How long do nail polishes last?

The length of time a manicure will last depends entirely on your lifestyle as well as the formula type. In the case of traditional lacquers like these, Seney notes that you can expect your manicure to stay chip-free for up to 10 days. (Gel manis tend to last about two weeks.) That said, if you tend to be tough on your hands—and that includes frequent dishwashing—or use your nails as tools, your mani may not make it to seven days. If you’re curious to know how long a bottle tends to last for most people, Seney suggests about three months if you religiously use the same color and keep your application technique consistent.

How do you make nail polish last longer?

You may have heard the term “proper preparation prevents poor performance,” and that adage applies to painting your nails, too. “Prep is key to making your manicure last ,” says Jimenez. She says removing any excess cuticle from the nail plate is important: “Gently push back and remove non-living tissue from the nail using an orangewood stick and OPI Exfoliating Cuticle Cream ,” she says, then cleanse the nail with alcohol before applying your primer or base coat. How you apply your polish also makes a difference in how long your manicure lasts. In addition to keeping polish off your cuticles, be sure to paint the tip of the nail, which will help prevent premature chipping. “Pros call this ‘capping off the free edge,’” says Jimenez. Once your polish has fully dried, regularly apply cuticle oil throughout the lifespan of your mani. “It will keep your nails from drying out, which will aid in the prevention of chipping ,” she adds.

Do nail polishes expire?

Like all beauty products, nail polishes do expire —and you can figure out when by looking at the back of the bottle for a small symbol that looks like a jar with a small number. “This image shows that the expiration time from after opening is 24 months,” says Jimenez, who uses the two-year mark as a guide. “This doesn’t mean the polish is going to go bad in exactly two years, but there may be a change in performance or shade shifting—my motto is when in doubt, throw it out .” That two-year rule changes for gel polishes, which have a lifespan closer to three years. “Since a gel bottle is not see-through, its life is longer versus that of a regular polish, with a bottle that can see light,” Seney explains.

How many coats of nail polish should you apply?

Aside from your base coat and top coat, two layers of nail polish should be sufficient, though some shades may require three coats while others could only necessitate one. When you apply your first coat, it’s critical to lay it on very thinly. “You don’t want to clump on a heavy coat,” warns Seney, “I always say this: Your first coat of polish is for coverage, your second coat of polish is for color.” Once your first layer is dry—Jimenez says two minutes should do it—you can slick on your second coat, using a bit more polish than the first. “This is when the color is going to really show and be vibrant,” Seney adds.

What nail color looks most professional?

What looks professional and what doesn’t mostly depend on you and your job. “Everyone has a different take on what is professional,” says Seney. “I think that clean nails with a great polish is professional.” She gave a few recommendations, including light, soft pinks, true reds, and even moody plum hues.

The 17 Best OPI Nail Colors of 2024

If you’ve ever gotten a professional manicure, chances are, you’re very familiar with the following situation: You walk through the door of your nail salon, are told to pick a color, and then face that daunting wall of lacquers. There can only be one, yet it can feel near impossible to select a winner from so many shades. We’re not ashamed to admit that on some occasions, we’ve spent more than five minutes hemming and hawing before choosing a hue.

But even if you do your own manicures, choosing the right shade can also be challenging—after all, you’ll want to make sure you go with a salon-quality brand, like OPI, for long-lasting coverage and a glossy, pro finish. Sometimes, it can be helpful to narrow things down by picking a brand first and then going from there. A classic salon fave is OPI, a brand that’s been on the beauty scene since 1981. In addition to being recognized for its broad range of shades that include more unexpected colors, OPI is beloved for its many cheeky and punny polish names.

