Updated: Another OPI collaboration: OPI teams up with Katy Perry!

Hi guys! I promised to update this post when new info reaches the surface, so here we go! I've added some better pictures and additional information :). Still no news about they're Coty or L'Oreal adventure though..

OPI teams up with Katy Perry!

OPI isn't exactly sitting still when it comes to collaborations. Only recently I posted about their upcoming "Glam Slam" collection, which is a collab with tennis star Serena Williams. Right now I'm even more excited because word on the street is: they're also releasing a collection in collaboration with Katy Perry!

Katy Perry, an American singer-songwriter, is already becoming a nail icon for many. Just like her style, this polish line will be a versatile array of bright, fun colors and finishes! Inspired by Katy Perry's latest album - Teenage Dream - The Katy Perry Collection by OPI will contain four daring, bright colors.

Click to enlarge

• Last Friday Night (a fierce glittery blue)
• Not Like the Movies (a sultry silver)
• The One That Got Away (an amazing deep berry)
• Teenage Dream (a dreamy pink glitter)
• Black Shatter (crackle top coat)

Black Shatter

To compliment these four colors, OPI threw in Black Shatter as well. "Black Shatter" is a top coat that gives nails a cracked/leopardy look. So cool. The effect is extremely similar to Barry M's Instant Nail Effects in Black Magic, don't you think? This collection will be released in january, just like Serena's Glam Slam collection, so if you're feeling this, better save some money!

Curious to see how these look on the nail? Check out this vid!

The Katy Perry Collection by OPI will be available starting January 2011, at ULTA stores (www.ulta.com), for $9 per color. Also available in The Netherlands at authorized OPI Sellers for 13.95 EUR each (ouch..).

Dare to Discuss: OPI Up For Sale?

I was going through my blogroll today and stumbled upon this post over at Body & Soul Beauty. Mary shows us an inside article written by Bloomberg about OPI being for sale. You can read the entire, original, article here.

I have to admit, I was a bit shocked. Bloomberg is telling us OPI is for sale and currently is considering major companies Coty and L'Oreal. I'm not sure to what degree this actually holds true, but I do know what this would mean for me. I've asked for confirmation by OPI, but I didn't get a reply - which I can understand.

Cruelty free

I usually don't make room for L'Oreal and Coty on this blog. Not that I hate their colors, but they still feel it's necessary to test on animals. Brands like Maybelline, L'Oreal, Miss Sporty and Sally Hansen never really did it for me. Especially when I found out about their views on animal testing.

OPI, on the other hand, has always been one of my favorite cruelty free nail polish brands. I like their colors, their formula, their brush, you name it. From the moment I said goodbye to nail biting, I occasionally spoiled myself with a new bottle of OPI polish.

What if..

So, could all of this be true? The brand that always watched her exclusivity like a hawk, soon to be part of one of the giants? I don't want to be timely, but if this bad dream would turn into reality, I don't feel like writing about OPI anymore.
I understand this could eventually lead to less readers of my blog etc, morals always get in the way, right?! ;-) OPI may be and remain cruelty free, but I don't feel like filling up L'Oreal or Coty's wallet. I do hope you can understand and respect that, even if you think it's the biggest bullcrap out there. Let's just hope none of this is true! How would you feel about OPI being sold to either Coty or L'Oreal?

pollcode.com free polls

What if OPI becomes part of L'Oreal or Coty?

Honestly? Who cares. I'll keep buying it I'll have to think about it I'll stop buying it

Exclusive: Chanel - Côte d'Azur Collection - Le Vernis Riva

LUXURY INDULGES IN NONCHALANCE UNDER THE SAINT TROPEZ SUN.

The CHANEL Cruise Collection 2010 – 2011 opts for a carefree style and an outdoor fashion show under the magical light of Saint Tropez. Dropped off at the old port by a flotilla of Riva boats, the barefooted models strut down the catwalk as if taking a stroll after an afternoon at the beach, walking along the terrace of the legendary Sénéquier café. The free spirit and casual elegance of the Bardot years embrace check prints, delicate pink tweeds and loose hair.

