Zoya Swatch Spam

   If you remember back at the very beginning of Dec, I posted about Zoya's quest for 20,000 Facebook likes by Jan 3.  Well they accomplished their goal within 3 weeks.  Which means that on Mon Jan 3rd, Zoya will release a code on FB for 3 free bottles of polish.  All you have to pay is the $6.95 shipping.  Normally one bottle is $7, so this is a $21 value!

   For the last week or 2 I've been going over my spoons and online swatches of polishes trying to decide which 3 I want to order.  With over 300 colors, it's a very hard decision.  Since I've been struggling so much, I'm sure others are too.  So I decided to swatch all of mine that I hadn't yet and put all of them in one post for reference.  I hope this helps some of you, or if you already have all of these colors or don't plan on ordering, please just enjoy the pretty spam.  These are all direct sun shots unless otherwise noted.

 Mimi

Original Photo:

Color Corrected:

Still not completely right, but much closer than the original. Why purples won't photograph I don't know.

 Charla

Delilah

Trixie

Indirect Sun

Indoor

Raven

 

Shade with Flash

 

If you look closely at the flash picture you can see the hidden shimmer in Raven.  This is not just a black creme.  It has a hidden multi-color shimmer to it.

Cola

Sorry for the tip wear on this one, it's from my wear test post and the best sun shot I had. And it's with my old camera.

Crystal

Gloria

Lisa

Sarah

Tiffany

Valerie

Disclaimer: Some of the products in this post were sent to me by the company for consideration.  Some were won through Facebook and Twitter contests  

Nicole by OPI Walmart Exclusives - Updated with new Pics

   OPI and Nicole by OPI have lots of new collections coming out in January.  From OPI are the Serena Williams and Katy Perry collections.  Nicole has the Justine Bieber and Liquid Metals collections along with four new Wal-Mart exclusive shades.  Read on for more details.

Love, Nicole by OPI

Nicole by OPI Launches New Walmart-Exclusives

This January, Nicole by OPI turns up the heat with four fashion-forward

additions to the Nicole ♥ Walmart collection, available exclusively at Walmart. From

reds in hues of burgundy and mauve to purples in shades of plum and iridescent lilac,

these four new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers provide a modern take on classic favorites.

“We are thrilled to offer these four new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers exclusively

to Walmart customers,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP &

Artistic Director. “These variations of red and purple offer a burst of color for a look

that’s both timeless and sophisticated.”

The new Nicole ♥ Walmart Nail Lacquers include:

Count On Me
This glimmering lavender will never let you down.

Got Style?
Mauve has never looked this chic!

He’s A Keeper
This classic red is one of the good guys.

Never Give Up
Hold onto gorgeous color with this persistent plum.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or

Formaldehyde. These new Nicole ♥ Walmart Nail Lacquers will be available January

2011 at select Walmart stores nationwide.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter

@NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

    I've had this release for a little while, but have been holding off on posting it in hopes of getting images for the other two polishes.  I have not yet heard from the PR agent, I'm guessing she's on vacation for the holidays, so I am going ahead and posting as these will be out very soon.  If I get the other two images I will update this post with them.

   So with 5 new collections coming out in the next few weeks, which ones are everyone most looking forward to?  Any collections or individual polishes that you will be stalking your local stores for?  Or are you in polish shock from all the choices?

Nicole by OPI and Justin Bieber

   Some of you may have already started seeing some of these polishes in stores, but here is the official press release for the Justin Bieber inspired One Less Lonely Girl collection:

Multi-Platinum Selling Singing Sensation
Justin Bieber Hearts Nicole by OPI!

Nicole by OPI Hits a High Note with
The One Less Lonely Girl Collection
Inspired by Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber fans, rejoice! Nicole by OPI has joined forces with the 16

year-old multi-platinum selling singing sensation to introduce The One Less

Lonely Girl Collection. Inspired by the superstar’s hit songs and larger-than-

life persona, the collection will launch with six new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer

shades available exclusively at Walmart for Holiday 2010. Subsequently, Nicole

by OPI will unveil eight more Nail Lacquer shades for The One Less Lonely Girl

Collection, available beginning in January 2011 at Walmart and in February 2011

at select Target, Sears, Ulta and other retail locations.

