Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition Nail Color – Part 1
 Remember the Sally HD Hi-Definition line I told you about back in March? Well the wait is almost over. The collection will be on store shelves soon, July to be exact, and come in a rainbow of shades. The Tracy Reese designed, Opulent Cloud (click to view), will launch along with seven vivid, liquid crystal filled polishes.
Are you scratching your head about how HD and nail polish go together? Unlike other HD beauty products, this isn’t going to make your nails look slimmer or flawless like a high def foundation intends to do. It’s working off the theory that liquid crystals, like those used in Hi-Def LCD TVs, will produce a true, vibrant multi-dimensional hue. Take a peek at the first half of the HD rainbow after the jump! |
The first thing I noticed about the formula is how thin and smooth it is. Using the same bottle shape and brush as the Lacquer Shines, the polish applies extremely even and dries quickly. The only downside is the pigmentation. I needed three medium coats to go opaque and even though it dried glossy, the first and second coats were a bit satin-esque. Odd. The overall finish looks like a cross between metallic and shimmer. It’s not all that brush-strokey yet not 100% blended either.
The end result is stunning. When Sally Hansen says vivid, they aren’t kidding. It’s not that the actual hues are uber-unique it’s just that they’re so alive. Pictures really can’t do justice to the vibrancy. The shades play with the light, changing at each angle. Not necessarily a duo-chrome effect more like they’re lit from within.
Cyber is a shimmering grape with a slight pink undertone. You know I love a purple so I’m all over this one.
Blu was the hardest shade to capture. To quote Danny Zuko, “it’s electrifying!!!”
Pixell Pretty is a pretty true Turquoise, a little bluer than Honeydew.
Hi-Def is a bright green apple that reflects gold. I can’t tell if it’s just the liquid crystals catching the sun or if there is actual gold shimmer in the color but it’s a very fun.
The Sally Hansen Hi-Definition Nail Color collection ($5.95) launches in July at drugstores and mass retailers like WalMart, KMart and Target.
Stay tuned for my review of the second half of the collection. In the meantime, what do we think? Is HD the future of polish or just a gimmick? Are there any colors you’re just dying to own?
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
i have already seen these at a longs and rite aid. Im in california.
I’m not sure that I’m that blown away by these. They seem sort of unoriginal. Maybe you have to see them in person? Your nails look awesome as usual, though!
Anon – Thanks for the heads up. The official word I got was July but that’s cool to hear it’s already in stores.
Anon – They really don’t capture well on camera. I think what I like is that they’re vivid without being like neon bright. Does that make sense?
I have the purple blue and pixel and I’m not entirely impressed with them. They are pretty, they aren’t unique, the go one well, but I get tired of them so easily. I’m not generally a Sally Hansen fan and for the price I paid for them at a regular CVS not on sale I could got to Ulta and get three OPI or CG shades (b2g1).
It seems as though Hi-Def is really similar to the SH Lacquer Shine polish called Glow from a while back. Could you post a comparison?
I think i’ll pick up the purple and blue. I picked up Honeydew the other day, it was sitting all unloved in my local drugstore!! Lol. Could you do a review on some of your favourite eyeshadows?? Thanks!
i got the purple one and blu yesterday at walgreens. i’m wearing blu and it is stunning. is the grey/silver color you showed us supposed to come out? it wasn’t in the display (nor was there a spot for it)
thanks
I saw these at Walgreens yesterday.
very cool wish they were 2 coaters though you can see though some of your swatches, meh.
I actually thought that they kind of look like China Glaze kick (a less fun version)you posted about a while ago…
I hate the sticker label with air bubbles, so I am going to skip these unless some crazy promotion goes on…(China glaze is not that much expensive anyway…)
And yeah, I have seen it a few days ago in the grocery store too…
I saw a display of these at Duane Reade (there were 8 colors, not 7). I was surprised because I thought Opulent Cloud was supposed to be released first. They look bright and pretty though!
I also saw these at Walgreens today, so if you’re looking for them, now’s a good time to check!
i love the turqiouse and blue! and i love any purple. i must have those three but i can live without the others
I am LOVING Pixell!
