will tell.

Dermalogica Precleanse (30ml)

 

 

Now this is another product that made me select this bag. I have seen so many positive reviews on this cleanser, so I’ve been so keen on trying it. And again, the generous 30ml sample will give me a good chance to see what it’s like on my skin before making a full-sized purchase.

BioElixia Body Shaper body Lotion (20ml)

There was so much hype when Elixia launched their Body Shaper lotion, but sadly it isn’t cheap, but this 20ml sample will again be a good chance to try it, although it is probably too small to expect to see any results.

 

Everything came in a black plastic tote, which to be honest I'm not really sure what to do with as its not really my style.

 

 

 

Inside the tote was a see-through plastic cosmetic back holding all the samples, and while I have lots of better quality cosmetic and toilet bags, I do like this see-through one and can see myself using it to store samples so I can easily find what I am looking for.

 

 

 

On the whole I think that this bag is extremely good value for just $19.95 – and in my eyes better value than any of the monthly beauty boxes that I’ve seen – also because you can actually see in advance what you are getting.

 

What do you think? Did you go to David Jones and take advantage of this offer too? Which products are you most excited about trying?

 

 

 

 

 

Product Review & NOTD: OPI, Liquid Sand, Bond Girls Collection, Vesper

A few months ago OPI launched the collection The Bond Girls Collection, a limited edition of six liquid sand colours, inspired by the Bond Girls. Having always been a huge James Bond fan, I was really excited about that, so here are my thoughts on *OPI Liquid Sand colour, Vesper;

What They Say:

The Bond Girls Collection nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.
RRP: $19.95 – Available from David Jones, Myer and selected beauty salons


What I Say:

I really love the OPI nail polishes, as you can always rely on the best quality and a continuous stream of amazing colours. And I really love, and give the polishes bonus points for being 3-free – that is, for not containing DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

The colour Vesper described by OPI as a "mysterious and intriguing deep purple" – and it really is a lovely very dark aubergine purple, which in a certain light almost looks black.

The nail polish is using OPI’s technology for a textured and gritty surface with tiny sand granules, along with a matte finish with reflective sparkle.

As other OPI liquid sand colours, the nail polish has a nice formula, and has the usual good quality wide brush that makes it easy to cover the nail in just a few strokes. I am wearing two coats for a solid coverage without streaks.

The nail polish does take a little longer to apply than normal OPI polishes, and I find that I need to add a thicker second coat for full coverage, which consequently means that it takes a little longer to dry. But as it has such a unique look it is well worth it.

As with all other OPI nail polishes, it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell either, which I’m sure is because it is free from DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde.

The nail polish lasts about three days before it starts to chip a little at the edges, but that is without wearing a top coat, as I feel that is a shame as it would ruin the special matte look and feel. And I have to admit that I so cannot stop touching my nails, which feels like a fine nail file or sanding paper.

All in all, OPI nail polishes really are of such fantastic quality, and absolutely worth their price tag. And although I am not usually a fan of purple, this dark purple colour is so lovely and unique, that I will enjoy wearing it again and again.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

What do you think Vesper? Are you a Bond Fan? What do you think of the Liquid Sand formula? Have you tried any?
 

Product News: OPI’s Glimmer of Hope for Breast Cancer 2013

As most are probably aware, October is always Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and consequently a number of products are always released where some, if not all of the profits are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

This year OPI is supporting breast cancer research with a new limited edition Pink of Hearts 2013 dual pink nail art pack complete with pink ribbon stick-on decals and crystals. 100% of profits will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

 

 

The OPI Pink of Hearts 2013 contains limited-edition 'More than a Glimmer' and OPI’s classic soft pink 'Pink-ing of You', complete with 10 pink ribbon stick-on decals and sparkling crystals.   Each bottle of nail lacquer has a special pink-ribbon cap wrap in support of breast cancer awareness. 

'More than a Glimmer' is a unique blend of silver, pink, and teal glitter set in a clear matte base. The result resembles brushed chrome subtly reflecting surrounding colours for a look that commands attention in an understated way.  For optimal matte, brushed chrome finish do not apply top coat.

 

 

'Pink-ing of You' is a classic soft pink that truly inspires hope.

 

I always stock support Breast Cancer, and always make sure to stock up on 'Pink' products in the lead up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as I absolutely love OPI nail polishes (and how gorgeous are these shades?), that this OPI nail art pack is already on my shopping list..

The OPI Pink of Hearts Nail Art Pack is available from 13th September 2013 from selected salons and David Jones, $24.95 while stocks last. 

What do you think of this OPI Nail Art Set? Do you buy 'Pink' products in lead up to Breast Cancer Awareness Month? And what are you planning on getting?

 

 

 

Product Review: OPI Nail Lacquer, Liquid Sand, What wizardry is this?

A few months ago OPI launched the collection The Great and Powerful, a limited edition with colours designed to capture the magic and whimsy portrayed in the film. Here are my thoughts of the *OPI Nail Lacquer, Liquid Sand in colour 'What wizardry is this?';

What They Say:

"The Great and Powerful nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application".RRP: $19.95 – Available from David Jones, Myer and selected beauty salons


What I Say:

I really love the OPI nail polishes, as you can always rely on the best quality and a continuous stream of amazing colours. And I really love, and give the polishes bonus points for being 3-free – that is, for not containing DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

The colour What Wizardry Is This? is described by OPI as Taupe with a textured matte sheen, however, I would rather describe it as a dark brown taupe or even olive green with gold shimmer. 

