IDEA: Translucent colors to layer and blend for endless nail art looks
WHAT THEY ARE: A new line of blendable nail lacquers that let you create your own color masterpieces. This spring, the leading color experts at OPI have created a new way to get creative with nail art. The world’s number one salon brand introduces Color Paints Blendable Nail Lacquer, a line of ultra-luminous nail lacquers that let you layer and mix colors to create one-of-a-kind looks. Featuring semi-translucent, buildable lacquers, the collection invites you to let your imagination run wild. The unique silver base illuminates each subsequent layer with striking vivid color. Stripe, swoosh, or swirl on layers of eye-catching color to create your own signature style. With nine new shades, OPI Color Paints Blendable Nail Lacquer makes each nail a paintable mini canvas of creativity.
Color Paints Blendable Nail Lacquer offers nine new shades, including:
Silver Canvas A clean-slate silver to illuminate your masterpiece.
Primarily Yellow Paint some sunshine with this glowing yellow.
Chromatic Orange This freshly squeezed orange is awash with color.
Pen & Pink I’m irresistibly drawn to this rosy pink.
Magenta Muse This sultry red-violet is truly inspiring.
Purple Perspective The depth of this purple is mesmerizing.
Indigo Motif I have designs on this deep, midnight blue.
Turquoise Aesthetic Beauty is in the eye of this deep aqua.
Landscape Artist The lush, verdant green of wide-open vistas.
WHAT THEY COST: $4.75 salon, $9.50 retail ($5.95 CAN salon, $11.50 CAN retail)
WHERE TO FIND THEM: Explore these shades from May 2015 at ULTA, ULTA.com, and select professional salons.
OPI Launches Limited Edition
Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat
OPI announces the release of Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat, inspired by No Doubt singer/songwriter and L.A.M.B. designer Gwen Stefani. Featuring gold leaf flakes dusted with iridescent glitter, Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat adds gold foil texture to nails when worn over any OPI lacquer shade. This genuine 18-karat gold leaf and glitter top coat comes packaged in a special limited edition collectable box.
“As the name suggests, Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat will render you speechless. This luxurious top coat was inspired by Gwen Stefani’s chic, sophisticated style and is the must-have accessory for the holiday season,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador. “I recommend layering the top coat over a rich jewel tone like OPI nail lacquer in Just BeClaus, or pairing it with a charcoal brown like OPI nail lacquer in Love
is Hot and Coal for a truly show-stopping effect.”
Don’t Speak Pure 18K Gold Top Coat features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This limited edition promotion will be available beginning October 2014 at professional salons and spas for $37.50 CAN suggested retail.
Gwen Stefani Joins OPI to Release 18 New
Limited Edition Holiday Nail Lacquers
OPI announces the launch of 18 new limited edition holiday nail lacquers inspired by No Doubt singer/songwriter and L.A.M.B. designer Gwen Stefani. This seasonal collection includes an assortment of red, maroon, burgundy, and forest green hues, along with shimmer-packed silver, gold and black shades.
“During the holiday season, women adopt a more glamorous beauty look,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador. “OPI’s 18 new shades are inspired by Gwen’s edgy, sophisticated style. There are several rich, warm reds – Gwen’s signature color – deep, jewel-toned amethyst, garnet and emerald, as well as silver and gold. I recommend wearing these festive nail lacquers to instantly accessorize party dresses and elegant winter-wear.
“Gwen Stefani Holiday for OPI also includes an array of unique glitters in shades of black and white, with iridescent and chrome accents,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “The holidays are all about indulgence, and these sparkly shades epitomize luxury!”
Gwen Stefani Holiday includes the following:
Just BeClaus
This magnificent maroon came into my life just in the “nick” of time.
Kiss Me – or Elf!
There’s no denying the allure of this amorous red violet.
I Carol About You
I just fa-la-la-la-love this deep royal purple!
Christmas Gone Plaid
I sure am plaid I found this tree-mendous forest green.
In a Holidaze
I’m dizzy-in-love with this maroon beauty.
Love is Hot and Coal
Turn the heat up with this deep grayish brown.
Fashion a Bow
So busy – all tied-up today loving this bright reddish-orange!
Cinnamon Sweet
Sugar and spice…this deep, warm red is everything nice.
What’s Your Point-settia?
So what if I think this is the one truly perfect holiday red?