A SUMMER OF SAND AND AZURE

The tender and savage sensuality of eternal Saint Tropez inspires Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, to create a playful Collection that flirts with the sun. A sprinkle of sand clinging to golden skin. A little pout under a straw hat, ready to break into a childish laugh. Summer on the Riviera returns to the innocent charm of the 70s with new interplays of light and ultra-contemporary beauty steps. This season, lips are adorned with ROUGE COCO in 4 soft, summery shades: Perlé, Chintz, Taffetas Rose and Sari Doré. In just one stroke, the smile dresses up in radiance. This playful spirit is accentuated down to the fingertips with LE VERNIS Riva, a pastel blue lacquer that hints at legendary check prints.

Côte d'Azur Collection

Hi guys! Chanel granted me with an exclusive preview of their Côte d'Azur Collection - well in The Netherlands, but it looks way cool! ;-) While Chanel Paradoxal is hands down the it color of the moment, there's already news about Chanel's beautiful upcoming collection: Côte d'Azur. On the runway there has been popping up a new baby blue pastel. It's really light, delicate and has that pure feel to it, from what I can tell.

LE VERNIS Riva - Effortless & Natural

Today I can finally tell you more about this new mysterious, delicate shade. First revealed on the runway in St. Tropez, this soft oceanic blue now has a name: Riva. Here is what Peter Philips says about this collection: “Effortless, natural beauty, relaxed girls who are enjoying their holidays. That was the main idea behind the look for this show.”

I have to admit, when the first runway photos made their appearance, I wasn't really impressed by the idea of a pale blue pastel, but looking at the new released promo pictures, I'm definitely starting to feel more enthusiastic, especially the greenish hue and the shimmer look so pretty!

Le Vernis Riva, is going to cost €25 a bottle and will be going on sale December the 1st. This will be Limited Edition, so if you must have this polish, be sure to pick it up in time! Chanel Le Vernis Riva will be available exclusively at the CHANEL Fashion Boutiques. (Sometimes when they say this, they do pop up at www.chanel.com, so fingers crossed!) Expect swatches soon!

This information was exclusively provided to me by Chanel. If you would like to use this content for your site, please be so kind to provide a link back to this post.

Chanel Riva

Catrice Preview - Product Information

More pics and information

Hi guys! If you haven't read my post about the new and improved Catrice line yet, I'd suggest to take a peek before moving on to this post! In this post I'll give you an overview what products exactly will be released, what they do and how much they cost.

Favorites

Since I had the chance to play around with these products, I already have some favorites. I really really like the eyeshadows, they're extremely well pigmented and their color selection is endless. I'm also digging the new nail polish colors, since they're not your typical pink or red, but trendy blue, greige and green. The powder brushes are really soft too and those compacts are just to die for! What do you think? This article is a bit on the picture heavy side so read more after the jump!

CATRICE Lash Plus

25% longer lashes within one month? The effect of this product has been proven!

CATRICE Lash Plus Lash Growth Volume Mascara

Ultimate lashes with the Lash Growth Volume Mascara! The unique formula with active ingredients stimulates the lash growth and gives the lashes length and shine. Price: 4.99 eur

CATRICE Lash Plus Intensive Lash Growth Serum

An absolute must-have for long, expressive lashes. The Lash Growth Serum remains active all day and night. Apply the transparent product like you would apply eyeliner on your lash line, to active the growth of your lashes. Price: 4.99 eur.

CATRICE Better than Waterproof Mascara

This mascara is 100% water resistant. Gives immediate volume and is easy to remove by applying warm water. Price: 4,99 eur.

CATRICE Lashes to Kill Mascara

Guarantees breathtaking volume, sensational length and unique, amazing lashes. CATRICE Lashes to Kill Mascara is the secret weapon for that irresistibly stunning look! Price: 3.99 eur.

CATRICE Absolute Colour Mono Eye Shadow

Absolute color, absolute sustainability and absolute coverage in 32 trendy colors. The inspiration: the internation trends of the runway. The look: From sexy glamour to cool understatement. The effects: from matte to shine and from metallic to satin. Price: 2.79 eur.

CATRICE Absolute Colour Duo Eye Shadow

A variation of effects and expressive trendy color combinations in eight Duo Eye Shadows. Perfect to apply, thanks to a soft and silky texture. Easy to create professional looks with subtle blending. Price: 3.97 eur.

CATRICE Smokey Eyes Set

Mysterious, smokey and ideal to create the perfect smokey eyes. Four matching colors and a professional applicator wand guarantee that casual-elegant look. Available in three color combinations. Price: 4.49 eur each.

