Probably one of the biggest innovations to have recently hit the beauty industry has been without a doubt the introduction of gel-like nail polishes. It can be a little confusing to have the word gel in a nail polish formula. It simply means polishes that look like salon gels, but apply like a regular lacquer and remove like a lacquer. There is no waiting under the UV lamp, gel-like formulas offer natural light curing, which means you let it dry exactly as you would your usual polish. And these innovations have come hard and fast. High-end and high-street brands alike have rushed to release incredibly alluring collections, vibrant shades with formulas that promise shine and salon-like performance achieved in just a few short minutes and all within the comfort of your home. I’ve been searching for a long lasting solution and while I used to do acrylics and salon gels, I’ve found that over time my nails had been getting weaker and had been breaking a lot easier. You will seldom catch me with an unmanicured hand (something that stayed with me since my days working in Corporate America) so the discovery of gel-like polishes was a total game changer for me!
Now OPI needs no introduction. The brand is a trendsetter and their polishes are a classic that have a way of making you feel like you’re treating yourself to a real luxury without the sticker-shock factor. OPI’s take on gel-like polishes comes in the form of a new range called OPI Infinite Shine, which I recently discovered and had the opportunity to explore in detail.
The OPI Infinite Shine system consists of three steps: Primer, Lacquer and Gloss. The Primer works similar to a base coat: it preps the nail, prevents staining and helps the lacquer adhere to the nail a lot better increasing the lasting power. The Lacquer is the main star of the show, the polish that will adorn the nails and help you put your best hand forward! OPI shades never disappoint, so their Infinite Shine range offers a vast array of colors for every day, every occasion and every season. In fact, OPI latest collection inspired by the Islands of FIJI, is available in regular nail lacquer formula as well as gel-like. The formula is well pigmented, only needing two coats. The Gloss is the last step, it works like a top coat to deliver high shine and help the polish dry faster (literarily seconds). Exposure to natural light is said to help the gloss harden and aids with longevity, but it is not required. In my personal experience, I’ve found the gloss to dry similarly to any other top coat in this category.
Although it is recommended to use these three steps together, I have mixed and matched with other brands and other polishes I have in my collection. For instance I have used the OPI Infinite Shine lacquers with my beloved Deborah Lippman All About that Base (reviewed here) and my DIOR Gel Top Coat (mentioned here). The polish looked perfect on my nails for 4 straight days when the edges on my right hand only (the hand I use the most) began to show wear. I have noticed however that when the three steps are used together, the lacquer lasted on my nails for 6 days without chipping or fading (at which point I removed it myself as I typically like to refresh the color on my nails once a week).
I have also used the Gloss with ESSIE’s gel-like polishes and regular polishes and it performed well, with the Essie gel-like polish lasting on my nails for about 6 days while the regular polish began to show wear after 4 days. This is typical of how gel-like and regular polishes in general and regardless of brand, wear on my nails.
The OPI Infinite Shine range is 5-Free (Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor) with the exception of the Infinite Shine Primer which does contain camphor. The packaging is the classic, elegant OPI glass bottle but featuring a silver chrome cap (versus the caviar black classic handle). The applicator brush is the same true and tried OPI version with its flat, wide shape. The bristles are a good size/length and flex to allow for easy and smooth application.
There is a good variety of OPI Infinite Shine shades to choose from, and I picked the 2 that I felt I was most likely to wear this time of the year and heading into the summer months.
OPI Infinite Shine in Lavendurable is a cool-toned lavender shade, very chic and elegant. It’s what I foresee I’ll be wearing on my nails this spring. Shown here is a mani with all three steps (primer, 2 coats of lacquer and gloss applied on top). The shade wore really well and I finally decided to remove it on Day 6.
OPI Infinite Shine in Living on the Bula-vard! is a warm-toned coral orange, very glossy and seductive. In my opinion, this is THE perfect summer shade to complement a sun kissed tan. Seen here in the photo is a mani consisting of all three steps (primer, 2 coats of lacquer and gloss applied on top). The shade is quite striking and I received several compliments on the color from family and strangers alike.
