It’s funny that although OPI Down to the Core-al from the Neon Collection was the first shade I wore, it’s the final one that I’m reviewing on here. (You got a sneak peek of it in my Quick Look post.)

The reason? I wore it twice. 🙂 The first time, all the mornings before I headed off to work were gloomy and dismal. I just couldn’t get decent natural-light photos. And by the time I get home in the evening, I’m either busy or the sun has already set.

But the second time I wore OPI Down to the Core-al, Mother Nature decided to cooperate. (Perhaps she’s also a fan of it?) 😉

Although I love a lot of the colours in the collection, I was really excited about this one because around the summer, I tend to bust out coral nail polishes more often. Something about it just makes me think of the warm weather. (It’s like Lana Del Rey’s new album, Ultraviolence, which I love. There’s just something about the sound of the songs that makes me think of the summer.)

OPI Down to the Core-al Pictures

OPI Down to the Core-al Swatches

All swatches have:

• OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener (Used as a base coat)
• 3 coats of OPI Down to the Core-al
• Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Natural Light Photos

Flash Photos

Claim: TRUSTED

• Coral (Yes)

Key Notes

• Name: OPI Down to the Core-al
• Collection: OPI Neons Collection 2014
• Press Release: Click here to see the OPI Neons Collection 2014 press release
• Quick Look: Click here to see my OPI Neons Collection 2014 Quick Look post
• Colours Available in the Collection: Life Gave Me Lemons, You Are So Outta Lime!, Juice Bar Hopping, Hotter Than You Pink, Push & Pur-Pull & Down to the Core-al
• Amount: 15 mL (0.5 fl. oz.)
• What I Paid: Nothing! (This was provided by PR.)
• Where to Buy: Trade Secrets, NailPolishCanada & select spas, salons & beauty-supply stores

OPI Down to the Core-al Review

Colour

First of all, photos don’t do Down to the Core-al by OPI any justice. It’s a bazillion times better in person because you’ll be able to see the pink shimmer running throughout like magical fairy dust. It adds an extra dimension to an already-awesome bright coral.

It would make a cute pedicure polish, too. (I actually rarely paint my toenails, but now that it’s warm out, perhaps I’ll start.)

Finish

This is a shimmery polish that really shows off its true glory in the sunlight. When you wear this, you’ll see what I mean. The shimmer is like the nail polish winking at you and saying, “Thanks for looking!” 😉

Application & Formula

As with many neon nail polishes, the formula dries on the satin side, and yes, it does apply streaky. However, the saving grace is that wearing a shiny top coat helps to even everything out as well as bring out the true glory of this polish. I highly discourage you from wearing it without a shiny top coat because it leaves a lot to be desired.

This polish dries quite quickly, so you can finish painting your nails pretty quickly. There’s no need to really wait in between coats.

I used three medium coats, which gave me complete opacity. You could probably get away with using thin coats, but I’m just in the habit of using medium coats.

Pros Bright coral Pink shimmer running throughout Dries quickly

Cons Dries to a satin finish (Needs a shiny top coat to look its best) Formula is streaky (It evens out with a shiny top coat)

Final Verdict: 9/10

Down to the Core-al by OPI is the type of colour that really gets me excited because when you wear it, it wakes up your nails and is like a strawberry daiquiri for your nails!

Do you wear coral more in the summer? What’s your favourite nail polish to wear when the weather heats up? Do you have any fun summer plans?