CATRICE Eye Brow Set

The perfect set for beautifully shaped eyebrows. This kit contains tweezers, brushes and mirros and two eyebrow powders voor light and dark eye brows. Versatile, practical and elegant. Price: 3.99.

CATRICE Sharpener

2in1: the CATRICE Sharpener let's you sharpen small and big pencils. Available in black-white and white-black. Price: 1.29 eur.

CATRICE Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen

The Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen makes you happy! The easy to use rotating system makes sure the pen is always ready to use. Major plusses for fun and easy application are also the creamy texture and durability. Mix & Match? Available in three new trendy fall colors. Price: 1,99 each.

CATRICE Lip Appeal Moisture & Shine Lip Gloss

More shine and volume: transform your lips in to absolute eye catchers! Lip Appeal Lipgloss comes with a soft vanilla scent, a flexible, but precise applicator, a moisturizing formula, extraordinary gloss and an exclusive design. Available in ten brilliant colors. Price: 3.79 eur each.

CATRICE Colour Show Colour & Stay Lip Gloss

Long lasting, astounding, fashionable! Colour Show Gloss holds up to four hours and has a fascinating shine and an intense color. An irresistible fruity scent, a fine soft texture, a flexible, but precise, applicator: for beautiful lips in only seconds, what else could you wish for? Available in ten trendy colors perfect for this season. Price: 3.97 eur each.

CATRICE Multi Colour Compact Powder

For the perfect finish. The new Graffiti technology, makes no room for visible impurities. Five perfect combined nuances for the perfect teint. Matte and smooth, natural and fresh. Available for the light and dark skin. Price: 4.49 eur.

CATRICE Powder Brush

A well kept secret: to create the perfect color, like make up artists do, you need the right brush! Picks up the right amount of powder and distributes evenly. The full brush comes in a handy, compact shape. The hairs are made of rayon. Price: 4.49 eur.

CATRICE Blush Brush

Subtle accentuated cheekbones are incredibly sexy! The supple CATRICE Blush Brush is a perfect match for your daily beauty ritual and a naturally looking look. You won't be able to go without this soft brush that applies blush so easily. Available in a handy container with ziplock. Price: 3.99 eur.

CATRICE Eye Shadow Sponge Applicators

Everybody needs at least one or two of these for an irresistible eye look: Sponge Applicators. The set contains three flexible, oval sponge applicatiors, to ensure the most elegant eyeshadow variations in no-time! Available in a handy container with ziplock. Price: 1.99 eur

CATRICE Eye Shadow Brush Applicator

Whether you use loose or compact eyeshadow, they're all easy to apply with this multi talent: the Professional CATRICE eyeshadow brush. With a soft round edge. Available in a handy container with ziplock. Price: 2.29 eur.

CATRICE Ultimate Nail Laquer

The 32 core colors are ultimate! But there are more colors from CATRICE. Your nails are this season the ultimate fashion accessory! This is the absolute favorite with intense color, perfect shine and coverage for at least up to seven days with one handy application. The innovative brush offers professional quality. Available in three new seasonal colors. Price: 2.49 each.

CATRICE Matt Top Coat

3, 2, 1, matte! This brand new Matt Top Coat by CATRICE gives shiny nail polish a fashionable matte finish. Apply this top coat on dry polish, wait a few seconds and witness how every nail polish gets that hip look! Price: 1.99 eur.

Release date

The new CATRICE products will be available this November!

Catrice Preview - New products & some swatches

Catrice Press Presentation

Catrice used to a bit old fashioned, but lately they've definitely been spicing it up. A while ago they already started renewing their line by adding many great nail polishes, but that's not where it ends. Catrice spent some time figuring out what people really like to see and also had focus groups to determine what kind of products people really go for. Inspired by the latest (runway) trends, Catrice is revamping a huge part of their line this November!

Me and a group of bloggers were invited to have a look at what they've got in store for us, so I'm really excited to give you the lowdown! Catrice will show an entire new face this november, a lot has changed, their packaging, formulas and even their style. Where Catrice used to play it safe, they're now busting out a very mixed core selection. Whether you like neutrals or bright bold colors, Catrice has it all.

