Picture this: You’re sitting in your chair at the nail salon, flipping through endless color options, trying to find the best OPI nail colors for your manicure. Unfortunately, the overwhelming abundance of choice (from jelly nails to popsicle nails, blurred nails, and bright seasonal OPI shades) leaves you paralyzed with indecision. So what do you do? You go for a neutral nail polish or one of the classic OPI nail polish colors you can count on. Branching out seems like a good idea, until you find yourself with a shade of butter yellow that sounds fun in theory but looks horrid in practice.
A sheer, peachy pink always does the trick for me unless I’ve done meticulous research and am ready to commit to something outside of my comfort zone. When I asked the rest of The Everygirl team what their go-to OPI nail polish colors were, they chimed in with the shades that never fail them. Ahead, we’re sharing the most popular OPI nail polish colors among our editors.
Why OPI nail colors are so popular
OPI has been the gold standard of nail polish for decades, and it’s earned that reputation honestly. The formulas wear longer than most polishes at the same price point, the color range spans every finish you could want (cremes, shimmers, chromes, jellies, and metallics), and the brand is famous for landing shades that feel both trend-forward and timeless.
From cult-favorite classics like Bubble Bath and Big Apple Red to the buzzy new collections that drop every season, OPI is the rare nail brand that delivers the best nail colors for every season, mood, and skin tone.
READ: 10 Celebrity-Approved OPI Nail Polish Colors
Our favorite OPI nail polish colors at a glance
- Best Overall: Bubble Bath
- Best Sheer Pink: Baby Take a Vow
- Best White: Funny Bunny
- Best Red: Big Apple Red
- Best Neutral: Put It In Neutral
- Best Dark Shade: Lincoln Park After Dark
READ: These 10 OPI Mani-Pedi Pairings Are a Match Made in Heaven
The best OPI nail colors
Funny Bunny
The Funny Bunny hype didn’t just come and go with Hailey Bieber’s chrome nails. This shade has been trusted by our team for years. It’s the perfect milky white that can be worn year-round. The slightly translucent finish gives nails a clean, cloud-like look that flatters every skin tone, and it layers beautifully under chrome powder if you want to DIY a trend-forward look at home.
Best for: Milky white nails, French manicures, glazed donut chrome
I’m Not Really a Waitress
A shimmering red manicure is never a bad idea. With a pearlescent shimmer finish, this OPI shade is striking and sophisticated. It’s been one of OPI’s bestsellers for over two decades, which tells you everything you need to know about its staying power. The subtle shimmer catches the light just enough to feel elevated without veering into glittery territory, making it the perfect shade for date nights, holiday parties, and any time you want your manicure to do a little of the talking.
Best for: Holiday manicures, date nights, statement reds with a soft shimmer
Baby Take a Vow
This isn’t just another shade of pale pink. It’s a delicate, blushing shade that looks good on various skin tones, making it a team favorite. Sure, it’s technically marketed to brides, but who says you can’t have a bridal-worthy mani anytime you want? The sheer, slightly cool-toned finish gives nails that “your nails but better” look without feeling overly pink, and it’s a perfect base for micro French tips if you want to dress it up.
Best for: Weddings, bridal manicures, soft pink everyday wear
Complimentary Wine
This velvet burgundy will make you dream about your Friday night glass of wine. It radiates seduction, energy, and luxury, so it’s no surprise our editors want it on their nails at all times. The deep, slightly cool-toned berry shade has that “expensive and unbothered” energy, and it transitions seamlessly from a Tuesday at the office to a moody fall dinner. It’s especially gorgeous on shorter nails, where the rich tone reads as polished without feeling dramatic.
Best for: Fall and winter manicures, date nights, moody jewel-tone moments
Pale to the Chief
OPI describes this shade as “a nail polish so nearly nude, it’s almost scandalous,” and that’s what we love about her. When you just can’t decide what color you want but know you want a clean nail look, this is the shade for you. The barely-there, cool-toned nude reads as soft and minimalist, making it a go-to for the clean girl aesthetic and anyone who prefers their manicure to whisper rather than shout. It’s also a great option for work weeks when you want polish that won’t compete with your outfit.
Best for: Clean girl manicures, office-appropriate nails, minimalist looks
Big Apple Red
I think we can all agree that finding the perfect shade of red is way harder than it needs to be. But our editors agree that Big Apple Red is a classic choice that makes you feel ready to take on the world. The true-red, blue-leaning formula is universally flattering and doesn’t lean orange or pink, which is exactly why it’s been OPI’s most iconic shade for decades. Whether you’re getting married, going to a holiday party, or just want your nails to feel like a power move on a regular Tuesday, this is the red that delivers.
Best for: Classic red manicures, holidays, weddings, everyday confidence
Lisbon Wants Moor OPI
From everyday wear to special occasions (one of our editors wore this on her wedding day!), this delicate pastel shade strikes a just-right balance between nude and pink. It’s soft and elegant, making it a trusty option no matter where you’re headed. The sheer, slightly peachy finish brightens the nail without looking overly polished, which is why it works as well at a beach wedding as it does on a regular workday. Bonus: it grows out beautifully, so you can stretch the time between manicures.
Best for: Weddings, special occasions, sheer everyday wear
Lincoln Park After Dark
This deep, near-black purple shade offers just the right amount of drama. If you’ve never worn it, you’ll be surprised at how well it complements both your casual and elegant looks. The almost-black plum has been a cult favorite since the late ’90s, and it has that classic-with-an-edge quality that makes it feel modern decade after decade. It’s especially gorgeous in the colder months, but our editors wear it year-round whenever they want something with a little extra moodiness.
