OPI Yoga-ta Get This Blue! & Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe

OPI - Yoga-ta Get This Blue!, 2 coats

I got this particular OPI from a stock elimination sale for peanuts (3,5€ vs. 15€), but I ended up being quite disappointed in Yoga-ta Get This Blue as it's not nearly as duochrome on the nail as it appears to be in the bottle. Indoors, it's near black and even in direct sun the shinmer is somewhat lacklustre. At least the formula was your standard OPI quality, but I doubt I'll ever reach for this polish when I want to wear a dark blue.

OPI - Yoga-ta Get This Blue! & Deborah Lippmann - Across the Universe, 2 + 1 coats

I had already made my own Across the Universe/Lady Sings the Blues franken but I desperately wanted to lay my hands on the real thing. Luckily I found ATU and Happy Birthday on eBay for a reasonable sum (around $15 each plus shipping), and this was my first layering experiment with Across the Universe. I didn't use the foil method so removal was a major bish, but look how pretty she is... :)

OPI Black Cherry Chutney & CND Crimson Sparkle

OPI - Black Cherry Chutney & CND - Crimson Sparkle, 2 + 1 coats

I really wanted to like Black Cherry Chutney more, but it is near-black under normal indoor lighting. Crimson Sparkle practically saves the day with its lovely duochrominess, fading from magenta to red and then orange-ish yellow. All the CND effect polishes I've tried have been nothing short of spectacular, offering literally thousands of layering possibilities. I'm currently lemming the new Teal Sparkle and plan to purchase it soon.