03 March, 2017

OPI FIJI COLLECTION 2017 - SWATCHES & REVIEW

From lush flora and exotic birds to tranquil seas and soft palm-lined sands, Fiji is a picturesque dream destination like no other. The island's lush, unspoiled natural landscape filled with vibrant colours provides the inspiration for OPI's latest collection.

The Fiji Collection features 12 new nail shades ranging from rich ocean blues and pops of flora and fauna-inspired shades, to eye catching sunset hues and natural sandy-toned neutrals; the diverse palette reflects the islands' 'seize the day' spirit perfectly. 

I have all 12 shades from the Fiji Collection to review for you today :)



EXOTIC BIRDS DO NOT TWEET 
Exotic Birds Do Not Tweet is a bright sunshine yellow nail polish shade. 
It's such a vibrant "happy" colour. I love it!

This one suffers from the notorious yellow nail polish formula 
- it applies a little streaky / patchy. 

It builds up the full opacity nice and easily in two - three thin coats nonetheless. 


NO TAN LINES
No Tan Lines is a bright tangerine orange nail polish shade.

The formula is great - it is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 

It's a little streaky / patchy but builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two - three thin coats.


LIVING ON THE BULA-VARD!
Living On the Bula-vard! is a super vibrant coral red nail polish shade. 
I don't typically like this type of red BUT I'm OBSESSED with this one! It's amazing!
I can see myself living in this during Summer!

The formula is great - it is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and self-levels well.

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two thin coats.


TWO-TIMING THE ZONES
Two-timing the Zones is a vibrant pink nail polish shade. 
This one has my name written all over it!
I am OBSESSED!

The formula is great - it is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and self-levels well.

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two thin coats.


GETTING NADI ON MY HONEYMOON
Getting Nadi On My Honeymoon is a lovely pastel pink nail polish shade. 
I love the name of this one!

The formula is good - it's a little thin but is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 

It's a little streaky / patchy but builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two - three thin coats.


POLLY WANT A LACQUER?
Polly Want a Lacquer? is a beautiful lilac purple nail polish shade. 
It's such a pretty shade of purple.

The formula is good - it's a little thin but is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail.

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two thin coats.


I CAN NEVER HUT UP
I Can Never Hut Up is a grey nail polish shade with an amazing green iridescent shimmer running throughout it. The shimmer gives the light grey some dimension and is totally apparent on the nail on close inspection, in most lights. 
My swatch picture really does not do this polish justice. It's gorgeous!

The formula is great - it is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and self-levels well.

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two thin coats.


IS THAT A SPEAR IN YOUR POCKET?
Is That a Spear In Your Pocket? is a dusty teal green nail polish shade. 
I have never seen a polish quite like it - it's beautiful!
Am I the only one that cannot get over the cheeky name of this polish?! HAHAHA!

The formula is fantastic - it is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and self-levels well.

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in one - two thin coats.

*The colour is extremely rich and pigmented.
I was expecting it to stain my nails green when i wore it - It didn't! 
I would still wear a couple of coats of base coat just to be safe :)


SUPER-TROP-I-CAL-I-FIJI-ISTIC
Super-trop-i-cal-i-fiji-istic is a dusty primary blue nail polish shade. 
Everything about this one is perfect - the name, the colour, the formula! I am in LOVE!

The formula is fantastic - it is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and self-levels well.

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in one - two thin coats.

*The colour is extremely rich and pigmented.
I was expecting it to stain my nails blue when i wore it - It didn't! 
I would still wear a couple of coats of base coat just to be safe :)


DO YOU SEA WHAT I SEA?
Do You Sea What I Sea? is a gorgeous shimmery blue nail polish shade. 
It seriously does look like the sea and glows in direct sunlight. I have no words! 

The formula is good - its quite sheer but is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and self-levels well.

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two - three thin coats. I suspect the whiter your nail tips are, the more coats of polish you will end up needing to get it looking completely opaque.


SUZI WITHOUT A PADDLE
Suzi Without a Paddle is a beautiful mint blue-green nail polish shade. 
So pretty!