“We are thrilled to team up with such a widely beloved singer who has made

major waves in pop culture,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI’s Vice

President & Artistic Director. “The colors in the collection are modeled after the

upbeat and emotive nature of Justin’s songs, as well as his own unrivaled energy.”

The first six new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers in The One Less Lonely Girl

Collection include:

One Less Lonely Glitter
This pale purple is a total keeper.

Prized Possession Purple
This vibrant grape demands a shelf of its own.

Give Me the First Dance
Take a number! Everyone wants this sexy silver.

Me + Blue
A metallic deep blue that’s just perfect for you.

OMB!
You have to see this metallic red to be-lieb it!

Step 2 the Beat of My Heart
Take the lead with this heart-filled hue.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP,

Toluene, or Formaldehyde. The first six Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers in The One

Less Lonely Girl Collection will be available beginning in December 2010 at

WalMart, with a subsequent launch in January 2011 at Walmart and in February

2011 at select Target, Sears, Ulta and other retail locations.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com.

   I saw Me + Blue and Prize Possession Purple yesterday at Wal-Mart.  PPP is a lovely grape shimmer in the bottle.  Me + Blue is a blueberry-ish glitter with silver hex glitter pieces as well.  Of the two M+B was my favorite.  I have not seen the rest of the collection yet, but will report further when I do.

China Glaze Peace on Earth

   Can someone please tell me how Christmas is only a week away? Seriously, when did that happen.  I have been so busy with work I've barely thought about the holidays.  Hope my friends don't mind their gifts in January.
   The China Glaze Tis the Season... Holiday collection is full of fun little surprises, at least for me.  The first of these is Peace on Earth.  Peace on Earth is an olive green foil.  Yes olive green.  And I LOVE it.  This is such an unusual color, especially in a holiday collection.  This was my Thanksgiving mani and I think it was the perfect color for the occasion. 

   Formula was excellent on this.  Application was smooth, but with a catch.  Because this is a foil finish brush strokes are a big issue.  So be patient while applying if you want straight even brush strokes.  I believe I used 2 coats of polish and 1 coat of SV top coat.  I don't remember what base coat I used, but I know I did use one.

Direct Sun

Indirect Sun

Shade

Indoor

   If you look closely at the indoor shot, you can see what I mean about the brush strokes.  But for me, the color payoff is well worth the small extra care needed.  If you haven't grabbed this color yet, I highly recommend getting it soon.

Free Zoya Color Spoons

   This Friday, Zoya is giving away 6 free color spoons to anyone in the continental US. AND, you still get $3 in credit just as if you ordered the spoons any other day.  Read on for more details:

welcome to
FREE ZOYA COLOR SPOON FRIDAY

6 FREE ZOYA COLOR SPOONS*
TODAY ONLY
(12/10/2010 - Expires 11:59 EST).

Here's how it works...
First pick any 6 colors you would like to try on... Add the matching Zoya Color Spoon to your shopping cart on zoya.com. Add SP6 as your code. Process order. Zoya will ship them to you for FREE! Plus you will automatically earn a $3 Zoya Color Spoon credit code for use on a future zoya.com purchase. Feel free to order more at the regular price if you would like (shipping is always free on Zoya Color Spoons).

Zoya Color Spoons allow you try on nail color before you make a color commitment. Now you can see exactly how a color will look on you before you buy it.

SEE IT . TRY IT . BUY IT

To learn more about Zoya Color Spoons and how easy they make it to find the perfect nail polish color see the video here.

* Valid Friday, December 10, 2010 only. Offer expires on 12/10/10 (11:59 EST). Code SP6 valid only on Zoya.com only. Continental US only. Consumer orders only. Limit six free Zoya Color Spoons. Limit one per customer. Standard S/H applies for all additional non-spoon items. This offer and Zoya Color Spoon Credit Code not valid in conjunction with other discounts, promotions or offers.

