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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

nail polish

It’s You, Only More Radiant.

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Yes friends, it’s time of year again! Pantone has released the 2014 Colour of the Year.

Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple—one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and health.

Thoughts? To tell the truth, this hue will have to grow on me. While I was instantly captivated by Tangerine Tango (2012) and Emerald (2013), I’m finding Radiant Orchid a bit “soft”. Yes, it’s feminine and romantic, but as a paint on my bedroom walls? Too pretty. Not interesting enough.

Anyhoo, a new colour of the year is an instant excuse to rock the trend. And what better way than on your nails? You just know I can’t resist a good nail polish roundup!


Top Row, L – R: Illamasqua, Velocity; Formula X for Sephora, At Your Own Risk; Alessandro, Pink Orchid; China Glaze, Put a Bow on It; OPI, A Grape Fit

Middle Row, L – R: Color Club, Ms. Socialite;  OPI, Anti-Bleak; ORLY, Plum Noir; NCLA, Laurel Canyon Lolita

Bottom Row, L – R: ZOYA, Paige; Sally Hansen, Plum Power; Butter London, Queen Vic; Spa Ritual, Heliotrope; China Glaze, Drawn to You

Do you love Pantone’s choice for Colour of the Year? Are you tickled purple over Radiant Orchid? 

Orange You Glad it’s a Summer Trend?

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This summer, make your fingertips come alive with a burst of happy citrus. Wildly outspoken, this juicy hue is an attention-seeker; from bright tangerine to smooth citrus cream, the pop of colour is forceful and undeniable. Long considered a vacation staple, the shade has transitioned from beach to boardroom. Find your perfect orange crush and rock out this season.

1. Dolce & Gabbana, Fire; 2. Nails Inc. Beaded Nail Polish, Coral; 3. Essie, Brazilliant; 4. POP Beauty, Tangerine Taste; 5. OPI, Hot and Spicy; 6. Orly, Right Amount of Evil; 7. NARS, Madness; 8. Sephora X, High Strung; 9. Dior, Délice; 10. Deborah Lippmann, Lara’s Theme.

Do you love citrus hues? Orange You Glad it’s a Summer Trend?

Ten Teals to Try this Summer

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Whether you adore the prettiest pink or the most muted mulberry, there’s no denying that this summer, it’s time to take a walk on the teal side. The modern hue has long since crossed over from interior design to beauty editor’s pages, and graced the runway as the fingernail colour of choice for Spring/Summer 2013.

I have long had a love-affair with this cool, mermaid-inspired shade – call it rebellious, eclectic or just plain fabulous – here are Ten Teals to Try this Summer:

1. China Glaze, Watermelon Rind; 2. Nails Inc, Fitzroy Square; 3. Butter London, Slapper; 4. Essie, Trophy Wife; 5. Milani, Fresh Teal; 6. OPI, Teal the Cows Come Home; 7. Sally Hansen, Fairy Teal; 8. Sephora by OPI, Teal We Meet Again; 9. Ciaté Paint Pots, Superficial; 10. Color Club, Abyss.

“Teal” Me: Do you love this trendy hue?

Oz The Great and Powerful by OPI #Giveaway

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Whew! It’s been quite a week – OPI and Nicole by OPI Week to be exact! Today is the last of FIVE full collections that I’ve featured on my blog. As always, if you love nail polish… and on-trend lacquers that are heavily-pigmented, super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant… then you’re at the right place! Read on friends – here’s your chance to win OPI’s Oz The Great and Powerful for Spring/Summer 2013.

“OPI is very excited to take this fantastical journey with Disney,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Inspired by the magic of Oz The Great and Powerful, this SoftShades collection captures the whimsy seen in the film.”

The new Liquid Sand nail lacquer – What Wizardry is This? – offers a never-before-seen look with a pebbled finish that lightly shimmers with fine glitter particles. With a mix of soft crème and warm glitter shades, the line is ideal for layering to create rich, complex looks.

Oz The Great and Powerful by OPI includes the following shades:


What Wizardry is This? – a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.
Lights of Emerald City – White confetti adds city girl flair and style to nails.
Don’t Burst My Bubble – Don’t wake me…I’m dreaming about puffy clouds of white.
When Monkeys Fly! – I’m simply bananas for this gold confetti.
Glints of Glinda – Only a good witch could turn beige from meek to chic.
Which is Witch? – Is this silver glitter with iridescent sparkle or the other way around?
I Theodora You – This adorable, sheer pink is bewitching on you.

