I Have a Herring Problem

Name: I Have a Herring Problem

Collection: Holland 2012

Colour: Dusty greyish blue green with gold micro glitter

Coats: 2

Pros: This polish looks like the sparkling water of the sea or heavy storm clouds, giving it that dramatic seaside effect (without the smell of the fish its named after). It went on so nicely and I was pleasantly surprised to find that even after two days of typing, paper clipping and filing at the office, there were still no chips or dents in sight! I like that this is moody blue-grey with the added pizzazz of the gold dust because I have found that sometimes I don’t want an outrageous blue like “No Room For The Blues” or a boring grey like “French Quarter For Your Thoughts.”

Cons: I really liked this polish from application to the three whole days later that I took it off!

Similar Shades: You may have noticed that two of the bottles in this year’s Holland Collection look really similar: “I Have a Herring Problem” and “I Don’t Give a Rotterdam.” However, when you actually apply these polishes, it becomes clear that “I Have a Herring Problem” is more aqua with gold micro glitter while “I Don’t Give a Rotterdam” is lighter with silver micro glitter.

Product Provided by OPI

Pure Lacquer Nail Apps: Reptile

Name: Reptile

Collection: OPI’s Pure Lacquer Nail Apps

Colour: Pink, Silver, Brown, Gold and Green Reptile Scale Print

Coats: 1 layer

Pros: The design of these nail stickers is really eye-catching and it is definitely not something you could accomplish with regular nail polish. For the most part, these stickers adhered well to my nails but for some reason the tips kept peeling back. However, this wasn’t very noticeable because of the intricate design, so I still got lots of compliments.

Cons: They were pretty hard to put on because everyone has different shaped nails of various lengths. As a result, they need to be applied, smoothed, trimmed, shaped and filed, then sealed with a clear top coat. This can be a lot of work if you are on the go like me but I think they are fun to try every now and again. I was disappointed to find that I had bits of the sticker hanging over the edge of my nails in some places and then peeling at tips! Additionally, I couldn’t really touch-up my nails because the design wouldn’t match up. Finally, the designs are pretty unique so they don’t really go with any outfits. Also they are supposed to be easily removed with regular nail polish remover but it doesn't really!

Have you tried OPI’s Pure Lacquer Nail Apps or any other nail stickers? Did you like them?

Product Provided by OPI

OPI Chamomile Mint SCRUB

Name: OPI Chamomile Mint SCRUB

Collection: Manicure Pedicure by OPI

Colour: Grainy, Margarita Green Scrub

Coats: 1

Pros: A great product for doing your own at home pedicures This is a great exfoliator for tired, dry feet because it is gentle but still removes dry skin. The combination of chamomile and mint create a soothing and relaxing aroma while the sugary crystals work their magic as you massage the scrub into your feet. I found that it actually exfoliated my hands while I was applying it as a pedicure.

Cons: My only complaint would be that I wish there was more in the bottle! Also the scent is very unique so make sure you smell it before you buy it.

This product was provided by OPI

Pirouette My Whistle

Name: Pirouette My Whistle

Collection: New York Ballet Collection

Colour: Super fine silver glitter and silver circle glitter in a clear base.

Coats: 1-2 coats over any polish. In the pictures I am wearing 2 coats over 2 coats of “Don’t Touch My Tutu”

Pros: This is a really pretty polish on its own or as a top coat over any polish. It can be so soft and delicate looking but also really cool over darker polishes! I like that after wearing a polish for a few days I can add this over top and change the effect. This is the closest glitter I have to being professional looking and I had no trouble removing this polish.

Cons: When I tried to wear this polish on its own, I had to really glob it on so it took a long time to dry. Also since it has a clear base, your nail line will still be visible.

Similar Shades: OPI “Crown Me Already” is made up entirely of the same silver foil circles as Pirouette My Whistle for a more high impact look instead of just a top coat.

Product provided by OPI

I’m All Ears

Name: I’m All Ears


Collection: OPI Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection


Colour: Bright magenta jelly-ish polish with shimmery pink and purple glassy fleck glitter


Coats: 3


Pros: This polish was fantastic and it is definitely one of my new favourites! It goes on smoothly and evens out nicely for a great finish that is shiny and complex. I love magenta shades because they combine purple, pink and red for those days when I’m feeling indecisive. Finally, the glassy flecks suspended in this jelly like formula add another dimension to the polish and look amazing when the light hits them.


