** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Goodness knows that I love me some gloss. But OPI Russian Navy Suede has won my heart! It is a beautiful, deep-sea blue that’s matte. Unlike a shiny finish that catches lights and eyes at every turn, the suede finish is laidback while still demanding attention. It’s crazy, sexy, cool.

I feel like OPI Russian Navy Suede is kind of made for me. I’ve always been attracted to matte shades, and blue’s one of my favorite colors. So how can I resist this beautiful color? I can’t! My expectations were high, and it certainly lived up to them.

OPI Russian Navy Suede Pictures & Swatches

1 Coat - Flash

1 Coat - Artificial Light

2 Coats - Artificial Light

1 Coat - Natural Light

2 Coats - Natural Light

Claims: TRUSTED

√ Ultra lush finish

Key Notes

• Name: OPI Russian Navy Suede
• Amount: 15ml or 0.5fl. oz.
• What I Paid: $7 CAD
• Price Per Unit: $0.47/ml or $14/fl. oz.
• Other Suede Colors Available: Ink Suede, Lincoln Park After Dark Suede, We’ll Always Have Paris Suede, Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees Suede, You Don’t Know Jacques! Suede, Here Today…Aragon Tomorrow Suede
• Where to Buy: Some local & online nail salons

OPI Suede Collection Russian Navy Review

I got a little excited as soon as I applied the first coat of this. OPI Suede Collection Russian Navy is quite opaque, so one coat is enough. I was already seeing how pretty this manicure will be after the first application! I wear two coats though, out of habit.

The finish, I would say is, not so much “suede.” It reminds me of the finish on a blackboard, but in a really pretty blue color. It’s not entirely matte; as you can see in my first swatch, there is some sheen to it. But it’s very slight.

If you want it to truly shine, you can wear a top coat on this. But for the true suede effect, you’ll have to skip the top coat. This means your manicure won’t be protected, so your polish won’t last as long (as stated in the little card that comes with OPI Russian Navy Suede). In fact, I saw chipping only after 3 days.

The thing I really like about OPI Suede Russian Navy is how quickly it dries. But don’t worry – you still have enough time to make sure you put it on evenly. I hate how some nail polish feels rough on the nails – a manicure has to look and feel nice! I didn’t get that problem with Russian Navy Suede – it  finishes smoothly, and it feels like satin/frosted glass.

Final Verdict: 9.7/10

Whether I’m in a glossy or matte mood, this is one color that I always come back to time and time again. It’s a winner in my eyes!

Are you as in love as I am? What’s your favorite matte color?