The formula is good - it's a little thin but is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 

It's a little streaky / patchy but builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two - three thin coats.


COCONUTS OVER OPI
Coconuts Over OPI is a lovely neutral beige nail polish shade. 
This neutral shade is sure to compliment every skin tone.

The formula is great - it is easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and self-levels well.

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in two thin coats.


*  *  * 

Overall, I really quite like this collection. 
The colour selection is simply stunning! OPI have created colours that will allow anyone to enjoy a taste of Fiji from anywhere in the world.

The formulas of the polishes in this collection were generally good but not OPI's best. 
The formulas were a little thin, however I had no issues with application - their smooth and creamy formulas make them pleasantly easy to control and apply. They also build up to opacity beautifully.

My personal favourites from this collection are; "Living On the Bula-vard!", "Two-timing the Zones", "I Can Never Hut Up", "Is That a Spear In Your Pocket?", "Super Trop-i-cal-i-fiji-istic" & "Do You Sea What I Sea?". 

Take a journey to one of the most beautiful places in the world. 
Try the OPI Fiji collection for yourself!

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RRP: $19.95 each (AUD)

Available at selected Myer and David Jones stores and selected Salons nationally (Australia). 
For details on retail stockists please call 1800 812 663
For details on salon enquiries please call 1800 358 999

The OPI Fiji Collection is available in Nail Lacquer, Gel Color and Infinite Shine formulas, allowing nail connoisseurs to live out their colour fantasies with a variety of nail wear options.


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*Disclaimer: Coty PR Australia kindly sent me these products for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this Blog post are mine based on what I have experienced through trialling these products.


Thanks for taking the time to read this review
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :)
Have a fabulous day
Doni x


Follow me on Instagram for more nail swatch pics & nail art - @donsnailobsession 

30 December, 2016

OPALLAC SPRING COLLECTION 2016 - SWATCHES & REVIEW

Opallac is the latest nail innovation promising glamorous salon quality gel nail colour designed to last up to 14 days. The unique Opallac Gel formula glides on like normal nail polish but sets instantly like gel when cured by the revolutionary Opallac LED nail lamp. 

NO dry time! NO chipping! NO smudges! NO damage!

Opallac have newly introduced four beautiful gel colours perfect for the warmer weather. 
I have the four new Opallac Gel nail colours to review for you today :)


LIFE'S A PEACH
Life's a Peach is a bright coral peach gel nail colour.
I love this colour! It makes me want to sit by the pool.

'Whether you’re soaking in the sun on a beach or heading for a balmy dinner, this is the perfect colour to keep your life peachy'.

The formula is great. The polish effortlessly glides onto the nails and applies beautifully. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels well. 

It is completely opaque in two thin easy coats. 


POPSICLE
Popsicle is a bright violet purple gel nail colour.
It's so bright! I love it!

'This juicy burst of purple is everything you need to get the party started!'

The formula is great. The polish effortlessly glides onto the nails and applies beautifully. 
It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels well. 

It is completely opaque in two thin easy coats.


APPLETINI 
Appletini is a beautiful pale sea-foam green gel nail colour.
Very pretty!

'Wrap your flawless Appletini nails around a Martini glass and enjoy nails that are good enough to drink!'

The formula is great. The polish effortlessly glides onto the nails and applies beautifully. 
It's a little patchy but it builds up to full opacity nicely in two - three thin easy coats.


SAY I DO
Say I Do is a creamy white nude gel nail colour.
A great neutral shade perfect for the Wedding Season!

'An elegant and romantic creamy white colour, for those special dreamy moments'.

The formula is great. The polish effortlessly glides onto the nails and applies beautifully. 
It's a little patchy but it builds up to full opacity nicely in two - three thin easy coats.


*  *  * 

I really like these polishes - they're such beautiful colours with great formulas that are easily opaque, and cure perfectly under the Opallac LED nail lamp.

Check out the collection for yourself!

For more information on Opallac, I have a Blog Post reviewing the Gel System along with some of my tips and tricks to achieving the perfect gel manicure at home linked here.


