OPI Glam Slam with Serena Williams – Simply Smashing & Black Shatter Swatches & Review
OPI, the world’s leading professional nail care company, partners with tennis superstar, Serena Williams, to launch the Glam Slam collection. Timed in conjunction with the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, the Glam Slam collection will introduce two new Nail Lacquers at the start of each tournament.
Beginning with the Australian Open, the first shades to be released under the collaboration will include Simply Smashing, a glowing green Nail Lacquer, paired with a revolutionary new product, Black Shatter top coat. Once applied to the dried Nail Lacquer, the top coat begins to disappear, leaving behind a leopard print-style pattern on each nail. I was in Junior High when Andre Agassi took the tennis world by storm. That hot piece of man candy ignited my love for the game and I soon found myself taking lessons with my friends, who also crushed hard on Andre. I even joined the tennis team in High School though I was a mediocre player, at best. Regardless of my lack of tennis talent I’ve enjoyed watching the game ever since and I was really excited to see that Serena Williams, who is known for her stand-out nail styles, collaborated with OPI on a nail polish collection. |
Formula & Application: OPI is a 3-Free brand. They made the switch to 3-Free in 2008 and the Black Shatter formula is also 3-Free. You can identify an OPI with the 3-Free formula by the green lettering on the label. Bottles with black lettering have the old formula. Always check the labels to be sure. The OPI Pro Wide brush is flat, wide and medium in length. It’s of average stiffness and easily spreads out on the nail when pressed. The only downside to the Pro Wide brush is that it can be too wide for slim fingers or little toes.
Simply Smashing has a similar finish and application as the summer release Catch Me In Your Net. It’s a bit on the sheer side so I needed three coats for it to appear completely opaque.
Black Shatter is a top coat that needs to be applied over completely dry nail polish. It applies like a typical black creme but dries in a “shatter” pattern once dry. A thin coat will shatter more resulting in smaller shards of polish on the nail while a thick coat will make it more chunky.
Simply Smashing is more chartreuse than I was expecting though it does remind me of the yellow-green color of a tennis ball so that’s quite fitting. Again we’re seeing the foil metallic finish that has become so popular in the past year. To me, Simply Smashing is the foil glitter love child of Fiercely Fiona and Who The Shrek Are You?
In my post about Crackle Nail Polish last August, I discussed how polishes like Black Shatter work. Two incompatible solvents cause uneven drying, resulting in a shatter pattern. As you can see, Black Shatter dries with a matte finish. It applies somewhat uneven so each nail looks completely unique. It would take some trial and error to get a perfectly even coat with consistent shattering but that’s not really the point of this look, is it?
Black Shatter with Prolana Quick & Slick Top Coat
A few months ago, Serena Williams appeared on Oprah and discussed going to school to become a nail tech. She even treated Oprah to a pedicure. I posted the video below in case you missed it.
Bottom Line: Simply Smashing is not really my kind of color on its own but it really pops against Black Shatter. The overall look feels really retro to me but I’m still not sure if it’s in a good way or bad. The CoverGirl Crackle fan has been rooting for a crackle comeback but I somehow feel like it looks more dated than fresh. Consider me on the fence with this one.
The OPI Glam Slam collection with Serena Williams is launching in January 2011. According to OPI there has been a delay in shipping the collection but it should be on shelves in a week or two. OPI nail polishes retail for $8.50/ea for a .5oz bottle. OPI can be found at salons nationwide including national chains like Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA.
Thoughts on this first Glam Slam set? What do you hope the other three sets will look like? Do you plan to get involved with the “shatter” look?
Disclosure: Product samples were provided by OPI. For more info view my Disclosure Policy.
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
I can’t wait to get my hands on that shatter! I’ve stalked my BeautyFirst by calling everyday, but today they said “Okayyy how about we just call YOU?”
“…paired with a revolutionary new product, Black Shatter top coat.”
You said it: CG Crackle. Crackle was out what, 15 years ago? I’m a bit miffed at OPI’s bs marketing tactic here, and like you, I’m not all that impressed.
I have to agree. It annoys me greatly when companies claim that something that was around in the 80′s is “new” or “revolutionary”. Bah, been there, done that.
I agree. I was at first happy to see crackle polish again, because it brings back fond memories of years past, but now that I do see it, it feels dated. I guess my hopes for it had more to do with nostalgia rather than the actual product itself.
