When it comes to finding the perfect color match for your nail beds, OPI sweeps the competition. OPI nail polish shades are a staple in the world of manicures, both professional and DIY, for many reasons. Over the years, its formulas have moved with the times without sacrificing quality. Today, the best OPI nail polish options range from gel-like press-ons to vegan lacquer to its classic salon professional options.
Most importantly, the shade options are never in short supply. If you’re on the hunt for a comprehensive list of nail polish colors that span the rainbow and beyond, you’re in 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 whites, cherry reds, rich purples, and dazzling blues.
So, take off that chipped polish and get ready to paint your nails with one of these gorgeous OPI nail polish shades.
Best OPI polish overview:
- Best red: Big Apple Red Nail Lacquer
- Best orange: Pants on Fire! Nail Lacquer
- Best yellow: Never a Dulles Moment Nail Lacquer
- Best green: Rated Pea-G Nail Lacquer
- Best blue: Mi Casa Es Blue Casa Nail Lacquer
- Best purple: Skate to the Party Nail Lacquer
- Best pink: Bubble Bath Gel Nail Lacquer
- Best white: Alpine Snow Nail Lacquer
- Best nude: Put it in Neutral Nail Lacquer
- Best black: Black Onyx Nail Lacquer
- Best glitter color: Confetti Ready Nail Lacquer
- Best vegan color: Knowledge is Flower Natural Origin Nail Lacquer
- Best metallic color: Metallic Composition Nail Lacquer
- Best gel color: Tile Art to Warm Your Heart Gel Nail Polish
- Best summer hue: I’m Yacht Leaving Infinite Shine Lacquer
How we chose the best OPI nail polish colors
To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including formula quality, shade spectrum options, and more, to create a short list of the best OPI nail polish colors. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best OPI nail polish shade for each category.
Our picks for the best OPI nail polish colors
What we love
- Classic red shade
- High shine
- Deep color saturation
What we don’t love
- Difficult to pair with other colors
- May stain nail beds
This iconic vibrant red will inspire you to take on the world with confidence. It’s a bright and shiny true red with striking pigmentation and a rich, glossy finish. Still, you may need more than one coat to achieve full coverage.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Glossy
What we love
- Bright and bold
- Pairs nicely with similarly colored clothing
- Pops on darker skin tones
What we don’t love
- May need multiple coats
- Not as vibrant without top coat
Pants on Fire! will remind you of fresh oranges from the grove, with its bright neon shade. Though reviewers say it looks best with multiple coats, the pigment payoff is still impressive and lasts longer than your average polish.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Glossy
What we love
- Neutral but still bright
- Seen on Fashion Week runways
- Unique yellow shade
What we don’t love
- Not the boldest finish
- Unflattering on lighter skin tones
Turn the sidewalk into your personal runway while wearing this high fashion-inspired yellow polish. The yellow tone of Never a Dulles Moment resembles that of curry, though the finish may not be as bold as a classic yellow shade.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Neutral
What we love
- Beautiful blue undertones
- Richly pigmented
- Jade green tone
What we don’t love
- Cooler toned than true pea color
- Muted finish
Rated Pea-G isn’t exactly the same color as an actual pea, but it still impresses. Richly pigmented and in-your-face bold, its blue undertones give it a more muted finish.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Neutral
What we love
- Highly saturated
- Even finish
- Long-lasting
What we don’t love
- May 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 and cornflower. Though it may not be your top pick for spring or summer, it’s a nice choice for transitioning into the colder months.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Neutral
What we love
- Ideal for nail art
- Perfect for spring and summer
- Bright and bold
What we don’t love
- 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.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Glossy
What we love
- Doubles as ideal neutral shade
- Optimal for French manicures
- Sheer tone gives off natural look
What we don’t love
- May require multiple shades for full coverage
- Not bright
Bubble Bath is an OPI classic that compliments all skin tones. Though it’s not the brightest shade in the bunch, it’s the perfect choice for French manicures or a break in-between wild manicures.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Sheer neutral
What we love
- Perfect for French tips
- Multi-seasonal
- Classic
What we don’t love
- May not complement all skin tones
- Polish may not go on evenly
White nail polish typically takes multiple coats to achieve full coverage, and Alpine Snow is no exception. Still, it’s suitable for all seasons and especially best for topping off French manicures.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Glossy
What we love
- Beige undertones
- Beautiful on browner skin tones
- Ideal for topping with nail art
What we don’t love
- Not complementary to lighter skin tones
- Not long-lasting