Collection info

I actually have all the promo photos of their products. When I'm done writing this post, I'll immediately start making a separate article where you can find all the pics and more information. For now, I'll show you some products that I found quite impressive and even some swatches of their new nail polishes.

New display

Catrice has an entire new display in store for us, the new products will mostly be located in the middle area. The nail care area you see in the top, were the first to undergo a huge makeover months ago, and the lower area, that contains foundations and other skin products will be improved later on. The middle section is where all the action happens, you'll find lots and lots of new items there, like eye and lip products!

Catrice Absolute Colour Mono, Duo & Smokey Eye

Catrice has put in some major effect to come up with a LOT of new eyeshadows. There will be 32 monos, 8 duos and 3 smokey eye kits. Wowza! And they come in a variety of colors, textures and finishes. I got the chance to play around with these and they're quite pigmented!

New Ultimate Nail Lacquer

While I do like makeup, you know I LOVE nail polish. Catrice is adding three new seasonal shades to their Ultimate Nail Lacquer line. The colors are called Absolutely Chinchilly!, Run Forest Run! and Hip Queens Wear Jeans! And no nail polish collection is complete without a matte top coat! I brought a nailwheel from home, so I was able to do some quick swatching for you guys. I wish they would've added more, but then again, it's never enough for polish freaks like us!

Catrice Multi Colour Compact Powder

This looks so pretty, it just screamed to be photographed! It's a very nice compact powder, available for fair and dark skin.

I had a really great day! Catrice and their PR representatives were extremely nice and welcoming. Thank you! The location was lovely and filled with beautiful billboards - as pictured above - and I got the chance to meet some lovely bloggers, what else could I wish for?! Catrice was extremely generous and let us go home with many new products, so expect swatches soon. Be sure to check back in a while for more information on the new line too!

OPI is on a roll! OPI Spring 2011: Texas Collection

Are you ready for spring?

OPI's hatching collections like it's nothing! Today I stumbled upon some hot news on the Grazia Daily website. Care to see what OPI has been cooking up for spring? For spring OPI is going to release a 12 piece collection inspired by a state, no other than Texas. There also will be a cute mini set called Lil Shooters, as you can see pictured on the left.

More green!

Im seeing some interesting shades, like a green and a blue. I really like how OPI is doing more greens lately. I also see some berry/pinkish shades, I'm not too fond about those since I have plenty, but we'll see.

Shades!

The shades are called the following:

• Do You Think I'm Tex-y?
• Big Hair Big Nails
• Too Pink to Hold 'Em
• I Vant To Be A-Lone Star
• Guy meets Gal-veston
• Don't Mess with OPI
• Austin-tatious Turquoise
• San Tan-Tonio
• Y’all Come Back Ya Hear?
• It's Totally Fort Worth It
• Suzi loves Cowboys
• Houston We Have a Purple

Release date

At this point I know practically nothing but the collection will be released somewhere around February! Of course I'll edit this post as new information comes along. Edit: For more information and awesome photos take a look at this great post by Helen from Just Nice Things

Source: Grazia Daily & Eva Chen Bannister

OPI Texas Collection Spring 2011

Get Acquainted with Accessorize Nail Polish!

Accessorize

Accessorize, a store that sells mostly accessories, also took a spring into cosmetics. Normally, when I see stores like this taking a plunge into nail polish, it's not that big of a deal, shimmers and cremes, that's about all I see, with the occasional weak holo. Imagine my surprise when I saw what Accessorize busted out!

Not your traditional red creme

Ok, it's pretty obvious: the finish and colors of some of these babies strongly remind me of the Orly Cosmic FX collection, and judging from the pics, I think it's safe to say there are some dupish polishes in their range. I don't really mind though, the Cosmic FX collection was my favorite of the entire year (so far), I just can't get enough of these. And...do I see a possible MAC Bad Fairy dupe there?! I'm not really dazzled by their bottle design, but oh well! Accessorize is also selling your traditional red creme, but I made a selection from their current, more surprising, offerings:

These polishes cost £4.00 (4.50 EUR or 6.45 USD) each for a bottle of 10ml. Not cheap, but not steep either. I'm not sure where you can find Accessorize stores, but I do know there are over 240 stores in the UK and 600 internationally (located in cities such as Paris, Madrid, Milano, Roma, Lissabon, Moscow and Amsterdam). You can check out there store locator over here or shop online.