We conducted hours of research on the best OPI nail colors, evaluating them on finish, shades, and popularity. After consulting with nail artists Galdina Jimenez and Trenna Seney, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated choices.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

OPI Bubble Bath at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best for Fall:

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best for Nail Art:

OPI Nail Lacquer, Bare My Soul at Opi.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Red:

OPI Big Apple Red at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best for Fair Skin Tones:

OPI Nail Lacquer Baby, Take a Vow at Ulta ($14)

Jump to Review

Best for Medium Skin Tones:

OPI Cajun Shrimp at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best for Deep Skin Tones:

OPI Nail Lacquer, Worth a Pretty Penne at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best for Short Nails:

OPI Nail Lacquer, Samoan Sand at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best for Long Nails:

OPI Funny Bunny at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best for Summer:

OPI Let's Be Friends at Amazon ($12)

Jump to Review

Best Overall

OPI Bubble Bath

PHOTO:

OPI

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $12 at Target

What We Like

Can be worn anytime, anywhere
Works on a variety of skin tones
Lasts up to seven days

What We Don't Like

Can be streaky with one coat

This sheer light pink rules supreme for its versatility. Despite its fair hue, it’s flattering on all skin tones and is the perfect choice for work, weddings, and every occasion in between. Celebrity nail artist Trenna Seney refers to it as “clean” and “sweet,” and we’d have to agree. Plus, the formula dries quickly and lasts up to seven days.

Finish: Sheer | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best for Fall

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark

OPI Nail Lacquer in Lincoln Park After Dark

PHOTO:

Amazon

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $12 at Target

What We Like

Flatters all skin tones
Great alternative to black
Moody without being "goth"

What We Don't Like

Dark color can be hard to fully remove

One of the brand’s most iconic shades, this dark eggplant hue was named by both our experts (and ourselves) as a must. “It’s my edgy go-to,” says Galdina Jimenez, OPI Education Manager for North America. “It gives boss energy—it’s an eye-catching color,” adds Seney. If you usually reach for red or black during the falls, this dark purple is the perfect way to switch it up.

Finish: Gloss | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best for Nail Art

OPI Nail Lacquer, Bare My Soul

PHOTO:

Opi

View on Opi.com View on Beyondpolish.com $12 at sallybeauty.com

What We Like

A dressier alternative to a bare nail
Looks clean and professional
Chips are barely noticeable

What We Don't Like

May be too sheer for some

If you need “a little something” on your nails but don’t want to commit to a more vibrant manicure, check out the subtly mauve-nude Bare My Soul. “I love this shade as a base for negative space art, French manicures, and wearing alone,” says Jimenez.

Finish: Sheer | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best Red

OPI Big Apple Red

PHOTO:

Amazon

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $12 at Target

What We Like

Rich color
Flatters all skin tones
Fully opaque in two coats

What We Don't Like

Not an uncommon shade, can be found at a more economical price
Chips are visible

Ready to turn heads? Try Big Apple Red. “It’s bold, it screams confidence and is definitely a part of ‘the red nail theory,” says Seney, referring to the philosophy that people are attracted to partners wearing red nail polish. It’s not too warm or cool, so it flatters all skin tones.

Finish: Créme | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best for Fair Skin Tones

OPI Nail Lacquer Baby, Take a Vow

PHOTO:

Opi

$14 at Ulta $12 at sallybeauty.com

What We Like

Makes nails look fresh and clean
Always appropriate
Easy "your nails but better" shade

What We Don't Like

Can be hard to even out with just one coat

This sweet shade is a milky baby pink that makes nails look healthy and classy, regardless of whether or not you choose to add on a French tip. Another bonus? The soft color lasts for up to 11 days, so you’ll get the most out of the polish. Don’t be fooled, though; while you may think it’s the same as Bubble Bath, this shade is much sheerer and a little cooler in undertone…so you should just get both to be safe.

Finish: Glossy | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best for Medium Skin Tones

OPI Cajun Shrimp

PHOTO:

OPI

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $12 at Target

What We Like

Really pops against all complexions, especially medium
Great summer color
Red tone keeps the shade sophisticated

What We Don't Like

Could be too flashy for some

When a lot of people hear the words coral nail polish, they get a little wary—the shade can have a reputation for being cheesy. But not Cajun Shrimp. “This bright red coral color is super eye-catching,” says Seney, who loves using it on medium-toned complexions.

