OPI - Congeniality is My Middle Name (07/28/2011)

The many faces of Congeniality is My Middle Name (CiMMN)!  From picture to picture this beautiful lacquer from the upcoming Miss Universe Collection changes hue and finish.  I guess Miss Universe needs to be versatile and  OPI has done it again creating a lacquer that's fitting for the most lovely lady in the "universe".  WARNING: pic overload ahead (from dark to light).

Color Description: Described by OPI as a berry-wine shimmer, CiMMN is a darker in certain settings - very mysterious with micro glass-flecks for an effervescent look.  Reminds me of the purple raspberry that is best picked in early July.  Well it's late July and CiMMN is ripe for the picking ladies! 

Similar To:  There's no dupe in my collection though this put me in the mind of at least two lacquers I own: China Glaze Stella (is a frost and a bit darker but same hue) and Sephora by OPI Screen Test (a bit brighter with no flecks).  Congeniality is My Middle Name falls somewhere in between.

This Look: One coat of Starting Over After Artificials, three coats of CiMMN (two coats are sufficient but wanted a deeper berry color) and one coat of Sally Hansen Mega Shine.

Price Point/Availability: Some retailers have put this collection out a bit early (score!), but this "limited-edition [collection] will be available beginning August 2011 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for  $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer."

Hope you like this lacquer as much as I do!  Which colors will you select from the Miss Universe collection? I, generally, don't watch the show but will you?

Kleancolor 231 - Chunky Holo Scarlet over OPI - A Man In Every Port-ugal (07/14/2011)

Window Lighting

Kleancolor is really "knocking it out the park" with their Chunky Holo series of nail lacquers!  Today we have Scarlet and she's a true beaut...


Color Description:  The perfect layering glitter, Scarlet, has a multi-chromatic golden-orange glitter suspended in bright red sheer jelly syrup-like lacquer and could easily be worn alone.  I already had on OPI's AMIEP and wanted to freshen it up so I picked up Scarlet and went to town.  And yes, after you paint your nails with Scarlet, you will want to go on a night on the town, literally!

Halogen Lighting

Similar To:  Well, ladies, if you couldn't get your hands on Essie Ruby Slippers (which is discontinued) then you need to run out and pick up Scarlet.  These are similar in effect except for the fact that the Essie was a bit bumpy while Kleancolor's formula is smooth.  Wet n' Wild also came out with a red glitter last Winter called Extravaganza which was a bit more opaque but was gorgeous, just the same.  I ♥ red glitters!!!

OTT Light

This Look:  
One coat of Scarlet over my existing mani, topped with one coat of Sally Hansen's Mega Shine.


Price Point/Availability:  If you can find these in a local beauty supply, that's your best bet; I've seen them for as low as $1.00. They are also available at Kleancolors website for $3.49 (+ tax and $8 an shipping charge).  Gas is so expensive you might just want to purchase online than hunting for them at you local beauty supplies.  Your choice but worth it either way! :)

Incandescent Lighting

(over gold)

No matter what the brand, with the right top and base coat your nails will be fabulous.  Check out my Nail Treatments and Essentials tab so that you can find out my tips and tricks to keep my nails chip free and lovely.  Take care!

OPI - A Man In Every Port-ugal (07/11/2011)

Not exactly sure about the name of this lacquer, so I will be using AMIEP instead, but the color is amazing! Maybe it has something to do with port wine, hmm? Anywho, I received this in a swap a few weeks ago.  I have a few extra China Glaze LOL and swapped one for this because of the bottle pics I found online.  I thought it was sooo unique!


Color Description:  AMIEP is described by OPI as a cool dark burgundy berry but does not let you in on the secret blue shimmer which drew me to this gorgeous Fall shade.  The blue shimmer can only be seen in certain light and when it can't be seen it creates a super shiny wet look. I couldn't wait for the Fall to try this one out so here it is in all its Autumn glory.

Macro Shot

Similar To: This is not similar to anything else in my collection.  I gravitate towards obvious shimmers or straight cremes but this is somewhere in between.  Nice!


This Look:  One coat of Starting Over After Artificials for the base, two coats of AMIEP and one coat of Sally Hansen Mega Shine topcoat.


Price Point/Availability:  AMIEP is now discontinued because it dates back to the Fall of 2002 and is from OPI's European Collection.  As I mentioned earlier, I swapped for this and feel it was well worth it.  I have seen this color for sale online so if you're interested, go for it!


How many of you beautiful ladies own this color? Would love to hear your thoughts about it.