I find the colours of this collection to be very harmonious and authentically perfect for layering. I’m not really a nude or neutral polish person, but the endless colour combinations brought about by the glitter and sparkle can make for an interesting application, indeed….

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Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

OPI and Nicole by OPI Week continues on Listen to Lena! Today I’m featuring yet another new collection for Spring/Summer 2013, from the world’s most popular nail polish brands. And once again, you’ll have the chance to win the entire collection, too!

Now is anyone else heartbroken that Jelena (Justin + Selena) is officially over? I adored them as a couple! Ah well, I’m quite certain that someone as sweek and spunky as Selena will find her perfect match. In the meantime, that same personality is reflected in her Nicole for OPI collection – hence, if she can’t wear her heart on her sleeve, she can certainly wear it on her nails!

Bright glitter and confetti lacquers dominate the collection, which has a young, innocent, girl-next-door feel to it. (Likely the target consumer of the product.) The diverse range of hues and layering options offer endless possibilities for every occasion.

Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez collection includes the following shades:


Stars at Night – Star light, star bright…confetti-silver nails tonight!
Mi Fantasia – This purple-aqua glitter is the stuff dreams are made of.
Kissed at Midnight – This romantic gold glitter is perfect any time.
Confetti Fun – Nothing says “party!” like a shower of color.
Heavenly Angel – This iridescent confetti gives me wings.
Sweet Dreams – This violet-teal is a dream-come-true.
Inner Sparkle – Let this light pink glitter shine through!
Selena – This fresh, young peach will make your heart sing.
Hit the Lights – This not-so-mellow yellow has got stage presence.
Love Song – Fall head-over-heels for this true purple.
Naturally – Who wouldn’t want this pure pink dream?
Spring Break – The perfect hot pink for the perfect hot vacation!
Pretty in Plum – This picture-perfect purple is a genuine beauty.
Scarlett – This shimmery red-violet is leading lady lovely.

To tell the truth, I can’t think of a better namesake for her collection – the “Selena” shade personifies everything about the pop princess to a T. It’s fresh, dewy and screams teen idol. I adore this hue! I’m also a huge fan of Scarlett, the red-violet that’s a little bit dangerous – perhaps a little bit rock and roll….

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Mariah Carey by OPI #Giveaway

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Do not adjust your computer monitors – it’s officially OPI and Nicole by OPI Week at Listen to Lena! I’ve teamed up with the world-famous Nail Polish empires to kick off 2013 with a BANG – by giving away FIVE entire collections. So you guessed it – there’s ANOTHER OPI giveaway up for grabs!

Today, feast your eyes on eight (8) limited edition shades hand selected by multiple Grammy Award winning recording artist Mariah Carey. These shades include four new OPI Liquid Sand lacquers featuring groundbreaking technology for a textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle.

What is Liquid Sand?

OPI Liquid Sand nail lacquer offers a never-before-seen look with a pebbled finish that lightly shimmers with fine glitter particles. Always worn without top coat, Liquid Sand lacquer gives nails a unique textured matte finish worthy of a superstar.

(Or perhaps worthy of a diva. As I type, Mariah’s stint on American Idol is playing in the background. Love the alpha female tension with Nicki Minaj!)

Mariah Carey by OPI includes the following shades:

A Butterfly Moment – This sophisticated and frosty tan nude has us all a-flutter
Sprung – Fall hopelessly in love with this shimmery copper
Pink Yet Lavender – This pink glitter with lavender shimmer has superstar shine!
Anti-bleak – This deep, creamy purple will lift your spirits
Stay the Night – Make it last in this matte black with red glints
Get Your Number – Wearing this matte blue with sparkles is a great call
Can’t Let Go – Hold onto this matte purple with dazzling sparkle
The Impossible – This matte fuchsia with star confetti will never give up

I’ll admit that I didn’t request samples for this collection because frankly, the words “textured” and “matte” terrifies me. I am very much a “shiny” and “sparkly” kind of gal! Reviews for the OPI Liquid Sand shades have been mostly positive, though – with many polish experts citing a wearable texture that is both unique and interesting on the nails. I’ll have to take their word for it!…

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Nicole by OPI Modern Family #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

OPI and Nicole by OPI Week continues on Listen to Lena! Every day from Monday to Friday I’ll feature a new collection for Spring/Summer 2013, from the world’s most popular nail polish brands. And, you’ll have the chance to win the entire collection, too. (Isn’t life grand?)