*  *  * 

RRP: $19.95 each (AUD)

Opallac products are exclusively available for purchase online at www.opallac.com and www.priceline.com.au as well Selected Priceline stores nationally (Australia).

*  *  * 

*Disclaimer: Opallac kindly sent me the products mentioned in this Blog Post for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine based on what I have experienced through trialling these products.


Thanks for taking the time to read this review!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :)
Wishing you a fabulous 2017! Happy New Year! 
Doni x


Follow me on Instagram for more nail swatch pics & nail art - @donsnailobsession 

20 December, 2016

OPALLAC GEL NAILS AT HOME - REVIEW, TIPS & TRICKS

Opallac is the latest nail innovation promising glamorous salon quality gel nail colour designed to last up to 14 days. The unique Opallac Gel formula glides on like normal nail polish but sets instantly like gel when cured by the revolutionary Opallac LED nail lamp. 

NO dry time! NO chipping! NO smudges! NO damage!

Today I will be reviewing the Opallac Gel system as well as sharing my tips and tricks to achieve the perfect gel manicure at home. 



THE ESSENTIALS
- WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THE PERFECT SALON QUALITY MANICURE AT HOME -
  • 7Watt UV LED Nail Lamp - RRP: $69.00 (AUD)
  • Opallac Gel Base Coat - RRP: $19.95 (AUD)
  • Opallac Gel Top Coat - RRP: $19.95 (AUD)
  • Opallac 2-in-1 Shine & Soak Solution - RRP: $9.95 (AUD)
  • Opallac 30pk Remover Wraps - RRP: $15.00 (AUD)

* There is a Priceline exclusive Starter Kit available that includes everything you need to create the perfect salon quality gel manicure at home. The value pack even includes 3 nail colours. 
It's the perfect DIY kit!
- RRP: $99 AUD (Great value for money!)


APPLICATION
- HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT GEL MANICURE AT HOME -
1. Prep your nails by ensuring the nail surface is completely clean and free from any oils, creams or chemicals and lightly buff the nail surface.

2. Apply a thin coat of the Opallac Gel Base Coat.

3. Cure the Base Coat for 90 Seconds with the Opallac LED nail lamp.

4. Apply a thin coat of your chosen Opallac Gel colour.

5. Cure the nail colour for 90 Seconds with the Opallac LED nail lamp.

6. Apply a thin second coat of your chosen Opallac Gel colour.

7. Cure the second coat of nail colour for 90 Seconds with the Opallac LED nail lamp.

8. Apply a thin coat of the Opallac Gel Top Coat.

9. Cure the Top Coat for 90 Seconds with the Opallac LED nail lamp.

10. Remove any sticky residue off the nail surface by saturating a cotton pad with the Opallac 2-in-1 Shine & Soak solution, and gently wiping it over each nail for a few seconds.


TIPS & TRICKS 
- THINGS I HAVE LEARNT - 
Nail preparation prior to applying Opallac -
Avoid premature peeling and chipping by ensuring the nail surface is completely clean and dry prior to applying Opallac. Remove any oils, creams or chemicals off the nails with Gel Primer, Isopropyl Alcohol or Acetone and wash hands thoroughly. Lightly buff each nail to remove any ridges and help the gel adhere to the nail for longer wear time. 

Application -
Apply THIN COATS of polish ONE HAND AT A TIME and cure under the nail lamp before going onto the next hand! This will help avoid the polish from pooling at the sides of the nails and ensure flawless application. If pooling does occur, it is important to clean it up before curing your nails under the LED nail lamp. 
I personally recommend curing four fingers at a time (each hand) and the thumbs separately.

Be prepared!
Have everything you need set up, open and ready to be used - this will make the application steps much easier to follow.

Using the LED nail lamp -
There are no tricks or complicated instructions when it comes to using the LED nail lamp. Simply plug it in, switch the lamp on* and you're set. 
It is handy to have a stopwatch or timer nearby to time the 90 second curing intervals to insure the Opallac Gel colour cures properly. 
* There is an on / off button on the back of the lamp.