Red Fingers & Mistletoes
This smooch-worthy red shimmer is holiday-perfect.
First Class Desires
This mélange of gold and eggplant shimmer is #1 on my wish list.
Sleigh Parking Only
Tell the valet to take good care of this exclusive dark burgundy.
Rollin’ in Cashmere
Wouldn’t you just love wearing this warm, luxurious gold?
Unfrost My Heart
The shimmery cool glamour of this gleaming silver is beyond hot!
I’ll Tinsel You In
Black and white confetti and fine glitter adorn this ornamental glitter.
Snow Globetrotter
Shake up your world with this glitter swirling with white and rainbow flakes.
Comet in the Sky
Iridescent beams and midnight black create cosmic art in this glitter.
So Elegant
Black and chrome confetti add sophisticated drama to this glitter.
Gwen Stefani Holiday nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Gwen Stefani Holiday will be available October 2014, at Professional Salons and Spas for $11.50 CAN suggested retail for each nail lacquer.
This summer Dior introduced technicolor magic for the eyes – through the unveiling of its new IT-look: IT-Lash and IT-Line!
Dior Addict IT-Lash official campaign
Dior Addict IT Lash is Dior’s new “do it all” mascara: it pumps up extreme volume and dares to create an “it-look” lash effect. It gives lashes a gleaming coat of deep black or vibrant colour. It adds curves and definition. It adds intensity to eyes, transforming them, making them look sensational from every angle.
Dior Addict IT-Lash official campaign
Dior’s new Addict IT-Lash mascara introduces a new thick brush, made from soft and supple elastomer, loading lashes from the roots for an instant lengthening and volumizing effect. The brush features a rounded, spiked end to reach lower and corner lashes, helping you coat every single lash.
Dior Addict IT-Lash in Blue, Black, Pink and Purple (top to bottom)
I’ve been using this mascara daily to put it to the test in every possible situation… I am a Diorshow Mascara addict, and thought this would be a nice alternative “for now.” However, I have been blown away by its performance and effect – it truly lengthens, curls and gives incredible volume. The effect is mind-blowing when used with Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum, giving the effect of false lashes.
Dior Addict IT-Lash is available in
-It-Black, a deep black
-It-Pink, a pop pink
-It-Blue, a saturated blue for electric eyes
-It-Purple, a dazzling, deep purple for a sophisticated allure.
For a subtle effect, apply any of the coloured IT-Lash mascaras over It-Black. For a vibrant, bright pop of colour, apply any of the coloured mascaras over a coat of Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum!
Dior Addict IT-Lash in Black is my go-to, while the Blue has become a huge favourite! Blue is totally wearable on all eye colours, brightening eyes… I always receive so many compliments when I wear blue! I love Pink and Purple for special effects, or as a touch of colour on the bottom lashes.
Check out Dior’s promotional IT-Lash video:
No look is complete without a swipe of gorgeous liner. Dior Addict IT-Line provides intense colour and shine in a long-lasting formula. Applied easily thanks to its fine precision tip, IT-Line dries quickly and wears amazing well, though washes off easily.
Available in four vibrant shades to match Dior Addict IT-Lash: It-Black, It-Blue, It-Pink and It-Purple:
Dior Addict IT-Line official photo
Dior Addict IT-Lash and IT-Line
Dior Addict IT-Line in It-Purple, It-Pink and It-Blue (top to bottom). Black not shown.
Dare to create colour combinations by pairing any of the vibrant liners with It-Black for a dual-lined look, or contrast using Diorshow Mono shades and Dior Addict IT-Lash. Learn more tips and tricks at Dior Backstage Makeup Mag!
Four new shades of Dior’s backstage eye shadow were unveiled, especially created to work an infinite game of mix & match with Dior Addict IT-Lash and IT-Line. Diorshow Mono Eye Shadows possesses a unique texture with two professional finishes: apply dry for a subtle glow of colour, or wet for a graphic colour block. Adjust the intensity by applying more or less!
Diorshow Mono Eye Shadows in Pink, Khol, Purple and Yellow (counter-clockwise, top to bottom)
Diorshow Mono Eye Shadow swatches: (L to R) Pink, Purple, Khol and Yellow, swatched dry
Dior Addict IT-Lash and IT-Line are all Limited Edition except for It-Black, which will remain in the regular collection.
Diorshow Mono Eye Shadows are Limited Edition except for Khol (black). All products are now available at Dior counters as well as online at thebay.com!
