OPI Texas Collection

For its Spring/Summer 2011, OPI comes "home" to the USA with timeless style in the Texas Collection. "Texas provided the inspiration for this season, with bright colors and classic neutrals that draw from the American spirit,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. "Taking cues from the state's naturally beautiful backdrop, the Texas Collection features warm tones from honey and tangerine to dazzling hues of violet and sky blue."

The Texas Collection includes:

San Tan-tonio

A "honey" of a ten-gallon tan!

Suzi Loves Cowboys

But she loves this campfire chocolate shade s’more!

It's Totally Fort Worth It

A shimmery lavender grey that’s so worthy of you

Don't Mess with OPI

A lean, mean, kick-grass forest green

Austin-tatious Turquoise

Cowgirls love this bodacious blue-green.

I Vant to Be A-Lone Star

You won't want to share this starry Texas-sky blue.

Y'all Come Back Ya Hear?

This Texas tangerine will be waitin' for ya!

Big Hair...Big Nails

A rosy pageant peach

Guy Meets Gal-veston

An "engaging" coastal coral

Too Hot Pink to Hold 'Em

A red-hot pink-red that deals a winning hand

Do You Think I'm Tex-y?

A "berry" sexy bloom of Dallas dahlia

Houston We Have a Purple

A galactic red-violet that's ready to "rocket roll"!

My friend/co-worker/hand model, Angela, is rocking I Vant To Be A-Lone Star, my current favorite shade of the collection. But all of the colors are so gorge, I'm sure I'll have a new pet polish next week.



Six of the shades (Guy Meets Gal-veston, Ya'll Come Back Ya Hear?, Too Hot Pink to Hold 'Em, Big Hair...Big Nails, Do You Think I'm Tex-y? and Houston We Have a Purple) have a semi-transparent finish that OPI is calling sorbet. "These sorbet-style formulas for nails will be in full swing by 2012, but women can get a jump start on this trend with colors in the Texas Collection," says Weiss-Fischmann. "Unlike thicker creams or light sheers, these twelve shades are slightly translucent - similar to the look of icy, water-based sorbet!"

Watch the video below to learn how to apply the sorbet formula and to see the finished result!

 
*Samples were provided by the brand for review.

Peep My Polish: OPI Lucene-tainly Look Marvelous

These days, most of the time I have my hands full with Westley - who recently turned 6-months old! Anyway, last week, I had a rare opportunity to get a manicure. I got out of work early and my fabulous co-worker, Alyssa, and I got our nails did.

I decided on OPI Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous (from the Swiss Collection). It's a stunning pewter shade that almost takes on a blueish cast in the light.

 Alyssa also opted for OPI. I can't recall the name, though...but isn't it glitterrific?

OPI Black Shatter and the Katy Perry Collection

I can't remember the last time I was this excited about my nails. Peep my polish...I layered OPI's new Black Shatter over top of MAC Nail Lacquer in Soiree (from their Cham Pale collection) to create a rose gold leopard-esque print!

Black Shatter creates a crackled finish when applied over any dried nail polish (it doesn't work on bare nails - I tried). It accompanies the Katy Perry Collection by OPI - which is gorgeous in its own right.

Teenage Dream

 

Not Like the Movies

Last Friday Night

The One That Got Away

When I saw an ad for this collection in one of my fashion magazines, I instantly fell for the glittery shades: Teenage Dream and Last Friday Night. But after OPI sent me some samples to review, the others won me over in a big way. At first glance, Not Like The Movies may look like your standard silver, but it's actually a light purple and green duochrome that is perfect for those who love to rock an edgier nail. And The One That Got Away is the most beautiful berry shimmer I've seen in a long while.

I've been meaning to do some more swatches and post the pictures - which I still intend to do. So check back soon...

The Katy Perry Collection by OPI launches this month 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) each.

Even though I already own one of each, I plan on buying (and hoarding) at least two more bottles of the Black Shatter...and I suggest you do the same.

OPI 100,000 Fan Giveaway

Don't miss out on OPI’s 100,000 Fan Giveaway, where winners have the chance to score 6 currently retired lacquer shades! Helping OPI reach 100,000 “Likes” on Facebook by December 31st will open the vault for 100 lucky fans to receive some of OPI’s hottest hues from the past.

This contest is open to U.S. residents only.

