13 Best OPI Nail Colors That Never Go Out of Style

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 15, 2024
best OPI colors
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You too can polish up real nice like T. Swift, if you are going out tonight, with some help from the best OPI nail colors, and make your nails (and the whole place) shimmer. Drawing from our experience, there's rarely a person who doesn't love some hint of color on their nails, and what can be better than finding the right ones that fit your preferences and lifestyle from the fan-favorite brand, OPI?

You must have seen the huge presence of OPI nail polishes in nail salons. And why won't you? This brand has been winning hearts ever since it entered the beauty scene. Based on our firsthand experience, they are known for their high-quality formulas with impeccable finishes. They offer a wide range of colors which has made OPI as famous as it is today. OPI is not just loved by nail enthusiasts but also by nail experts. In fact, OPI has created a whole network of nail professionals from celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik to famous nail artist Mei Kawajiri who have taken the brand to the red carpet and fashion runways. These nail artists not only help with product development to stay up-to-date with the latest trends but also create new styles to make OPI the trendsetter in the industry, whether it is with Hailey Beiber’s chrome glazed donut manicure or Kendall Jenner’s signature neutral nails. 

They cater to all, irrespective of their skin tones, age groups, gender, moods, and preferences at affordable prices. Whether you want a bold glam look or a subtle everyday office look, there is something for everyone. No wonder your nail professional keeps reaching out to the most popular OPI colors every time you go in for a manicure. We are here to help you explore some of the top OPI nail colors so that you can achieve a professional-looking manicure without taking even a single step out of your home. We tested several products to curate this selection with our best picks. Keep reading to learn more details about our handpicked recommendations and get closer to your dream nails.

13 Best OPI Nail Colors

The best way to narrow down the color choices is to go looking for the popular OPI colors. And that's what we will do too! Classic Formula, true to its name, is a classic light pink shade that will leave your nails with a healthy-looking pinkish glow. It is the perfect shade to add to your manicure kit if you are a fan of a natural glossy finish. It will leave the onlookers wondering if you are truly wearing nail polish or if those are your natural nails. Our team discovered through using this product that it lasts a long time, especially with a base and a top coat.

Pros
  • Excellent consistency
  • Looks elegant
  • Easy to apply and remove
  • Good for daily use
  • Perfect for French nails
Cons
  • Takes more than one coat to show true color
  • Best Overall

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Less is Norse

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Less is Norse
  • Less is Norse is a beautiful bluish-gray color with more blue than gray. It has super-rich pigmentation that changes shades depending on the light you are in. It may look like an almost dark denim blue or a very dark blue that almost looks black. This is clearly one of the best OPI nail colors for Fall and can be your perfect companion during the season of the witch. When we trialed this product, we discovered that this deep tone can last around 10 days without budging.

    Pros
    • Good color payoff
    • High-quality formula
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Dries quickly
    • Goes with all outfits
    • Easy to take off
    Cons
    • None
  • Best Nude

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Bubble Bath

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Bubble Bath
  • Get ready to dive into a sea of compliments with Bubble Bath, a stunning shade of pink. It is the perfect neutral pink, one of the top OPI colors, that looks like your natural nail color but better, especially for lighter skin tones. Many people including celebrity nail artists often compare it with the essie Ballet Slippers. This sheer pink looks good on all skin tones and for all occasions. It is one of the most fuss-free and fun polish shades with a glossy finish. After conducting experiments with it, we found out that you can build this color up to create an even more intense pink if that's what you like. Thanks to its very natural-looking finish, you can also use this nail lacquer as a base coat.

    Pros
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Even application
    • Beautiful finish
    • Lasts long
    • Chip-resistant
    • Ideal for spring and summer
    Cons
    • May take longer to dry
  • Best Coverage

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Alpine Snow

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Alpine Snow
  • There are a lot of fans of Alpine Snow, and why won't there be! It is one of the most popular OPI nail colors because it is a true white shade, something that's not very easy to find. It is intensely pigmented and doesn't require more than one coat to show its real range. You can use it to create French tips either with a clear nail polish or some pastel color to create an overall soft look. Through our practical knowledge, we can suggest using this shade as a base coat to bring out the vividness of other shades. This shade is also available in a gel variant so that you can get the best gel manicures.

