En Couleur @ Cal

Simply Smashing by OPI

I know Pantone said it was all about honeysuckle this year, but chartreuse is one of the hottest colors this season. Many of the major nail polish brands have released a contender in this vibrant yellow-green hue recently. There’s Illasmasqua Radium, China Glaze Electric Pineapple, and Zoya Mitzi. Simply Smashing, a result of OPI’s collaboration with Serena Williams, stands out to me due to its brilliant glittery finish. Though it has the color of split-pea soup in this picture, Simply Smashing is more yellow in real life, so that it resembles a tennis ball. It’s one of those ugly-pretty colors in the vein of OPI Who the Shrek Are You?, so it may evoke strong (and not necessarily positive) feelings in many people. More flattering colors definitely exist, but Simply Smashing exerted a hold over me that’s difficult to explain—you just have to see it in person.

Barefoot in Barcelona by OPI

After N posted Cocoa, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to post about the closely related Barefoot in Barcelona. This is not a dupe however, since it is significantly lighter. I would characterize this as a terra cotta color instead of a nude, since I can’t imagine anyone having this much of a reddish cast to their skin. This is definitely a work-appropriate neutral, but to be honest, I feel like there are more exciting work-safe polishes you could incorporate into your wardrobe.

What’s with the Cattitude? by OPI

I’m going to be capping our blue series with my favorite blue yet. Part of the OPI Shrek collection, What’s with the Cattitude? is a gorgeous candy blue color I can’t get enough of. It’s OPI, so naturally wear was long and application was glorious. What appeals most about this color is its wearably bright hue reminiscent of the original Disney’s Alice dress. Hope you all enjoyed our blue series and have an amazing Halloween! 

Not So Bora Boring Pink by OPI

A while back, co-blogger N posted a review of her Absolutely Alice manicure, which she got done at the same time I had this, at The Nail Spa on Telegraph. I love this color because it’s the exact shade of soft pink I favor, with a hint of shimmer, but I have less favorable things to say about the salon itself. A mani is $12, one of the cheapest you can find out there, but I got a chip the very next day. I don’t know if it has to do with their top coat (they use OPI for top and base), but I also felt the service was somewhat lacking. The women seem to do a perfunctory job and it’s difficult to communicate with them because they don’t speak English well. Next time we’ll be trying the place across the street, for sure.

Absolutely Alice by OPI

All of the manicures featured to date have been done at home, but A and I decided to treat ourselves to professional manicures for a change.  Given our excitement over OPI’s Alice In Wonderland collection and attempt to find the perfect Alice color, I knew I had to try Absolutely Alice when I saw it at the nail salon.  Sadly, the manicurist cut my nails much too short and rounded them, making them look even shorter so I didn’t have the proper nail shape to show off this color in all its glory.  There was no base color.  It was simply a clear polish jam-packed with blue and gold glitter.  It had a rough finish, and though I don’t dislike the color, it wasn’t exactly my favorite either.  The glitter chipped more easily than non-glitter formulas I’ve worn, so perhaps I just didn’t have the chance to wear it long enough for it to grow on me.  It’s definitely a bold color, great for anyone looking to get noticed.  I think it’s more a color meant less for everyday wear and more for special occasions, like showing my school spirit at Cal football games.  Go BEARS!!!