They are soo cool, will these be launched in the UK?
hi
my local duane reade has this one in full display. funny that they got TR spring collection just now, too.
i got honeydew instead of pixel, thinking they’d give different finishes.
how do you compare?
btw. i love my honeydew. i finally have found a green that works for my skintone!
Ohhh! I found these in Walgreens a few days ago! I didn’t get them this time though.
these are out already in ca…but i have not found tracy reese 09 yet! (GRRR) i tried these and they were too sheer for me and about $6.49! no thanks. i REALLY like opulent cloud though and hope they will release that one soon as it wasnt included in the release and there isnt a spot for it in the display either
Blackkattats – I'm sorry they didn't wow you. It could be that I just love seeing them all lined up, rainbow style. The yellow is beautious.
Anon#3 – A comparison is in the works. btw, I saw some double packs that included Glow at my local Rite Aid.
Emily – I really try to only focus on polish & nail products with the exception of my random As Amazing As Polish posts. There are lots of great beauty blogs that could help you with eyeshadow recs. Check my Beauty links section.
Mimi – I thought the gray would launch with the other colors but I can only assume it will come out for fall on its own or possibly with some fall shades. When I know more, I'll let you all know.
Becky – Oh yeah, I'm glad they're popping up.
Melsh – yeah, i wish they were more pigmented too.
Citrine – the Kicks collection is WAY more pigmented and, with the exception of the grass green, they're creamier. I will say that if you're looking for a good yellow, the HD one is pretty fab. You'll see tomorrow
Vesper – Yeah, that surprised me too. I saw a picture of the display somewhere online. My only guess is they’re releasing the formula first with these summer brights and then doing the Tracy Reese shade as a special display in fall.
TropicalChrome – Thanks lady!
Anon#4 – The turquoise is so cool in person
Courtney – Yay! I hope you like it even better on you.
Redz2486 – I’m not actually sure. I don’t get international release info.
Lena – Honeydew is more pigmented and the formula is thicker, it has a creamier feel. I’m so glad you love the color. It’s gorgeous
Erin – I’m sure there’s time to go back if you see one you just have to have
Ocelot1 – Wow that’s quite a price difference. I went off the info I got from the company but I imagine prices differ depending on the state. That’s almost OPI pricing.
I was looking at the Blu and thought it looked rather like China Glaze Frostbite and Illamasqua Fern
Since I just bought Frostbite 2 weeks ago (along with several other China Glaze polishes!), I was hoping you could compare the three?
Thanks!
Hey Michelle:
I am going for the HD Green, love that shade! It’s amazing and would great on my toes. I believe you can buy Sally Hansen polishes at any Walgreen’s, Rite Aid, CVS, which is cool for me the next time I shop there. You nails never looked lovelier with all Sally Hansen’s polishes and yes I personally think HD is the next step in polish formulas. When will OPI, China Glaze, Finger Paints, Sephora by OPI etc. all step forward?
(((((((huggs)))))))
Love,
George
Hey Michelle,
I just got all eight of these and am wondering why there are only seven mentioned in your initial review…
From your picture, it looks as though the pink named “Digital” is not in the lineup. It also has the number 06 on the lid.
Any thoughts? Thx! =]
I love the BLU – but it is already out – I just bought it today in NY at Duane Reade
Wow…I've seen these@ the store, but they look so nice on you;D
I think I'll buy them… but, looking foward to the Grey-ish one to come out!
I was wondering, are there any particular brands/shades that don't have glitter but are still bright colors? Like, I was wanting a plain yellow, but all they had @CVS was shimmery or glittery ones. D:
I saw the nail polish at Walgreen's in Southaven, Mississippi. Then I started a hunt going to numerous Walgreen's. When I couldn't find what I wanted I looked on the internet and found these postings. I am glad to learn that the nail polish is also at Walmart and other discount stores. The polish is absolutely gorgeous!
I absolutley LOVE this nail poliish. Ussually when i paint my nails, with all the stuff I do it chips so easily. I painted my nails about Four days ago and it still hasn’t chipped.! I got the 2 Blu. It works.!
So what collection includes the “DVD” shade? I’m a bit confused.
I’ve found these are available in any