Finish: Gloss | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best for Deep Skin Tones

OPI Nail Lacquer, Worth a Pretty Penne

OPI Nail Lacquer in Worth a Pretty Penne

PHOTO:

Opi

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $12 at Target

What We Like

Looks pretty all year
Sparkles without being over the top
Excellent accent color for a nude manicure

What We Don't Like

Can be harder to find

This rose gold stunner offers a subtle and elegant sparkle that truly shines on deep complexions. Notes of copper and silver in this formula give it an almost foil-like finish. While we think this is a great choice all year, it’s an especially beautiful pick for the winter season.

Finish: Shimmer | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best for Short Nails

OPI Nail Lacquer, Samoan Sand

PHOTO:

Sally

$12 at Amazon $12 at sallybeauty.com $11 at riteaid.com

What We Like

Subtle
Elongates the finger
Chips aren't very noticeable

What We Don't Like

Yellow undertone doesn't flatter cool complexions

This popular neutral is a favorite of everyday nail polish aficionados and celebs alike. Seney recommends using this on short nails for a sweet and easy look. OPI boasts that the polish will remain chip-free for up to two weeks, and the formula doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like toluene, formaldehyde, or DBP.

Finish: Crème | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best for Long Nails

OPI Funny Bunny

PHOTO:

Amazon

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $10 at Walmart

What We Like

Subtle and elegant
Can be built to opaque with several layers
Looks good all year

What We Don't Like

Can be hard to create an even coat with one layer
Often sold out

This sheer, soft white is hard to find these days thanks to one Mrs. Hailey Bieber, who popularized the shade when she wore it as the foundation of her Met Gala “glazed donut” manicure. However, you’re in luck, as we’ve found some spots where it’s available. It looks terribly chic on long nails and lasts for up to seven days.

Finish: Sheer | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best for Summer

OPI Let's Be Friends

PHOTO:

Opi

$12 at Amazon View on Ulta $12 at Target

What We Like

Very flattering on most skins
Bright, not chalky
Applies evenly

What We Don't Like

Surface can stain easily
Can be hard to find

We love this shade for the warmer months because it makes skin look sunkissed, even if you don’t have that summer glow. “It’s my favorite because of how it’s almost white, but not quite, because of its tint of pink,” says Jimenez. Besides fabulous color, the formula boasts other benefits like the fact that it doesn’t contain the harmful chemical formaldehyde and is cruelty-free.

Finish: Crème | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces

Best for Brides

OPI Nail Lacquer, Alpine Snow

PHOTO:

Opi

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $9 at Walmart

What We Like

Brightest, starkest white on the market
Opaque in one coat
Great for pedicures too

What We Don't Like

Chips can be very noticeable

Seney often paints French tips on brides—”they like traditional, cute nails,” she says, and uses this “super white” to do so. While Funny Bunny is a soft white, Alpine Snow is a vibrant paper white shade that is a much more sophisticated version of the Wite-Out you may have painted on your nails in the back of the classroom during algebra.

Finish: Crème | Size: 0.5 oz

Best for Work

OPI Nail Lacquer, Barefoot in Barcelona

OPI Nail Lacquer in Barefoot in Barcelona

PHOTO:

Opi

$13 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at sallybeauty.com

What We Like

Professional but not boring
Timeless shade
Great coverage

What We Don't Like

Not super flattering on fair skin

If you want a professional manicure that isn’t too subdued, Seney suggests reaching for Barefoot in Barcelona. “It’s a safe color that matches any outfit,” she says. It’s a creamy neutral with rose and mauve tones to it—an almost clay color that feels very ‘90s. Those with very fair skin might want to go with a different neutral, though.

Finish: Crème | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best "Wear With Anything" Shade

OPI Nail Lacquer, Less is Norse

PHOTO:

Opi

$11 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $12 at Target

What We Like

Unexpected shade
Flattering to a wide range of skin tones
Opaque in one coat

What We Don't Like

May not be appropriate in very conservative settings

While a cool slate blue may not be the nail color that comes to mind when you’re looking for something versatile, it should be. “This shade reminds me of your ‘favorite jeans’ that just go with everything,” says Jimenez. We can see this mani looking great both with your fall leather jacket and summer linen kaftan.