Having a polish that lasts as long as a salon gel manicure, that looks just as glamorous without the time consuming aspect of having to sit under a UV light and then later on going thru the tedious process of removing the salon gels, is truly getting the best of both worlds! Since these gel-like polishes have landed in my beauty collection, I’ve not looked back!
You can check out the entire OPI Infinite Shine collection on the OPI website here. The newly released OPI Fiji Collection Infinite Shine Formula is available at ULTA stores and online here.
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
Loved your choices ? I’m a sucker for a bright red polish and although I have several similar ones, I still am on the lookout for more ?? Fabulous post and thoroughly enjoyed the photos!! Wonderful photography skills that I definitely always look up to.
Thank you so much for such kind words! It means more than you know!
You sound just like me as far as the bright red polishes! My collection is predominantly reds and nudes and I do have a fair amount to last me a lifetime! However that’s never stopped me from buying more and the fact that these nail polish collections are getting better and better doesn’t help. Good thing nail polish doesn’t actually have an expiration date! ~ Cat L.
What a wonderful review with such stunning beach scenery which fast-forwarded me to the summer days in a second, Cat!! OPI is one of those brands that I have used and loved for as long as I can remember and have never been disappointed. The Infinite Shine Collection is a total must-have, and I will be picking up some of the polishes for sure. I especially love the Living on the Bula-vard shade, as you mentioned is the perfect summer shade and the type of nail polish I tend to stick to all summer long. As always loved and enjoyed the thorough review and the beautiful photos!
Lily | https://lmastr0819.wordpress.com
Lily, you are always so kind to me! Thank you for always reading my posts and leaving such kind and thoughtful comments! Yes, the OPI Infinite Shine is a total must-have. The formula and the shade selection make it impossible to resist. I think Living on the Bula-Vard would look amazing on you and it’d be the perfect companion on your upcoming cruise! Can’t wait to see your snaps! ~ Cat L.
Another beautiful review, Cat!!! You do have the most stunning nails and I am always wishing I had such perfection. I am experimenting with Smith & Cult but often times, I end up having to wash my hands for something almost the second after it all dries and that just ruins everything!! Next time I’m on a nail kick, I will take your advice and try these OPI polishes!
Such blush-worthy comments, thank you so so much Kate! I have used Smith & Cult before, I’m quite the fan actually. But for some reason their polishes never last that long on me (mommy problems, always trying to keep up with my 2-year old). So I find the OPI Infinite Shine a much better solution. Hope you do get a chance to try these as well! ~ Cat L.
Lovely post Cat! I don’t use nail polish but I’ve heard a lot about this brand and their polishes. I love the colors you have, especially the lavender and coral-orange. Your photos look very lovely too!
xoxo
http://www.hellohimawari.com
Thank you so much, Mika for always being so kind to me!
You’re lucky you don’t use nail polish, as it can be quite addictive. ~ Cat L.
I’ve not tried this range yet but they sound fabulous! That lilac shade is so beautiful! x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Thank you so much!
You definitely need to try this range as it’s perfect for us busy moms on the go! ~ Cat L.
Oh my what can I say, you had me mesmerised, and wanting to try This OPI gel range, the fact that you can mix and match them that’s a bonus. Your nails look stunning and I am nodding my head in agreement with everything you said on this review Cat. I too am smitten with at gel nail polishes. Thanks for introducing OPI to me
Thank you for stopping by Esnath. I think this range by OPI is definitely a must-try for all the reasons mentioned in the post! You will not be disappointed! In fact, I think the coral red would look stunning on you! ~ Cat L.
Love the photos in this post Cat! The first shot that’s through the sunglasses is amazing! This OPI collection sounds lovely – I’m all for nail polishes have the lasting power of gel without having to go through the typical gel polish process. The colors you chose are beautiful, I especially love the lavender, it’s such a pretty shade!