    Pros
    • Good color payoff
    • Applied evenly
    • Gives good coverage
    • Value for money
    • Makes hands look brighter
    • Dries quickly
    Cons
    • Chips easily
  • Best Red

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Big Apple Red

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Big Apple Red
  • There are many popular OPI red colors, but it was Big Apple Red that caught our eye with its vividness. It is a luscious red color that can stand toe to toe with the fabled red color of Snow White's lips. With the promise of lasting for about 7 days, you can make the most of this nail color, thanks to its versatility. Whether you are going for a formal event or casual dinner, it will add a pop of color, and a touch of dramatic glam to instantly elevate all your outfits. Our investigation demonstrated that it is one of the cult classics that gives a boost to overall confidence and can make you look more attractive as is established by the red nail theory. You can also try Cajun Shrimp from OPI if you love red shades.

    Pros
    • Gorgeous shade
    • Versatile
    • Bright and glossy finish
    • Creamy texture
    • Best suited for dark skin tones
    • Long-lasting
    • Easy to remove
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Application may not feel smooth
  • Best Vegan

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Lincoln Park After Dark

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Lincoln Park After Dark
  • Lincoln Park, After Dark, can easily become one of your favorite OPI colors. It is already a popular choice and has a cult following that is nowhere near stopping. It is a lovely deep plum hue that suits all skin tones and will go well with your entire fall and winter wardrobe. You can even use it in warmer weather, especially if you love the goth vibes that it will bring. Our findings show that with an incredible formula, this nail color is very much true to the hype around it.

    Pros
    • Lasts long
    • Highly pigmented
    • Good color payoff
    • Creamy texture
    • Vegan
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Thick consistency not easy to apply
  • Best for All Skin Tones

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Malaga Wine

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Malaga Wine
  • Give voice to your inner femme fatale this season and rake in the confidence boost that comes with the super gorgeous Malaga Wine, one of the classic OPI colors. It is a versatile and universally flattering cherry red that sometimes looks more like a wine red and sometimes more like blood red. It can transform your whole look and aesthetics without doing too much, a true sign of being one of the most iconic shades from OPI. All it needs to do is exist at your fingertips. We have found from using this product that it is the ideal go-to choice for all occasions, whether it is Valentine's Day or Christmas, and is the ideal companion to a black dress.

    Pros
    • Great quality
    • Offers good coverage
    • Intense pigmentation
    • Good color payoff
    • Lasts long
    • Quick-drying
    Cons
    • Color not true to representation
  • Best for Winter

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Stay Off the Lawn

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Stay Off the Lawn
  • You will begin to love this green shade just as much as we love its name. Keeping up with their cheeky and creative nail polish names, Stay Off the Lawn is one of the best OPI dark colors that will remind you of the deep, lush green forests. It comes with a promise of staying for a week, which may not be as long as many other OPI nail polishes last. However, our research indicates that it makes up for the lack of longevity with an extremely smooth application and stunning semi-matte finish that has just the right amount of gloss.

    Pros
    • Pretty color
    • Has nicely thick consistency
    • Easy to apply
    • Super rich pigmentation
    • Creamy texture
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Does not chip easily
    Cons
    • Some may not like the blue undertones
  • Best Neutral Shade

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Samoan Sand

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Samoan Sand
  • This award-winning shade is one of the best neutral OPI colors that are a must-have for an incredible at-home manicure experience. A beautiful blend of beige and pink, Samoan Sand is a unique and attractive color that can be easily worn daily as well as for special events. It has a sheer finish that can be transformed into an intense and bold color with a few extra coats. After trying out this product, we found that it is comfortable to wear despite the extra coats.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Dries quickly
    • Long-lasting
    • Good for everyday use
    • Looks good on fair and medium skin tones
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • May look streaky
  • Best for Fair Skin

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Barefoot in Barcelona

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Barefoot in Barcelona
  • You can never have enough of nude and neutral nail colors. That is why you must get your hands on a beautiful nude that goes by the name of Barefoot in Barcelona. This OPI neutral nail color only requires a single coat to show off its true hue. It has a mostly matte finish that can stay on your nails for 7 days without budging anywhere. Based on our observations, you can enhance its life by using a top coat and base coat.