For more information (no shipping available to Canada), head to Dior.com and shop online at thebay.com!
What is your favourite It-colour?
~xo
If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.
(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)
Launched a few weeks ago in July, OPI’s partnership with Ford saw the introduction of six new limited edition nail lacquers to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang!
Including both creme and shimmery hues, the collection has aptly-named shades from Race Red to Angel with a Leadfoot, all with gorgeous, high shine finishes. Believe me when I say that you might need a few (or all) of these!
Race Red, the focal point of the collection, is described as a “hot pepper red,” though I find it to be more of an orange-leaning red and less of a true red. No matter, as I love red polish and found Race Red’s orange base helped it stand out. Here, 2 easy, jelly-like coats, no top coat. Love this shine!
Girls Love Ponies is described as a grown-up hot pink, and I absolutely love it! Incredible coverage even on the first coat, this gorgeous pink leans slightly fuchsia. Inspired by Chanel’s reverse French manicure and a post by the lovely Eugenia on her Instagram recently, I decided to layer Girls Love Ponies over Angel with a Leadfoot for a gorgeous (at least I think so) combination:
Note that this is also called a Ruffian Mani. : )
Where do I stop with the favourites? If you know me, you know I absolutely adore white polishes (and vamps, but more on that later)… and Angel with a Leadfoot is, well, angelic! A soft white with great coverage, this one applied really well, for a white. If you wear whites, you know they can be streaky, but by the second coat, Angel had applied evenly and was drying to a gorgeous shine. A tip is to apply a little more generously than you would another shade, especially on the second coat. Alternatively, apply three very thin coats. Two coats, no top coat:
Described as a golden pearl, 50 Years of Style is a soft gold that totally reminded me of the gold stripes on the classic Ford Mustangs. It applied really well, though being metallic, it can show application lines so apply quickly and with straight lines. 🙂 Two easy, quick-drying coats below:
Going for another Ruffian/reverse French manicure, I added the vampy Queen of the Road to 50 Years of Style. This is a very subtle Ruffian, barely visible in the sunlit photo. Queen of the Road is one of those must-have polishes: vampy and gunmetal gray in shade, but full of a fiery sparkle in the sun. Application was a breeze and best of all, no staining! As with 50 Years of Style, Queen can show application lines, but these are only visible in direct light. Two coats over 50 Years:
Last but not least, the very difficult-to-photograph The Sky’s My Limit, a shimmering blue hue with tiny blue, green and gold flecks that looked gold or silver in different light. This chameleon of a polish veered between green, turquoise and blue depending on the light. I found my photos looked more blue in sunlight, until I finally captured this photo which I think is a perfect representation of the polish: (two coats)
From OPI’s Chief Nail Polish Queen, “In creating these six colors, I was inspired by Mustang’s rich heritage. Race Red – the hero shade of the collection – pays tribute to one of Mustang’s signature colors, while 50 Years of Style celebrates Mustang’s golden milestone,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “Queen of the Road was inspired by Mustang’s sophisticated and dramatic black interior. The Sky’s My Limit brings to mind the open road and the adventurous feeling of rushing to meet the horizon,” continues Weiss-Fischmann. “Girls Love Ponies is a classic, feminine pink representing today’s multifaceted consumer; who says a ‘girlie-girl’ can’t love cars?” Finally, Angel with a Leadfoot represents the power a woman feels when behind the wheel of a Mustang. This clean, pure hue is an essential statement-making shade.”
For this summer, Nicole by OPI launched a mini-collection of four new nail lacquers called Seize the Summer. Including bright, beach-ready shades of coral, citrus green, hot pink and metallic confetti glitter, these tropical shades are beautiful and will have you dreaming of the islands!
One of the first shades I wore from this collection, against my usual preference of pinks and corals, was Lay it on the Lime, the bright lime green shade.
Having seen just how bright this gorgeous neon can be, I wanted to experiment with a fun way to soften it. If you follow my blog, you have surely noticed my love of gradients, and why not gradient over Lay it on the Lime!
To make this beautiful neon softer and more wearable for those that are neon-shy, I thought a nude, taupe-y shade would do the trick. Enter That’s Putting it Mild, a creamy nude shade!
The look I wanted was similar to a soft, unstructured French manicure, with neon tips. What do you think of the end result?
