OPI "Alcatraz.... ROCKS"

Top Coat on index and ring fingers

I was really excited to try this polish from the OPI Fall 2013 San Francisco collection. It's one of their 'Liquid Sand' textured polishes. I'd never tried a liquid sand polish before, but the swatches of this one were so pretty that I couldn't resist! 

"Alcatraz...ROCKS" is a medium navy jelly that is just FULL of sparkle - gold, purple, even a little green. It is almost hypnotic. You aren't supposed to add a top coat to this, but I did anyway. It wasn't really as 'matte' as advertised, the sparkle was SUPER prominent and the texture wasn't as gritty as anticipated (I guess I was expecting sand paper! This was very fine). I did use one coat of Seche Vite top coat, and the color became darker and deeper. There is literally TONS of sparkle on this color. It's unlike anything I've ever tried. Really a dizzying color. A+ : totally unique, gorgeous color, easy-peasy application. 

Close-up of the shimmer

Top coat on index and ring fingers. Ignore the messy application, it cleaned up easily, I swear! 

OPI "Pink-ing of you" and Butter London "Rosie Lee"

This is a very similar manicure to one I did last week - pink and glitter combo! This time I used OPI "Pink-ing of you" and Butter London "Rosie Lee."

Let's start with the OPI. It's from their 'soft shades' collection, but it really is quite pink. Not very subtle, but very girly. I actually had this done on a professional manicure (courtesy of the SO), and loved it so much I had to pick this color up for myself. A lovely basic pink, perfect application in 2 shades. A+!

Argh - sorry for the lopsided shot! :)

Butter London has kind of been a hit-or-miss company for me. Nice formulas but their colors are... weird. "Rosie Lee" is nice though, all pink glitters. Smaller glitter size than the Essie "A Cut Above", similar color. A pain in the butt to remove though. Lovely rose-goldy shade. A- for difficulty in removing it. 

OPI "Red Lights Ahead... Where?"

Oh man, I took like a hundred photos of this polish. It is NOT this orange in real life, but it definitely isn't a "Red," just a really smoking hot bright coral. The perfect summer shade. Had some issues with the pigmentation of the polish. It was a little uneven actually, had some dark patches. It was weird. That being said, it is still a great color. Applied nicely, I wore it for a week before taking these photos (hence the minor tip wear). Really in-your-face coral. I plan on wearing it when I am in Las Vegas in a few weeks. ;)

"Red Lights Ahead" - I believe this is an homage to Amsterdam's prostitution district. Odd choice for a nail polish. Especially since it implies the wearer is actually LOOKING for the red light district. Does anyone else find this odd??? 

Light from my window

Desperate to get the color accurate - ignore the  pasty hands! (Artificial lights)

OPI "Bubble Bath"

 This is a lovely pale pink, described by the manufacturer to exhibit romance, softness, elegance, and style. It is very sheer. I put on two coats. It reminds me of that makeup trend, the "no-makeup makeup look," that is supposed to be "natural but better." It gives your nails a nice soft pink color, a beautiful glossy finish. The formula is very thin. So if you are fond of doing thick coats (like me) because you are impatient and like to do as few coats as possible, this is not the polish for you. It will pool around the sides of your nails. No bueno. Might be a good base for a french manicure. If you are looking for color, this again is not the polish for you. It is a nice change of pace though, a nice sweet palate cleanser.