I've been blinged up for a quid! (Primark Opia Nail Laquer)

Member Name: xxfoxyredxx

Product:	Primark Opia Nail Laquer
Date:	12/04/09 (241 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to apply, not too smelly and gives a nice look on nails

Disadvantages: Lid gets stuck up and it's hard to prize off after the last time you used it

I have written a few (to say the least lol) reviews on this site about Primark products. Some have been really great and some not so but all at about a quid mark and all have two things in common. That's that they are offer excellent value and are not rubbish even if not the best thing you have ever used. Which is why I decided I would try the nail polishes on offer.

As a 34 year old woman I know what I like by now. I don't mind spending out a little over the top on make up if need be and I like nice packaging and big brand names. Like I don't go out with my mates carrying a Miss Sporty or Collection 2000 item (though I'm not saying I don't own a couple lol) but my mates are all so glam that it's battle of who's paid the most for something lol Competition with friends don't stop as you get older it's just more silent and people clocking this that and the other! So it's like keeping up with the Jone's and somewhat like being a kid at school all over again but yes it's a battle of who is the most up to date and flash in our group lol So pulling out a Primark lippy say is just not right lol. Also it's not ok if friends come round to your house mooch about and come across this stuff so I hide it! Nope it has to be hidden away and only the best stuff you own on display. Otherwise your mates assume your poor and before you know it they're trying to give you their cast offs and a shoulder to cry on! So me, I decided last time I was in store that to stop any items from Primark being spotted by my friends I would buy a nail varnish because they don't go into that drawer and no one needs to know about my spend thrift ways lol. Good plan!

The Packaging....

The bottle itself came in a clear plastic bag apart from the top part which simply told me it was a 'Opia' Nail Laquer. The bottle itself is square in shape with a black plastic square lid that holds a see through coloured short wand with a long clear bristle brush at the end of it. On the front of the bottle I'm told it is Opia, Nail Laquer and that it's 16ml in size. On the bottom of the bottle there is a small, round, black sticky label and all that is written on there are contact details for Primark and a batch number. That's it lol. No colour is stated, no directions for use are given, no telling me it's long lasting...nothing it is what it is and that is a decent sized nail polish that costs a pound and how I choose to use it is entirely up to me I guess! Good job it's not rocket science I reckon lol.

Using It....

Well I opted for a transparent colour containing lots of tiny pieces of multi-coloured glitter in it. Within the range I saw about 10 colour offerings from a dark red and yellow to shimmery pinks and this glitter shade. Not alot on offer but the size is great for the money and that's what attracted me to it to be honest lol. I do appreciate value for money after-all and my thinking was this is so light I could use it on my nails alone or over the top of my usual No7 nail varnishes for a bit of gloss, glimmer and a more party time kind of look! lol

So you can of course use a base coat/top coat if you want to. This particular colour is so light and glossy because it's transparent I don't use either of the products in this instance because there is nothing in it colour-wise to stain my nails. I did however use both the products the first time I used it and as I say it didn't change the over-all feel or appearance of the varnish but it wasn't hard to use over the top of a base coat either so it's optional with this range I would assume.

The consistency of the varnish is smooth, not too thin but really not gloopy or difficult to use at all. I personally always use two coats of polish with anything I use and I find it dries in about 2 minutes (between colours and final setting). The brush really is excellent with no malting or bits pinging out to make a mess and the overall result is really rather good.

Bare in mind though (as I have already said)....this is a transparent nail polish with glitter particles ground into it so I don't need to worry about consistency with this as much as I would with a deeper colour choice. However I find this easy to wear, gives a nice glossy shine that is hard wearing and the glitter transfers itself onto the nail really evenly surprisingly. Another bonus is even if I put a few coats of this on for a really blinging thicker look I find it removes really easily still and cleanly with even a cheap nail polish remover and leaves my nails in great condition.

I also found I got 3 days perfect looking wear with this until it started to chip and when that happened the polish actually started peeling off all by itself and gave up it's will to live.

Verdict....

Easy as anything to apply and get great results that I achieved although they didn't last ages looked nice whilst it was on. Ok 3 days isn't a long time for a nail polish to last really but at 99p I'm quite happy with that and I do like the versatility of this clear offering cos I can put tips on nails with this glitter, can wear alone of course for a bit of subtle sparkle or build it up for a more in you face bling appearance or layer it over other polishes! So it's versatile for me! Recommended to try at this price!

Only available in Primark Stores.

Summary: A nice enough nail lacquer worth trying if you get the chance!