I just can’t. I’m not usually one to put on age limit on nail polish, but I really feel like only a teenager can pull this look off. I do think the top coat makes it much better. I also agree that the two colors work well together, but I don’t like simply smashing alone.
Do all the black shatter bottles have the shattered cap?
I personally like the shatter look, however I’m not sure how I feel about Simply Smashing. I guess I’ll have to see it in person to decide. Also, regarding the AWESOME bottle top on the black shatter, do all the bottles have the cool design? It seems as if some other websites I’ve seen swatches of it on have bottles without the crackle design cap. I’m so excited for your Katy Perry swatches and for the rest of the Serena Williams polishes. Thanks for an awesome post!
Oh, that looks really cool! I think I can’t get enough of those foil finishes.
I’m still undecided on if I like the black shatter or not. I’ll probably end up buying it, because it’s polish, and, well, I’m addicted.
It looks pretty!
Thanks for the swatches! 
i MUST buy these. as soon as humanly possible.
i think im in lovee.
Hmmm, I’m with you…I’m on the fence on this one. I loved CG Crackle, but I’m not so sure how I feel about it with today’s fashions. I do like Simply Smashing though and will definitely check it out when it’s released.
so beautifull !!!
hmm big pass for me. I too think it looks dated.
Crackle polish isn’t really my cup of tea but the shades that come in this collection sure is!
Still not a look I think I’ll be rocking, but I do kind of like the contrast of the two colors. A pass for me, but I look forward to the upcoming installments of this collection. Glad you’re back to blogging!
Oh, another question…what would happen if you painted with the Shatter from side to side instead of up and down?
I think the shatter polish looks dated if you do all 10. do one or two on each hand.
Wow that is a fantastic idea! Like paint the rest of your hands black and then POP on one finger a bit of crackle. I kind of want this now!
I have been patiently waiting for this line to debut:-) I don’t usually like glitter polishes on my nails (makes my nails look ugly, LOL) but I really wanted to try Simply Smashing bc the pictures looked good online. However, after seeing how they compare to Fiercely Fiona and Who the Shrek Are You (two colors I already have) I think I’ll pass. I do want to try the crackle polish, I think it would be good to use on one nail as a design finger:-) Thanks for the good and honest review!
Umm….I don’t like it. Any of it.
I hate chartreuse (even though I did like Who the Shrek Are You?) and I hate that kind of shatter. I much prefer the lightning bolt-looking kind.
Maybe the other colors will be better.
Michelle, that nail look is HOT! I have to get my hands on that.
I really like the green
The black looks great over it, I was not really loving the whole “crackle” look, but now, after seeing this, i can’t wait for the collection to come out ^^
Oooooh, I likes it!!! Both of them!!! Okay, maybe dated, but when everyone else in NYC is wearing black–even to the office–how does a girl do it funky?
Know if Ricky’s will be carrying it?
I remember the old crackle polishes showing just little peeks of the color underneath, where as this looks more like a design that sits on top of the nail. I think I’m going to pass on these.
I am def going to try the shatter look. However, I am not crazy about Simply Smashing. I am excited to try the shatter with the Katy Perry colors.
Hmmm… after COTY took over OPI I swore to myself I wouldn’t buy from them anymore because it now profits a company that conducts animals testing, but… I am completely in love with this. And the swatches of all the Katy Perry colours I found on the internet.
I after I buy them all I’ll donate an identical amount to PETA to stop myself feeling too bad about it, but I know I’ll regret it if I pass these up.
I agree the shatter look is dated. I remember the CG crackle thing back in the day and I thought it was cool then. But I was also a teenager back then! LOL
For some reason I just don’t like Simply Smashing. I don’t think it’s a color that will flatter most skin tones. The Black shatter is an epic win though!
I’m not at all impressed. Shatter polishes look to me like a weeks-old manicure that you’re embarrassed to be seen with. And that crazy color of Simply Smashing? Ew. :/
I like the green color and the shatter top coat is pretty cool. I remember when CoverGirl did a similar thing a while ago, but maybe this one will last better.
Ok.. So I kinda love it, but I was a child of the 80′s so what can you do. I think that shatter would look best over pink, giving soft a hard edge
I can’t wait for this collection!
Regardless of how I feel about the color, I LOVE Oprah and Serena talking about the deep issues of life — they are an inspiration to any strong, creative, powerful woman.