Nicole by OPI Holiday Magic Part 2

   Hello all.  Sorry the reviews have been a little absent lately.  Work is picking up for the holidays and between bad weather and fewer daylight hours, it's been harder to get good swatches of anything lately.  After about 3 pm I can't really take outdoor pictures right now.  Luckily I've had a few days of good weather so I've gotten a few swatches done and those will be coming up soon.
   Today for you though, I have part 2 of my Nicole by OPI Holiday Magic review.   You can find part 1 here with the two shimmers. This half consists of the two glitters in the collection.  They are Bring on the Tinsel, a red/green/blue/silver glitter in a clear base, and Spark My Mistletoe, a red and silver glitter with silver hexagonal glitter interspersed in a clear base.

Bring on the Tinsel

   The glitter in Bring on the Tinsel is all one size and evenly spaced throughout the polish.  Application was smooth with a nice formula.  Here's the polish by itself with 1-4 coats starting on my pinkie.

Direct Sun

Indirect Sun

   Bring on the Tinsel builds very nicely on itself and could be worn by itself for a very sparkly look.  I was happy with the coverage of 4 coats. 

Spark My Mistletoe

   Spark My Mistletoe is also in a clear base, but along with the small red and silver glitter, are larger hexagonal silver, almost holographic, pieces.   Same set up as Bring on the Tinsel:

Direct Sun

Shade

   As you can see, Spark My Mistletoe isn't as densely glitter packed as Bring on the Tinsel.  With enough coats, it could be worn alone, but it would take more than 4 coats.  The larger pieces are very lovely and give extra points of interest to the polish, but are very sparse and easily brush off the nail as you are applying the polish.  

   Next, I have the two glitters layered with the two shimmers.  The shimmers are Stuck in the Chimney, a golden cranberry, and Kiss Me at Midnight, a blackened red.  I did one coat of glitter over each shimmer.

Direct Sun

Indirect Sun

   All of the combinations are nice, but my favorite two are Bring on the Tinsel over Kiss Me at Midnight and Spark My Mistletoe over Stuck in the Chimney.  

   As a whole, this collection works well together.  But for me the glitters are the stand-outs.  If you can't get the entire collection I say grab Bring on the Tinsel and Spark My Mistletoe.  They are both very festive for the holidays, but would also work well the rest of the year.

Disclaimer: The product(s) in this post were provided to me by the company for consideration

Zoya Facebook "Likes" Quest

   I found a second press release in my email today.  This one from Zoya.  They are on a quest to get 20,000 "Likes" on Facebook by Jan 3rd.  Currently they have just over 8100 "likes".  What happens if they reach 20k?  Read on to find out.

Press our Like button!

20,000 Likes equals 3 Free Bottles of Zoya Nail Polish*! 

Zoya Nail Polish wants 20,000 Facebook fans!

We like our fans, well actually, we LOVE our fans.

We are a small, independent cosmetics company that understands and values the importance of each and every one of our customers. Zoya views our fans as ambassadors of our products. Your dedication and feedback via our social media outlets has helped shape us into the successful company we are today. We continue to grow with your input and support. During this holiday season we would like to show you our appreciation with an incredible offer to start off the new year.

Please, allow us to share our wonderful nail polish and treatment products with your like-minded friends!  We are hoping for 20,000 "Likes" on facebook by January 3, 2011, and if we get them, we will provide a code for 3 free bottles* of Zoya Nail Polish to all fans and followers in the Continental US. Yes, we love our international followers too but due to international regulations and restrictions we can only offer this promotion domestically at this time.

“Like” us on facebook and make 2011 a year of nail polished perfection.

Here's what you need to do...

Not already following us on facebook?

Do you love nail polish? Then you should follow Zoya for daily updates, promotions and fun on facebook!  Simply go to www.facebook.com/zoyanailpolish and press "Like"! With over 300 colors and treatments to choose from, there is always something for you and your fellow nail polish lovers to talk about. While you are at it, make sure to spread the word about Zoya to all of your friends.

Already following us on facebook?

You "Like" us - we LOVE you! You already know about the great giveaways and promotions we do! Don't keep Zoya to yourself! Spread the word! To help reach the 20,000 tell 4 friends (or more!) to like Zoya!

On January 3, 2011

...or sooner, when we hit the magic number of 20,000, Zoya will release the 3 FREE BOTTLES of Zoya Nail Polish code on facebook.