Today, who can resist ABC’s award-winning comedy, Modern Family? The nail line features shades created to capture the show’s colourful personalities, from a classic taupe named after family patriarch Jay, to a sparkly pink hue fitting for toddler Lily.

“Modern Family is not only one of the funniest shows on television, it features a great ensemble cast of rich characters that inspired a range of shades, from pastel hues like sea foam green and periwinkle to brighter colors of cobalt and red-violet,” remarks Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “From studious Alex to bombshell Gloria, to classic (and neurotic) Claire, to flirty Haley, there are shades to represent each of these uniquely fabulous women – and everyone else in the blended family.”

I am completely crushing on EVERY shade in this collection:

Am I Making Myself Claire? – Make no mistake…I’m liking this lilac.
I Do De-Claire! – Let me just say how frosty cool this soft rose is!
She’s Lily Something – Pink, sparkly stars…so Daddies’ Little Girl-y!
A Like-Haley Story… – Typical teenagers (and their moms!) will love this not-so-typical fuchsia.
My Jay or the Highway! – This trendy taupe is inflexibly cool. Period.
Stand by Your Manny – Be loyal to this periwinkle blue.
Alex by the Books – Look smart in this seafoam green.
Haley Good Lookin’… – She’s cookin’ up plans for this pink super-glitter.
Basking in Gloria – This red-violet is the color of passion.
Luke of the Draw – Chances are you’ll love this gunmetal glitter.
A Phil’s Paradise – No fooling…this pewter is the real deal.
Candid Cameron – Call this teal just like you see it…gorgeous!
Back in My Gloria Days… – This voluptuous violet has still got it goin’ on!
What’s the Mitch-uation? – This cobalt blue demands an update.

Now I’m pretty sure me and Sofia Vergara are the same person, because Back in My Gloria Days… and Basking in Gloria are SO me. Love the red-violet! And Candid Cameron? HELLO! Have you ever seen a more beautiful teal?…

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Euro Centrale by OPI #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s been a looong time since I did any sort of giveaway bash or gift guide. Truth is, as much as I love product reviews, I find my connection to readers is stronger when I select the content for my blog on my own terms. Sometimes, that means talking about my son’s knack for photo bombing, and often, I rant about how good US shoppers have it.

But, I always make an exception. 

And, I can’t think of two better brands to make that exception for. Giveaway enthusiasts, rejoice – it’s officially OPI and Nicole by OPI Week at Listen to Lena! I’ve teamed up with the world-famous Nail Polish empires to kick off 2013 with a BANG – by giving away FIVE entire collections.

Love nail polish? Love on-trend lacquers that are heavily-pigmented and super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant? Then you’re at the right place! Read on friends – here’s your chance to win OPI’s Euro Centrale Collection for Spring/Summer 2013.

“Classic meets contemporary with Euro Centrale by OPI for Spring/Summer 2013. Celebrating a region where history meets modern design, the collection’s twelve new nail lacquers offer a mixture of glamorous metallic hues; playful bright shades in periwinkle, aqua and pink; and creamy blues in indigo, midnight and aubergine.”

Euro Centrale by OPI includes the following shades:

Polka.com – Blue and violet are dancing partners in this glittery combo.
OPI…Eurso Euro – This deep blue cream is very continental.
Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! – Thank goodness there are zero calories in this warm and yummy pink!
You’re Such a BudaPest – If I let you borrow this periwinkle-purple, will you go away?
Can’t Find My Czechbook – I hope you take credit, because I must have this aqua!
My Paprika is Hotter than Yours! – Get the extinguisher…this fiery red is sizzling!
Hands Off My Kielbasa! – Get your own…this bronzy tan is all mine!
OY–Another Polish Joke! – So this shimmery-gold walks into a bar…
A Woman’s Prague-ative – I’m changing this shimmery copper for…never mind!
Vant to Bite My Neck? – You know you want to…wear this deep eggplant.
I Saw…U Saw…We Saw…Warsaw – Be seen in this deep midnight blue.
My Vampire is Buff – Creamy, pale and nude…just how I like my vampires.

