We Try The New and Improved OPI Infinite Shine Range for 11 Days of Gel-Like Wear
Jas is the Senior Content Specialist at Adore Beauty. A beauty admirer turned certified addict, she brings a sharp editorial eye and pop-culture pulse to everything she creates. Her words have appeared in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, and Broadsheet. When she’s not producing viral content or podcasting about skincare, you’ll find her thrifting for vintage treasures or binging Bravo (strictly for research, of course).
Since giving up my fortnightly nail appointment (curse you cost of living!!) I've had no choice but to up my home routine..
And look, it could be worse–I could not work for Adore Beauty and have access to an entire catalogue of nail care products for said routine… (at a discount).
But sometimes I just miss the sound of the perfectly salon-manicured nails hitting the keyboard knowing all I had to do was pick a shade (which btw can we all pls mutually agree is one of life’s toughest decisions? OK, great).
It’s not that I’m bad at doing my nails, quite the opposite actually. It’s just that nothing beats a professional polish.
The OPI Press-Ons come close, but can’t replace the shiny allure of a fresh manicure.
So when I heard that OPI’s iconic Infinite Shine range had been renovated to promise 11 days of gel-like wear but removes like regular lacquer, my lazy-girl instincts kicked in.
Two birds, one stone? Now we’re talking…
Then, the nail polish samples arrived at Adore HQ and I spotted my signature shade Big Apple Red, and that was it – I was hooked.
I promptly popped her in my handbag alongside a second shade to try. A couple of my colleagues picked up polishes, too.
Ahead you’ll find our honest reviews of the new OPI Infinite Shine range plus our top shades.
What Is the New OPI Infinite Shine?
Nail girlies will likely be familiar with Infinite Shine, OPI’s long-wearing nail polishes.
The cult-classic collection has been around the block for several years but has recently been released with a new and improved formula.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- Available in a variety of pigmented crèmes and sheer glazes.
- Vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients or by-products.
- Promises up to 11 days of gel-like wear; chip, scratch and stain-resistant.
- Pre-cured gel formula locks into place once nails are dry without needing a UV lamp.
- Can be removed with acetone, avoiding the time-consuming, nail-damaging soak-off process.
- Signature pro-wide brush ensures even, streak-free coverage for a smooth, shiny, high-gloss finish.
To achieve a salon-quality manicure, OPI recommends pairing Infinite Shine with the matching Base and Top Coats.
Here’s the drill:
Step 1. Prep your nails for strong adhesion: trim, file and buff.
Step 2. Apply one thin coat of Infinite Shine Gel-like Base Coat, ensuring you cover the top edges of nails. Let dry for one to two minutes.
Step 3. Apply two thin coats of Infinite Shine. Leave to dry for one to two minutes again.
Step 4. Finish off with a coat of Infinite Shine Gel-like Top Coat. Let your nails dry.
OK, that’s enough information for now.
Let’s get to the good part: the lewks.
Our OPI Infinite Shine Reviews.
Jas, Beauty Editor.
Shades:
OPI Infinite Shine Gel-Like Lacquer - Reds in Big Apple Red
OPI Infinite Shine Gel-Like Lacquer - Blues/Greens in Less is Norse.
You know a manicure is good when your friend asks if you just got them professionally done.
Humble brag, sure. But I can’t take all the credit. I was wearing Big Apple Red at the time.
True to promise, it has a glossy finish akin to a fresh gel salon manicure.
Its pre-cured formula builds easily on the nail, with a thick, buttery texture that applies smoothly and takes a few minutes to dry.
Big Apple Red’s bright, warm undertone looks great on pretty much everyone, but really pops on fair skin like mine.
It wore pretty well, too, lasting about a week before chips started to show, prompting me to remove the entire set because I simply cannot with a messy mani; easy enough to do so with regular acetone nail polish remover.
That said, I have an anxious tendency to pick my nails, so those who don't will likely get longer from their manicure.
My second shade was Less is Norse, a slate blue-grey.
I wouldn’t typically go for a dark shade like this, they often make my skin look even whiter, but I wanted to challenge myself to try something different, and this moody hue seemed fitting for winter.
Its formula is just as thick and creamy as Big Red Apple, but applied slightly more streaky and required closer attention to get a smooth, consistent finish.
While I was pleasantly surprised by the colour, I think it will look better with a fake tan.
I topped both shades off with the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat, the real MVP of my nail routine.
What I love about this formula is that even if you did an average job at your lacquer, you can smooth out any imperfections for a flawless finish.
It also dries rather quickly, helping to keep my nails chip, scratch and stain-resistant more than any other top coat I’ve ever used!
Even on days that I can’t be bothered or don’t have time for polish, a quick coat of this instantly makes my nails look more put together.
Sadaf, Senior Beauty Editor.
Shade: OPI Infinite Shine Gel-Like Lacquer - Purples in Raisin' the Bar.
"I’ve been a big fan of OPI for years and that’s because they’re just known for lasting longer than most.
I don’t really get salon manicures so was very excited to try this renovation that promised ‘gel-like wear’.
And let me tell you, it. did. not. disappoint.
I NEVER not wear topcoat. But I really wanted to put the new OPI infinite shine to the test, so after applying, I went to Woollies a few hours later and like a good beauty editor (or weirdo to the Woollies employee), snapped a pic before paying for my roast chicken (priorities):
Usually, after I let a polish dry down, it loses that first-application shine after about half an hour (hence why I add a super glossy top coat), and course, if you want high-gloss, then definitely add the shine top coat to cart (it also just makes sense to get the whole routine), but I was genuinely shocked at how glossy it still looked hours later without the help of a top coat.
I am definitely going to be adding a few more shades to cart."
Megan: Senior Content Manager.
Shade: OPI Infinite Shine Gel-Like Lacquer - Nudes/Neutrals/Browns in Keep Calm & Carry On.
“Absolutely love this shade and range!
The polish glides effortlessly onto the nail bed and almost gives a plumping effect, disguising ridges effortlessly.
I’m SUPER fussy with my nude shades but I was pleasantly surprised with how well Keep Calm & Carry On suited my skin tone.
If you’re looking for a polish that will go the distance this is definitely it!”
Maddy, Retail Media Specialist.
Shade: OPI Infinite Shine Gel-Like Lacquer - Pinks in Princesses Rule.
“The brand OPI has been a fave of mine for a long time - from their Repair Mode to the new xPress-Ons.
So, when I got my hands on the new Infinite Shine, it was no surprise that I absolutely loved it!
The applicator is the perfect shape for effortless application, and the glitter/shimmer formula is the perfect wash of colour if you're looking for something less opaque.”
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