OPI Cast Off/Diversion, What It Means, How To Spot It And What To Do About It.

  So, I have been wanting to do this post for quite sometime. But I am just getting around to it now. The issue I want to discuss today is diverted product also known as cast off. I have purchased a few "OPI" products online and noticed that the bottle was defaced. Which makes me a very unhappy girl (I like pretty bottles not mutilated ones). So I got to wondering about why a seller would do that. Which lead to me Googling until my eyes felt like sand paper and my head hurt. Once I recovered, I decided to go right to the horses mouth and fire off an email directly to OPI to see their stance on the topic. So this post will be about what I have found out about the topic of cast off/Diversion, it's dangers, why it's bad, how to spot diverted product, what you can do about diversion, and the sellers that I have found to have Diverted product (and yes I reported all of them already). 

What Is Diversion/Cast Off:

Diversion/Cast Off is when when OPI products meant to be sold in salons and other professional channels end up being sold by third, forth and sometimes even fifth party sellers. Basically a diverted OPI Product is any product not purchased from licensed professional OPI acknowledged/approved seller. This means no mass sellers (Target, Walmart, etc), no internet sellers (Ebay, Amazon, etc), no drug stores (Walgreens, RiteAid, CVS, etc), and no grocery stores (Kroger, Albertsons, etc). OPI sells only to distributors that sell exclusively to Salons and other professional channels. So if you bought it from at any of the a fore mentioned sellers then you have a diverted/cast off product.

Why Is Diversion/Cast Off Bad:

• Counterfeit/fake products: With diverted product there is a high likelihood that the product you receive could be a fake. And if you are as invested in nail polish as I am, finding out that a polish you have wanted (nay lusted after), forever and finally bought is a fake is heart breaking. 
• Expired: Products that are old or past their expiration date can not only separate, but they can change formula, change color, and sometimes even become hazardous due to changes in formula over time. Most nail polishes have a shelf life of 24 months...so if the polish you just ordered online is from a line released more than two years ago...you're polish is probably past it's prime. Also here's a picture of the expected product life that should be on the back of every OPI bottle:

24M =24 months or 2 years. The number shows you how many months before the product expires. 

• Illegally Obtained: With all diverted products there is the likelihood that the product you received is stolen. Sure that polish is pretty....but do you want it if it's hot? OPI's are small bottles and would be very easy to steal. Personally I can think of a handful of times when if I were the type to do so, it would have been beyond easy to steal one or many of them. I wouldn't (because I would get caught...that's just how my life works...) but I could have. Specifically when I was left alone in a local JC Penny Salon while waiting on a stylist for 15 minutes (unsupervised mind you) sitting right next to the OPI display (with no security camera). It would have been easy to load up and haul ass. But I didn't. But that doesn't mean that others would do as I did (and not steal), and then turn around and sell them on Amazon or eBay. So the bottom line is do you really want to chance the fact that you are buying stolen goods? 
• Inferior Quality: There is also the chance that diverted products are watered down, altered version of the originals. Mind that the alterations, and watering down are done with no professional/hygienic standards nor are they allowed or taught how to do so by OPI. Which leads me to "Ewww! What did they put in there?" Do you really want to know? Are you really willing to chance the fact that a foreign substance may be in your polish? Basically you have no way of knowing what may or may not have been done to alter, or water down your product if you didn't buy it through the proper channels.
• Bacteria: There is a slight chance that diverted products may be contaminated or improperly handled resulting in bacteria or fungi infestations. I don't know about you ladies but I'm a level 3 germaphobe (1 being the worst level, 5 being the mildest). The thought of germs from improper handling skeeves me out. Whether this part is true or not (there are a lot of chemicals in nail polish that would seem inhospitable to germs and their disgusting cousins fungus) are you willing to chance that in the 3rd of 4th person seller that they were all handling in hygienically? The odds are not in your favor here. If working with the public since I was 16 has taught me anything it's this: People can be very, very gross, and they are grosser when they think no one is looking. So ask yourself if you are willing to chance it?
• It Hurts Salons Owners: Diversion deprives small authorized businesses of their profit margins. Wouldn't we all like to keep our money local anyway? 
• It Hurts The Consumer: If you buy diverted product you do not have access to assistance from OPI or professionals who know and understand the products. Also if you buy diverted product then you are not covered by the OPI warranty and quality standards. You are kind of on your own. 