I had a chance to try out You’re Such a BudaPest, Hands Off My Kielbasa!, OY–Another Polish Joke! and Can’t Find My Czechbook. Now the truth is, my finger nails are dreadful thanks to OCD and a nail-biting habit I should have grown out of about 20 years ago. So, I’ve set the polishes aside for flip-flop and peep-toe weather this summer. But I am exceptionally excited for Can’t Find My Czechbook – I’ve been looking for creamy aqua shade for the longest time, and baby, this is IT….

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5 Ways to Make a Woman SQUEE!

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I said SQUEE! – not squeal – so get your mind out of the gutter! 

Let’s be honest – men THINK they know how to make us SQUEE!, but really, they have no idea. Flowers, chocolate, champagne? Yeah, they have their time and place – namely 8:00pm on February 14th. But for the rest of the year, don’t think we melt over sugary confections and short-lived foliage.

(ATTENTION MEN: Though that doesn’t mean you should stop gifting them – it’s your duty to spoil us even when we tell you not to. “You shouldn’t have!” = You shouldn’t have bought the second-least expensive bouquet. Aim higher next time, please and thank you.)

So today, I’m here to share five of the most trusted ways to a woman’s heart. They may seem unconventional, but they’re tried, true and sure to please that special lady in your life. Don’t believe me? The results are based on a survey of 1,000 women across Canada. (Note: there was no survey.)

1. A Free Product Coupon.

Nothing makes a woman jump for joy more than being able to redeem a kick-ass coupon. In fact, given the choice of a box of chocolates or free product coupons for Olivieri Pasta, I’d take the pasta coupons every time. If you don’t have an FPC on hand, go big and go for the gift card. There are few pleasures in life as great as spending someone else’s money.

2. Time Away from YOU.

You don’t need to send her off to a spa or arrange a special day of pampering. Just leave, and be sure to take the kids with you. And don’t come back for at least 8 hours. Then she can do what she really wants to do: reread 50 Shades of Grey while eating cool whip straight from the tub; watch the 14.5 hours of TV she’s got backed up on her PVR; and organize her free product coupons.

3. Her Correct Starbucks Order.

Are there any straight men who can successfully fulfill this Starbucks order?

Venti 1 pump caramel, 1 pump white mocha, 2 scoops vanilla bean powder, extra ice frappuchino with 2 shots poured over the top (apagotto style) with caramel drizzle under and on top of the whipped cream, double cupped.

Believe me, there are men out there who can. So there’s no excuse to mess up her Tall Caramel No foam, No Whip, Extra Caramel Macchiato. In fact, being able to return with a woman’s correct Starbucks order is next to saintliness. We’re not asking for much! Just a decent $4.59 coffee beverage….

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OPI Skyfall Collection #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

“Some men are coming to kill us. We’re going to kill them first.” James Bond, Skyfall

Are you feeling… dangerous? Dangerous like 007? No need for spine-chilling car chases or fiery explosives – thanks to OPI, you can wear your spy status on your nails.

This holiday season, OPI celebrates the 50th Anniversary of a fellow world icon – James Bond – appearing in Skyfall. Starring Daniel Craig and Javier Bardem, this highly-anticipated twenty-third installment opens in theaters nationwide on November 9, 2012.  Inspired by the film’s blend of glamour and danger, OPI launches Skyfall Collection, featuring twelve limited-edition nail lacquers for Holiday 2012.

The Skyfall Collection features six shades that play off the movie’s seductive theme, and another six that offer a more dangerous look, including:

…

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Fall 2012 Nail Trends: The Coffee Shop

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As a part-time beauty and fashion #fangirl, I’m constantly trying to stay on top of trends and must-haves. In fact, I spend a large portion of my time meticulously documenting all the designer clothes and makeup I want to buy… and then, spend even more time finding a perfectly affordable dupe (hello, H&M!).

However, ONE thing that drives me absolutely batty when reading trend reports? The shameful contradictions.

“This fall! Prints are fabulous! Or… try solid colours!”
“You’ll want to have a sheer pink, bright coral, deep berry or earthy nude on your lips this season.”
“Think sky high hair or a simple side-parted low ponytail.”

Mmmkay. How is it a “trend” if you’ve just given every woman an “out”? As in, I can’t do berry lips but I can do sheer pink, so I’ll be on trend! Gah!

