Nicole by OPI OMB!

Okay, point blank, I don't know what "OMB" means in the context of this polish.  At first, I thought it was a nod to Usher's song "OMG" because I kept thinking this polish was CALLED "OMG", not "OMB."  A small Google search came back with "OMG" = "Oh My Bieber".  (Seriously?!)  I guess you know you're seriously popular when you have your own acronym that shows up as a nail polish name.


Regardless, I LOVEloveLOVE this polish.  I wasn't happy when I saw the original press release image, but once again - the color in the PR was not the color that showed up.

Yeah, this polish is not nearly as dark, nor does it have that purple plum shimmer in it.  Instead, it's a cranberry red with TONS of red microglitter - it's listed as a metallic and it does have a bit of metallic properties.


I used a base of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 coats of OMB! and a top of OPI Top Coat.  I loved it so much I wore it as my manicure for a few days.  Love it.

Love this!

It almost looks like a glitter in the sun, but it's not.

In the shade, this color is just HOT.  I absolutely love it.  If you don't pick up any other color from this collection, GET THIS ONE.  I can't even think of a proper dupe I have for this, but I'll keep looking.


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.

Nicole by OPI Me + Blue vs Claire's Bright Skies

One thing about the Nicole by OPI's bottle shape - they don't photograph well for me, haha.  When I saw my bottle of Me + Blue, I thought "I own this!" and pulled out the Claire's Bright Skies that I purchased in mid-2010 but have never worn.


For Me + Blue, I had a base of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 3 coats of Me + Blue and a top of OPI Top Coat.  For Bright Skies, I had a base of Seche Natural, 3 coats of Bright Skies and a top of Seche Vite.

BOO - Blue Skies is quite sheer.  I don't like sheer colors - they just look like you have zombie hands to me. While it has more of the rainbow glitter, it seriously lacks in the opacity of the base color.

Same in the shade - you get the glitter but none of the opacity.  I did layer one coat of Blue Skies over Me + Blue which looked neat because you got the pretty glitter but it didn't want to photograph at all.


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 Me + Blue

Nicole by OPI's Me + Blue from the "One Less Lonely Girl" collection is listed as a metallic deep blue, but in reality it's a medium blue packed with rainbow glitter.  Sadly, the blue base isn't jelly enough to really hold the glitter, so the glitter gets lost in the application.


I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 3 coats of Me + Blue and a top of OPI Top Coat.  The end feeling was quite gritty, another sad panda moment for me, because I really do like the look of this polish.

You can flat out SEE how gritty this polish is - that's when you know it's bad.  But it is a pretty blue and check out all the glitter in that bottle!

In the shade, the glitter is completely lost but at least you see the blue!  Sorry for the slightly blurry picture here - this baby doesn't like to be photographed!

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.

Nicole by OPI Give Me The 1st Dance

Continuing with the Nicole by OPI Bieber collection (did you see Glee on Tuesday?!), today I have Give Me The 1st Dance, a "sexy silver".  If you think you've seen this color before, you're pretty much correct.  It's a simple silver metallic/foil/frost.  I'm not the biggest fan of frosts because they are hard to photograph.


I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 coats of Give Me The 1st Dance and then a top of OPI Top Coat.

In the sun, this is definitely a blinging color - almost like a little mirror or something.  You can see a bit of pull near the cuticles on the pinkie - that's because I didn't let the polish dry fully before using my top coat.

In the shade, the color shows off its metallic/foil/frost finish.  Good if you don't own one already but otherwise it's pretty much a "generic" color for me.

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 Crackle

Please enjoy the following press release from China Glaze.

LET’S GET CRACKING

China Glaze Introduces Six New Crackle Colors

Los Angeles, CA – December 2010: Roughed up grunge meets gorgeous glam! China Glaze brings a whole new level to the game with “Crackle” polish! Create endless edgy looks and make a statement with fun, fearless, color. Everyone has asked for it, and now China Glaze is giving it to them! The six different Crackle colors include:

• Lightning Bolt – White Crackle
• Black Mesh – Black Crackle
• Broken Hearted – Pink Crackle
• Cracked Concrete – Grey Crackle
• Fault Line – Purple Crackle
• Crushed Candy – Teal Crackle

An innovative technology allows you to play with a wide array of color combinations and achieve an edgy, new wave look. This unique formula was developed to give your nails a “crackled” design over traditional nail color. Contrasting colors are used one over another to achieve a deconstructed shatter look that takes place right before your eyes. Instant art for your nails!

How do you do it? It’s easy! Apply your favorite China Glaze glitter, shimmer or crème. Depending on the color you are using, apply either one or two coats for full coverage. When the colored enamel is dry, brush on a thin layer of the Crackle color. Allow the Crackle to work its magic during dry time. After approximately 5 minutes when the crackled design has completely formed, apply a top coat to seal the design for prolonged wear.

China Glaze Crackle will be available starting February 2011 at Sally’s Beauty Supply and BSG in 12 piece displays and 3 pack color kits which will include a base color, a crackle glaze (Black Mesh, Broken Hearted or Crushed Candy) and a China Glaze Top Coat.