Nailing It: OPI Funky Dunkey

I don't know what it is. But no matter how hot my nails are looking, I always have nail envy...especially when it comes to my colleague/next door office neighbor, Angela. Every other week, she shows up wearing some super hot color that gives my mani an inferiority complex.

Right now, I'm totally crushing on this grape shade (crushing - get it?) - from OPI's Shrek collection.

Nailing It: Going Green

Seems like every nail phile at my office is going green...

 Angela models OPI Who The Shrek Are You?

 Betsy shows off her Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color mani in Mint Sprint Creme

Pretty in Particulière

Peep my polish. This week's mani comes courtesy of Chanel. Le Vernis in Particulière (from the spring makeup collection) is a putty/mushroomy shade that resembles one of my all-time faves, OPI's You Don't Know Jacques.

While they appear almost identical in the bottle, the subtle differences become more obvious during application. First, Particulière is lighter than its OPI counterpart. It is also more brown than YDKJ, which is more gray. Finally, the Chanel formula is more opaque and creamier - so the coverage is better than OPI.

If taupe-y nail polishes are a once in a while kind of thing for you, there's no reason you need both. But if you're like me and can't get enough of an offbeat yet neutral nail, I would recommend picking this up - even if you already have YDKJ.

Rihanna's 20/20 Frosty Nude Lip Look

On Friday night, I was among the 8.2 million people who watched Rihanna's 20/20 interview. But afterwards, while most people were thinking, "Wow...that Rihanna is so brave to publicly discuss such a horrifying personal tragedy" or "That jackass, Chris Brown, deserves whatever is coming to him" - I was thinking, "What products can I use to copy Rihanna's icy nude lip look?"

So I did what any self-respecting beauty junkie would do. I broke out my lip gloss/lipstick stash and played makeup mad scientist/mixologist. I found that creating Rihanna's 20/20 look is quite easy to do. All you need is a nude lipstick that is lighter than your complexion, and a silver gloss. Be sure to apply foundation to lips before trying this look, as the foundation will help cancel out any pink in your lips and let the lip color stand alone.

Here are some combos that I think would pass RiRi scrutiny:

1) Clinique Different Lipstick in Tenderheart + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
2) MAC Lipstick in Modesty + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
3) Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss Stick in Nude Almond + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
4) Julie Hewett Lipstick in Biba + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
5) Victoria's Secret Sheer Gloss Stick in Exposed + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
6) Benefit Full-Finish Lipstick in Lady's Choice + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
7) Urban Decay Lipstick in Midnight Cowboy + MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam
8) This is just to show what MAC Dazzleglass in She-Zam looks like on its own

Not satisfied with Rihanna's lippie recipe? Want to cop her cafe au lait nails too? Try OPI Barefoot in Barcelona.

Match Your Nails To Your Emails

OPI and Dell have a colorful collabo in the works, ladies. Next month, color goes "digit"-al with new customized laptops from Dell in your favorite OPI Nail Lacquer shades!

Initially launching a Holiday Collection with six shades, Dell will bring 20 more classic OPI colors to market and incorporate new offerings based on trends, seasonality and popularity throughout the year.

"Beautiful nails really are the ultimate accessory to any look," said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. "And now, with Dell laptops that coordinate with OPI Nail Lacquers, you can match your nails to your emails!"

The collection will launch with the following famed OPI shades:

Kyoto Pearl
Shimmery white satin.



Princesses Rule!
A bright sparkly pink that’s tiara worthy!



Up Front & Personal
A golden glitter you’ll really “sparkle” to!



Dear Santa
Please bring me this glittering holiday red!



Holiday Glow
Charcoal grey glowing with a touch of silver.



I’m Not Really a Waitress
A vivacious chianti red.

The OPI color options for Dell Mini, Inspiron and Studio laptops will be available in the Dell Design Studio at Dell.com first in the U.S. and later in other countries. Select OPI colors also will be available retailers nationwide.

My Latest Manicure: OPI Suzi Skis In The Pyrenees

Yesterday, I got my nails did. I'm so indecisive, it took me five minutes to pick out a color - but I finally decided on OPI's Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees, a "deep blue-grey" from the España collection.

Fall Beauty Trends Giveaway Winner Revealed!

A few weeks ago, I appeared on the NBC 10! Show to school you on fall's hottest beauty trends and the products you NEED to steal the looks. But I wasn't content just telling you about the products. Ah naw. I had to, at least, give one of you the opportunity to try the products. That's just how I do. And now the time has come to announce that lucky winner's name.

