Review & Swatches: OPI Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Collection

I’ve been waiting for this one, and I know many of you have too! The OPI Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Collection is creating a buzz, and here it is…six new cremes and Silver Shatter.

Stranger Tides is a murky sage green.

Sparrow Me the Drama is cool-toned hazy pink.

Skull & Glossbones is a pale grey with sage green undertones.

Mermaid’s Tears is a dusty sea green.

Planks A Lot is a misty dark lavender.

Steady As She Rose is a cloudy pale rose.

Silver Shatter is a dazzling silver crackle-effect polish.

Now, I know it’s been said by many that these shades don’t represent pirates. I have to respectfully disagree with them! I don’t think it’s an actual “pirate” theme this collection revolves around, it has to do with the scenery of the film. Of course I’ve yet to see the new film (and I can’t wait until I can!), but think about the ambiance of the open sea…murky waters, hazy skies, you get the idea! Each one of these shades has that certain haze-factor to it, like they are slightly dusty. So in that respect, I think it’s fitting. I don’t think they were going after a pirate motif of reds and dark browns and black at all, so keeping that in mind—I don’t think the mark was missed. Here’s what Suzy said about the inspiration behind the collection:

“OPI is thrilled to celebrate the latest film in this beloved series,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides lacquers were inspired by a world filled with mythical mermaids, gleaming treasure, and high-seas adventure. With shades ranging from sage and lavender to khaki gray and pastel pink, these colors are evocative of a warm, tropical setting, with a classic nautical influence.”

In terms of shade selection, I’m really crazy about Skull & Glossbones, Stranger Tides, and Mermaid’s Tears. The Silver Shatter is a nice addition to the overall OPI Shatter Collection (I can’t wait to show you the other new Shatter shades!), and you’ll see it featured in all of the individual shade swatches above, as well as over Skull & Glossbones in the last photo. When it comes to the application of the actual shades themselves, I have to say that when I lay it down, it’s kind of thin—well, at least a little thinner than other polishes by OPI that I have in my personal collection. I had to use a very thin third coat on each one just to make sure there was complete coverage. Two coats doesn’t look terrible, but I found that two regular coats and one thin third looks better for my personal preference.

So…tell me! What do you think about the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Collection?

Edited to add: If you like the Shatter polishes, please don’t miss this post with the preview of all 3 new blue OPI Shatter polishes!

Price & Availability: This limited-edition Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides collection will be available beginning May 2011 at professional salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each.

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