The Phalanges Files: Sinful Colors Seaweed and Open Seas

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Sinful Colors Seaweed and Open Seas

So as you all have almost certainly heard, Sinful Colors recently released a collection which bears an uncanny resemblance to OPI's Pirates of the Caribbean collection. I personally don't like when polish companies purposely dupe one another's stuff, but that sure didn't stop me from rolling into Rite Aid and picking up a few polishes for myself. So for today, I have Sinful Colors Seaweed and Open Seas, from the Adventure Island Collection.
Also, I somehow forgot to take the close-up pictures for these, so mea culpa.

Seaweed is a pale and dusty sage green creme, and is supposed to be a dupe for OPI Stranger Tides.

Sunlight, no flash.

Natural light, no flash.

Sunlight, no flash.

Although I had my reservations about how it would look on me, I ended up really liking Seaweed. The shade of green is pretty unusual, and as a person who generally does not do well with pastels, I'm very happy with Seaweed's grungier and dingier tone. I think that the extra dose of grey and brown in there helped to soften the finish of the polish, which in turn made it much more wearable for me.

Open Seas is a seafoam green creme with a hint of dustiness, and is supposed to be a dupe for OPI Mermaids Tears.

Sunlight, no flash.

Natural light, no flash.

Sunlight, no flash.

Of the two that I got, Open Seas is my favorite. It has that same grungy, dingy flavor of Seaweed (probably because of the grey), but Open Seas is brighter and more appealing to the eye. The cool shade of green is so super relaxing to look at for some reason, and it was also was surprisingly soft against my skin tone.

In terms of formula, Seaweed and Open Seas were identically nice. They both went on smoothly, leveled themselves well, and required two coats for creamy perfection. My only complaint is that both colors took forever to dry and I noticed some minor bubbling for no reason.

But little application issues (and the fact that OPI kicked Sinful's ass when it came to naming) aside, these are great for the money and would make fine alternatives for the PotC colors. I'll still have to spring for Skull and Glossbones, but I'm content to cross Stranger Tides and Mermaids Tears off my list.

And that's all from me for today! Thanks for reading, and have a gorgeous first day of summer!! *throws sun-shaped confetti*

Comments (18)

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thenailaholic · 719 weeks ago

When I find it I'm going to pick up Seaweed. I don't know how often I'll use it, so I'll buy the cheaper version instead of the OPI :)

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Chaosbutterfly 88p · 719 weeks ago

That's a really good idea, actually. Like, getting the dupe of the color that you think you'll wear the least. I hope you find it soon too!

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Ulmiel · 719 weeks ago

They are both great! I think I'm getting both of them, either Sinful or OPI. :) I'm tempted to get Skull and Glossbones too, but I'm still not sure about it. It's a gorgeous shade of grey.

1 reply · active 719 weeks ago

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Chaosbutterfly 88p · 719 weeks ago

Yay! I think you'll be happy with them, both are very pretty and I think they're quite unique as well.
And you know I'm going to have to push you to get Skull and Glossbones. It's been my preliminary favorite as soon as the collection was revealed. At first, it was just the name, but I fell in love with the color too. Skull and Glossbones, SKULL AND GLOSSBONES! :D

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BMR · 719 weeks ago

ALU just did a comparison post between Open Seas and Mermaid's Tears and they look damn dupey to me. I say you got the better end not paying $8.50 like I did.

Girl, it's 12:50 PM as I write this and it's already 96 degrees and the heat index is at 103. No happy first day of summer. It's too hot to enjoy. :(
My recent post China Glaze-Cowgirl Up

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Chaosbutterfly 88p · 719 weeks ago

Yep, I saw that!
I know Colores de Carol did a great Seaweed vs. Stranger Tides comparison too. And I can't believe you pay $8.50 for OPI! That's so much...even ebay is cheaper than that. :(

And that sounds terrible...I heard about the heat wave that you guys are having, but if it's any consolation, it's supposed to be lifting soon. It's coming here. :( 
Try to stay cool and hydrated!

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aaminahs mom · 719 weeks ago

Nice post and Manis~~~~i like the mermaids tears dupe..passed on the Stranger tides & opi shade 2.....i really love Sparrow me the drama. it really looks good against our skintones (anyones one for that matter) starting to love me some pinks :)

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Chaosbutterfly 88p · 719 weeks ago

Thanks!!
Sparrow Me the Drama is another pretty one...they have a dupe for it too in the display.
And you're not the only one...I've heard of lots of cases of pink fever recently. Must be in the air. ^_^

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Rory · 719 weeks ago

I love the name Seaweed! So much better than OPI's puns. I really like how it looks on you too. I'm not sure how I feel about dupe-y collections. I like being able to get cheaper alternatives, but I also feel kind of disheartened by the industry when I see them. lol.
My recent post How I Wore It- Essie First Dance

1 reply · active 719 weeks ago

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Chaosbutterfly 88p · 719 weeks ago

Normally, I'd be right there with you, but I just really love the names of the PotC collection. They're cute, witty, sound good, and fit the theme, without being annoying or offensive. I feel like since they were bought out, OPI has generally been getting better with the names.

But I 100% agree with your mixed feelings about the dupes. Last summer and fall was especially bad, I barely even touched blogs or looked at polish because everything was the exact same. There's no fun in that. Bleh.

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Nail Noir · 718 weeks ago

I've been out of the loop. I had no idea Sinful did another dupey collection, but I'm glad I read this post because now I can buy a few and save my money! LOL These look beautiful on you btw
My recent post Comparison- OPI DS Extravagance vs Ulta Material Girl

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Chaosbutterfly 88p · 718 weeks ago

Yay, I'm happy that I could help! Few things are as satisfying as saving cash Lmao.
And thank you!