Ensuring manicure longevity -
Wrapping the nail tips with a swipe of polish helps prevent premature pealing and tip wear. 
It is important to avoid keeping your nails under hot water for long periods of time 
- while doing dishes or washing, it would be ideal to wear gloves.


LONGEVITY
- HOW WELL DOES AN OPALLAC GEL MANICURE HOLD UP? - 

Opallac promise salon quality colour that lasts up to 14 days.
So I put it to the test...
OPALLAC 'LURE ME AZURE' - DAY 1
Two coats + top coat
I tested Opallac's claim with 'Lure Me Azure' a stunning deep blue holographic glitter gel polish. The polish applied effortlessly and was completely opaque in two thin and easy coats. The picture above swatch was taken on Day 1. So pretty!
OPALLAC 'LURE ME AZURE' - DAY 10
No chipping, minor tip wear + nail growth.
The picture above was taken on Day 10! 
I have never had a manicure look this good in 10 days! I am so impressed! 
I removed the manicure after this picture was taken because I wanted to change it up but i'm sure it would have lasted well over 14 days! Wow!


REMOVAL
- HOW TO REMOVE YOUR MANICURE WITH THE OPALLAC REMOVER WRAPS AND OPALLAC SHINE & SOAK SOLUTION - 
1. Lightly file the gel polish on each nail surface for a few seconds to break it down. 

2. Cut to size the desired amount of Opallac Remover Wraps from the 30 pad roll. 

3. Saturate the cotton pad attached to the Opallac Remover Wraps with the Opallac 2-in-1 Shine & Soak solution.

4. Place the soaked nail pads directly over the nail and wrap around each finger separately*  
Keep wrapped around nails for approximately 5 minutes**

5. Remove wraps, one at a time, and peel off the gel colour***

* Once the cotton pads attached to the Opallac Remover Wraps get saturated with the Opallac 2-in-1 Shine & Soak solution, they are likely to detach themselves from the actual wrap. 
A second set of hands may be needed to assist with wrapping each nail.

** I personally find 15 minutes to be optimum soaking time.

*** Instead of 'peeling' the gel colour off I like to use a cuticle pusher / orange stick to gently push / scrape the polish off the nail. The Shine & Soak Solution weakens to polish bond to the nail so it easily removes with light pressure. 

If applied and removed correctly Opallac will not damage the natural nail. It is crucial to not attempt to pick the gel colour off. This will cause damage to the nails. 
It is important to follow the Opallac Gel removal process outlined above. 


IS IT WORTH THE INVESTMENT?
- MY PERSONAL OPINION - 

YES! YES! YES!
I pride myself in giving honest reviews and opinions on my Blog, so if I say you need to try something, you do!

I had never tried real Gel polish before and I can honestly say I really enjoyed using it! 

I tend to change my nail polish every day or so due to the fact that nail polish chips on my nails so quickly, but with Opallac I did not experience any chipping or pealing even after 10 days of wear! It's amazing! I removed the Gel polish off my nails because I was I wanted to switch it up not because I felt I needed to! Really, really, really impressed!

Application may seem daunting but it shouldn't be. The wide brush applicator and fantastic formulas make application effortless. The Opallac LED nail lamp does most of the work for you; creating an instantly glossy and dry Gel manicure in seconds. The Opallac system also hardens the nails allowing them to grow and not break. I noticed substantial nail growth when using Opallac, which is an added bonus!

Save time and money with the convenience of an Opallac DIY Gel manicure at home! 
DEFINITELY WORTH THE INVESTMENT!


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Opallac products are exclusively available for purchase online at www.opallac.com and www.priceline.com.au as well Selected Priceline stores nationally (Australia).

*  *  * 

*Disclaimer: Opallac kindly sent me the products mentioned in this Blog Post for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine based on what I have experienced through trialling these products.


Thanks for taking the time to read this review!
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :)
Have a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous day,
Doni x


Follow me on Instagram for more nail swatch pics & nail art - @donsnailobsession