When it comes to finding the perfect color match for your nail beds, OPI beats the competition. OPI nail polish colors are a staple in the world of manicures, both professional and DIY, for many reasons. Over the years, the formulas have kept up with the times without sacrificing quality. Today, OPI’s best nail polish options range from gel-like press-ons to vegan polish to the classic professional salon options.
Most importantly, there is never a shortage of shade options. If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of nail polish colors that span the rainbow and beyond, you’ve come to the right place. Our picks for the best OPI nail polish factor in brand new shades and cult classics to keep your fingernails and toenails looking full of life. Think creamy white, cherry red, rich purple and dazzling blue.
So take off that chipped nail polish and get ready to paint your nails with one of these beautiful OPI nail polish colors.
Best OPI paint review:
How we chose the best OPI nail polish colors
To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including formula quality, color spectrum options, and more, to create a short list of the best OPI nail polish colors. We then went through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best OPI nail polish color for each category.
Our choice for the best OPI nail polish colors
Dear red
Big Apple red nail polish
- Classic red shade
- High gloss
- Deep color saturation
- Difficult to combine with other colors
- Can stain nail beds
This iconic, vibrant red will inspire you to take on the world with confidence. It is a bright and shiny true red with striking pigmentation and a rich, glossy finish. However, you may need more than one coat to achieve full coverage.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Shiny
Dear orange
Pants on fire! Nail polish
- Clear and powerful
- Combines nicely with similarly colored clothing
- Shows up on darker skin tones
- May require multiple coats
- Not as vibrant without topcoat
Pants on fire! will remind you of fresh oranges from the forest, with its bright neon color. Although reviewers say it looks best with multiple coats, the pigment payoff is still impressive and it lasts longer than the average polish.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Shiny
Dear yellow
Never a Dulles Moment nail polish
- Neutral yet bright
- Seen on the catwalks of Fashion Week
- Unique yellow shade
- Not the most daring finish
- Not flattering on lighter skin tones
Turn the sidewalk into your personal catwalk while wearing this high fashion-inspired yellow polish. The yellow hue of Never a Dulles Moment is similar to that of curry, although the finish may not be as strong as a classic yellow hue.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Neutral
Best green
Rated Pea-G Nail Polish
- Beautiful blue undertones
- Richly pigmented
- Jade green shade
- Cooler in color than the true pea color
- Muted finish
Rated Pea-G isn’t exactly the same color as a real pea, but it still makes an impression. Richly pigmented and in-your-face striking, the blue undertones give it a more muted finish.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Neutral
Dear blue
Mi Casa Es Blue Casa Nail Polish
- Very saturated
- Even finish it
- Long lasting
- Can wash out pale skin tones
- Not versatile for all seasons
It’s impossible to turn away from Mi Casa Es Blue Casa, a blue color somewhere between navy blue and cornflower. While it may not be your best choice for spring or summer, it is a good choice for the transition to the colder months.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Neutral
Dear purple
Skate to the Party nail polish
- Ideal for nail art
- Ideal for spring and summer
- Clear and powerful
- Shade is too bright for fall and winter
- May not flatter all skin tones
Not quite lavender and not quite violet, Skate to the Party is a truly unique shade of purple. Bright and bold even with nail art, this shade works best for spring and summer.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Shiny
- Doubles as an ideal neutral shade
- Optimal for French manicure
- The pure tone provides a natural look
- Multiple shades may be required for full coverage
- Not clear
Bubble Bath is an OPI classic that compliments all skin tones. While it’s not the brightest color of the bunch, it’s the perfect choice for French manicures or a break between wild manicures.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Pure neutral
Dear white
Alpine snow nail polish
- Perfect for French tips
- Multi-seasonal
- Classic
- May not suit all skin tones
- Polishing may not proceed evenly
White nail polish typically requires several coats to achieve full coverage, and Alpine Snow is no exception. Yet it is suitable for all seasons and especially best as a finishing touch for French manicures.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Shiny
Best nude
Apply it in Neutral Nail Lacquer
- Beige undertones
- Beautiful on browner skin tones
- Ideal for topping with nail art
- Not complementary to lighter skin tones
- Not long lasting
If you want the nail polish without makeup, choose Put it in Neutral. While it’s not ideal for all skin tones, the beige undertones and sheer coverage make it easy to wear no matter your wardrobe or location.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Pure
Dear black
Black Onyx nail polish
- Deep and dark tone
- Black never goes out of fashion
- Good for accent designs
- Needs several coats for full coverage