I really think the topcoat improves the shatter look immensely. The matte finish looks too much like a fence-painting accident. But I do really like the balance of the shatter in your manicure, Michelle, I like that the nail is really half chartreuse and half black.
Oh man, I need this green/yellow for Monday! Too bad they don’t have it around here yet. But then again, its the BCS football game and we are duck fans… it would match their day-glow game socks!
Love them both. I think Simply Smashing is gorgeous, way more than I expected.
is this the same crackle from the Katy Perry series? Half of the KP series was bought in the first fews days on the shelf…. and I missed out. Fingers crossed it is the same crackle polish so i can get it in the Aussie Open release.
This does nothing for me. the yellow color is neat looking but I’m WAY too fair skinned for that so I’ll save my money. The black shatter is something I could get behind if OPI was a little more creative and didn’t use the black for both Katy Perry and Serena Williams-something about that irks me. I think I’ll pass on this collection and wait for the China Glaze’s collection of 6 (?) different colors.
Barry M have already released a ‘black shatter’ called ‘instant nail effects’. It also has exactly the same packaging and only costs
how does Simply Smashing compare to ChG Zombie Zest?
Barry M, in the UK do a nail effect which does the same thing that OPI shatter does. And it’s a heck of a lot cheaper!
I’ve seen the Barry M and Isadora ones online but haven’t been able to get my hands on them. I’m glad that the International girls get something before us for once. It seems like a lot of times you all are the ones playing the waiting game.
I don’t like crackle top coats and the other one isn’t my kind of color too.. so I can spend my money on the katy perry collection!
Going against the tide, I don’t like OPI but I love this foil green (sucker for all things green). I missed the crackle phase so I thing it would be fun on one finger but not all ten. I am looking forward to see all 4 SW/OPI sets.
Meh. I guess the shatter thing doesn’t really appeal to me because it reminds me of the ‘faux crackle’ kits you can get at Michael’s Crafts to snazz up end tables and whatnot. I do like the nailcolor, though, and I’m looking forward to what else comes from that line, I think there may be a couple of interesting ones.
Funny, Oprah was on at work when I got there one day, with the sound off as usual (I work at 911) and I said, gosh, look at the guns on that pedicurist, she looks like she could palm your head and crush it. I didn’t recognize her.
When I showed my shatter nails to a friend that’s just what she said. That it reminded her of the crackle finish paint you can get at craft stores. She was not a fan.
Love that green, will pass on crackle.
I would love a chartreuse polish. Can anyone suggest one?
Wow, what an eye catcher! I love crackle nail colors and this one is no exception!
In fact crackle will be even easier to apply with the OPI brush…one swipe and you will be done!
Most crackles have the regular brush and you have to do 2 quick layers to completely cover the nail before it starts to crack.
Awesome color!
I like both these. UK buyers have a much cheaper option with Barry M Nail Effects. I use crackle a lot and black over gold is one of the best combos.
I like foils & chartreuse, so that will be on my wish list… But the crackle freaks me out. When I was little, my mom painted all the kitchen cupboards navy, and layered them with a white crackle topcoat… They were hideous! Probably TMI but it’s a no-go for me.
YES!!! Black and GOLD (I mean, on my screen it looks more gold than green-tinged)! I will definitely wear this pair A LOT for my first roller derby season with Steel City.
I think Black Shatter would look really cool over a coppery polish – almost like leopard print, which is really hot right now!
I love crackle top coats, although I think the ones by BYS (drugstore brand here in Australia) look a lot nicer than this one by OPI. I prefer the black crackle to cover more of the nail, with only a little colour peeking through here and there.
Love Simply Smashing too, but for me personally a blue or purple would pop under the black a lot better
Really enjoyed watching that clip; Serena & Oprah are dynamic together! Serena is just so down to earth
I love crackle top coats, although I think the ones by BYS (drugstore brand here in Australia) look a lot nicer than this one by OPI. I prefer the black crackle to cover more of the nail, with only a little colour peeking through here and there.
Love Simply Smashing too, but for me personally a blue or purple would pop under the black a lot better
love this shatter pattern!
I don’t like the crackle, spackle, foil finish either. Wasn’t a fan over ten years ago either when it was supposed to be new and ground breaking. Its a trend I really would like to see go…along with anything neon. lol I do however think that yellow color reminds me of a glittery tennis ball. Anyone else?
I agree, it definitely has that bright tennis ball look to it
as serena is one of the top tennis players in the world, i think that’s the whole point.
i still want black shatter, but it looks better with a top coat.
love
I love it. It’s so cute! I wander how it looks like on my nails.