Congrats to Lizelle Abrams! Lizelle will receive:

Revlon Brow Specialist Kit: The set includes three brow stencils in varying degrees of arch to fit every shape, tweezers, a universally flattering brow pencil, and brow gel - all in a sleek carrying case.

Urban Decay Ink For Eyes Liner (all six shades!): More precise than a pencil and more forgiving than a liquid, this super-smooth formula offers more control, and buildable coverage than your average liner. The angled liner brush creates a razor sharp line, and the formula lasts all day (or night). Available in six gorgeous colors: Binge (midnight blue), Demolition (brown), Empire (eggplant), Loaded (deep green), Pyrotechnics (iridescent glitter with clear base), and Zero (black).

Goody Resort Glamour Kingston Bobby Slides: These are the next generation of bobby pins. They are some of the most darling bobby pins I've ever seen, and come in a selection of shades sure to match your personality, hair color and/or ensemble.

OPI Matte Collection (all six shades!): OPI recently released six of their best-selling shades in non-glossy formulation. The collection includes: Alpine Snow(a fresh crisp white), Gargantuan Green Grape (green kissed by the summer sun), La Paz-itively Hot (a hot pink perfect for when you’re Bo-livia la vida loca), Lincoln Park After Dark (where midnight meets purple), Russian Navy (wait until you see this deep-sea indigo!) and You Don’t Know Jacques! (if you don’t know how trendy this taupe is!).

Air kisses to Revlon, Urban Decay, Goody and OPI for hooking Lizelle up. And all of you not named Lizelle, keep your eyes peeled for your next chance to win some amazing beauty booty.

Emmys 2009 Beauty: Mariska Hargitay

Emmy Awards 2009 Nominee Mariska Hargitay, star of Law & Order: SVU, accessorized her Carolina Herrera gown with OPI nail lacquers.

OPI celebrity manicurist Beth Fricke painted Mariska's nails in St. Petersburgundy, a rich burgundy, topped with a splash of Can You Tapas This?, a yummy shade of raisin, to add a hint of darkness.

Beth also painted Mariska's nails in Privacy Please, a sheer delicate pink, for her to wear to the Female Nominee Luncheon, as well as to the NBC Universal pre-Emmys party and the "Evening Before" event hosted by the Motion Picture & Television fund.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

OPI My Private Jet: My New Favorite Nail Color

Meet my new favorite nail color, OPI My Private Jet. I was all set to paint my nails in Dior Vernis in Melisse for New York Fashion Week, but I forgot my bottle when I headed to the nail salon. So after a perfunctory scan of the polish selection, I chose My Private Jet. The entire time the technician shaped and buffed my nails, I kept second guessing my decision. But once I saw the finished manicure, I made a new spot in my heart for this shade. Described as luxurious black with glints of glamour, it's more gray-ish (very on trend) with fine sparkle. And in certain light, it morphs into a dark, olive-y shimmer.

I kid you not - more than 10 different people approached me at Fashion Week festivities asking what I was wearing on my nails. If that doesn't convince you to plop down $7.50 for a bottle...well, you crazy.

Fall Beauty Trends on the NBC 10! Show - Plus a Giveaway!

As you probably know, today is the official kickoff of New York Fashion Week, Spring 2010. In fact, I'll be traveling to NYC on Saturday to attend Fashion Week events and report from backstage. But before we move forward, let's take a look back to Fashion Week, Fall 2009. Last spring, I went behind the scenes at some of the hottest shows - and noticed some emerging trends.

Last week, I appeared on the NBC 10! Show to talk about five of the fiercest beauty trends for fall - and introduce viewers to must-have products to help them nail the looks.

Watch and learn...

In honor of my latest TV appearance, I'm giving away a selection of the products featured in the segment!!! One lucky winner will receive:

Revlon Brow Specialist Kit: The set includes three brow stencils in varying degrees of arch to fit every shape, tweezers, a universally flattering brow pencil, and brow gel - all in a sleek carrying case.

Urban Decay Ink For Eyes Liner (all six shades!): More precise than a pencil and more forgiving than a liquid, this super-smooth formula offers more control, and buildable coverage than your average liner. The angled liner brush creates a razor sharp line, and the formula lasts all day (or night). Available in six gorgeous colors: Binge (midnight blue), Demolition (brown), Empire (eggplant), Loaded (deep green), Pyrotechnics (iridescent glitter with clear base), and Zero (black).