Cons: Yes we have all seen this colour before from OPI and about every other nail polish brand so it isn’t unique. Also its formula was still a little sheer after 2 coats so I had to use 3 but I was impressed with how fast it dried!


Similar Shades: OPI Muppets “Meep, Meep, Meep” has a similar look but is just a little more red while “Ladies and Magenta-men” is lighter. If you want a magenta with even more bling, then try OPI’s “DS Extravagance”

Polish provided by OPI

My Boyfriend Scales Walls

Name: My Boyfriend Scales Walls


Collection: Spider Man Collection


Colour: Very Light Grey with a Hint of Blue


Coats: 2-3


Pros: This polish is an interesting opaque, light grey that is almost white with just a hint of shine. It is quite a modern look which can be fun and funky but it isn’t really my style.


Cons: The first coat was really patchy and streaky but the second coat pretty much evened everything out. It was a better, smoother formula than most opaque whites I’ve tried that tend to be sticky and stay streaky but it was still difficult to control. I didn’t really like wearing this polish but it was great for underneath glitters to create opacity or for under the Green Spiderman Shatter.


Similar Shades: “Alpine Snow” is an opaque white that I also use as an undercoat while “Moon Over Mumbai” and “My Pointe Exactly” have the same light bluish-grey tint as “My Boyfriend Scales Walls”

Polish Provided by OPI

OPI Ginger Lily Hand and Body Lotion

Name: OPI Ginger Lily Hand and Body Lotion


Collection: Avojuice Skin Quenchers


Colour: Light pink cream that goes on clear


Pros: I really like this moisturizer and its scent is fruity and refreshing without being overpowering. The formula is lightweight so it is great for summer months, it spreads easily and the pump dispenses just enough. Finally, the cream doesn’t leave a greasy or oily reside, but just enough moisture to make your skin silky smooth. I would definitely recommend this product!


Cons: In my opinion, this moisturizer does not smell like ginger or lily but instead strawberries. The name led me to expect a more spicy and floral scent instead of a fruity one. I still really like the scent but just keep in mind that it is rather strong so lingers for a while. Also, this comes in a 6.6 fluid oz. bottle but since this is also a body lotion I would rather have more in the bottle.

Product provided by OPI

If You Moust You Moust

Name: If You Moust You Moust

Collection: Vintage Minnie Mouse

Colour: Bright Light Pink

Coats: 1-2

Pros: Super easy to control with great coverage after just one coat. The colour is vibrant and shiny, plus who can resist a good Barbie pink polish?

Cons: Although this is a definitely a staple colour in any polish lover’s collection, it has been done before so many times that it isn’t really very exciting.

Similar Shades: This polish is pretty much identical to “Shorts Story” and very similar to “Kiss Me On the Tulips,” “That’s Hot! Pink” and many more!

Colour provided my OPI

OPI Rapid Dry Spray

Name: OPI Rapid Dry Spray

Coats: 1-2

Pros: This is my little miracle spray! I paint my nails A LOT so this spray comes in super “handy” when I’m busy and on the run. It helps your nails dry super-fast to prevent dents and smudges. The bottle has an easy to use nozzle that spritzes just enough fine mist to dry without soaking your hands.

Cons: It can leave a bit of an oily residue after and sometimes it doesn’t work right away but still it’s better than just leaving them and risking imperfections!

The Color Of Minnie

Name: The Color Of Minnie

Collection: Vintage Minnie Mouse

Colour:  Bright shimmery red 

Coats: 2

Pros: This is a fun red that doesn’t look as dark or intense as some OPI reds like “Quarter of a Cent-Cherry,” making it a perfect summer red. It was so silky smooth upon application and for the most part easy to handle.

Cons: Although this polish went on perfectly for most of the nail, it was hard to control right at the edges causing some polish to stick to the skin around my nail. I did my very best to clean this up but it’s tough to do with such a bright red pigment. Also the formula is kind of sticky so it dents really easily which is unfortunate as dents are hard to touch up!

Similar Shades: This polish is quite similar to “Red Lights Ahead… Where?” and a bit brighter than “Wocka Wocka”

Polish provided By OPI!

Do You Lilac It?

Name: Do You Lilac It? 

