I was recently asked what my biggest beauty blunder was and without hesitation it is peeling gel manicures off. Truth be told, I LOVE the finish and long lasting power of a gel manicure, but have little patience to go back to the salon and endure the soak–off process. So when my friends at Refinery29 asked me to partner with them and test out the new OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System, I was all over it!
Designed to be OPI’s solution to an at–home gel manicure, sans the UV/LED light, OPI Infinite Shine offers hi-definition shine with the long-lasting benefits of a gel manicure. Available in 36 shades, it’s an absolutely jaw-dropping beautiful range of colors, many of which are perfect for summer.
Like any good manicure, it’s designed as a 3-step lacquer system. It starts with their Infinite Shine Prime base coat, then two thin coats of your preferred Infinite Shine shade, followed by the Infinite Shine Gloss top coat.
For anyone that likes to just apply polish or lacquers and skimp on your base and top coat, I encourage you to reconsider. Not only do they prolong the mani, the Prime base coat helps mask any imperfections and even out nails for a smooth lacquer application. Additionally they protect the nail from staining which often occurs with darker shades. The Infinite Shine Gloss top coat then seals the lacquer in and enhances the intense shine.
Much like a gel manicure, these lacquers are rich in pigment, shine brightly, and have a high–gloss, smooth finish. Just make sure to apply thin coats to ensure even application and no streaking. The removal process is quick and easy — regular nail lacquer/polish remover does the trick. Best part, no soaking or salon required.
Dry time is a few minutes in between coats so don’t rush the process. The wear is up to 10 days and fabulous, but doesn’t compete with an in–salon gel manicure. And frankly no nail polish or lacquer on the market will. However, this is one of the longest wearing nail lacquers I’ve ever used and easily the longest lasting pedicure I’ve ever given myself.
The OPI Infinite Shine shades featured in this post are: Withstands the Test of Thyme, Pretty Pink Perseveres, Girl Without Limits and Running with the In–finite Crowd.
Disclaimer: Shade Running with the In-finite Crowd is so good, it attracts butterflies!
This post is part of my ongoing partnership with Refinery29. All content and opinions are my own.