Nicole by OPI in Singapore

Already available at Watsons for some time now, Nicole by OPI is quite affordably priced here.

The range is fairly wide, though the latest collections take a bit of time to arrive here. I own a couple and have given away a few, so I’m fairly familiar with the brand. However, I was recently reacquainted with it, thanks to a clutch of press bottles.

In my experience, NOPI polishes dry quickly but lean towards the sheer side. Make Mine Lime is so cheery-looking that I couldn’t wait to wear it. Sadly, the super-sheer formula is a disappointment: Despite 3 layers of this green polish, there is still visible nail line.

Nevertheless, it makes a rather beautiful topper – with something creamier beneath, the lime tone and shimmer simply jump out. Here it is, over Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Absinthe.

Even the seemingly-opaque Razzle Dazzler (what a misnomer for a black crème!) has bald spots/peek-through with 2 layers. The formula is thinnish but thankfully workable.

And then there’s Keeping Up With Santa, a ruby red from the Kardashian Kolors collection. Unlike the polishes above, it is pretty opaque and goes on evenly to deliver a rich finish. Lovely!

The brand also offers interesting glitter and shimmer polishes. A good example is Look At Me, Look At Me with its medley of red, pink, blue and silver sparkles. Though it looks dense (and it does fairly well with 3 coats), I applied it over the black to make it pop. Surprisingly, we get this here, even though it was a Target-exclusive.

In Singapore, Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers retail at S$12.90.

Do look out for my NOPI contest, where I’ll be giving away some of these polishes. :)