Collection:

Colour: Pastel Lilac Purple Creme

Coats: 1-2

Pros: Do I Lilac it? I Love it! This is one of my favourite polishes and I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed it yet! It is super easy to apply and its bright lilac colour looks great on any skin tone. This polish does not need a top coat because (as you can see in the pictures) it already has a high shine. It is especially lovely in the spring and summer seasons for both manicures and pedicures.

Cons: I don’t remember ever having problems with this polish in the past but it was a bit gummy this time. I have had it for nearly 2 years though and it’s nearly all gone so I’m guessing that’s why.

Similar Shades: This polish is pretty unique as OPI most makes darker, glitterier purples but if you use a white base coat and a few layers of “Care to Danse” from the New York Ballet Collection, you can create a lighter purple that is similar to “Do You Lilac It?”

Gouda Gouda Two Shoes

Name: Gouda Gouda Two Shoes 

Collection: Holland 2012

Colour: Rusty, Brownish Pink with a hint of gold shimmer

Coats: 3-4

Pros: This is a great neutral pink that isn’t the typical super girly hot pink. Don’t get me wrong, I love those pinks but sometimes you want something low key without going nude. I don’t know if it was the formula or the hint of shimmer but this polish has a really nice shine.

Cons: I had problems with patches and streaks, especially at the nail bed, so I had to do 3 coats and 4 on some nails! The hint of gold shimmer that looks so good in the bottle didn’t really show up on my nails and since I have the polishes from similar shades (below) I wouldn’t choose colour one due to its difficult application.

Similar Shades: Instead try one of these: “Java Mauve-a” and “Chocolate Moose” are almost identical except they are a bit lighter than “Gouda Gouda Two Shoes” and they are crèmes without shimmer.

Colour provided by OPI

Wooden Shoe Like To Know?

Name: Wooden Shoe Like To Know?

Collection: Holland Collection

Colour: Light Brown with coppery gold duochome shimmer

Coats: 2

Pros: First of all I love the name of this polish! It’s so cute and witty while still matching the collection theme perfectly. This is an interesting colour that has the same weird effect as “Over the Taupe” where it’s hard to tell if it is brown or purple. This polish’s peculiarity is heightened by the interesting addition of coppery gold micro-shimmer that makes a duochrome effect! The first coat is really thin and a lot lighter than the second. It has a nice smooth finish though and didn’t require much cleanup.

Cons: Brown shades might not work for everyone’s skin tone or style. For me they lack excitement and clash with most of my outfits. Almost all of the polishes in this collection have a subtle micro-shimmer that looks so good in the bottle but unfortunately doesn’t transfer as prominently onto the nail. This is most evident in this polish. Finally, I would prefer a brown that has a bit more of a wow factor.

Similar Shades: Similar beige/mauve/brown effect as “Over the Taupe” and “Chocolate Moose.” For a richer, true chocolate brown, try “Suzi Loves Cowboys” from the Texas Collection!

Colour provided by OPI

Mother's Day Special: Your Web or Mine?

Ever wonder where I got my great nail genes? 

I got them from my mamma, so today i'm featuring my mom's nails in honor of Mother's Day! 

Love you Mom

Name: Your Web or Mine?

Collection: Spider Man

Colour: Rose Pink shimmer

Coats: 2

Pros: This is a sweet, dainty looking pink with a frosty shimmer effect. It has great durability and is ideal for any age or occasion because it is subtle but the shimmer makes it just a bit fancy.

Cons: I don’t really have any complaints about this polish but it is a rather common colour.

Similar Shades: “Suzi Sells Sushi by the Seashore” is a lighter, dusty rose shimmer or for a hot pink frosty polish try my personal favourite polish, “Come to Poppy.”

Colour provided by OPI

Call Me Gwen-ever

Name: Call Me Gwen-ever

Collection: Spider Man

Colour: Orange

Coats: 2

Pros: The name is cute and the coral undertones go with more skin types than the yellow undertones of most orange polishes.

Cons: This polish appears more red in the picture but it is actually kind of a dirty orange. Its nothing special and there are better orange polishes out there so I wouldn’t waste my time on this one.

Similar Shades: I prefer an orange like “Are We There Yet?” that has softer coral accents. For an even more vibrant orange than this polish thoug, you should try “A Roll in the Hague” from the Holland Collection.