I also experimented with this gradient using OPI’s amazing nude Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around… another gorgeous combo you may have seen on my Instagram.
OPI Launches the Nordic Collection, Featuring 12 New Shades for Fall/Winter 2014
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 colors of its namesake region to nails and toes for fall/winter 2014. 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.
“When creating colors for a new seasonal collection, I always draw inspiration from the food, music, art, landscape and street style of a particular destination,” remarks Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP. “While conceptualizing the shades of the Nordic Collection, I ate cinnamon buns and drank glogg, snapped photographs of brightly painted houses, and gazed in wonder at the region’s topography – from the northern lights and midnight sun to lava flats and deep fjords. All of these diverse elements came together to inspire an equally varied array of colors that capture the aesthetic of the Nordic region.
“Contrasts were also seen on fall runways, where sheer fabrics were paired with fleece and woolen plaids were embellished with colorful beadwork and intricate lace,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “Nordic Collection by OPI complements the oxblood, coral and earthy tones seen this season and offers a variety of hues. With so many color choices, the Nordic Collection makes it easy to experiment with new nail looks and cultivate personal style. I believe strongly in experimenting with beauty and fashion until finding a unique look. We are sure of only one taste – our own.”
Nordic Collection by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:
Going My Way or Norway?
No two ways about it… this caramel is delicious!
Ice-Bergers & Fries
“Wood” you like a chocolate shake with that?
OPI with a Nice Finn-ish
This light, mellowed bronze completes me. The end.
My Voice is a Little Norse
This prismatic super-shimmer is worth shouting about.
Can’t aFjörd Not To
Whatever it takes, get your hands on this extravagantly creamy coral!
How Great is Your Dane?
Pass up this cinnamon coffee? You’re barking up the wrong tree!
My Dogsled is a Hybrid
Enliven your environment by wearing this creamy sea green.
Suzi Has a Swede Tooth
That’s why I always have this strawberry candy pink on hand!
Do You Have this Color in Stock-holm?
Stock up! This icy blue-violet is in hot demand!
Thank Glogg It’s Friday!
The start of the weekend is nothing to “wine” about!
Viking in a Vinter Vonderland
You can conquer anything in this powerful, deep purple.
Skating on Thin Ice-Land
Watch out! This black cherry is dangerously close to gorgeous!
Nordic Collection nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Nordic Collection by OPI will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas beginning August 6, 2014. Nail lacquers will retail for $11.50 CAN each at Professional Salons and Spas. GelColor is an in-salon, professional service only. Prices depend on the salon and range from $28 – $38 for a manicure and $35 – $45 for a pedicure.
Which colour is calling your name? I am loving all of the neutrals – how warm and perfect are they for fall?? – but I also love the variety of brights and purples. Suzi has a Swede Tooth is a perfect summer-transition-to-fall shade. : )
On the bridge of an ocean liner blows the wind of liberty. Cruise elegance reigns. Dior renews ties with the world of the great transatlantic crossings, inspired by the travel spirits of its first Resort and Spring line in 1948. Created by Tyen, the 2014 Summer Look unveils a cruise make-up collection: a palette of navy blue, primary red and sandy beige. The skin wears the radiance of the sun and an outdoors glow. Eyes take to the seas in ultramarine blue, while lips light up in red, and nails wear the sailor’s strips.
This season, chic is taking a breath of maritime air.
The Transat collection takes its cruise style codes right to the fingertips: painted vibrant red, sailor blue or rope beige, nails parade in maritime stripes with a transparent sticker kit featuring the CD logo. Also included in the kit is a mini nail file and instruction card.
Incredibly easy to apply for a chic and playful manicure.
Available in three limited edition shades, Vernis Transat Manicure will impress even the harshest beauty critics.
Let’s start with Sailor (700)! Blue is my absolute favourite colour, and Sailor was immediately a stand-out. As I’ve said before, I don’t always wear blue nail polish (as much as I adore the colour), simply because I feel that some shades can look… well, immature. No such worries here! Sailor is a beautiful royal blue, just deep enough to be sexy and classic, and just bright enough to draw compliments from strangers. Seriously, I received more compliments about my manicure than I can remember while shopping and lunching one day, with Sailor on!