*Restrictions apply. See facebook page for complete details. Online promotion only. Offer valid in continental US only. Consumer orders only. Offer not valid in conjunction with other promotions, discounts or offers. Code is dependent on 20,000 likes. To get the code,  www.facebook.com/zoyanailpolish MUST have 20,000 likes by 11:59 PM EST on January 3, 2011 (or before that date if 20,000 is reached). Code valid January 4 - 7 2011 only. The offer is void if 20,000 "Likes" is not reached by January 3, 2011 at 11:59PM. Offer good for 3 free bottles of nail polish per order. S/H charges apply.

Shown: Zoya Nail Polish in Jo.

###


So ladies, if you haven't already "liked" Zoya on facebook what are you waiting for?  Go click the button so we can all get free polish! :)

OPI Aquired by Coty Inc

   Happy December!  Is everyone else as busy as I am getting ready for the holidays?  Whichever holidays you might celebrate.  Time to stock up on the baking supplies and get those cookies cranked out.  And buy some gifts for people besides myself....ooops.
   If you didn't hear already, it was recently revealed that OPI was up for sale.  Well this week it was announced that Coty Inc, the owners of Rimmel, Sally Hansen, and many other brands, bought OPI.  Here is the press release about the acquisition.  This is all the information I have at this time, but if I get anymore I will be sure to let you know.  

COTY INC. TO ACQUIRE OPI PRODUCTS INC.

Coty Adds OPI Nail Lacquers and Nicole by OPI to Its Growing Color Portfolio

NEW YORK, November 29, 2010 — Coty Inc., a leading global beauty company, and OPI Products Inc., a leader in professional nail salon products, today announced that Coty has entered into an agreement to acquire OPI.

The acquisition will enhance Coty's color cosmetic portfolio, through the addition of over 200 fashion forward colors of OPI Nail Lacquer's chip-resistant formula, which has been an international success.  

"We view the acquisition of OPI as complementary to Coty and a natural extension of our strategy to offer a unique portfolio of brands that produce some of the best known consumer products around the world," said Bernd Beetz, CEO, Coty Inc. "OPI is both dynamic and high quality and has earned its place as a leading provider to professional nail care salons. This acquisition will allow Coty to expand our presence in the nail care category via an important new channel of distribution: professional salons, and importantly will offer an even greater selection of products and choice to consumers."

"We are very excited about having OPI join the Coty family. OPI has gained a place in consumer's minds in the US and internationally," said Renato Semerari, President, Coty Beauty. "It is one of THE fashion brands in Nail Color for salons and that is a very unique position to be in. OPI's success is the result of a very focused and high quality effort by the OPI team over the past decades. We are very excited to join forces with such a talented team to strengthen OPI even further in the future."

"It's time for a new era at OPI, and together with Coty we can begin this new journey," said George Schaeffer, President and CEO of OPI Products Inc. "For almost 30 years, we have built a solid foundation of innovation and excellence. We are confident that by joining Coty, this legacy will continue and be strengthened. We are all excited about the next phase of opportunity for OPI.  Our management team will continue on with the company and OPI's business strategy will remain focused on the salon professional."   

"OPI has a reputation for creating fashion-forward products that make women feel beautiful and Coty is a well-established trend setter in the beauty industry," said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, the Executive VP & Artistic Director of OPI Products, Inc. "Together we will continue to push the envelope in beauty, color and trends."

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is also subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Moelis & Company served as financial advisor to Coty in connection with the transaction. Lazard Freres & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to OPI. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor to Coty in the transaction. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal advisor to OPI.

About Coty Inc.

Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.

Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloé, Chopard, Davidoff, Jennifer Lopez, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, La Voce by Renee Fleming , Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nikos, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Wolfgang Joop.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, ASTOR, Baby Phat, Beyoncé Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Esprit, Exclamation, Faith Hill, GUESS, Halle Berry, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Lady Gaga, Miss Sporty, Nautica, N.Y.C. New York Color, Pierre Cardin¹ , Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Stetson, Tim McGraw, and Tonino Lamborghini.

Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.A. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, Prada, Paco Rabanne, and Antonio Banderas in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.

(1) Not available in North America

About OPI Products Inc.

OPI Products Inc., one of the world’s leaders in professional nail care since 1981, has revolutionized the beauty industry by combining leading-edge innovation with trendsetting, fashion-forward colors. Under the leadership of OPI President & CEO George Schaeffer and Executive VP & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, beautifully manicured nails are now seen as the essential fashion accessory.