    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    • Well pigmented color
    • Good overall coverage
    • Ideal for summer
    • Chip-resistant
    • Stays on well
    Cons
    • May not suit all skin tones
  • OPI Nail Lacquer, Alpaca My Bags

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Alpaca My Bags
  • This OPI polish color is called Alpaca My Bags and it truly is the only color you need to pack for your vacation and weekend getaways. It goes with all outfits without missing a beat and complements all the colors. No other shade can elevate and bring the whole look together like this one. We determined through our tests that it also has undertones of green, making it a color that will help you stand out in a crowd.

    Pros
    • Beautiful finish
    • Highly pigmented
    • Good color payoff
    • Offers full coverage
    • Lasts long
    • Can be worn year-round
    Cons
    • Availability can be an issue
  • OPI Nail Lacquer, Duomo Days, Isola Nights

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Duomo Days, Isola Nights
  • This sapphire blue shade with a pearlescent finish is for all the night lovers who cannot have enough of the blue sky, particularly when the night falls. This is one of the most popular OPI colors which can be an equally popular addition to your nail kit, thanks to its attractive hue and sheen. You can use this rich color on its own or create nail art and take your manicure to the next level. It is a subtle color with a shiny finish that will capture your heart instantly. Our analysis of this product revealed that it can easily last a week or more without budging.

    Pros
    • Rich texture
    • Heavily pigmented
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Lasts long
    • Perfect for all seasons
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • None
  • OPI Nail Lacquer, Tile Art to Warm Your Heart

    OPI Nail Lacquer, Tile Art to Warm Your Heart
  • A list of beautiful nail colors is incomplete without the mention of a beautiful and bright shade of blue that shines the most vibrant and catches everyone's eye. And we are here with that exact kind of blue color. With a love-at-first-swipe kinda deal, this mosaic blue is one of the best OPI summer colors. Whether you have short nails or long nails, it will look the prettiest at any nail length and shape. As per our expertise, it is a bold shade and you can get the full color in one swipe. However, a second coat adds to its vividness and opacity.

    Pros
    • Beautiful color
    • Super pigmented
    • Can be layered with ease
    • Goes on smoothly
    • Doesn’t streak
    • Gives full coverage
    Cons
    • None

    How to Choose the Best OPI Colors?

    Choosing the best OPI colors for your next manicure may feel exciting as well as challenging. But, you don't have to worry as we are here with our detailed buying guide that will help you find your ideal match. Here are some factors that you must carefully consider when you go shopping for the top OPI colors:

    Skin Tones  

    Consider your skin tone first since it plays a huge role in deciding which shades will suit you the best. Fair skin tones, for instance, must opt for pastels, pinks, and light neutrals while darker skin tones look the best with deep and bright shades of reds, oranges, neons, and brown nudes. Olive or medium skin tones can pull off any color from coral and blue to green and brown shades. Shades like creamy whites and hot pink are universally flattering.

    Undertones

    You must consider your skin undertones, whether you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. While warm undertones pair well with oranges and reds, colors like purple and pink are more suited for cool undertones. Nail polish colors with a blue undertone complement cool undertones and the ones with a red or orange undertone complement warm undertones.

    Ingredients

    OPI is free of 9 harsh and harmful ingredients, including formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, xylene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), camphor, parabens, ethyl tosylamide, and triphenyl phosphate. But that should not stop you from checking the product label. Ensure that there are no ingredients in the nail polish of our choice that can cause any allergy or irritation.

    Finish

    Matte, shimmery, glossy, glittery, and sheer—OPI nail polishes come in varying finishes just as they come in varying colors. Pick the one that fits your preferences and the occasion where you will be wearing the nail polish.

    Pigmentation and Color Payoff

    Pick colors that are intensely pigmented and offer a good color payoff. This will ensure that your nail polish color looks vibrant and you don't have to apply multiple layers to get the desired color.

    Other Features

    Look for a long-lasting and chip-resistant formula so that you don't have to keep coming back to fix your manicure every few days. OPI nail polishes are known for their longevity and chip resistance, so you don't have to worry about this aspect.