Thanks so much, Jenny! I’m such a fan of your blog so your feedback means more than you know. Glad you enjoyed the post and the photos! Hope you get a chance to try these polishes! You will not be disappointed! ~ Cat L.
Very pretty colors and mani Cat ! Sound very good nail polishes and love the glossy effect too ! Also your photos are very creative ! Kisses
Kédidja ~ beautymoodbard.com
Hi Kédidja, so glad you enjoyed the post! Hope you get a chance to try these polishes! ~ Cat L.
So beautifully captured Cat! I am wearing the Opi Infinite Shine Polish now and I absolutely love it! Your review is spot on. I think I need more shades!
xo
Dom
http://www.calibeaute.com
Thank you so much Dom! I saw your Infinite Shine mani on Instagram, it looked so beautiful! Loved the warm-toned shade you picked out! ~ Cat L.
I adore OPI as they are what dominates my nail collection but I haven’t tried this range as yet! I am a huge gel polish fan (who isn’t!) and these shades are my kind of go to. You seriously can wear any shade as they both suit you so well! I love these shades and your creative images are so beautiful Cat. Makes me want to do my nails right now 😉 Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
Thank you so much, Kelly! Always leave such kind and thoughtful comments!
I think this range by OPI is definitely a must-try for all the reasons mentioned in the post! Hope you get a chance to try it! ~ Cat L.
Ohhh how awesome!! I’m the same as you, my nails are always manicured and I do them myself at home. I use a product from Sally’s called Gelous that is my clear base, inner and top coat to make the shade last longer. It’s cool that OPI has come out with a gel option! I’m glad to know that it works and am excited to try it now! Thanks for your review and photos Cat!
<3 Kristin | BlondeisBeauty.com
Hi Kristin, thank you for stopping by. I haven’t tried the Sally’s system but it sounds like something I should explore as well. Thank you for the recommendation. Definitely keep me posted if you get a chance to try the OPI Infinite Shine! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have! ~ Cat L.
I’m loving your creative shots in this post! I remember my first manicure in a salon. My sister bought it as a treat for me, and she and I chose the same shade of OPI. So OPI is a very special brand to me! These shades are absolutely gorgeous, and your manicures look fabulous! I’m going to have to try this gel line!
Jenn │ Beauty by Jellybean
Oh Jenn, thank you for sharing. I loved to read about the special moment you shared with your sister. Hope you do get a chance to try these OPI gel-like polishes! You will not be disappointed!
~ Cat L.
Oh wow! So much effort put into this post! =) Love how this range is 5 free.
xoxo
Regina
http://mybeautymusings.com
Thank you for stopping by! Any excuse to get to the beach, right? 🙂 Hope you enjoyed the post and found it helpful! ~ Cat L.
They look wonderful!! Love all the shades!! I love the super shiny effect!!
Xx
Lyna
http://www.beautybylynmed.wordpress.com
Hi Lyna, thank you for stopping by. I know from Instagram that you’re also a fan of gels so I think you would really like these. Same effect and similar longevity but not as harsh on the nails! Do let me know if you get a chance to try these! ~ Cat L.
Cat I love OPI, however I have yet to try the gel line . Currently I am getting gel polish because it last long , but like you said it weakens the nails. My current routine is two weeks of gel , take it off and take a two week break in between . I am not sure if this delays the breakage but to me it seems to be working . The only problem is the regular polish only last maybe 3 days on my nails then i either have to touch it up or take it off and re administer which is time consuming. I’m not the biggest fan of those gel like polishes because it still doesn’t last past three days for me . But i want the most healthy nails possible for me. So I’m looking forward to trying this one because your review have sold me! And that lavender color has my name all over it ! Lol Great post Cat and as usual beautiful pics!
How glam are your photos! I am a nailjunkie too! I feel naked without polish on:) These shades are beautiful! Thank you for another gorgeous review.xo