The nail polish features OPI’s technology for a textured and gritty surface due to the tiny sand granules, along with a matte finish with reflective sparkle.

The nail polish has a nice formula, although it is a little bit of a strange feeling applying such a grainy feeling polish. It comes with the usual good quality wide brush that makes it easy to cover the nail in just a few strokes, although again, due to the grainy formula it does take a few extra strokes, as well as I feel I am needing to apply thicker coats than I otherwise would with a 'normal' nail polish. I am wearing two coats for a solid coverage without streaks.

I decided to not use a top coat on top, as although it would no doubt extend the wear by a few days, I felt it was a shame to cover the matte sandy texture with a shiny topcoat.

The nail polish does take a little longer than normal OPI polishes but I don’t mind as it gives such a unique look.

As with all other OPI nail polishes, it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell either, which I’m sure is because it is free from DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde.

After about three days, the nail polish started to chip a little at the edges, but as always I have also not been treating them very kindly, washing my hands frequently due to my two dogs, and not to mention tapping away on the computer keyboard. And again three days wear is without wearing a top coat.

All in all, OPI nail polishes really are of such fantastic quality, and absolutely worth their price tag. And I really love this shade. It has a unique olive/brown colour, and although it has glitter particles, they are still very subtle, making it look very classy. And as for the Liquid Sand formula, I love that too, - although it does take a little while to get used to the gritty surface (which does feel a little like a nail file!), and I just can't stop touching it!

* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


What do you think What wizardry is this? And what do you think of the Liquid Sand formula? Have you tried any?





 

Industry News: OPI Launches the Bond Girls Liquid Sand Collection

I love James Bond Movies. Always have and always will. It’s my favourite movies and I can just keep watching them again and again. There is just something about the movies. Action from start to finish.

And now to celebrate the 50 years of 007, OPI is launching the Bond Girls Liquid Sand Collection of six nail polishes, which are inspired by the Bond Girls.

 

The Bond girls all go down in history for their confidence, beauty and style, so it’s about time they too get a little credit.

The newest OPI shades featuring Liquid Sand™ technology are as sophisticated and glamorous as the Bond Girls for whom they are named.

And of course, you can always rely on the best quality OPI, and not to mention that they are always 3-Free; that is they do not contain DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

The Bond Girls Collection polishes have a RRP of $19.95 each, and are available from David Jones, Myer and selected beauty salons.

While I’m not sure which of the Bond Girls is my favourite, I think the Tiffany Case and Vesper colours look absolute stunning..

What about you? Are you a 007 fan too? And what do you think of this new collection? Any of these new colours take your fancy?

 

Product Review: OPI Nail Lacquer - Can’t Find My Czechbook

In March OPI launched its new Summer 2013 collection Euro Centrale, pays tribute to the new trendy fashion hotspots in central Europe; Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania. Here are my thoughts on *Can’t Find My Czechbook;
 

What They Say: 

"Euro Centrale Collection nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application".
RRP: $19.95 – Available from David Jones, Myer and selected beauty salons


What I Say:
 
I really love the OPI nail polishes, as you can always rely on the best quality and a continuous stream of amazing colours. And I really love, and give the polishes bonus points for being 3-free – that is, for not containing DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

The collection Euro Centrale by OPI is "a celebration of one of the world’s richest sources of creative talent for centuries, and especially one of the areas of cultural awakening emerging from this region: fashion. Gothic historical churches alongside modern public buildings punctuated with vibrant graffiti murals are the perfect backdrop for modern fashion design to make its entrance. Young designers present their most avant-garde creations at fashion shows held in museums, designs to rival anything from Paris or Milan."

"The collection boost a wide variety of shades, ranging from pale nude to deep midnight blue and aubergine; from shimmery copper to aqua blue; from high-end metallic hues to playful bright shades in periwinkle and pink".

Can’t Find My Czechbook is a lovely aqua, which is gorgeous for spring and summer wear, - and although we’re now heading towards autumn here in Australia, I will still enjoy using it to brighten up my otherwise dark clothing.

I love how the name plays on the Czech Republic – and regards to the checkbook – maybe it is also a reference to the Tiffany & Co trademark colour, and that a big fat checkbook is required to satisfy most girls dreams at Tiffany’s…!

The nail polish has a nice formula, which is so easy to apply and due to the wide brush, just a few brushstrokes and the nail is covered. The nail polish covers nice and evenly, although there are some minor visible brush strokes, even with two coats. I am wearing two coats in these pictures, but I’m sure that an additional coat would get rid of the streakiness. 

 

And by the way, how gorgeous is this gemstone ring from
Emilia Rossi Jewellery..!

The nail polish dries quickly, which is perfect for me as I’m usually a little impatient. And it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell either, which I’m sure is because it is free from DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde.

After about three days, the nail polish started to chip a little at the edges, but I have also not been treating them very kindly, as always washing my hands frequently due to my two dogs, and not to mention tapping away on the computer keyboard. And the three days wear is without wearing a top coat, so I am sure that with a top coat I would have had another couple of days wear out the nail polish.

All in all, OPI nail polishes really are of such fantastic quality, and absolutely worth their price tag. And in spite of this aqua shade being intended for the European summer, I will still enjoy wearing It over winter, dreaming of the warm summer days to come.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

What do you think of Can’t Find My Czechbook? Have you ever tried any of the OPI nail polishes? What’s your favourite nail polish brand? And colour?