When you want the no makeup-makeup version of nail polish, go for Put it in Neutral. Though it isn’t ideal for all skin tones, its beige undertones and sheer coverage make it easy to wear, no matter your wardrobe or location.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Sheer
What we love
- Deep and dark tone
- Black never goes out of style
- Good for accent designs
What we don’t love
- Needs multiple coats for full coverage
- Color may shift under sunlight
Black Onyx is the little black dress of nail polish shades with its deep tone and rich, creamy finish. Just be careful while applying: some reviewers say you will need multiple coats for full coverage.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Neutral
What we love
- Ideal for celebrations
- Versatile glitter pigments
- Easy to layer on top of solid color
What we don’t love
- May be difficult to remove
- Not full coverage
Confetti Ready is a head-turner whether you wear it alone or on top of another color. Glitter is notoriously tricky to remove and definitely doesn’t give the fullest coverage, but the versatility of this glitter shade outshines its setbacks.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Sheer
What we love
- 9-free and cruelty-free
- Plant-based ingredients
- High-shine finish
What we don’t love
- 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 hue is a popular buy, thanks to its not-too-bright and not-too-muted coverage.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Opaque
What we love
- Rosy hue
- High-shine finish
- Full coverage
What we don’t love
- Not versatile enough for spring or summer
- Too shiny with top coat
Next time you’re invited to a wedding or just in a flirty mood, cover your nails in Metallic Composition. This high-shine pink glimmers under sunlight but is still muted enough to pair with any outfit in your closet.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Metallic
What we love
- Inspired by architecture
- Cures in 30 seconds under LED light
- Long-lasting
What we don’t love
- Only available to pro nail techs
- May need multiple coats
Nail technicians are obsessed with the durability and color options available in OPI’s gel polish range. Cure time is fast, and the finish is high-shine, though this one may need multiple coats (and curing) for the fullest coverage.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Glossy
What we love
- Perfect for vacation
- Bold shade
- True turquoise
What we don’t love
- May be too shiny with top coat
- May wash out lighter skin tones
Don’t leave I’m Yacht Leaving out of your carry-on. This vacation-ready polish is one of the boldest turquoise options out there, though the high-shine finish may be a little too much when paired with a glossy top coat.
Size: 0.5 fl oz | Finish: Glossy
Final thoughts
Though it should go without saying, it’s impossible to get bored with OPI nail polish colors. The spectrum of shades can make the search for a perfect match feel never-ending. OPI is also the best brand for discovering shades you didn’t even know existed. Whatever color you choose, be open to pairing 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’re shopping for a specific occasion, consider what you’ll be wearing. If you’re revamping your everyday routine and want to save money, look for formulas that are long-lasting and chip-resistant.
Finish
- Matte. When choosing a matte polish, look for formulas with an even consistency for streak-free coverage.
- Creme. When choosing a creme polish, avoid formulas that require multiple coats
- Metallic. Metallic and glitter shades easily hide streaking, so start here if your application skills are shaky.
Color categories
- Brights. Bright polishes impress most when the finish is glossy.
- Neutrals. Neutrals pair nicely with a bold and eccentric wardrobe.
- Sheers. Sheers are great to have on hand when you want to experiment with blending shades or nail art.
Occasion
- Everyday. Your go-to everyday shade will depend on your everyday wardrobe. For example, if you tend to wear neutral colors, you may want to add a pop of color with your mani.
- Vacation. Go wild and experiment when you’re heading somewhere new and want to match the adventurous vibe.
- Wedding. Be sure to adhere to the dress code. But when you’re not sure, stick with a neutral or sheer shade.
FAQ
Is OPI the best nail polish brand?
OPI has been around for a long time – more than 30 years, to be exact – and remains a trusted brand for beauty bloggers, celebrities, and anyone else who loves to paint their nails. From the unique polish names to the ever-evolving range of formula options to the tried-and-true staples, 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 novices and experts alike.
What’s the most popular OPI shade of all time?
As of late, two types of nail polish shades are more popular than ever: bright-bold and barely there. And it just so happens that two of OPI’s most iconic shades check off both boxes. Bubble Bath, a light pink that will make you think of ballet slippers, is versatile enough to pull off as a beige nude, depending on your skin tone and wardrobe. On the other end of the spectrum is Big Apple Red, an electric rouge that looks good enough to eat.
What’s the most popular nail polish color now?
If we had to choose just one, it seems reviewers are most impressed with Big City Red, no matter the season or trend. This red shade looks beautiful on all skin tones, delivers full coverage, and stays put for a long time, with or without a top coat.