OPI Strawberried in the Sand swatch/NOTD (NL B01)

OPI “Strawberried in the Sand” (code NL B01) is probably on the brighter end of the pink color spectrum that's almost at the edge of my comfort zone. It is a discontinued color so might be a bit hard to find (but definitely not super rare). On some websites it is described as a ‘shimmery peachy orange’ – and I’ve read various reviews saying it’s a coral. However, on my nails it as at best a pink with the tiniest hint of coral. It is not an opaque color nor a creme, in the bottle it looks like a fluidy, semi transparent glossy pink base with a lot of very very fine pink iridescence/ shimmers that flecks a slightly hotter pink and a very subtle gold. It applies translucent in one coat but almost full color in 3 coats. Overall on the nail it doesn't look good with one translucent coat because the tip of your nailtip will show. (see picture below). One coat is quite sheer: With 2 coats: I find with brighter colors, it's easy for something to look tacky..and OPI somehow does give this color a little bit extra ommph with the unusual glossy base infused with the shimmers. The shimmers are extremely fine, melts into the base color completely, it's not big enough to make the shade a metallic or foil nor is it opaque enough to make the shade a frost. I would definitely characterise this as a pearl or more of a fine iridescence. Here you can see the pearly flash:

Under some angles I suppose I see a bit more coral:

However with 2 or 2 coats, it's a luscious, rich, summery pink, I wouldn't say it's really like a natural strawberry, maybe what you'd imagine artificial strawberry lollies might look like, it's almost slightly flourescent pink (but not that extreme bright). Definitely more a summer bright color.

I have a slight difficult time figuring out whether this pink suits me- my hand is literally 2 or 3 shades darker than rest of my body (went kayaking and the suncreen totally wore off). Here's a comparison of my hand versus my normal skintone on my arm. The color's probably wearable for both those who are pale or those awho are tanned, but definitely for those who can embrace slightly brighter shades. Overall, not my top color pink, but it's rather fun and interesting summery color if you are looking for a change from bright neon pink or fuschias.

What are your other favorite summery pinks?

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour #471 Ming 2009 swatch

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour "Ming" (#471) is a 2009 release along with the rouge laque in the same shade.

Ming is a very classic candy rose pink with tiny shimmers, it applies smoothly like most Chanel nailpolishes, it's a sweet pink, very girly and great for the Australian spring/summer right now.

I know that a all these pastel pinks can see pretty generic from time to time, but this is probably easily one that I'd reach for quite often. It's a sweet pink without screaming 'look I'm wearing such a generic pink'- as soon as I wore this, at least 2 people asked what color I was wearing and commented on how nice it looks.

Here it is with 2 coats, indoor flash:

See...pretty much like how it is in the bottle with two coats- one coat is a little bit too translucent though.

As with normal Chanel formula, I do find that it is prone to chipping or flaking quite quickly (within 2 days)- I wonder if it's not compatible with the topcoat I'm using (Seche Vite). I used a basecoat- Orly bonder which is basically translucent too (but obviously didn't seem to help it last longer with this one).

Overall a gorgeous color, very feminine, it's different to a few other Chanel pinks I have like rose satin or pink satin etc. Will have to update this post once I figure out whether there's any dupes in other OPI colors I have...

RMK Spring 2010 product promo photos

Can't believe it's spring collection time soon again! as usual, most Japanese brands start pushing out the typical Spring shades, i.e. what you'd imagine as including pastels, pinks, light greens, aquas and lilacs (these two years a lot more Japanese brands started pushing out the pale amber/apricot shades too).

Here are some sneak preview of RMK 2010 Spring palettes- unfortunately I don't have real product photos just yet. Again, please click to enlarge.

5 eyeshadow palettes (don't the promo swatch make several shades seem almost the same?? There are 5 different palettes available). Retails for 4500Yen.

Cheek color palettes, 3 colors each, retails for 4000 Yen.

Irresistable Lips C lipsticks, 3 colors Nail Color, 4 shades

I'm finding the last Spring collection definitely looking like they were prettier (unfortunately they were fairly pastel/ sheerer too)- Spring 2009 was a lot more etheral looking..

However, you never know! I'm definitely getting my hands on the Cheek colors though, RMK products great blushes that has a great luminosity. Same with the eyeshadow, they have a good array of textures and colors from their 2009 revamped single eyeshadows range- excited to be able to get palettes since it's such a better value.

Here was Spring 2009:

Blushed Wombat ..: RMK 2009 Spring Translucence- product pic preview!