Product Review: Nicki Minaj OPI Nail Lacquer Collection

The highly anticipated Nicki Minaj OPI Collection hit the stores earlier this month with 6 new colors  (3 creme polishes, 2 glitters and a new shade of Shatter) embodying the over-the-top personality of it's namesake.  When I first heard that Ms. Minaj was teaming up with OPI, the first thing that came to mind was OUTLANDISH!  However, I was pleasantly surprised with the color selection.  With names like "Super Bass Shatter", "Metallic 4 Life" & "Fly", this collection is cute, flirty and fun with my personal favorite being "Pink Friday"!

"Pink Friday" is the opaque, bubble-gum pink shade that I have been searching for high and low!  I absolutely LOVE this polish and thanks to Nailtiques (see my previous blog post) and my Manicurist, Cindy, I can not stop looking at my nails.  There is something very girly yet very adult about this shade of pink that makes it truly irresistible.  And the compliments are never-ending (see swatch below)! ;)

Me wearing Pink Friday! <3

So far, Pink Friday is the only polish in the collection that I have tried out.  And because of this, the swatches that I used below are courtesy of The Polish Aholic.

"Fly" is a pretty shade a teal that I am kind of eager to try.  It is a definite Spring-y color that I will try on my toes first and then possibly on my hands (not sure it would fly at the office...no pun intended!). 

"Did It On 'Em" is a yellow-y green shade which I was initially drawn to and will definitely try in the near future.  This shade is almost on the neon side and is definitely a fun shade that will be perfect of the Spring & Summer.  I can just picture walking on the beach or in the grass with this color on my toes!

"Metallic 4 Life" is a black base with a mixture of silver hex & square glitter.  This one is pretty Bad Ass and perfect for a night out on the town or when you are wanting to channel your inner-Rock Star!

"Save Me" has a clear base with silver glitter and blue & holographic confetti mixed in.  I am not really feeling the confetti look as I prefer the glitter polishes better.  However, I think this polish would pretty cool layered on top of another color.

And last but not least is "Super Bass Shatter".  This a metallic magenta shatter which is a slight variation of the usual matte finishes of  most shatter polishes.  While I think shatter polishes are fun, I was never a true fan.  I have tried it a few times but the novelty wore off for me a LONG time ago. As you will notice in the picture below, "Super Bass" has a slight glitter to it which a nice touch!

The Nicki Minaj OPI Collection is in stores now and can be purchased at selected beauty supply stores and even online at Amazon.com.  And I must say that this collection appears to be doing VERY well....so if you see a shade that you like, you better act fast as this is sure to sell out!


XOXO

~Tiaja

Holiday Make-up Trend: Be Bold In Gold!

As I peruse through my magazines, I noticed a definite trend for this upcoming holiday season.  It appears that contrary to popular belief....all that glitters is GOLD!  From the runways of Fashion Week to Celebs on the red carpert, everyone is gleaming in gold makeup (and nails).  And surprisingly, it looks REALLY good!  I think I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, that I am pretty conservative when it comes to my make-up.  It's my belief that less is more!  Make-up is like an accessory...it should enhance your look and natural beauty, not take away from it.  With that said, you could probably imagine my inital adversion to this new trend.  I mean you could either nail this look or get it really really wrong, right?  However you choose to incorporate this trend into your make-up routine, the bottomline is Have Fun (and try not to go overboard)!!

You, too, can be bold in gold with the following products:

Eyeliner:

Not only does gold eyeliner look nice and festive, it can make tired eyes POP!  By lining the inside corners of your eyes, the metallic shade will provide a more wide-open look as well as brightening up the skin.  I would suggest trying Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Eldorado.  This pencil goes on really smooth, is highly pigmented and lasts a long time (see my previous blog post).  If Eldorado is too bright for you, maybe try a more antique gold like NARs Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Campo de'Fiori. 


Nars Campo de'Fiori (left) & U/D Eldorado (right)


Eyeshadow:

I've always been a fan of gold eyeshadows and the pinky-gold shades are my absolute faves! Being the make-up conservative that I am, I generally apply the gold shadow to my lid and blend with a brown or bronze shade in my crease.  I know I should play with color more and that is on my "to-do" list for 2012. :) So, don't limit yourself!  Gold shadows can be mixed with a variety of shades ranging from navy blue, maroon and army green...it really depends on your comfort level.  So, just get in your make-up bag & PLAY!  :)  And while you're at it, check out these shadows: Half Baked by Urban Decay is packed with pigment and this true shade of gold offers lots of shine. Others to try are All That Glitters and Amber Lights by MAC Cosmetics!

All That Glitters by MAC (left), Half Baked  by U/D (mid), Amber Lights by MAC (right)

Nail Polish:

Looking for the Midas Touch? Try applying a gold polish to bare nails for a subtle jeweled effect or over your favorite nail color for an added sparkle.  Who needs jewelry when you're rockin' gold nails! ;) I really like Glitzerland by OPI w/ an accent nail in Bring On The Bling also by OPI (shown below).  Or you may also try Boom Boom Pow by Deborah Lippmann. This glamourous & glittery shade contains 24K Gold Dust!  

Glizterland w/ one nail accented in Bring On The Bling by OPI

Go forth and be B-O-L-D!

XOXO

~Tiaja