Hello Kitty Celebrates 50th Anniversary With OPI Collection

OPI announces a new OPI x Hello Kitty collection with a palette inspired by the global icon to celebrate her 50th anniversary.
OPI announces a new OPI x Hello Kitty collection with a palette inspired by the global icon to celebrate her 50th anniversary.
Courtesy of OPI

OPI announces a new OPI x Hello Kitty collection with a palette inspired by the global icon to celebrate her 50th anniversary.

With six new limited-edition shades, including bold crèmes and supercute shimmers, and four limited-edition xPRESS/ON styles, this collection will have fans saying, "Let’s Be Friends Forever!" 

“For the past 50 years, Hello Kitty has inspired fans of all ages to express themselves authentically, and with this new OPI collection, fans can show off their unique style and personality with the global icon herself,” says Jill Koch, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Brand Management and Creative at Sanrio, Inc. “We invite fans to join in on the fun and celebrate her milestone year with these supercute shades from OPI that capture her kind spirit and charm.” 

The first OPI x Hello Kitty collection debuted in 2016, and the iconic shade Let’s Be Friends! was born. This collection unveils Let’s Be Friends Forever, a fresh new take on the bestselling hue. 

“OPI first collaborated with Hello Kitty in 2016 and then again in 2019. This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of Hello Kitty together,” states OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “She’s a beloved global icon that spans across generations, much like OPI. With this collection we celebrate the past 50 years of Hello Kitty and look forward to many more years of spreading friendship, kindness and inclusivity. Hello Kitty is a friend to all, and we are friends forever: OPI and Hello Kitty!” 

The shades in the collection are reminiscent of Hello Kitty and evoke the joy and playful nature of the two brands. Bow-tiful artificial nail styles allow for instant nail art featuring Hello Kitty’s bow and face. These xPRESS/ON looks include pink shimmer ombré, signature Hello Kitty red, iridescent silver-pink and light pink iridescent glitter, offering a super cute way to celebrate Hello Kitty’s anniversary. 

"Our first Hello Kitty partnership brought about one of the brand’s most popular shades, Let’s Be Friends!,” explains OPI Global Director of Color Equity Jill Bartoshevich. “This year, we are introducing Let’s Be Friends Forever, a play on the original favorite, but with a rich gold shimmer. Another standout from the collection is Hello Kitty, Hello Pretty. We’ve taken the iconic Hello Kitty red and added a little sparkle to celebrate her 50 years. Lastly, Hello Kindness is a bright, bold green with a flip effect, showing different shades of green in different lights.”

This collection also gives users an inside look at OPI new Intelli-Gel Technology, which they unveiled at Premiere Orlando.

“Now, you can have iconic OPI x Hello Kitty color in our best formula ever—with higher viscosity for even, smooth coverage, three weeks of professional wear and supercharged gloss. Once again, consumers can find the shades and formulas that are just right for them," shares OPI Global Director of Color Equity Jill Bartoshevich.

Six limited-edition shades will be color-matched and available in Nail Lacquer and new GelColor with OPI exclusive Intelli-Gel Technology including:

  • Let’s Be Friends Forever: A sheer silver shimmer that’ll be your BFF.
  • Hello Kitty, Hello Pretty: A semi-sheer red shimmer that’s as pretty as hue!
  • Big Celebration: A sheer peachy shimmer that’s a party!
  • Follow Your Heart: A deep pink crème you’ll absolutely heart.
  • Supercute Color: A semi-sheer lavender shimmer that’s cuteness overload.
  • Hello Kindness: A pear green shimmer that’s super sweet.

Four limited-edition OPI xPRESS/ON styles will include: 

  • Cute as Ever: Live Hello Kitty’s dream with this shimmery pink ombre press-on set.
  • Bow-tiful: Nail Hello Kitty’s signature red with this press-on set featuring her iconic bows.
  • Shine Bright*: Shine like Hello Kitty with this 3D silvery pink iridescent press-on set.
  • Super Sweet*: Press on Hello Kitty’s sweetness with this glittery light pink set.

For pros looking to preview the new GelColor Intelli-Gel System™, there is an OPI x Hello Kitty mini trio pack. The pack includes the full GelColor system: step 1: Super Base Base Coat, step 2: color with Follow Your Heart, a bright pink crème shade, step 3: Super Gloss Top Coat. The mini trio pack includes everything you need to experience OPI’s smartest gel ever. 

Beginning July 1, 2024, Hello Kitty Nail Lacquers will retail for $11.99 US ($14.50 CAN) each at Professional Salons, OPI.com, ULTA, ulta.com and Amazon.com. OPI xPRESS/ON styles will retail for $15.99 US ($21.99 CAN) at OPI.com, ULTA, ulta.com, Amazon.com, Sally Beauty and sallybeauty.com.

*The Shine Bright and Super Sweet sets are exclusively available at ULTA. Color is an in-salon professional service only. 

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