Colour provided by OPI

Into the Night

Name: Into the Night

Collection: Spider Man

Colour: Bright Sapphire Shimmer

Coats: 2

Pros: This sapphire blue shimmer fits really well into the Spider Man theme because it really does look like you are wearing a piece of Spiderman’s iconic suit. It lasted really well and earned lots of compliments

Cons: The formula was a bit watery so it was difficult to control. This meant I had to go through the extra step of touching up where the polish pooled on the edges of my nails.

Similar Shades: OPI Ink and Russian Navy are similar but they appear darker and have more violet in them.

Colour provided by OPI

Rainbow Connection

Name: Rainbow Connection

Collection: OPI Holiday Muppets Collection

Colour: Multicoloured and Silver Circle Glitter

Coats: 2 on top of 1 coat of solid polish (I’m wearing “French Quarter For Your Thoughts” underneath)

Pros: I know this review is a little late because the Muppets Collection was a limited time release but if you already have this polish or can get your hands on it, it’s definitely a great buy. I just had to review “Rainbow Connection” because I rediscovered it yesterday and I absolutely love it! I passed it over the first time because as you can see from my group review of the other glitters in this collection, I was extremely disappointed (http://opinionatedaboutopi.blogspot.ca/2011/10/muppet-glitters-fresh-frog-of-bel-air.html). This polish is super fun and shiny so it is great for celebrations and parties!

Cons: You really have to glob this polish on and do a base coat so it can be time consuming and use a lot of polish. Also, the circle glitter can sometimes stick out and get caught on stuff which is super annoying. After this happened a couple of times though I made the mistake of peeling all of the polish off my nails and ended up with damaged and weak nails so please resist the urge or you will regret it. Luckily because it’s a glitter it’s super easy to seamlessly patch it up.

Similar Shades: “Save Me” from this year’s Nicki Minaj collection is also a multicoloured glitter but its confetti glitter gives a really unique effect and provides more coverage.

Polish provided by OPI!

Just Spotted the Lizard

Name: Just Spotted the Lizard

Collection: Spiderman Collection

Colour: Dark green and gold duochrome with flashes of teal

Coats: 2

Pros: This is a super interesting and multidimensional polish that really stands out as a front runner in the Spiderman collection. The formula starts out a bit thin and streaky but after two coats everything settles and reaches full opacity. It dries quickly and provides lasting wear; I wore it for 3 days before removing it! Basically this polish is a little work for a big effect.

Cons: I'm glad OPI has made another duochrome because they are so unique and fun but I'm not crazy about how murky green and yellow gold colours they used this time. Also the colour was more gold on my nails than in the bottle; I would have liked to see more teal. Many bloggers are calling this a dupe of Chanel Peridot but hey there are always polishes that look like others and I’m actually glad OPI keeps up with trends and doesn’t just stick to pinks and reds.

Similar Shades: Again Chanel Perido is identical to this polish!

Colour provided by OPI

Number One Nemisis

Name: Number One Nemisis

Collection: Spiderman Collection
Colour: Pewter grey with dark green and gold micro-glitter, and a greenish gold iridescent finish

Coats: 2

Pros: This is a really complex and multi-dimensional polish with glitter, iridescence and a sort of badass gun metal base. The formula was opaque after two coats and lasted a long time!

Cons: This polish looked to have more sparkle in the bottle but it was a little more dull one the nail. Also when I removed it, little speckles of glitter were a bit difficult to remove.

Similar shades: “My Private Jet” and "Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous"

     

This is a sample colour provided by OPI 

Don't Touch My Tutu!

Name: Don't Touch My Tutu

Collection: Soft Shades New York Ballet

Colour: Cloudy, translucent white

Coats: 3+ (depending on how sheer or cloudy you want)

Pros: This polish is great for creating the effect of a French manicure without the tediousness of fake nails or solid white nail tips. It creates a classy, clean and sleek effect that gives regular or stained nails a nice finish. I also used this one as a base for some of the other polishes in this collection to make them appear less sheer.

Cons: Well there isn’t really and colour in this polish and it isn’t an opaque white like it appears in the bottle either. Additionally, it only really looks good on longer, well-formed nails as it relies on a nice, prominent nail line. Finally, it takes a few coats and is slow to dry with a watery consistency but ends up peeling rather quickly after application so don’t forget your base and top coats!

Similar Shades: I guess “Alpine Snow” is also white but it provides an opaque look. The other shades from the New York Ballet Collection are similar in consistency but add a bit of pastel pigment for some extra oomph.

This is a sample colour provided by OPI!

