Nail News: OPI's Infinite Shine

Since the introduction of gel nail treatments, cosmetic companies have consistently been creating new formulas for "at home gel" or "gel-like shine" polishes.  The market is becoming very saturated, and I've been hearing mixed reviews about everything.  Prestige brands like Essie and OPI have kept their gel formulas to salon only.  However, OPI is now releasing a line called Infinite Shine.
Infinite Shine is a three step gel effects system promising shine and flawless wear for 7-10 days.  The lacquer does not require any LED lights and takes off just like normal OPI lacquer.  As of now there are 30 shades in the line, and I imagine if it is successful, they will continue adding colors from their seasonal collections.
Typically I stay away from the three step systems put out by drugstore brands; just because in my experience, you get what you pay for.  I'd rather spend money on the prestige brands knowing I will get the color and formula payoff that I am looking for.  With that being said, I am very interested in seeing how well OPI's Infinite Shine works.  The bottles currently being sold on Amazon are priced at $18, which certainly adds up.  As it becomes more widely available, hopefully the price will drop.  Word on the street is these babies will be sold in stores November 3rd, however a definitive list of locations carrying the line has yet to be disclosed.

Step 1: Primer 

 

Step 2: Polish

Step 3: Gloss

Here's a wall display of the product line!

Happy painting!

OPI Fall 2014 Collection

Nail News!  OPI has finally released its latest collection and is now available to purchase in stores and select salons.
The lacquer company has derived its inspiration for the fall from Northern European countries, like Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Demark, and Findland.  I enjoy this inspiration, and that OPI is keeping with this "touring Europe" theme we saw in its Spring 2013 Collection.

Here is the collection swatched by Jen from ThePolishAholic (check out more here!)

Row One: Can't aFjord Not To, Viking In A Vinter Vonderland, OPI With a Nice Finn-ish

Row Two: My Voice Is A Little Norse, Suzi Has A Swede Tooth, Thank Glogg Its Friday

Row Three: How Great Is You Dane, Ice-Bergers & Fries, Do You Have This Color Is Stock-Holm

Row Four: Going My Way or Norway, Skating On Thin Ice-Land, My Dogsled Is A Hybrid

This is a great collection to stock up on fall favorites, especially considering there are three shades of brown in there!

I am really digging How Great Is You Dane and My Dogsled Is A Hybrid - Who doesn't love all these witty names?!

Hard as Nails

I've been light on nail postings lately, so I thought I'd show you guys what I've been wearing lately.

OPI Your Royal Shine-ness

China Glaze White on White

Essie Bikini So Teeny

Nicole by OPI Some Hearts

Nicole by OPI The Next CEO

Essie Sugar Daddy

Essie Trophy Wife

In between nail art I've been going for bright oranges and corals, trying to bring on the summer vibe.  On my toes I'm current wearing OPI's My Paprika is Hotter, and I'm loving it.  I think it will end up on my nails next!

What's on your nails?

Coral is Calling

For some reason I have been drawn to the tropical, bright color of coral.  I've been wearing it on my nails, through my make up and of course my clothes!

Monday, I went for a striped maxi skirt from Target and made the coral pop with a solid coral tee.

Thursday, I wore this great dress from Target, it is available in plus sizes only online.

If you are a non committal kind of girl, add some coral into your beauty routine.  These are some of my favorite products.

Nail Polis OPI Toucan Do It If You Try - This is more of an orange rather than a peach.

Benefit Cosmetics Coralista Box-O-Powder

Maybelline Color Sensation Color Whisper Lip Color - Coral Ambition or Orange Attitude

This orange based hue is going to be refreshing against the neutrals we've been chained to all winter!

The Collection

Those of you who know me personally know very well that I am a nail polish addict.  Like any addiction comes a slew of questions. Why nail polish?  What is your favorite color? How many bottles do you have? It goes on...
So I started painting my nails like crazy during my junior year of high school.  I was going through an extremely stressful time between AP classes, changing swim teams, the loss of a friendship and relationship all at once. Painting my nails became cathartic and a place for personal expression.  Some people write poetry, well, I paint nails...  I would LOVE going to Ulta, spending hours looking at racks of lacquer.  Ulta became my happy place.

I typically only buy from OPI, Essie, Zoya, China Glaze and occasionally Orly.  I am not a big fan of Sally Hansen or NYC Color... I think they are cheap.  However, I do believe those companies are upping their game because nail polish and nail art blew up in the past year.  So maybe in a few years I will try again.  I try to stay away from high end brands like Illamasqua, nails inc., Sephora's new line, Formula X, and Deborah Lippmann.  While these lines have beautiful and unique formulas, I just don't think they are worth the high price tag.

I don't have a favorite color. I promise. It depends on my mood, the weather, and what is going on in my life.  Sometimes if I am feeling down, I will go for some sparkle.  Or I might want something neutral if I need to be professional.

I have over 170 bottles of polish. And I brought them to college with me.  I couldn't leave them behind or it was like I was sacrificing a child.  My room has become nail polish headquarters and girls on the floor come to borrow a bottle here and there.

So... here are the pictures of my collection:

Weekend Mani

Hey everyone, I hope you all had a create weekend.  I wanted to do a quick post to show you what I wore this weekend this weekend on my nails.
I picked a cult favorite by OPI named My Private Jet.  It is black/brown/bronze base with a subtle holo glitter.  On the nails, the color appears leans towards a charcoal base.  The holo isn't super in your face, but I like it for a retake of your basic black.

OPI Nail Lacquer can be purchased at almost any retailer, however colors are limited.  Check your nearest Ulta or try Amazon for My Private Jet, that is where I purchased mine from!