Finish: Crème | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best Shimmer

OPI Nail Lacquer, I’m Not Really a Waitress

OPI Nail Lacquer in Iâm Not Really a Waitress

PHOTO:

Opi

$12 at Ulta $12 at Target View on Opi.com

What We Like

Unique take on red
Very festive
Flatters most complexions

What We Don't Like

Not for the faint of heart

We couldn’t leave this shade off our list of must-have lacquers from OPI—it’s been a fan favorite since it first launched in 1999. The raspberry-red shade features a luminous shimmer that makes each fingernail glow from within. Plus, the fast-drying formula lasts for up to seven days, so you can have a beautiful manicure for longer.

Finish: Shimmer | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces

Best Taupe

OPI Classic Nail Lacquer, Taupe-Less Beach

PHOTO:

Amazon

View on Amazon $12 at Ulta View on Opi.com

If you’re looking for an in-between color, something that’s not quite one or the other, look no further than OPI’s Taupe-Less Beach. It’s between gray and lavender, and the soft shade (which lasts up to seven days) will surely turn heads because of its unique color.

Finish: Crème | Size: 0.5 fl oz

Best Moody

OPI Nail Lacquer, Malaga Wine

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $12 at sallybeauty.com

This moody, rich red from OPI combines two of the best things: travel and wine. Malaga wine, a sweet blend of grapes from Málaga, Spain, has a deep color that shines because of the crème finish. Don’t be alarmed if you crave a full-bodied red every time you look down at your nails, though.

Finish: Crème | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces

Best Pink

OPI Strawberry Margarita

PHOTO:

Target

$12 at Amazon $12 at Ulta $12 at Target

OPI’s Strawberry Margarita is a pink that just pops. This vibrant color instantly lifts your spirits and is perfect for a beach vacation or to complete that summer wedding guest look. The peachy color packs a punch with the crème finish lasting up to seven days.

Finish: Crème | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces

Where We Stand

Overall, our favorite OPI nail polish is the OPI Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath because its light pink color is perfect for any skin tone and situation. We also love OPI Nail Lacquer in Bare My Soul because it’s a great base to build upon (especially with cool nail art designs).

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also consulted experts for their opinions and used this research to choose the best picks to inform this article.

Attributes we evaluated each OPI nail polish on:

Color
Finish
Efficacy
How certain shades pair with skin tones and situations
Wear
Reviews

What to Look for in OPI Nail Polish

Color: Perhaps the most important aspect of any nail polish selection is the shade. We’ve outlined a bunch of our top picks above (like OPI Nail Lacquer in Let's Be Friends for the summer months), but we wholeheartedly recommend using those colors as a jumping-off point. OPI (as well as other nail brands) makes hundreds of hues, so when selecting your next mani color, don’t be afraid to go with your gut or try something new—you never know when you’ll discover your next fave shade.
Ingredients: As beauty formulas have gotten cleaner over the years, so have nail polishes—but many lacquers continue to get a bad rap. This makes sense as polishes frequently contain chemicals that are recognized as carcinogens when tested on animals, though they’re used in smaller amounts. OPI is a three-free brand, which means its formulas, like OPI Nail Lacquer in Samoan Sand, don’t contain three of the most hazardous ingredients commonly found in nail polish: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).
Finish: Almost as varied as your nail polish color options are your choices for finish. The finish that you’ll see most frequently is a crème finish, which means that the polish is fully opaque and creamy without shimmer or glitter. Sheer is another common finish, which is just that—sheer, allowing the natural nail to peek through, even after multiple coats. While OPI Nail Lacquer in Funny Bunny is a sheer white that’s perfect for layering, OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow is an opaque cream that creates a pop of white in one stroke. Jelly polish is similar but tends to be in a more vibrant shade with a wet finish, while crellies are hybrids between jellies and crèmes. Matte polishes create a flat finish. Then, there’s the shimmer and glitter category: Shimmer, frost, and pearl are all pretty similar in that they give a slightly sparkly look to the nail—you may not be able to catch a glimpse of individual grains of glitter, but the polish will catch the light in a way that crème formulas cannot. (OPI Nail Lacquer in I’m Not Really a Waitress is a festive take on red with its subtle shimmer.) Glitter formulas give off serious sparkle, but none are quite as fiery as holographic finishes—they provide a jaw-dropping, blinged-out look to the nail that makes them look like jewels.