    Occasion and Season

    Things like occasion and season must be considered too. For instance, neutral shades and soft pastels are ideal for daily wear to the office or a formal lunch, while brighter reds and dramatic greens are best for brunch with friends, date night, or a party.

    Similarly, bright and bold colors are more suited for the summer season, while deep earthy tones go well in fall and winter.

    Outfit 

    Since you usually coordinate your nail polish with your outfits, consider the colors that complement the colors and vibes of your clothes the most. You can also pick neutral colors like beige, nude, and brown as they are versatile and can go with any outfit.

    Read Reviews

    Make sure to read customer reviews and feedback on various online platforms and nail blogs to gain a better understanding of the real-life efficacy and performance of the OPI colors of your choice.

    How to Apply OPI Nail Polish?

    Applying the OPI nail polish requires no rocket science. However, there are ways through which you can extend the life and vibrancy of your manicure. So here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply OPI nail polish for optimal results:

    • Start with clean and dry hands. You must remove the existing nail polish using an acetone-free nail polish remover if you are wearing any.
    • Trim your nails to the desired length and using a nail file, shape them away to achieve your desired nail shape.
    •  Be gentle with your cuticles. You don't have to remove them. Gently pushing them back will also do the trick.
    • Create a smooth nail surface by gently buffing out your nails.
    • If you will use a UV or LED lamp, don't forget to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
    • Apply a thin and even layer of base coat to each nail. This helps your nail polish to adhere better and prevents your nails from yellowing.
    • Once the base coat has dried completely, start applying a thin and even layer of the OPI nail polish color.
    • Shake it well before use so that the color is evenly mixed. 
    • When it comes to application, start at the base and take the brush up and then to the sides.
    • Apply a second or a third layer only if it is necessary, and only when the first coat has dried completely. 
    • Finish off with a thin layer of top coat to seal in all the layers of color below. This ensures that your nail polish stays on for a long time without fading, chipping, or losing its vibrancy.
    • Let your nails air dry. If you are using gel nail polish or gel top coat, cure it under the UV lamp according to the duration specified in the instructions.

    And that's it! You did it!

    Everyone loves a good ol' vibrant manicure that can make the whole place shimmer. And now you can easily take your nail game to the next level with the help of some of the best OPI colors. They have a luxe texture, a wide and vivid collection of colors, and an intense color payoff that will ensure your nails become the center of attention wherever you go. OPI has something for everyone with its wide range, starting from everyday nude shades and flirty pinks to dazzling blues and glam reds so that you can freely express your unique style and personality. So, whether you are going for your regular day at the office or on a dinner date, these OPI nail polish colors will be your perfect companions.

    FAQ's

    Is OPI a good nail polish brand?
    Yes, OPI is a good nail polish brand.
    Why is OPI so popular?
    OPI is so popular because of their superior formula, intense pigmentation, vibrant colors, rich texture, and durability. They also have very cute and creative names for every nail polish.
    Are all OPI nail polishes formaldehyde-free?
    Yes, all OPI nail polishes are formaldehyde-free.
    Are OPI nail polishes cruelty-free and vegan?
    OPI nail polishes are neither cruelty-free nor vegan. However, they have some vegan options available.
    How long do OPI nail polishes last?
    OPI nail polishes can last anywhere between 7 to 21 days, depending on their formula, your lifestyle, and method of doing your nails.
    Do nail polishes expire?
    Yes, like every other product, nail polishes expire as well. They typically have a shelf life of about 2 years.
    How many coats of nail polish should you apply?
    There is no hard and fast rule about the ideal coats of nail polish. It depends on the consistency of the nail polish and its color payoff. However, typically, 2 to 3 coats are applied.
    What nail color looks most professional?
    Grays, nudes, and pastel shades are some nail colors that look the most professional. If you are still confused, you can opt for a French manicure.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Sayantani, the author, is a certified makeup expert who loves colorful and vibrant nails. In her opinion, OPI is one of the best nail polish brands that offer some of the most gorgeous colors with intense pigmentation and professional-quality finish. That is why she curated this selection with her picks of the best OPI nail polish colors. Her favorite shades include Malaga Wine and Samoan Sand.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More