We all know Serena Williams is a HUGE fan of nails, crazy ones at that, so it was inevitable that she would release a range of her own sooner or later. I have to admit that if there was ever a company that suited Serena Williams’ wacky sense of style, OPI is the one.
Today we are looking at the limited edition Serena Williams Glam Slam Collection. This set was the first in what will be a series of tennis themed collaborations between OPI and Serena Williams. Glam Slam Australia was released in January for the Australian Open, but we can look forward to new releases to coincide with The French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon!
The Glam Slam Australia set consists of two full size lacquers, Simply Smash-ing! and Black Shatter.
Simply Smash-ing!
When I first saw this colour in the bottle I have to admit, I thought it was the most hideous colour ever. I couldn’t believe that THIS was the colour they decided to release first.
With Australia being the first country each year to hold a tennis grand slam, it was only fitting that Serena created a colour that reminded the world of Australian sport…. and what do you think of when you hear ‘Australia’ and ‘Sport’? Green and Gold baby!
The more I looked at this colour I could see what they were trying to achieve. Simply Smash-ing! is a remarkable mix of green and gold all rolled into one. The base colour itself is very bright but it also has a crazy amount of gold shimmer through it which makes it so sparkly. The more I look at it, the more I love it, and it makes me feel really proud to be an Australian.
Swatches show 3 coats of Simply Smash-ing! with no base or top coat, taken in natural light.
Black Shatter
This nail lacquer has to simply be THE most talked about of the year (I do realise it is only February but I am sure it will hold its position).
Officially, this product is not a new creation as we have seen it from other brands such as CoverGirl (discontinued many years ago), BYS and Barry M more recently. However, so far I have to say the OPI version is winning my love.
Black Shatter gives nails an insanely unique effect and you require no skill to do it, perfect for unco’s like me. You still paint your nails like every other time, apply a base coat and a couple coats of your chosen colour lacquer, then leave to dry completely (15 mins is my suggested safe waiting period). Next step is to brush on ONE thick layer of Black Shatter over each nail. It dries really quickly and starts to ‘shatter’ almost immediately. For this reason you can’t go over the nail with another coat or you will ruin the effect.
After the first couple of minutes you will think the cracking has finished but keep watching, after 10 minutes you are all done. Depending on how thick a coat you put on, you will either be left with super thin speckles of black, or a bolder leopard-style print. The fact that no two nails will look the same is the best part.
Once it is all dry, the shatter will have a rather matte appearance and to touch it feels rather bumpy. I suggest using a high gloss top coat such as OPI Top Coat.
Swatches show 1 coat of Black Shatter on each nail, worn over Simply Smash-ing!. No top coat, taken in natural light.
What OPI Says ….
Beginning with the Australian Open, the first of 4 shades to be released will be Simply Smashing, a glowing green colour, paired with a revolutionary new unique product, OPI’s ‘Shatter Black’ top coat which when applied to the dry lacquer, the top coat begins to shatter and disappear, leaving behind a cracked, leopard print pattern.
The Serena Williams Glam Slam collection by OPI is designed to withstand even the greatest tennis tournaments, with four shades being designed exclusively for each of the world Tennis Open Tournaments Serena is scheduled to compete in for 2011. The launch of each of the four lacquer shades is timed in conjunction with launch of each tournament, starting with the Australian Open in January, followed by the French Open in May; Wimbledon in June; and the US Open in August.
The Serena Williams Glam Slam collection contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.
The OPI website also has a great demonstration video showing how to create the Glam Slam look. Just click on Glam Slam on the bottom menu.
Details
First and foremost, remember it is LIMITED EDITION!!! Do not wait another minute if you like the look of these polishes because they will be gone fast.
AU $29.95 rrp for the set
Black Shatter is also available as a single purchase for AU $19.95 rrp
Available from David Jones, Adore Beauty (international shipping available) and selected beauty salons.
USA – Use the ‘Where To Buy’ feature for your nearest stockist
This item was provided for consideration in accordance with our Disclosure Policy
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Haha! They made nail polish to look like tennis balls!! So clever.
Very innovative, and well, cool.
I’m only wear OPI. Currently wearing You Don’t Know Jacques, not very summery but I love that.
So true, Nadia. I didn’t even think of that!!
That is one of my all time faves, Julia. That one and Pink Flamenco!
Just like you I think Simply Smash-ing is a rather hideous colour and not really appealing to me at all. But damn girl your swatch is actually making me want this polish!!
I was bowled over with shock! It is surprisingly better than the bottle leads you to believe. Oh and with your talent I know you would create something amazing with it!