My Pointe Exactly

Name: My Pointe Exactly

Collection: Soft Shades New York Ballet

Colour: Pale, Sheer Greyish-Blue

Coats: 3-5

Pros: I like that there was a sheer blue included in this collection as there are mostly only pinks in the other Soft Shades Collections. It went on very nicely and there was no problem with streaks or clumps even though it needed many coats. This colour looks like it would be a beautiful colour for a tutu so it fits well in this ballet themed collection.

Cons: Even after quite a few coats my nail line was still visible and I found the grey undertone of the blue could be a bit too dull if you only but on 2 or 3 coats.

Similar shades: Quite like “Moon Over Mumbai” or a paler, glossy version of “Give Me the Moon”

This is a sample colour provided by OPI 

You Callin’ Me A Lyre?

Name: You Callin’ Me A Lyre?

Collection: Soft Shades New York Ballet

Colour: Pale buttery pink

Coats: 3

Pros: Dainty and sweet, this subtle pink has a milky consistency with a hint of pale, peachy pink for a subtle but romantic look.

Cons: As it is a Soft Shades polish, I expected it to be a bit transparent and take a few quotes so I can’t complain about that. However, if this bothers you and you want more pigment, then you might want to pass on this collection. Also, this pink isn’t really very original as it looks a lot like most of the other Soft Shades pinks.

Similar Shades: Almost any Soft Shades pink.

This is a sample colour provided by OPI!

Did It On ‘Em

Name: Did It On ‘Em

Collection: Nicki Minaj Collection

Colour: Neon Yellowy Lime

Coats: 1-2

Pros: The formula was nice and creamy so it applied well.

Cons: I don’t know how long this polish lasts because honestly as soon as I put it on I thought it was so gross that I removed it right away. Okay OPI, maybe this colour was semi-appropriate when you released it in the Shrek collection because it fit with the movie but seriously not again! I’m not sure if it was just that this sickly green-yellow didn’t work with my skin tone but I’m pretty sure this wouldn’t look great on anyone.

Similar shades: Very similar to “Who the Shrek Are You?” from the Shrek Forever After Collection, except it has more of a yellow undertone.

This is a sample colour provided by OPI

ASK Cosmetics: Romantic Sunset

Name: Romantic Sunset

Collection: Nailwear

Colour: Dusty Rose

Coats: 1

Pros: A lovely, dusty pink that is elegant and romantic. It works well for those of you who are busy and work in a professional setting as it is a fast drying, subtle pink for your collection. It provided great coverage and a thick glossy crème finish making it super easy to apply and wear.

Cons: This colour is quite understated so although it is practical it’s not eye catching or original. The name Romantic Sunset made me think of a more vibrant pink so I don’t think it is very original or fitting name.

Similar Shades:  OPI “Tickle My France-y” plays up the dusty, nude look of this polish while “Suzi Sells Sushi By the Seashore” is more of a shimmery rose pink.

This is a sample colour provided by ASK Nailwear! If you would like to order some of their products, check out their website: http://www.askcosmetics.com/index.htm

ASK Cosmetics: Rich Sapphire

Name: Rich Sapphire

Collection: Nailwear

Colour: Cobalt

Coats: 2-3

Pros: I really liked the rich, deep blue shade of this polish and the name matches it perfectly.

Cons: I was not crazy about the formula of this polish. The other samples from this line are quick drying and provide great coverage in one coat, but this one was different. It had a thin consistency and did not distribute evenly on the nail so it appears more blue at the base. I also had to put on another coat and touch some nails up. Finally, the drying time was rather long which was tedious.

Similar Shades: little lighter than OPI “Roadhouse Blues” or try “Russian Navy” for the same colour with a bit of shimmer.

This is a sample colour provided by ASK Nailwear! If you would like to order some of their products, check out their website: http://www.askcosmetics.com/index.htm

ASK Cosmetics: Classic Peacock

Name: Classic Peacock

Collection: Nailwear

Colour: Glossy Bright Teal

Coats: 1

Pros: Another great formula and brush that make this polish easy to apply. Just one coat and I had full glossy coverage with a vibrant but classy colour.

Cons: I loved it!

Similar Shades: This ASK polish is similar to OPI’s “Ski Teal We Drop” but it has more green undertones than blue.

This is a sample colour provided by ASK Nailwear! If you would like to order some of their products, check out their website: http://www.askcosmetics.com/index.htm