And so when it comes to nail colour, I’m confused. Multiple sources have quoted the “it” colour to be either Stormy Gray, Gothic Berry, Metallic Green, Warm Cocoa or Bright Teal – or a combination of the hues. Hence, rather than splurging on every “trend” under the sun, I decided to weed out the common denominator: neutral shades of cappuccino, hot chocolate and iced coffee. The earthy staples appear on multiple trendwatcher lists for nail fashion – usually at the top. Therefore, I’m calling coffee-coloured hues THE must-have nail colour for Fall 2012.

Your Inspiration:

OPI Germany Collection #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s another stop on the OPI world tour!

Earlier this year, I took y’all through the streets of Holland, where shades like “Thanks a Windmillion” and “A Roll in The Hague” instantly developed a cult-like following. This time, OPI embraces runway trends with the Germany Collection for Fall/Winter 2012. Drawing inspiration from Berlin, an exciting new fashion hub that blends classic looks with the avant-garde, the collection’s twelve shades offer a mixture of vibrant color, urban-chic neutrals, and reds in variations from light to dark. The collection won’t be available until August 8th, so consider this your sneak peek!

According to Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director, “The overall feel of the Germany Collection is elegance with an edge.” Not hard to dispute, with rich colours, standout shades and creamy neutrals in honey, taupe and nude rose. But the standout shade for me has to be “Don’t Talk Bach to Me” – a sassy lime-yellow that has the perfect Euro-vibe.

…

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OPI Holland Collection #Giveaway

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Goedenavond! (That’s “Good Evening” in Dutch! …. I think.)

So why do I have Holland on my mind? It’s all thanks to OPI’s NEW Holland Collection for Spring/Summer 2012. And since it won’t be in stores until February 8th, consider this your sneak peek!

Now I don’t know about you, but winter has barely begun and I’m already OVER it. Instead of dull blues and bleak grays, I’d much rather dream about electric brights, pretty pinks and glistening purples. And it just so happens that all these luscious hues appear in OPI’s Holland Collection.

Also très cool: the colours were inspired by the country’s range of stunning shades – vivid tulips, windmill-dotted hillsides and bustling canals. (There’s even a shade named after their famous clogs!) The collection’s twelve (12) shades offer a mixture of sophisticated neutrals and highly-pigmented brights. In two words: zeer ontzagwekkend (super awesome).

“Holland has a very unique, vibrant beauty to match its open-minded nature,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Spring is the season of color, and the Holland Collection provides an array of pink, coral and orange hues that capture this energy. The bright lacquers are married with neutrals in new variations like red clay and sea green.”…

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Sephora by OPI Holiday Mini Blockbuster Set

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I did it! I found the PERFECT gift for every hard-to-shop-for gal on your holiday list.

(Totally awesomesauce, I promise.)

It’s the Sephora by OPI Holiday Mini Blockbuster Set!

Now tell me this: which girl is going to refuse a collection of the hottest, trendiest and most sought-after nail colours around? None that I know! Even if she’s not the type to paint her fingernails, every self-respecting woman needs colour on her toes, right? Right. This collection offers a wide spectrum of shades that are longwearing, chip-resistant and as always, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene and Formaldehyde-free.

In other words: pure, unadulterated joy….

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Summer Beauty: OPI Part II

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Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Woot! Flash feature!

Are you addicted to the new OPI Shatter? You’re not alone. Considered the hottest trend of 2011, and one of the most innovative advancements in nail polish, Shatter gives nails a stylish two-texture effect. Watch this:

[youtube_sc url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx_rzHzMXUE”]
The design looks best on longer nails, and as mentioned in the tutorial, try to use highly contrasting colours. Shatter comes in six (6) shades: Turquoise, Navy, Silver, Blue, Red, white and Black. My nails will have to grow a bit before I can indulge – perhaps that’s ample motivation?


Two (2) lucky Listen to Lena! readers will each win an OPI Shatter in Black and Red! (Value $30) To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling us why you love the look.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena! (2 extra entries!)
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” OPI on Facebook
(5) Follow OPI on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily: Please use this OPI Shatter Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for two winners on August 28th. Good luck everybody!

Summer Beauty: OPI

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NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

This brand needs no introduction… it’s OPI, baby!