What do you think of these? Too dupe-y or glad to meet them?

Updated: OPI - Glam Slam Collection by Serena Williams

OPI News

The other day I was watching my timeline on Twitter and I noticed a tweet by OPI mentioning something quite interesting! Tennis superstar Serena Williams announced on The Oprah Winfrey Show that she will be working with OPI to release an entire nail polish collection.
The collection will be named the Glam Slam Collection and Serena mentioned on the show that the colors in this collection will represent tennis tournaments, like the U.S Open, French Open, Australian open and Wimbledon.

Serena Williams is actually training to be certified Nail Tech and she definitely shares the nail passion: "No one likes getting their nails done more than I do. As a matter of fact I go every 4 days to get a manicure and every 7 days for a pedicure.". I can't wait to see what Serena and OPI will come up with! Are you looking forward to this collection?

I've checked with OPI to see if there was more information available at this time but they replied to me saying not all materials are finalized at the moment, but once those are, they will get the info out stat!

EDIT: The release of this collection will start in january with 2 polishes, 2 in May, 2 in June and 2 in August. These releases are timed to her tournaments. There is a teeny tiny bit of information available: one of the first shades will be called: Simply Smashing, a bright green!

EDIT 2: Added some pictures of the first set that will be released. Simply Smashing and Black Shatter - a black crackling top coat!

Additional info source: Eva Chen Bannister - Beauty Director for Teen Vogue

Models Own vs. Chanel

Models Own Car Key Collection

After Chanel's Paradoxal, Models Own figured out how to gain success by duping another brand. They already had Purple Grey which is a close dupe to Paradoxal (minus the shimmer) but it only started selling like crazy after Chanel's release.

Obviously they're not stupid because in October Models Own will be releasing the Car Key (get it? haha!) collection. It's quite clear they're duping the Les Khakis de Chanel collection over here. Haha, I love this. These shades go by the names: Grace Green, Becca's Brown and Purple Ash. I'm not sure whether they're exact dupes (judging from this pic I don't think so) but who knows!

Release date: 6 October at Boots and on the site as well. Models Own polishes cost £5 each.

Edit:

BritishBeautyBlogger already did a comparison of these polishes versus the real deal. Just like I expected, they're not THAT dupey, too bad!

source & image credit: britishbeautyblogger.com

New! Essence Studio Nails - Nail Fashion Sticker

Hi! I was just browsing through one of my favorite sites PinkMelon and I found these! I'm so excited, I just HAD to share! Essence is really good at coming up with new stuff that makes me drool. They will release nail stickers in 14 different designs to choose from! I'm guessing they're not the same as the ones we know by Incoco but maybe Minx? According to Essence: Whether striped, hip or cool, wild and colorful or subtle and elegant - these self-adhesive nail stickers are the ultimate accessory to spice up your look.

Price & Availability

Retail price will be €1.99 per design, that's so damn cheap! Essence Nail Fashion Stickers will hit stores in October and will be a part of their coreline, so I'm guessing these will be widely available!

What do you think of these?

source: PinkMelon

Alessandro Go Magic!Twist

Remember those L'Oreal Star Magnet polishes? If I'm correct those are long gone and discontinued, but they still hold a special place in many nail polish fanatic's hearts. European brand Allesandro now hits the market with a similar concept.

Like the L'Oreal Star Magnets, The Allesandro Go Magic!Twist is a nail polish with a metallic finish that comes with a magnet. After you you applied your nail polish you take the magnet and hold if for 10-15 seconds over the still wet polish and a super fun effect is created. How cool is that!

Click here for a larger picture

The Allesandro Go Magic!Twist come in four shades:

• Bombastic Brown
• Blue Chip
• Wild Purple
• Queensberry

Alessandro Magic Twist Set costs € 15.95, available from October 2010

I'm pretty sure we'll struggle a bit to get our hands on these, I don't know which countries sell this brand but I've seen them mainly in Germany and Austria, and a smaller selection in The Netherlands. If you know more countries that sell this brand, please let me know!

Source: PinkMelon

New Essence stampy plates!

Essence Stampy Plates

I stumbled upon four new plates by Essence, I think these are pretty cute!! What do you think? I don't know when and where these will be sold, I'll update when I know more :-)

Source: EssenceAdicta