I wasn’t old enough to have the CG crackle, so I’m actually a little excited. (To me it’s not dated so much as very rocker/goth.)
I’m thinking of the black shatter over orange for a Giants baseball mani!
And whoever thought, all black fingers with one or two nails with pops of color with the black shatter.. genius! (Dee and Laura!)
definitely passing on the crackle polish, but i loooove the way simply smashing looks! right up my alley.
I just ordered it – excited to get my hands on it!
I like the shatter look,however, OPI has sold out to Coty,so I will be going with China Glaze Crackle polish this year.
I love Simply Smashing, exactly my kind of color hehe can’t wait to get my hands on this baby !!
On another note, I’m not too sure about the crackle polish. If my usual shop gets it, then I’ll be able to try it out. I’ll see from there I think.
not a huge fan of the Simply Smashing but I can’t wait to get me some Shatter! I can’t wait to make it totally 80′s tastic over some neon polish:) Sorry, born in the 70′s – child of the 80′s. It’s in my DNA!! I’m sure I’ll not use it often but it is always fun to have options when it comes to polish.
I’m from Australia, and I was at the David Jones stocktake sales a few weeks ago and they had the entire Katy Perry and Serena Williams collections on sale. I don’t have a clue why they were on sale so early but I didn’t buy them as I usually wait to get them off eBay. (OPI retails at about $20 here)
i like the shatter effect, but not the polish
Hmm, no shatter for me! I’ll take Simply Smashing, though. Well, maybe. I don’t know if it’d work on my skin tone. I love the color and finish, though. Definitely a glittery tennis ball.
I agree about the crackled, it seems a little dated to me, but maybe thats because I was around when it came out the first time. Not sure how I feel about it this time….
Not in love with the green, but that crackle would dance over a nice creamy red on one or two fingers!
What you did is so fabulous.. Wish i could do that to myself too
i don’t really find myself loving the shatter pattern :/
I’m digging the colors and the crackle just because the idea seems cool and since I apparently missed out when it came out earlier. I was just wondering where to get this set online?? I’ve checked some sites but none have it! Please help, I don’t want to miss out again even if it’s only to try it out. Thanks~!
I like the green alone but not sure I can jump on the black crackle bandwagon. Maybe if it didn’t look so halloween-ish, maybe with a bright pop of pink instead I’d like it;-)
Love, love, love the Simply Smashing – it is totally my kind of color. The crackle just looks messy to me, though. I hope I can buy one without the other.
I love that green! hate the crackle
china glaze has a crackle polish that is coming out
I love this pattern. I haven’t had the chance to try it but I went to a nail shop who had something similar. The polish was from Vietnam and I had it. I had to have the woman do it over like 5 times because it was just not coming out right. I want to post pictures but I want to post when I have a correct looking shatter manicure.
Love the green color really reminds me of tennis balls.
I dont really like the look. I like wines and I am more traditional I guess… It makes me think of the 80′s….
i LOOOVE both of these so much!! especially the black crackle
super excited to buy them both!
I officially love vietnamese nail supply stores! I found one in te downtown near me and I’ve never been happier! I got a black and white crackle polish! And they had For Audrey! (which I’ve wanted forever!) and other old and new China Glaze and OPI! And they were only $3 a bottle! It’s absolute brilliance!
This should have come out at Halloween. The black crackle over luminous poison green seems like the perfect “evil” nail look.
I would like to know where I can buy the serena williams grand slam nail polish
I just ordered this for myself on Friday. It is fierce.
@Ruth I actually purchased mine on amazon. If you type in OPI Serena Glam Slam Simply Smash-ing! & Black Shatter it should come right up. I think it’s going for $21.00 for the set. HTH Happy Polishing = )
DO NOT buy the Simply Smashing! It stained my nails neon yellow and it won’t go away, it’s been two weeks! I contacted OPI and the only thing they suggested was to use acetone nail polish remover….well I used 100% acetone and have even painted multiple colors on since and the yellow stain is still there! ew
Are you using a base coat? That may be why. And also this is a tricky color to apply; not too heavy is key!
I used the simply smashing a couple weeks ago and i had it on for about 4 or 5 days and when i removed it it turned my nails a terrible yellowish color and has been like that ever since. I’ve tried brightening base coats and soaking them in lemon juice but nothing has worked