Review: OPI x Gwen Stefani Collection

Product Review

Before I kick off my latest swatch review, I have to say that out of all of the new OPI collections recently released, the collaboration with Gwen Stefani is probably the one I’ve been looking forward to the most. I was big fan of No Doubt growing up, and have always had a love and appreciation for Gwen’s music and eclectic style. She’s just… so cool.

The mission of this particular collab was to “create a collection as dramatic, diverse and glamorous as its namesake,” according to Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder and Executive Vice President. “With crème and glitter hues, new satin matte texture, a mirrored chrome and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Gwen Stefani by OPI presents the latest in pigments and finishes, while combining elements of haute couture and street fashion.”

OPI was kind enough to send the collection my way to share a look with all of you, and I couldn’t be more excited to do so!

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(left) LOVE. ANGEL. MUSIC. BABY. // (right) I SING IN COLOR

Love. Angel. Music. Baby. — I had to start with L.A.M.B.–the name of Gwen’s first solo album and inspiration for her womenswear clothing line title–and I am absolutely in LOVE with this polish! Not only is the gold gorgeous, but I think the satin finish makes it even better. The formula was fantastic; I used two coats to smooth everything out but probably could have gotten away with one.

I Sing In Color — This is a dark, and I mean dark, vampy red. I tend to love those types of colors, but this was almost pointless for me as it just looked black from every angle. I will say that while the formula was great and super smooth, I also had a horrible staining problem with it.

(left) 4 IN THE MORNING // (right) HEY BABY

4 in The Morning — Is a smooth, sleek black with satin finish as well. I think, because of the finish, it gives off almost a more charcoal look then straight up black. Formula was great, no problems at all. FYI: The color is named after a single from her second solo record, The Sweet Escape.

Hey Baby — Named after one of my favorite No Doubt songs, this is pretty much the perfect shade of pink with a glossy créme finish–and it totally reminds me of when Gwen was sporting pink hair back in the early 00s. The formula was fantastic and–believe it or not–this is only one coat.

Note: While not an exact match, it is pretty close to OPI’s Kiss Me On My Tulips (Holland Collection).

(left) I TRUE STEFANI FASHION over HEY BABY // (right) IN TRUE STEFANI FASHION over 4 IN THE MORNING

In True Stefani Fashion — I played with this over Hey Baby and 4 in The Morning. This is probably the best glitter combo for this collection, as it looks great over everything. It’s packed with silver and holographic glitter, but not too chunky or hard to smooth.

Note: I also dig how it balanced out with the little bit of embellishment art I did with the provided nail appliqués (middle finger, second photo). They come with the purchase of the red Over and Over A-Gwen shade, which you’ll see in this review.

(left) PUSH AND SHOVE // (right) OVER AND OVER A-GWEN

Push and Shove — I’ll be honest, I was very nervous to try this one as I’d heard that the application was difficult or didn’t work–but, I had absolutely no problem. I made sure that my nails were clean and that the special base coat, Lay Down That Base, was completely dry before applying the color. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a polish like this; it was as if I actually had a mirror on my nail. I will say that this isn’t a polish you can get much wear out of as it chipped pretty easy and quick. It also doesn’t work without the special base coat or even with other base coats. So, I’m not really sure what to do if you run out of the mini base provided. FYI: The title of this polish comes from No Doubt’s sixth album, which was released last year.

Over & Over A-Gwen — I don’t think this collection would be complete without a red polish to represent the stunning (and signature) red pout that Gwen sports so well. It was also quite fitting that OPI made it a special boxed “signature color”. This classic red créme comes with a mini book of nail art ideas, glue, and a small variety of Swarovski crystals and studs (I used them above, over 4 in The Morning). Because of the extras it retails for about $5 more, but I’d say it’s worth it. I mean look at the gorgeous color, and the formula is super smooth with great coverage. I only had to use one coat!

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VERDICT: Overall,while the colors aren’t too bold or really out there I think the unique finishes really help to represent Gwen. My must haves would definitely be Love. Angel. Music. Baby., Over & Over A-Gwen and in True Stefani Fashion.

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Gwen Stefani by OPI nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This promotion will be available beginning January 2014 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $9.00 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer. The boxed set including Over & Over A-Gwen and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS will retail for $14.95 ($18.95 CAN).

For more information, please visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

Product Review