- The color may change under sunlight
Black Onyx is the little black dress of nail polish colors with its deep shade and rich, creamy finish. Be careful while applying: some reviewers say you need multiple coats for full coverage.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Neutral
Best glitter
Confetti Ready nail polish
- Ideal for parties
- Versatile glitter pigments
- Easy to apply over a solid color
- May be difficult to remove
- Not full coverage
Confetti Ready is an eye-catcher, whether you wear it alone or over another color. Glitter is notoriously difficult to remove and certainly doesn’t provide full coverage, but the versatility of this glitter shade outweighs its setbacks.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Pure
Best vegan color
Knowledge is Flower Natural Origin nail polish
- 9-free and not tested on animals
- Vegetable ingredients
- High gloss finish
- Low wear time
- Prone to chipping
Reviewers can’t rave enough about the color payoff of Knowledge is Flower and OPI’s other vegan options. This flirty pink shade is a popular purchase, thanks to its not-too-bright and not-too-muted coverage.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Opaque
Best metallic color
Nail polish with metallic composition
- Pink tint
- High gloss finish
- Full coverage
- Not versatile enough for spring or summer
- Too shiny with topcoat
The next time you’re invited to a wedding or are just in a flirty mood, cover your nails with Metallic Composition. This high-shine pink shimmers in the sunlight, but is still muted enough to pair with any outfit in your closet.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Metal
Best gel color
Tile art to warm your heart Gel nail polish
- Inspired by architecture
- Cures in 30 seconds under LED light
- Long lasting
- Only available to professional nail technicians
- May require multiple coats
Nail technicians are obsessed with the durability and color options available in OPI’s gel polish range. Curing time is fast and the finish is high gloss, although it may require multiple coats (and curing) for full coverage.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Shiny
Best summer tan
I leave the yacht Infinite Shine Lacquer
- Perfect for holidays
- Bold shadow
- Real turquoise
- Can be too shiny with topcoat
- May wash out lighter skin tones
Don’t leave I’m Yacht Leaving out of your carry-on luggage. This holiday-ready polish is one of the boldest turquoise options available, although the high-gloss finish may be a bit much when paired with a glossy top coat.
Mate: 0.5 floz | Finish: Shiny
Final thoughts
Although it should go without saying, it’s impossible to get bored with OPI’s nail polish colors. The spectrum of shades can make the search for the perfect match seem endless. OPI is also the best brand for discovering shades you never knew existed. Whatever color you choose, be open to combining it with the brand’s nail care products for the best possible results.
How to choose the best OPI color for you
When choosing the best OPI nail polish for you, prioritize the features that matter most. For example, if you are shopping for a specific occasion, think about what you will wear. If you want to revamp your daily routine and save money, look for formulas that are long-lasting and resistant to chipping.
Finish
- Mat. When choosing a matte polish, look for formulas with an even consistency for streak-free coverage.
- Cream. When choosing a cream polish, avoid formulas that require multiple coats
- Metal. Metallic and glitter shades easily hide streaks, so start here if your application skills are shaky.
Color categories
- Bright. Clear polishes are most impressive when the finish is glossy.
- Neutrals. Neutral colors pair beautifully with a bold and eccentric wardrobe.
- net curtains. Sheers are great to have on hand if you want to experiment with mixing shades or nail art.
Occasion
- Every day. Which color you need every day depends on your daily wardrobe. For example, if you tend to wear neutral colors, you may want to add a pop of color to your mani.
- Holidays. Go wild and experiment if you’re going somewhere new and want to emulate the adventurous atmosphere.
- Wedding. Make sure you adhere to the dress code. But if you’re not sure, stick to a neutral or sheer shade.
FAQ
Is OPI the best nail polish brand?
OPI has been around for a long time – over 30 years to be exact – and remains a trusted brand for beauty bloggers, celebrities and anyone who loves to paint their nails. From the unique paint names to the ever-evolving range of formula options to the time-tested base products, it would be incredibly difficult to not find something you love. Its longevity and versatility make it one of the best nail polish brands for beginners and experts alike.
What is the most popular OPI shade of all time?
Recently, two types of nail polish colors have become more popular than ever: bright and bold. And it just so happens that two of OPI’s most iconic shades tick both boxes. Bubble Bath, a pale pink color reminiscent of ballet slippers, is versatile enough to wear as a beige nude, depending on your skin tone and wardrobe. On the other end of the spectrum is Big Apple Red, an electric blush that looks good to eat.
What is the most popular nail polish color now?
If we had to pick just one, it seems like reviewers are most impressed with Big City Red, regardless of the season or trend. This red shade looks great on all skin tones, provides full coverage and is long lasting, with or without a top coat.