FAQ

How long do nail polishes last?

The length of time a manicure will last depends entirely on your lifestyle as well as the formula type. In the case of traditional lacquers like these, Seney notes that you can expect your manicure to stay chip-free for up to 10 days. (Gel manis tend to last about two weeks.) That said, if you tend to be tough on your hands—and that includes frequent dishwashing—or use your nails as tools, your mani may not make it to seven days.
If you’re curious to know how long a bottle tends to last for most people, Seney suggests about three months if you religiously use the same color and keep your application technique consistent.
How do you make nail polish last longer?

You may have heard the term “proper preparation prevents poor performance,” and that adage applies to painting your nails, too. “Prep is key to making your manicure last,” says Jimenez. She says removing any excess cuticle from the nail plate is important: “Gently push back and remove non-living tissue from the nail using an orangewood stick and OPI Exfoliating Cuticle Cream,” she says, then cleanse the nail with alcohol before applying your primer or base coat.
How you apply your polish also makes a difference in how long your manicure lasts. In addition to keeping polish off your cuticles, be sure to paint the tip of the nail, which will help prevent premature chipping. “Pros call this ‘capping off the free edge,’” says Jimenez. Once your polish has fully dried, regularly apply cuticle oil throughout the lifespan of your mani. “It will keep your nails from drying out, which will aid in the prevention of chipping,” she adds.
Do nail polishes expire?

Like all beauty products, nail polishes do expire—and you can figure out when by looking at the back of the bottle for a small symbol that looks like a jar with a small number. “This image shows that the expiration time from after opening is 24 months,” says Jimenez, who uses the two-year mark as a guide. “This doesn’t mean the polish is going to go bad in exactly two years, but there may be a change in performance or shade shifting—my motto is when in doubt, throw it out.” That two-year rule changes for gel polishes, which have a lifespan closer to three years. “Since a gel bottle is not see-through, its life is longer versus that of a regular polish, with a bottle that can see light,” Seney explains.
How many coats of nail polish should you apply?

Aside from your base coat and top coat, two layers of nail polish should be sufficient, though some shades may require three coats while others could only necessitate one. When you apply your first coat, it’s critical to lay it on very thinly. “You don’t want to clump on a heavy coat,” warns Seney, “I always say this: Your first coat of polish is for coverage, your second coat of polish is for color.” Once your first layer is dry—Jimenez says two minutes should do it—you can slick on your second coat, using a bit more polish than the first. “This is when the color is going to really show and be vibrant,” Seney adds.
What nail color looks most professional?

What looks professional and what doesn’t mostly depend on you and your job. “Everyone has a different take on what is professional,” says Seney. “I think that clean nails with a great polish is professional.” She gave a few recommendations, including light, soft pinks, true reds, and even moody plum hues.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Emily Orofino has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, working across editorial, marketing, product development, and more. She is a nail polish aficionado and hasn’t had bare fingernails for nearly 15 years.

Cullen Ormond is a freelance Byrdie writer and a long-time editor whose work can be found on Apartment Therapy. She helped to ensure the nail polish colors, ingredients, and sizes were up to date for easy shopping. Throughout the years, she’s mastered the at-home manicure and can’t wait to add these OPI shades to her regimen.

For this story, Team Byrdie worked with nail experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when shopping for OPI nail polish:

Galdina Jimenez is an Oceanside, California-based nail artist.
Trenna Seney is a celebrity nail artist based in Harlem, New York City.

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Kwon Y. Assessing an Overall Toxicological Implication of Nail Care Product for Occupational and Consumer Health Improvement. Iran J Public Health. 2022;51(5):1185-1187. doi:10.18502/ijph.v51i5.9436