Sailor is a crelly (cream-jelly) formula that leans slightly more jelly. Possessing the tiniest hint of silver shimmer (like the other two shades), Sailor dries quickly to a mirror-like shine, making top coat virtually unnecessary. Its jelly formula can dry with a hint of shrinkage, so I do recommend wrapping the tips of your nails as you paint to ensure coverage dries right to the tips. And there was absolutely no staining upon removal. Below, two coats of Sailor over Dior Base Coat Abricot:
You can see the gorgeous delicate silver shimmer in the sun, below (click pic for full size):
A beautiful bright red, Captain (750) leans slightly warm without being overtly orange. It is truly a vivid, spectacular red possessing the same hidden silver shimmer as Sailor. Also a crelly formula, it applies flawlessly and covers perfectly even on its first coat. Drying to a stunning high shine like Sailor, it too, can skip top coat. Here are two coats over Dior’s Base Coat:
Rounding out a trio of sublime polishes, the neutral in this collection is the sandy greige Yacht (210). A very neutral beige, I wish I had at least two backups of this beauty, because it is that deserving. I have worn this polish multiple times already and am starting to worry about the wear in my bottle! Another Dior Vernis, another spectacular formula, this time in a gorgeous creme. Yacht has the same hidden silver shimmer as Captain and Sailor, though it is almost invisible in this nude. Below, two coats over Dior’s Base Coat:
Dior Vernis Transat Manicure sets in Yacht, Sailor and Captain ($31 Cdn each) are available now in limited release (since May 1, 2014) at Dior counters everywhere. I heard that Sailor quantities were running low at some Dior counters, so call ahead!
For more information (no shipping available to Canada), head to Dior.com and you can shop online at thebay.com!
What is your favourite of the three shades (if you can pick one)?
~xo
If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.
(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)
This summer, Estée Lauder captivates the senses with a sultry limited edition colour look and alluring fragrance experience in the NEW Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Collection. This modern yet sensual makeup look is inspired by a symphony of colour born from the enchantment of long stretched beaches of white sand that turn golden as night falls. When paired with the warm caress of Estée Lauder’s signature Bronze Goddess fragrance, stress is swept away, ushering in the carefree days and warm, golden embrace of summer.
A truly divine experience, the Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Collection first tempts with the Bronze Goddess Color Collection featuring a spectrum of subtly nude hues accented by exquisitely rich colours from soft corals to deep blackberries and lavishly gilded metallics. Eyes glisten with nudes and metallic sparkle. Lips are glossed and brightened with luscious colour. Cheeks glow as if kissed by the sun.
And today I have for you one of the Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquers from this beautiful collection, which is meant to complement the NEW Nudes Eyeshadow Palette (which I absolutely must pick up one of these days!).
Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Bare is a very pale nude shade, leaning slightly peach with beautiful warm undertones. This may be your mannequin shade if you are very fair, but on me, it was a divine, creamy vanilla shade, perfect for that soft-yet-manicured look. Don’t let this shade’s lightness fool you – I would say this will be a very flattering shade on many skintones due to its delicious warm hue. The formula is gorgeous as well: highly pigmented (read: not runny) and creamy, Bare was a tad ‘unfinished’ on coat one, but evened out perfectly on coat two.
Below, 2 coats over base, no top coat, in the shade (look at that shine!):
In the shade you really see its peach, bisque undertones, and the amazing creamy coverage.
The sun brings out its vanilla, lighter side:
This collection is perfectly named, even with the many nude shades, ranging from ultra-fair, like Bare to a Burnished Nude and to Lust. I am so looking forward to pairing Bare with sunkissed skin – I absolutely adore the opposing spectrums of polish: vamps and whites/nudes!
The Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Fragrance Collection is now available at select Estée Lauder counters at Hudson’s Bay, Sears, Holt Renfrew and online at www.esteelauder.ca (since March 2014). NEW Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Makeup Collection is now available at Estée Lauder counters at Hudson’s Bay, Sears, Holt Renfrew and online at www.esteelauder.ca with much of the collection in limited release.
What do you think of Bare? What’s your favourite nude lacquer hue?
~xo
If you liked this post, please take a moment to ‘like’ this post and/or comment! I love to read what you think.
(Products were provided for consideration and review. All opinions are my own.)
IDEA: Translucent colors to layer and blend for endless nail art looks
Silver Canvas
Primarily Yellow
Chromatic Orange
Pen & Pink
Magenta Muse
Purple Perspective
Indigo Motif
Turquoise Aesthetic
Landscape Artist
Dior Addict IT-Lash official campaign