Now many of y’all know OPI as the world leader in professional nail cosmetics, but did you know that it’s a family-owned company? OPI was founded in 1981 by President & CEO George Schaeffer, who immigrated to the U.S. as a child from post-World War II Eastern Europe. Mr. Schaeffer, beautiful nails everywhere thank you!

I stressed over this review. A long-time nail biter, I pep-talked myself into kicking the habit so I could show off the pretty shades in the new Nice Stems! collection.

Alas, two little boys, tons of dirty dishes and frankly, a lack of focus landed me in hot water; my nails are awful! There is just no way I can possibly show my stubby little nails on camera – you’ll die laughing.

Thankfully, on a recent shopping expedition, I came across a Nice Stem’s promo piece and was able to snap a photo of the polish in action (click image to enlarge):

From top to bottom, on right: Play the Peonies, Come to Poppy, Be a Dahlia Won’t You? and I Lily Love You. Pictured left, first three shades overlayed with I Lily Love You for sparkle.

As you can see, the colours are varying shades of the prettiest pinks you can imagine. I love that Play the Peonies is such a sweet pearlized pink; a wonderfully understated and romantic hue that I envision on a summer bride. Come to Poppy is a daring, sensual come-hither poppy red with just enough pink to keep it innocent. Be a Dahlia Won’t You? is what I like to call a “Lena” shade – my toes are perpetually painted in vibrant fuchsias and this one makes the cut. With blue undertones its decidedly vixen and has a fine sparkle that adds to its star quality. Finally, I Lily Love You is a precious little sparkle that should be in every tween’s roster of faves.

If you weren’t already a devoted fan of OPI (and who isn’t?) here’s another reason to love them: To date, OPI and the Schaeffer Family Foundation have donated millions of dollars to charities worldwide, most notably the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, City of Hope, Gilda’s Club Worldwide and the Leukemia Research Foundation, among others. LOVE.

For some fun girly time, visit their website to find your perfect shade via “Try On This Colour.” I can’t tell you how long it’s taken me to blog this feature in between playing around with the virtual hues! Such fun!


OPI Nail Polish, including their new Nice Stems! collection, can be found at professional salons and retail partners all over the world.

TWO (2) lucky Listen to Lena! readers will each receive the Nice Stems! collection, which includes all four nail polishes shown above! (Value $40)

To enter, simply leave a comment here recommending your favourite OPI nail polish to others – and tell us why it rocks! If you’ve never used OPI nail polish, jump online and choose your perfect shade, then let us know why it’s calling your name.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena! (2 extra entries!)
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) NEW Follow Listen to Lena! on Twitter
(4) “Like” OPI on Facebook
(5) Follow OPI on Twitter
(6) Tweet daily: Please use this OPI Giveaway Tweet.

I’ll draw for two winners on August 28th. Good luck everybody!

Sephora by OPI: Safari Luxe Collection

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Somebody queue Toto’s “Africa” – cause we’re about to take a little trip.

Go wild this spring with Sephora by OPI’s Safari Luxe Collection. Inspired by animal-print fabrics, snakeskin pumps, and stacks of gold bracelets, the collection takes after one of the hottest trends to hit the runways: safari chic. “We came up with a nail lacquer collection as stylish and fun as the trend itself,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI VP and Artistic Director. “And just like a leopard-print scarf spices up an outfit, each summery shade adds instant edginess to your wardrobe.”

Shades include (from left to right): Caught With My Khakis Down, Wild About Shimmer, I Don’t Bite, A Color That Can’t Be Tamed, Once a Cheetah, Always a Cheetah and Don’t Feed the Hand Models.

I absolutely, positively MUST have Caught With My Khakis Down and will be stopping by Sephora this week!

If you’d like to make a quick change with animalistic results, try their fun Chic Prints in Giraffe, Leopard or Zebra. These easy-to-apply, precut strips of varying widths last two days on either fingers or toes and provide a fast and fun way to update any look instantly.

Read this: “One set of Chic Print for Nails contains 16 nail patches of varying widths, for a one-time application to fingers or toes. The nail patch is a solid-film material with an adhesive back that is activated by friction. The warmth from friction creates conformability, allowing the patch to fit over the compound curves of your nails and seal onto the nail bed. Removes easily by rubbing and peeling off.”

Ingenius! Find these products at your local Sephora starting in May, and of course, at Sephora.com.