How Long Does Opi Nail Polish Last? Storage, Expiration, Pros

How long doe Opi nail polish last? OPI (Odontorium Products Inc) Nail Polish is formulated using superior ingredients including solvents, a film-forming agent, plasticizers, and coloring agents

Designed to provide high performance with a fast 2-coat application that delivers smooth, even wear and a glossier finish compared to regular polish.

OPI nail polish has incredible color variety and has achieved the best overall when it comes to nail polish.

It delivers smooth application and even coverage that can last up to a week.

Not only is there a variety of colors to choose from, but there are also all kinds of unique textures and finishes, from metallics to mattes.

So, how long does Opi nail polish last in the bottle?

According to a nail technician for polish maker OPI, Annette Soboleski, an Unopened bottle of OPI Nail Polish has a 36 months shelf life and can last indefinitely if stored properly.

Once a bottle has been opened, it is recommended you use it within 24 months as some ingredients will evaporate, causing the color to fade and become thickened or separated.

Recommendation:

How Long Does Opi Nail Polish Last Without Chipping?

OPI nail polish comes in over 200 shades and would last for up to eleven days with no chipping.

This depends on the application technique.

According to the Opi website, using the three-step system is recommended for a long-lasting nail polish application.

This nail polish takes a little longer to set,

This is not a problem as you can apply OPI’s Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops to speed up the drying proves if you’re in a rush.

How Long Does Opi Manicure Last?

OPI manicures can last for 2 to 3 weeks with a low risk of chips and zero smudges.

It dries instantly after getting set, this means that by the end of your treatment your nails are properly done and ready to rock.

How Long Does Opi Nail Polish Take To Dry?

If you are using OPI nail polish then it would be recommended to use Lacquer Drip Dry Drops,

Rapidry top coat, or Rapidry spray as this allows the polish to dry in 15-20 minutes faster than the normal time.

Ensure you are applying thin coats as too thick will delay the drying time.

10 Best Substitutes For Opi Nail Polish

1. Essie Nail Polish (Best Overall)

Originally founded in 1981 with just a dozen shades,

This staple brand for professional manicurists continues to grow and expand with a wide range of permanent colors along with seasonal collections.

Pros: Smooth application and incredible color variety, even coverage.

Cons: Not long-lasting compared to OPI nail polish.

2. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel (Best Drugstore)

This is the number one best-selling gel polish in the US because it packs impressive staying power, and serious shine, and the flat-headed brush makes application easier.

The formula is pretty darn epic and there are nearly 100 colors to pick from.

Use the color on bare nails and top with the Miracle Gel Top Coat to achieve the best results.

Pros: No base coat needed, very long-lasting, and features a wide brush for easy application

Cons: The best result is achieved when topped with the brand’s top coat

3. Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro (Best Gel Alternative)

With a unique combo of 10 active ingredients,

Deborah Lippmann Gel works to create the look and feel of a gel manicure without any curing light or extensive removal required.

Pros: Very long-lasting, special brush boasting 320 bristles plus a rounded tip to help seamlessly coat the entire nail.

Con: Expensive

3. Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish (Best Gel Alternative)

Pros: No base coat needed, very long-lasting and easy removal

Con: The best result is achieved when used with the brand’s top coat

4. Nails Inc. Plant Power Nail Polish in Swear by Salutation (Best Non-Toxic)

This collection to date is dubbed the brand’s purest and kindest.

With 73 percent plant-based and vegan, Nail Inc provides the long-wear benefits we all look for in nail polish.

It also comes with sustainable packaging.

Apply to bare nails then sit back and prepare to admire your handiwork for days to come.

Pros: Sustainable packaging, offer 21 free polishes.

Con: Limited shade range

5. Habit Cosmetics Non-Toxic + Vegan Nail Polish in 36 Moon Rock (Best with Sustainable Packaging)

Habit Cosmetics is the first and only polish brand on the market using recycled plastic components in its packaging in addition to FSC-certified paperboard boxes and biodegradable bamboo over caps.

The formulas are cruelty-free, vegan, toxin-free, and infused with myrrh extract to boost nail strength.

Pros: Clean, non-toxic formulas and great color selection.

Con: Somewhat expensive.

6. Olive & June The Everything Box (Best Kit)

This convenient kit contains everything you need for DIY manicures, a nail polish remover is also included in the kit.

With their unique Poppy tool that attaches to any cap, this brand makes it legitimately possible for anyone to paint their nails.

Pros: 7 free polishes, great for brittle nails and dry cuticles

Con: Must buy more colors separately

Recommendation:

7. Butter London Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer (Best High-Shine)

Pros: Extremely shiny, no base or top coat needed, and very long-lasting

Con: limited shade range

8. People of Color Matte Top Coat (Best Matte)

Pros: 10-free, mattifies any classic polish, cruelty-free, affordable, and vegan

Con: Matte finish can fade over time

9. Color Street Nail Strips (Best Non-Polish)

Pros: Very long-lasting, incredible color variety, and easy removal

Con: Pricey

10. Orly Breathable Treatment + Color (Best for Damaged Nails)

Pros: offers 13-free polishes, no base or top coat needed, and is good for nail health

Cons: not long-lasting

When picking your nail polish, it is advised you take the ingredients into consideration.

This is because most formulas today are omitting more potentially harmful chemicals.

You also need to put into consideration the company’s ethics and if it is environmentally friendly.

Does Opi Nail Polish Expire?

Yes, OPI nail polish does expire.

Although the nail polish does not “expire” in the sense that they become harmful when in use.

They just become dry, thick, separated, or gloopy, making them difficult to use.

How Long Does Opi Nail Polish Last After Expiration Date?

If you have kept the polish stored in a cool, dark spot and away from direct sunlight, then you can keep it for a tiny bit longer after the expiration date.

Endeavor to pay attention to any signs of the polish becoming spoiled.

How To Tell If Opi Nail Polish Is Expired

The most effective way to determine if OPI nail polish is expired is by checking the expiry date specified on its label or packaging,

Which is usually located at the bottom or side of the polish container.

Other ways to tell if OPI nail polish is expired

1. Not blending easily: if your polish is not blending so easily anymore, then you can toss it in the trash.

2. Your polish is becoming hard: to check if your polish has gone bad, have a look at the texture.

The consistency can thicken up, look clumpy, or separate in some cases.

Your nail polish is similar to paint, if it is not being used or stirred, the ingredients will clump together,

Becoming increasingly difficult to mix this might explain why the nail polish peels off so easily.

3. Smells Unpleasant: As the polish separates or thickens, it can smell bad. If that is the case, then you need to trash it.

4. Color change: Another factor to determine if your OPI nail polish is expired is the color.

A completely different color from what you originally purchased is an indication that the polish is past its shelf life and should be thrown in the trash.

5. Struggling to open the polish: If you have done everything and you still struggle to get the bottle to open and remove the cap,

Then it might be time to dump that nail polish in the trash.

How Long Does Opi Nail Lacquer Last?

When used in professional service, OPI Nail Lacquer color which is the number one salon brand worldwide can last up to 7 days.

For those who like to change their color often and enjoy experimenting with colors, OPI Nail Lacquer is a great option.

How Do You Store Opi Nail Polish?

OPI nail polish should be stored in a cool, dark location that is out of direct sunlight.

The nail polish should not be stored in a fridge.

To ensure the polish stays good for a longer period, always wipe the bottle clean with acetone.