Archive for January, 2010
OPI Hong Kong Collection Swatches, Review & Comparisons – Part 1
One of the most anticipated collections of the season, OPI Hong Kong takes us to the far east and I don’t want to come back. Following what I consider a pretty boring year for OPI (I just didn’t LOVE Spain & South Beach) they’re already off to a great start with Alice in Wonderland and Hong Kong. I hope the momentum keeps going throughout the year.
Of course I’ve been geeked over the idea of a new OPI green so Jade Is The New Black has been on my mind for months and it did NOT disappoint. I dare say it may take down Rainforest as my all-time fave OPI. That’s a huge statement people! I’ve got the first half of the collection for you today so check out Jade Is The New Black, Suzi Says Feng Shui, Meet Me On The Star Ferry, Bling Dynasty and Pearl of Wisdom after the jump! |
American Apparel Nail Polish News
I don’t know how many of you read Jezebel on the regular (I have it in my Google reader) but today they published an article titled Does American Apparel’s New Nail Polish Contain Hazardous Material? that I feel the need to address.
First, many of you have emailed me asking about this line and if I will be reviewing it. As you know, the polish has been back-ordered on the site so it wasn’t easy for me to obtain. I did receive a few sample bottles from their PR reps and have been testing the formula for review since I don’t like to write about new brands without some kind of wear test. So that’s why you haven’t seen mention of the line on ALU yet.
Second, I think it’s irresponsible of Jezebel to title their post in such a way. Yes, it gets eyeballs but considering that most people just skim nowadays, it can potentially be harmful to the brand and scary to the public. Here’s what you need to know…
* There is an issue with the “quality” of the bottles and from what I’ve heard, some people have received broken bottles in the mail. Then again, that’s happened to me with non-American Apparel polish.
* All nail polish is deemed a “hazardous material” by the USPS which is why it is required to be shipped ground. They even reference needing special measures for disposal but that is true for all nail polish. I’m assuming American Apparel was using an air method for shipping their packages which is why they can’t ship that way anymore. Heck with FedEx, I have to sign for nail polish packages because polish is so “dangerous.”
ps. I know plenty of you swappers/e-tailers out there use non-ground methods but you do so at your own risk. Say it with me Fanatics, “Does this parcel contain anything fragile, liquid, perishable, or potentially hazardous?”
* American Apparel polish is being pulled from the shelves but not being recalled. So you don’t have to pitch your bottle for fear of using a lethal product. The bottle is obviously weak so I wouldn’t suggest playing catch with it.
Here’s what’s going to happen. According to the document obtained by Jezebel, American Apparel is working with their supplier to improve the quality of the bottles and will restock in the next week or so. So those of you still dying to get your hands on these new colors, the wait won’t be that long.
In the meantime, look for my review of the formula and colors I received soon!
Is That Minx I Spy On The Chanel Runway?
Well this certainly is a surprise. I always check out the Chanel runway shows with the hopes of catching a glimpse of their next big nail color. Don’t get me wrong, I love to gawk at the clothes as well but I beeline for the up close shots of the nails.
Today’s Spring/Summer Couture runway was no different. And what do I see? Silver chrome, mirror-finish manicures to compliment the heavy metallic accessories, shoes and garment details. I love the look but it seems so NOT Chanel to use products other than their own. So what does this mean? A. Chanel has given into the Minx trend and gone foil on us. B. They had extra bottles of Kaleidoscope on hand for the show (Remember, lighting changes how polish looks so it could be Kaleidoscope). C. We’ll be seeing a new super metallic silver from Chanel Le Vernis come Fall. |
What do you think? Nail polish or foil? In your Chanel metallic dream world would you rather see Kaleidoscope come back or a brand new foil-like Chanel silver polish?
image credit: Vogue UK
Mannequin Hands with OPI Sand In My Suit
Mannequin Hands is a new series featuring ALU Fanatics showing off their “mannequin hands” shade. The one polish that best gives that elongated, flesh-toned look to their hands.
The Mannequin Hands series continues on. Today the Polish Hoarder shows off OPI Sand In My Suit and here’s what she has to say about it,
“I don’t know what made me buy this polish. I’m drawn more to bright, unique colors. I think I got it because it was like nothing I already owned. I’m so happy I did! It’s such a pretty nude color. How can a skin-toned color be pretty? It has tiny shimmers! In the summer, when my hands are much more tan, this color makes my nails pop from my fingertips! The shimmer reflects light like a string of pearls. It’s just gorgeous!”
Who else uses Sand In My Suit for the Mannequin Hands look? I hope the Polish Hoarder will let us know what her skintone is so you can possibly find your hand twin.
Let’s Talk Soak-off Gel Nail Polish
Last February I had my first experience with what is now becoming a major trend in nails; Soak-off UV Gel Nail Polish. You see my pal Heather Park from SeoulDiva had been raving for months about this NYC salon Sakura and showing off her wicked cool nail art designs using the CalGel brand of soak-off polish. Heather has managed to get more than a few of her friends hooked on Sakura including MAC Artist Keri B. who has posted some her designs on Twitter. You can read about my experience and see some more CalGel designs HERE.
Since that time Fanatics have emailed asking about CalGel and the other brands of soak-off polish on the market, including OPI’s new Axxium product so I’m giving you the 411 on the whole soak-off phenomenon after the jump. |
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
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