Preferred by salon professionals and favored by red-carpet celebrities, OPI Nail Lacquer is currently available in 200+ shades. OPI Nail Lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature a patented Lacquer bottle, ergonomic cap, and ProWide^® Brush designed for flawless application.

In addition to Nail Lacquer, OPI also offers an entire range of state-of-the-art quality products for hands, feet, and nails – with more than 30 Patents for the company’s innovative product ideas.

OPI has had a number of successful partnerships, including CW Network, DELL, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Kristi Yamaguchi, Serena Williams, Sony Pictures Screen Gems, Susan G. Komen for the Cure^®, Walt Disney Pictures, and Warner Home Video.

For more information, call 800.341.9999 or visit www.opi.com.

 Now if you're an OPI fan on facebook or read lots of other blogs and boards, you are probably aware of the uproar from people about Coty Inc possibly using animal testing.  I'm not sure if they do or not.  Some sites list them as questionable as Coty Inc has not proven to the sites that they are cruelty-free.  Coty Inc has issued a statement found here that they do not use animal testing.  So I am going to stay neutral on the subject until definite proof is given one way or another.  Plus, OPI is cruelty-free and I personally don't see why they would change that just because they have a new parent company.  Maybe I'm being naive, but again until I get definitive proof to the contrary, I'm going to give OPI the benefit of the doubt about staying cruelty-free.

   

Essie Sew Psyched

   Man this has been a crazy day.  And not in a good way.  But I won't bore you with the details.  Instead I will show you a polish I've been meaning to post for a while now.  You can tell these photos are older by my nail length.  These were pre-a million and one breaks I've been dealing with lately.  It seems every time I start getting some length back another nail breaks.
   Sew Psyched is a dusty slate green polish with a tiny silver shimmer from the Essie Fall 2010 collection. 

   Formula was very nice with a smooth application.  I don't remember what base coat I used, it was too long ago sorry.  I'm pretty sure I used my trusty SV on top.  To remember how many coats I used I did a quick one finger test and needed 3 coats for full opacity.  That was what came to mind when trying to remember so I'm gonna say these photos were probably 3 coats of color.  The silver shimmer is very tiny and hard to see unless you look very closely at the nail, but it gives the polish a bit of life so it's not so flat on your nail.

Direct Sun

Indirect Sun

Indoor

   I really enjoyed this color, but I found that a lot of people thought it was grey in most lighting instead of a green.  They still liked it though so I guess it doesn't really matter.

   After a few days I decided I wanted to add a little sparkle to my nails.  So enter Sinful Colors Nail Junkie.  Nail Junkie is very similar to China Glaze Atlantis, but with more multi-size glitter pieces.  I loved this combination. 

Direct Sun

Blur for sparkle 

Shade

   So what do you guys think of Sew Psyched solo and topped with Nail Junkie? 

Nicole by OPI Holiday Magic Part 1

   Happy Thanksgiving!  I hope everyone has a good holiday.  Today I have the first part of my Nicole by OPI Holiday Magic swatches for you.  The collection consists of 2 red shimmers and 2 glitter top coats.

   Fist up are the 2 shimmers. Stuck in the Chimney, a cranberry shimmer with hints of gold, and Kiss Me at Midnight, a blackened red shimmer.  The formula on both of these was good and application was smooth.  Stuck in the Chimney was opaque with 2 coats while Kiss Me at Midnight took 3.  With both colors I used 1 coat of OPI Natural Base Coat and 1 coat Seche Vite Top Coat.

Stuck in the Chimney

Direct Sun

Indirect Sun

Indoor

   Stuck in the Chimney is a very pretty shimmer, but leans a little to the frosty side to me.  I think that touch of frostiness put me off the polish just a little at first, even though I like the color.  Looking at the pictures again I'm liking it more, so I will definitely give it another chance.

Kiss Me at Midnight

Direct Sun

Indirect Sun

Indoor

   Kiss Me at Midnight is a lovely vampy blackened red shimmer.  But it feels very familiar to me.  It's still a nice color, but unless it fills a hole in your collection, you can probably skip this one.

Disclaimer: The product(s) in this post were sent to me by the company for consideration