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. 

CND Daily Nail 2.15.11 Nature's Best Manicures at Jen Kao

Please enjoy the following press release from CND

The CND Daily Nail 2.15.11  

Nature's Best Manicures at Jen Kao 

February 15, 2011 - The Rainforest called...they want their nails back. Today at Jen Kao, CND nails by Kristina Estabrooks were inspired by organic, living things in the swampy depths of nature. Long, almond shape nails were based with Gold Chrome and Midnight Sapphire, and accented with drops of Gold Pearl, Iced Blue Shimmer, and Midnight Sapphire for a psychedelic stained glass effect. An almost aquatic quality took hold to match mind-bogglingly twisted hair, green metallic eye shadow and glittery bronze brows.   

 

 

At Karen Walker, Angi Wingle did black matte manicures using Blackjack topped with Super Matte Top Coat to accentuate leather embellishments on shoulders and sleeves, eccentric floral, and illusion-textured fabrics, and a color palette of orange crush, royal blue, heather gray and mustard yellow. Hair was long, straight and tucked under black knitted stocking caps, and makeup was fresh faced and natural with a dusting of bronze on cheekbones.      

 

CSN #5 Winner!

Thank you to the 35 people who signed up for my $45 CSN gift certificate!  I'm currently out of town, but I've emailed the winner and will send the certificate as soon as I get back.

The winner is #30 - Dee!  Make sure you email me back before 23 February or I'll have to pick a new winner.

OPI Show It & Glow It!

So as soon as the OPI Burlesque collection showed up at my local Trade Secret, I purchased all the glitters because I'm definitely a sucker for glitter.  Unfortunately, they has just sat on my shelf ever since.  For this fuchsia glitter which also has a bit of blue, gold, silver and even a bit of green, I used a base coat of Seche Natural, 3 coats of Show It and Glow It and a top coat of Seche Vite.  Frankly, I should have used a base color because this isn't an opaque polish - it's just glitter in a clear base.

It's such a party with this polish!

Extreme sun!  Heh.  You can see my nails are showing especially on the middle finger - again, a soft nude under this color would go a long way.

Not much difference in the shade - pretty much the same story.  Great glitter for a party.


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].  

CND Daily Nail 2.14.11 Crown Jewel Manicures at Carolina Herrera

Please enjoy the following press release from CND

The CND Daily Nail 2.14.11  

Crown Jewel Manicures at Carolina Herrera 

February 14, 2011 - Happy Valentine's Day! In tune with this holiday, CND was inspired by the romantic woman, and aided her majesties Carolina Herrera and Monique Lhuillier in accessorizing ladylike collections on the runway.  

At Carolina Herrera, Wanda Ruiz created a regal Crown Jewel Manicure using two coats of Dark Ruby topped with glossy Super Shiney Top Coat to complete a beauty look with fresh faced makeup and elegant chignons. Nails were short and square, and high shine color contrasted luxurious fabrics in silk, velvet and suede.  

  

For Sachin & Babi, Angi Wingle used Fall 2011 limited edition Midnight Sapphire Colour (out in September) to go with rough, tough, and sexy stylings. From trench coat jackets and asymmetrical tops in cool prints and luxe jerseys to statement T's, fun buckled trousers and body skimming rouched dresses, the collection was reminiscent and inspired by the true grit sensibility of the jazz age motorcycle culture of the 20's. This daring blue nail was paired with low side pony tails, fresh faced makeup and black wing-tipped eyes.

At Monique Lhuillier, Wanda Ruiz presented the Shady Lady Manicure - comprised of Silver Chrome topped with Desert Suede, iced with Fall 2011 limited edition Dark Amethyst Colour. Pedicures were decked out with two coats of velvet aubergine Dark Amethyst for a cavalier finish. This goth, dangerous nail, paired with ribbon-esque hair and deep violet, smokey eyes accessorized nudes, blood red, and cheetah print fabrics on the runway.     

 

    

At Kevork Kiledijian, Angi Wingle used warm opaque Desert Suede to accentuate impactful reddish-magenta eye shadow and matte lips, and sheer, leather and lace fabrics on the runway.

  

Sinful Colors Pink Forever vs China Glaze Sexy Lady

So now that you've seen them apart, let's check out Sinful Colors Pink Forever against China Glaze Sexy Lady.  Both are pink cremes, both apply nicely - so what's the difference?


For both polishes I used a base coat of Seche Natural, 2 coats of polish and a top of Seche Vite.

In the sun, you can see that Sexy Lady is just a bit darker than Pink Forever - more of a red than a pink... but they are both pretty close.

Same story in the shade.  Sexy Lady is just a tiny bit darker/more red.


So if you have Pink Forever, should you hunt down Sexy Lady (only available via eBay now)?  If you have Sexy Lady, are you really going to skip the $2 kissing cousin that is Pink Forever?  Well, that's up to you.  ^_^

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