OPI's Stance On Diversion:

Direct Quote (from email): "OPI is so passionate about fighting diversion. Diversion is the sale of professional products outside of professional beauty channels. OPI has spent tens of millions of dollars in the fight against diversion, to ensure that our OPI brand professional-use products are used only under the supervision of trained professionals." They went on to say that they pursue all leads on unauthorized sales of their products, support all industry wide anti-diversion efforts, will take legal action against divertors, will hire private investigators and lawyers, and they have a dedicated staff that record and follow up on diversion reports. So bottom line OPI is not happy about diversion and if they catch you doing it it's not going to be pretty. So don't divert OPI is one of the general thesis's of this segment...the other being that they get more than a little PO'd about Diverted product.

Is Diversion Illegal:

Technically no...but it's in the gray area of legal. It depends on if the product was stolen, or fake and a whole host of other tiny legal loop holes,  mumbo jumbo and a whole mess of tiny type (and lets face it tiny type is never anyone's friend). It basically comes down to contract violation and that is a whole other issue in and of itself. It's kind of a moral issue as well. I mean are you okay with the fact that it might be stolen, or altered, or that it may be all together a fake? Hence the morally gray area, that meanders into the legally gray area and makes everyone without a law degree go..."Wait, what?" 

How To Spot A Diverted OPI:

There are several ways to spot Diverted product, here are few sure fire ways to see if you have a Diverted/Cast Off OPI. 

Check the tags: Diverted OPI has missing or altered tags: 

Note the shorter tags on the Altered tags

Note the removal of the patent number.

Serial Numbers have been removed:

Very thin filing.

Worst defacement of the bottle. Only "I" remains of the OPI logo. 

And in some cases there is a gouge out of the handle where they removed the serial number. 

Labels on the bottom of the bottle have been removed or defaced:

Bar code has been removed. Also handle and bottle serial number have been removed. 

Bar code removed and bottom label torn. 

A combination of filed off serial numbers but bottom label still intact:

I have also seen lines drawn through bar codes at brick and mortar stores. Any of these things tells you that you have a diverted product.

Sellers Known To Sell Altered & Diverted OPI Product:

This is a list of sellers that are known to me as sellers of diverted product, through personal experience. This list is by no means complete but if I find new ones I will be adding them periodically as they come up. 
Sellers On Amazon:

• Xpressurself
• AZ Beauty Supply
• AirZerg
• Beauty Knockout
• BeautyLand4U

Brick And Mortar Stores:

• Target
• Fred Myers
• Smiths (A Kroger Brand Grocery store)

What You Can Do About Diversion: 

If you think you have found some diverted OPI products contact OPI at 800-341-9999 or email them at diversion@opi.com. Also buy from the proper channels. Shop salons, trade secret, and Ulta to make sure you are getting legit real authentic OPI Products. If People quit buying diverted/cast off products then people will quit selling them. And the problem resolves it self.

     So there you have it. A very long, very wordy post on diversion/cast off. In fact I am pretty sure this is my longest post ever. But I figured this was an important issue that let's face it hasn't been addressed much in the nail polish community (for some reason), so I though why not me, and why not now. Specially since I have been MIA all week due to a mini vacation/concert. This post idea was kicking around in my brain for the last few months. Now felt like the right time to finally write up the post and share the information with my lovely Valkyrie minions. I personally loath defaced bottles and from here on in will only be buying my OPI's through proper channels. Because defaced bottles make me crabby. My OCD tendencies come out and I'm all "They don't match! Why don't they match?!?!?" Basically it's up to you guys to decide if the benefits out weigh the risks. I would rather be sure I was getting the polish I want, and not have to question it. I also hope that this post helps clear up some of the gray area around this topic and that now you are better equipped to make up your own mind on if you are willing to buy diversion/cast off or not. Anyway, that's all I have for you guys today. Until next time, stay classy, and stay polished.
XOXO

Nail Lingo

I had a request for a blog post about basic nail art/nail polish terminology/lingo so I figured that since my blog is just starting up that now was a good time for this post and it would make a great topic for this week's post. This is going to be a picture heavy long wordy post. But stay with me and you will learn a lot (hopefully) and have some fun doing it.

Orange Stick: An Orange Stick is a wooden Stick that is beveled to a point on one end and beveled to a slant on the other. These can be used for nail art (like in water Marbling), or to push back your cuticles.

Free Edge (of the nail): This is the very end of your nail. The tip that you would use to scratch.

Dotting Tool: A dotting tool is an instrument that has either a small point, or a ball (in varying sizes), that is used in nail art to make dots, or draw lines.

