OPI Get Your Number

     OPI recently released a new line of textured polishes called Liquid Sands.  The first 4 were released with the Mariah Carey collaboration earlier this year.  

   Get Your Number is a medium blue jelly base with small blue and holo glitters.  The Liquid Sand polishes are designed to dry with a gritty sand-like texture.  Like sand, Get Your Number has a matte finish, but with tiny sparkles that show up even without top coat.  You will need to give the polish some extra dry time for the matte effect to fully develop.  I didn't wait as long as I should have before taking these pictures, so the polish is not as matte as it could have been.  I used 2 coats over Finger Paints base coat.  Liquid Sand polishes are meant to be worn without top coat.

Direct Sun

Indoor Natural Light

Indoor with Flash

   You can see that the texture and sparkle are both very obvious without top coat.  But, if you want extra sparkle or simply don't like the textured look, you can add top coat.  Because of the texture you will need LOTS of top coat for a completely smooth finish.  I used 2 coats of Gelous and 1 coat of Seche Vite for the following pictures and even then I slowly started noticing my nails getting gritty again over the next few days.  Not to the full texture if I didn't have any top coat on, but it was still noticeable.  

Direct Sun

Indoor Natural Light

Indoor with Flash

   My camera didn't want to capture the full sparkle of Get Your Number with top coat.  I think you still get the idea though.  The jellyness of the base color is really brought out by top coat as well.  

   Get Your Number is lovely on its own, but stunning once you add top coat.  The whole reason I purchased Get Your Number was because of pictures I had seen of it with top coat.  I wore this as a full mani for several days and had very minimal tip wear or chipping.  I've heard that wear is the same even without top coat.  I will definitely try that out one day for myself.  

    What do all of you think of the new textured polish trend?  Which ones have you tried so far?  Which are you planning to?  Or does the idea of gritty nails make you want to pass?  Let me know in the comments.

Holiday 2012 Holographic Polish Comparisons

   Merry Christmas everyone.   Happy Tuesday or Movie and Chinese Food Day to everyone not celebrating.  Today I just have a quick comparison of a couple holographic polishes that have come out this season, and one older polish, for you.  

   For this comparison I used 2 coats of each polish over Finger Paints base coat and no top coat.  The polishes are Zoya Blaze on my thumb, Orly Miss Conduct on my index finger, OPI DS Extravagance on my middle finger, Zoya Aurora on my ring finger, and Color Club Gift of Sparkle on my pinky.  I noticed no significant difference in application or formula between the Zoyas, OPI, and Orly.  The Color Club was a bit thicker because of the glitter particles.

Direct Sun

Indoor Natural Light

   As you can see, there are similarities in color, but no dupes.  I'd say Aurora and Gift of Sparkle are the closest color wise.  Do you need all 5 of these?  Maybe not, but they are definitely different enough to justify buying all of them if you like all 5.

Disclaimer:  Some of the products in this post were sent to me for consideration.

OPI & Mariah Carey Announce Collaboration

   Today OPI announced their next celebrity collaborator- Mariah Carey.  They have not shared many details yet aside from that the collection will be released in January 2013.  Please enjoy the following press release about the collection.  I will share more details as I receive them.

OPI Announces Collaboration with Multi-Platinum Selling International Superstar Mariah Carey

LOS ANGELES – August 10, 2012 – OPI Products Inc. announced a collaboration today with multiple Grammy Award winning and multi-platinum selling recording artist Mariah Carey. A five-time Grammy Award winning global superstar with over 200 million records sold worldwide and 18 Billboard No. 1 singles (more than any solo artist in history), Carey will be the inspiration for a line of OPI limited edition nail lacquers that will launch January 2013.

“OPI is thrilled to work with Mariah, an industry icon who loves nails and considers lacquer one of her favorite accessories,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “With her magnetic personality both on and off the stage, Mariah serves as a great inspiration for beautiful, bold colors.”

About Mariah Carey:

With a distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting and producing talent, Carey has defined the modern pop performance. As a singer/songwriter/producer, she has been recognized with five Grammy Awards, nine American Music Awards, Billboard’s “Artist of the Decade” Award, the World Music Award for “World’s Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” and BMI’s “Icon Award” to name a few. Mariah has written seventeen out of her eighteen Billboard No. 1 singles and has two consecutive and unparalleled Billboard “Song of the Decade” titles “One Sweet Day” (with Boyz II Men) and “We Belong Together,” further marking her massive presence on the charts since her 1990 song debut “Vision of Love.” Mariah became the second artist in history and the first female performer to have a song debut at No. 1 with “Fantasy” (1995), the groundbreaking collaboration with O.D.B. of the innovative rap group Wu-Tang Clan. Carey’s original holiday classic “All I Want For Christmas is You” redefined its place in pop culture as one of the greatest holiday hits of all time when it reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 2011, seventeen years after its debut. Mariah’s influential and stellar contribution to the music industry spans multiple genres and is showcased through a multifaceted hit catalogue as well as a long list of diverse collaborations.