Goody Resort Glamour Kingston Bobby Slides: These are the next generation of bobby pins. They are some of the most darling bobby pins I've ever seen, and come in a selection of shades sure to match your personality, hair color and/or ensemble.

OPI Matte Collection (all six shades!): OPI recently released six of their best-selling shades in non-glossy formulation. The collection includes: Alpine Snow(a fresh crisp white), Gargantuan Green Grape (green kissed by the summer sun), La Paz-itively Hot (a hot pink perfect for when you’re Bo-livia la vida loca), Lincoln Park After Dark (where midnight meets purple), Russian Navy (wait until you see this deep-sea indigo!) and You Don’t Know Jacques! (if you don’t know how trendy this taupe is!).

To enter the giveaway, send an email to blogaboutsexygirlpicscontests@gmail.com. Be sure to include your full name and mailing address. The subject line should read "Fall Trends Giveaway." The contest ends at midnight (EST) on Thursday, September 17th. One winner will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Friday, September 18th, I'll announce the winner's name. Please, only one entry per person; duplicate entries will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. residents.

#NYFW

OPI Matte Collection for Fall 2009

As I predicted a few months back, matte is going to be the trend for nails come fall. But you needn't wait until the leaves start turning to rock this look. You can start turning heads this very minute.

This month, OPI releases its long-awaited Matte Collection for Fall 2009. Six of OPI's best-selling shades get a makeover with a fashion-forward finish.

"OPI Matte is cutting edge for nails in terms of sophistication and style," says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI executive vice president and artistic director. "An all-matte nail is fresh, confident, and very fashion runway, and OPI Matte is meant for those moments when you want to make a major fashion statement."

To kick your matte nails up a notch, Suzi suggests painting the entire nail in one of the matte shades, then glossing the tip in the coordinating original OPI nail color. It's like a funkified French Mani.

But if you choose to go matte, here's a word of warning: OPI's Matte polishes do not wear as long as the original lacquers. To maintain the matte finish, do not use a base coat, top coat, drying drops or hand lotion (yikes!) when wearing this new formulation.

The OPI Matte Collection includes:

Alpine Snow - A fresh crisp white
Gargantuan Green Grape - Green kissed by the summer sun
La Paz-itively Hot - A hot pink perfect for when you’re Bo-livia la vida loca
Lincoln Park After Dark - Where midnight meets purple
Russian Navy - Wait until you see this deep-sea indigo!
You Don’t Know Jacques! - If you don’t know how trendy this taupe is!

Considering my favorite nail color of all time, it's pretty obvious which of these shades is at the tippy top of my shopping list.

OPI Colorcopia: Your Old Faves Are Back For A Limited Time

Today, I met up with my Mom and she was sporting the most gorgeous magenta mani. When I asked the color, she said, “It’s OPI Kinky in Helsinki. I think it’s new.”

The name was vaguely familiar, but I knew that the shade hadn’t been new for at least a couple of years. So I did some research and found that my mom, while misinformed, was on the right track.

OPI’s new Colorcopia collection is a limited edition collection celebrating over 20 years of OPI favorites. Best sellers from the last 20 years of OPI nail lacquer are back to celebrate OPI's 20th anniversary.

The Colorcopia lineup includes:

Berry Berry Broadway (New York City Collection, 2000)
A brilliant berry, bright as the Broadway lights.


Cancun Fiesta (OPI Nail Lacquer Launch, 1989)
Rich warm pink worth celebrating!


Copper Mountain Copper (Winter Resort Collection, 1995)
Take a "peak" at this coppery-wine shade.


D.C. Cherry Blossom (9091 Collection, 1990)
A vivid cherry-pink that's politically correct.


Florentine Fuchsia (International Collection, 1991)
Pink-red with the accent on beautiful.


French Bordeaux (International Collection, 1991)
A rich, full-bodied red.


Kinky in Helsinki (European Collection, 2002)
A wild magenta that warms even the coldest nights.


Mediterranean Moonlight (Mediterranean Collection, 1994)
A light shade of gleaming caramel.


Purple-opolis (Greek Isles Collection, 2004)
The Parthenon of all purples- a vibrant violet.


Sahara Sapphire (Painted Desert Collection, 1998)
A radiant violet-blue, chilled by the desert night.


Shootout at the O.K. Coral (American Collection, 1995)
A pink-peach that's way more than okay!


Venus di Violet (Collezione Italiana, 2001)
A delicate, opalescent violet that's a true work of art.