Striping Tape: This is a small roll of tape that comes in many colors. It is usually very thin and is used in nail designs as part of the design itself or a tool to obtain the desired look.

3-free: It would be great if this stood for 3 free nail polishes...but what it really stands for is when a nail polish is free of Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde and Toluene (known as the 'Big 3'). So I'm sure you're like me and wondering "Why are these things bad?" Well here's what I have been able to figure out thus far. In studies, long term exposure to these chemicals can cause irritation. I personally select nail polishes that are 3-free because I have uber sensitive skin...well that and eww it's Formaldehyde (as in what they use to preserve dead bodies) I don't want that on my nail. Icky!

Tape Off Your Nails: This is when you use some form of tape (Scotch or painters tape) to tape around the nail for easier clean up when doing nail art (Usually for messier nail art like water marbles, gradient manicures, splatter or any sponging nail art). basically you are using tape to make your finger look like it's wearing a tiny little nun's habit. 

(In case you were wondering that's Color Club: Factory Girl under Revlon: Whimsical on my nail)

Taping Manicure: This is when you use tape (Scotch, stiping or painters tape) to get a crisp line when painting your nails. Usually this is used in block manicures, French tip manicures, and when you use craft hole punches or patterned scissors to create a pattern on the nail. Or like below you want a random pattern to appear as if it's underneath the polish. I personally really like using striping tape to get the laticed look on the ring finger in the picture below. 

Stamping Manicure: A stamping manicure is when you use a stamper, and image plate, and a scraper to put intricate patterns on your nails. A few of the most popular brands are Konad, Mash, and Bundle Monster.

Gradient Manicure: This is manicure in which the polish shifts color over the length of the nail. This is usually done with a sponge and uses a layering of one polish after another. The Ombre manicures and glitter gradients are all this type of manicure.

Free Hand Painted Manicure: This is a manicure in which all art on the nails is painted by hand with nail polish, acrylic paint or some combination of the two. This is among the harder forms of nail art and requires a steady hand and lots of patience.

Water Marble Manicure: This is one of the most difficult time consuming manicures I have yet to try. It's a swirl pattern that's created using water and nail polish to create a really pretty design on the nail. I will at some point in the future put up a water marble tutorial when I have the patience for it, because it requires a lot (and I do mean a lot) of patience. It's also the type of manicure that a lot of people seem to have problems with. So since I am able to do it, I feel somewhat responsible to put up a tutorial in the future, to help others who are still struggling.

The "Right" Way To Paint Your Nails: First of all let me just say that there is no right or wrong way to paint your nails. Anyone who claims there is a 'right' or 'wrong' way to paint your nails is probably a nail snob. It's really just important to find a method that works best for you in terms of application. There are a few good rules to follow though. Try to paint the nail in as few strokes as possible (I can get all my nails in 2 or 3 strokes). Clean up any polish around the nail on the cuticle as soon as possible. Go slow it's easier to avoid mistakes when you go slow. Start with you pinkie and work toward your thumb so you are not reaching over wet nails to polish (it minimizes smudges). Wait for each coat to dry completely before applying another coat (or you will get bubbles). Don't shake the bottle, invert it (tightly capped) and roll it between your palms. Base coats keep polish from staining your nails. Top coats seal  the polish together and decrease chances of chipping. Lastly don't forget to paint the free edge (with base coat at the beginning and top coat at the end) this creates a better seal and decreases the frequency of chips. 

How To File Your Nails: Okay well here's how I file my nails. From right to left (on my left hand) and from left to right (on my right hand). It doesn't seem to matter which way you prefer but make sure you don't seesaw the file across your nail, as this can increase the chance of the nail peeling. Also it's important to note that you shouldn't file your nails when they are wet, because your nails are not as strong. You could end up doing more harm than good if you file them when they are wet. It's also important to note that it's not a good idea to share nail files with anyone. I have heard some scary stories of nail fungus spreading by sharing files. It's just good practice to have a file just for you and to avoid salons or people who want to use the same files on every one they work on (unless they are sanitized between each use and only glass files can be properly sanitized). Plus it's just better to have you own personal file so you know where it's been.