Carey's ongoing impact transcends the music industry and has left an indelible imprint upon the world at large. She recently made a substantial mark in film with her critically acclaimed role as a social worker in “Precious,” the 2009 film based on the novel “Push,” by Sapphire. A Congressional Award recipient, Carey has generously donated her time and energy to a range of domestic and international philanthropic causes near to her heart including The Fresh Air Fund/Camp Mariah (a retreat where inner-city children explore career development), Save the Music Foundation and Make-a-Wish Foundation among several others.

Mariah is currently in the studio, writing, recording and executive-producing her next album for Island Def Jam Music Group; the lead single "Triumphant (Get ‘Em)," is now available on iTunes. Recently Carey made worldwide headlines with the exciting news that she will join the judges’ panel of FOX’s American Idol when the series returns in 2013.

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.

OPI Fall Collections Press Release- Germany and New DS Shades

   This Fall/Winter OPI is taking us back to Europe with their Germany collection.  They are also introducing two new shades to their DS line.  Please enjoy the following press releases:

Edgy Elegance

OPI Launches the Germany Collection for Fall/
Winter 2012

OPI embraces runway trends with the Germany Collection for Fall/Winter 2012. Drawing inspiration from Berlin, an exciting new fashion hub that blends classic looks with the avant-garde, the collection’s twelve shades offer a mixture of vibrant color, urban-chic neutrals, and reds in variations from light to dark.

“Designers showcased rich colors and striking textures for fall,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “The Germany Collection beautifully complements these looks, with standout shades in various hues of red and burgundy – the season’s ‘new black.’ Sapphire, black olive and lime yellow are married with creamy neutrals in honey, taupe and nude rose.”

“The overall feel of the Germany Collection is elegance with an edge,” adds Suzi. “The varied palette of colors adds another accent to the list of special touches – think beadwork, paneling, fur and embroidery – that walked the runways during New York Fashion Week. Wearing these shades on fingers and toes is a great way to accessorize a range of looks for the season.”

Germany by OPI includes the following shades:

Don’t Pretzel My Buttons
A haute honey-beige that can always make you smile.

My Very First Knockwurst
…and what a magical rosy-nude rendezvous it was!

Berlin There Done That
A traveling taupe that’s seen it all. (Yep, that too).

Don’t Talk Bach to Me
There’s nothing mellow about this sassy lime-yellow!

Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!
A bodacious black-olive? We say “Ja! Ja! Ja!”

Unfor-greta-bly Blue
Everyone’s favorite Fräulein loves this über shiny blue.

Every Month is Oktoberfest
Prost! Here’s to the prettiest plum in the Biergarten.

Suzi & the 7 Düsseldorfs
The most beautiful bright purple of all.

Deutsch You Want Me Baby?
A self-assured shade of shimmering red-orange.

Danke-Shiny Red
You “Bitte” try on this ravishing ruby before it’s too late!

German-icure by OPI
The best burgundy shimmer in the business.

Schnapps Out of It!
Shake off the blues with a shot of fall’s must-have mauve!

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

Germany by OPI will be available August 8, 2012, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($9.95 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.

Indulge in Luxurious Lacquers!

OPI Launches New Diamond Dust-Infused
Designer Series Shades for Fall 2012

OPI releases two new high-shine hues – DS Indulgence and DS Luxurious – to join the Designer Series by OPI collection this fall. Fusing fashion and technology, the Designer Series lacquer formula is enhanced with real diamond dust, offering light reflecting, multidimensional color.

DS Indulgence, a radiant red-violet with a shimmering, golden finish,

will launch along with DS Luxurious, a captivating coral-red with a golden glisten.

With these two additions, Designer Series by OPI will offer 12 glitter-filled, highly-saturated, breathtaking colors.

“Red nails are the epitome of glamour, and this fall OPI is adding two dazzling reds to the Designer Series line,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “With vivid color and intense shimmer and shine, these lacquers create a bold, high-fashion accessory statement. DS Indulgence provides a deeper, classic red look, while DS Luxurious incorporates rich auburn pigments.”

Designer Series by OPI nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. DS Indulgence and DS Luxurious will be available beginning September 2012 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $12.50 ($14.95 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.

4th of July NOTD

   Happy 4th of July to all my readers here in the States.  And a belated Happy Canada Day to all of you in Canada.

   I am not an overly patriot person, but I felt the need to some kind of festive mani for yesterday and today.  I went for simple since my nail art skills are not the greatest.  

  The polishes I used are China Glaze Ruby Deer, Essie Mesmerize, and OPI Pirouette My Whistle.  I did 2 coats of each.  

   I debated adding white stripes, but knew I wouldn't have the patience to make them straight.  I like the end result without them.  If you haven't picked up Pirouette yet, I highly recommend it.  It's such a soft glitter and the white hexes are not very common.

Random Recent NOTDs

   Hi everyone.  I'm sooo sorry I haven't been posting recently.  I've been busy with work and pretty stressed, which has led to a pretty big mood funk.  I'm going to try to get back on the blogging bandwagon soon.  In the mean time though, here's some random crappy cell phone pictures of my recent NOTDs.  That's short hand for Nail Of The Day btw.  If you'd like full reviews of any of these let me know and I'll try to get to them quickly.

I'll start with my current mani- Sinful Colors Neptune.  This is a dark denim blue with a nice silvery sparkle.  Neptune is from the new Castaway display/collection out now at Walgreens.

China Glaze Riveter Rouge.  This is a deep wine/burgundy color with a fine silver glitter.  RR is from the Vintage Vixen collection.

Zoya Roxy.  Roxy is a bright fuchsia jelly base with glitter.  I believe this is from the UltraGlitters collection.  I'm including two pictures one with flash and one without.

flash

no flash

Zoya Posh.  This is one of Zoya's matte polishes, but I didn't take a photograph of it matte sorry.  This is with top coat which brings the amazing shimmer to life.

Essie Velvet Voyeur with an accent nail of China Glaze Midtown Magic

Then I added Finger Paints Twisted on top of that

Essie Van D'Go.  I was expecting this to be a bit more peach and less cotton candy pink so I don't think I'm going to keep this polish.

Because I wasn't happy with this color, I added a glitter accent nail in one of the new Sally Hansen Gem Crush shades in Be-Jeweled

Funky French with Zoya Nimue tips and OPI In the Spot-Light Pink base.  This was one of my favorite manis in a long time.  It was very time intensive though so not sure I'll be repeating the look any time soon.

OPI Lincoln Park After Midnight.  I wore this to a wedding last month and really liked it.  Unfortunately it got a little wrecked at the reception.  But it was totally worth it because there was BOWLING at the reception!  And an open bar.  This was quite possible the best reception ever.

  

OPI DS Original

   When OPI first came out with their Designer Series collection the polishes were amazing holographics.  I mean distract you every time you look at your nails amazing.  Original is a gorgeous lilac color.  

LOOK at the rainbows in the bottle! Remember to click on all of these photos to enlarge them and get an even better look.  Formula and application were good.  I used 3 very THIN coats and I think this was best.  Though I will probably layer this over a similar colored creme in the future, just to preserve the awesome.   I used China Glaze Strong Adhesion base coat and Sally Hansen Insta Dri top coat.

Direct Sun

   I apologize if you can't look away from the rainbows.  They are mesmerizing.

Shade

   Nothing super special in the shade, like all holographics.  Just a nice purple with silver glitter/shimmer.

Indoor

   But back inside, the rainbows come out to play.  

   WHY don't more polish companies make polishes like this anymore?  The newer DS polishes are nice glitters, but after the old holographics they just can't compare.  Sadly, the older holographic DS polishes are mostly discontinued.  You can still find this one on Ebay and Amazon, but be prepared to pay a bit for it.  You might also run across it in a salon or independent beauty supply for closer to retail if you get lucky.

OPI Suzi Loves Cowboys

   When I think cowboys, I think horses and leather.  And maybe a few other dirty things I shouldn't mention ;).  Suzi Loves Cowboys is from the OPI Texas collection from Spring 2011. 

   Cowboys is a brown creme with a red undertone kind of like the leather on some saddles.  It does dry just a little darker on the nail, but not very much.  Application was a little streaky and the formula is a little thin and sheer.  Because of this I needed 3 coats for full coverage.  I used Beauty Secrets base coat and Diamond Dry top coat.

Direct Sun

Shade

Indoor

   Cowboys is a nice shade of brown, but nothing unique.  

Disclaimer: The product(s) in this post were provided to me by the company for consideration.

OPI Get in the Expresso Lane

   Get in the Expresso Lane is from the OPI Touring America collection for Fall 2011.   

   In the bottle this looks like a chocolate brown, but dries several shades darker and becomes a rich almost black brown creme, like a good cup of espresso.  There's just a hint of dustiness to the polish if you look close.  Application and formula were good.  2 coats were enough for full opacity.  I used Beauty Secrets base coat and Diamond Dry top coat.

Direct Sun

Shade

Indoor

   Expresso is a very nice deep brown and if you don't have something similar, it would be a good addition to your collection.  But it does feel a bit familiar doesn't it?  What do you ladies think?

Disclaimer: The product(s) in this post were provided to me by the company for consideration