Nail Secrets: I get a lot of questions from people on how to get your nails to grow. Here's what works for me and I hope it works for you. Most importantly eat well, good nutrition goes a long way. I take a supplement as well. Any supplement with Biotin in it or over the counter prenatal vitamins will help get things growing (and help your hair grow fast and strong as well, it's win, win). It's also important to keep your nails moisturized, it keeps them strong and decreases the likelihood of painful and ugly hangnails. I am a lotion freak because of my skin condition (Dyshidrotic Eczema) and I have also removed all hand soaps with Triclosan from my home (as it's an allergen for me). Triclosan is used to kill germs and funguses but is also very drying on your skin. I was also told by my doctor that as long as you wash for the proper time (30 seconds) with Triclosan free (regular non-antibacterial) soap you will kill all the same germs as antibacterial soap so no hygiene worries there. Also I lotion after every hand washing. I also use Solar (or cuticle) oil right after I polish my nails. It's also important (at least for me) to keep my nails polished. The bottom line  is that to grow your nails you need to nourish your nails (great nails start with a healthy diet), keep them moisturized (lotion is your friend), and keep them polished. This is what has worked for me.

NAIL POLISH FINISHES

Duo-Chrome Finish: This finish is kind of hard to explain. Essentially a Duo-Chrome polish is a polish that shines with two or more colors. Basically as you move your finger the color you see changes depending on the angle and the light situation. I don't currently have any true duo-chrome polishes (yet) so I won't put a picture up but if you want to see a true Duo-Chrome polish do a Google Image search for OPI - Just Spotted The Lizard, it's the best example I can think of.

Holographic finish:  This is a high shine finish that is kind of metallic and very eye catching. Think of the old school holograms that came in cereals, and Cracker Jack boxes. It's the nail polish equivalent of that. It's also got the same look to it as some of the hologram seals I've seen on my husband's baseball cards. Expect to pay more for true holographic polishes because of the higher cost of the holographic pigment in them.

Color Club: Worth The Risqué

Matte Finish: A matte finish is just like a finish you would expect in any matte makeup. When the polish dries it has a flat almost frosted glass look to it. Almost all major brands have some form of matte polish. You can also buy Matte top coats that make any nail polish matte.  

China Glaze: Sun Worshiper

Flakie Glitter: Flakie glitters are all the rage right now and they are a lot of fun if you like a lot of sparkle. This type of polish has a torn flake like appearance and is usually iridescent (changes color based on the color behind it and the lighting). These polishes are usually best over another color. Use light underneath a flakey polish for a more subtle sparkle. Use dark polish (or black) to see a more dramatic color, or to show off more what the flakey has to offer.

Finger Paints: Asylum

Jelly Polish: A jelly polish is a polish that dries to a jelly finish. It also has a fairly transparent base color that when dried looks almost like a jelly shoe (you remember those don't you?). Most of the Deborah Lippmann 'glitter' polishes are in fact jelly polishes with glitter in them. Also a lot of colors that are marked as "French Manicure" polishes are jelly polishes. A hint of color and a shiny dried jelly like finish.

Deborah Lippmann: Lady Sings The Blues

Glitter Polish: Glitter polish is pretty self explanatory. It's a polish with lots, and lots of glitter in them. They usually have a clear base and varying sizes/colors/shapes of glitter suspended in them. Think nail bling...lots and lots of nail bling.

OPI: Gone Gonzo

Crème Finish Polish: This happens to be one of my favorite nail polish finishes/formulas. These are polishes that have a creamy base to them. They come in a wide variety of colors and kind of look like someone added milk to the polish for a creamy color (hence the name). Every brand makes crème polishes.

China Glaze: Below Deck

Indie Polish:  An Indie polish is a nail polish that is made by a non-mainstream company. Usually 'mom and pop' style venders who love nail polish and make great original polishes that mainstream nail polish companies would never make. They are hand crafted, in smaller batches by sellers who care about their products and take pride in their work (and they should they are all insanely talented and make great products). A good place to buy these is on the Etsy or Ninja Polish websites.

Franken Polish:  A Franken polish is a nail polish that is made by combining two (or more) nail polishes, glitters, or pigments  in order to create a new original color of nail polish. I personally have made a few of these and it's great fun. Especially when someone looks at your polish and says "Where did you get it?" and you get to say "I made it." Plus it's a great way to use up all those almost empty bottles you have lurking around. If you don't have any yet give it time you will.

Onyx Polish (My Franken) : Nicole's Eyes

Nail Striping Pen/Brush:  This is a nail art tool where nail polish is in a special container that has both a skinny fine bristled brush and a pen like tip for dots. These make nail art fast and easy. Almost every brand has some form of this whether it's a pure striper or a pure nail art pen. I have Nail star because they were insanely cheap on Ebay.

Nail Star: Black

I think I covered every thing...if not and you still have questions leave me a comment and I'll add it to this post or save it for the next nail terminology post. As always stay classy and stay polished.
XOXO