Best for: Fall and winter manicures, moody looks, vampy-but-wearable nails
READ: The Best Dark OPI Nail Polish Colors
Put It In Neutral
If you want to look polished and a little bit posh, opt for this blend of soft pink and beige. It gives the perfectly barely-there effect, so our editors who love a clean look wear it on repeat. The best part? It looks just as good with just one coat as it does with three. The buildable, neutral pink works as both a sheer wash and a fuller-coverage manicure, which makes it one of the most versatile shades in the OPI lineup. It’s the kind of color you reach for when you want your nails to look intentional without committing to anything bold.
Best for: Everyday neutrals, office-appropriate manicures, buildable sheer pinks
READ: The Best OPI Pink Nail Polishes of All Time
Cajun Shrimp
We know her, we love her, and we’re obviously not that mad that OPI changed the formulation of this shade because—shocker!—we’re still wearing it! If you’re on the hunt for a spicy coral to pair with your summer looks, you just found it. The warm orange-red has been a cult favorite for decades, and it’s the unofficial color of summer at The Everygirl. It works beautifully on every skin tone and pairs effortlessly with everything from white linen dresses to denim cutoffs.
Best for: Summer manicures, vacation nails, warm-toned coral lovers
You Don’t Know Jacques!
You can find us at the salon getting this dark shade of rich, creamy taupe the second the weather cools down below 50 degrees. It’s a cozy classic that has never failed our editors. The mauve-brown undertones give it a sophisticated, almost-but-not-quite-neutral quality that pairs effortlessly with chunky sweaters, boots, and everything fall has to offer. It’s especially flattering on shorter nails, where the rich tone reads as elevated rather than heavy.
Best for: Fall and winter neutrals, sweater weather manicures, sophisticated taupe lovers
Bubble Bath
This sweet pink polish had to land on our list of go-to shades. I mean, isn’t it one of your favorites, too? It offers just the right amount of sheer, milky coverage to make your nails look healthy, shiny, and effortlessly groomed. The translucent finish flatters every skin tone, layers beautifully under top coats and chrome powders, and grows out so subtly that you can stretch your manicure for an extra week. It’s also the unofficial gold standard for French manicures, where it’s the classic sheer pink base.
Best for: French manicures, weddings, everyday sheer pinks
Miami Beet
When we want something red but not too red, this red-violet shade is a pick we never regret choosing. From the beach to brunch, it adds a just-right balance of spice and sass to any occasion. The slightly cool, berry-leaning red is more grown-up than a true red without being as dark as a wine shade, which makes it endlessly versatile. It’s a great in-between for anyone who finds bright reds too loud and burgundies too moody.
Best for: Year-round red alternatives, statement neutrals, wear-anywhere manicures
READ: The Best OPI Red Nail Polishes of All Time
Taupe-less Beach
This elegant blend of light gray and lavender is a trusty choice for everyday outfits and special occasions alike. It’s a great choice for when you’re looking for a neutral with a little more personality. The slightly mauve, slightly cool-toned finish reads as sophisticated and a bit unexpected, which is exactly why our editors love it. It also looks especially gorgeous in the spring and summer months when you want a softer alternative to a classic nude.
Best for: Sophisticated everyday neutrals, spring manicures, soft mauve lovers
How to choose the best OPI nail colors
The “best” OPI shade for you really comes down to two things: what flatters your skin tone and what fits the mood you’re going for. The good news is that OPI’s massive catalog has something for every undertone (cool, warm, and neutral), so you can find a shade that genuinely makes your hands look amazing rather than washing you out or clashing. Here’s a quick guide to the colors that tend to flatter each skin tone the most.
For Fair Skin Tones
Fair skin tones generally look best in shades that don’t compete with the natural lightness of the skin. Sheer pinks, milky neutrals, soft corals, dusty roses, and clear French-style finishes all flatter beautifully without overpowering. If you want something bolder, deep berries, classic reds, and navy blues all pop gorgeously against fair skin.
For Medium Skin Tones
Medium skin tones are arguably the most versatile, with the ability to pull off almost any shade with confidence. Warm corals, peachy nudes, dusty mauves, jewel tones, and rich reds all sit beautifully on medium complexions. Lean into shades with golden or warm undertones to bring out a natural glow, or play with bold contrasts like emerald green or cobalt blue nails for a statement look.
For Deep Skin Tones
Deep skin tones look absolutely gorgeous in saturated, pigmented shades that pop against the skin. Rich reds, true whites, bright corals, jewel tones, and vivid metallics all stand out beautifully, while milky neutrals can add a soft, polished contrast. Don’t shy away from bold, glossy finishes; they tend to look especially striking on deep complexions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular OPI nail polish color?
OPI’s most popular nail polish color is consistently Bubble Bath, a sheer, milky pink that’s been a cult favorite for years. It’s universally flattering, looks polished on every skin tone, and works for everything from weddings to weekday office days. Other top contenders include Funny Bunny (a milky off-white), Big Apple Red (the iconic true red), and Lincoln Park After Dark (a deep, vampy plum). For more on what people are loving right now, check out our roundup of the most popular OPI nail polish colors.
What OPI nail color goes with everything?
If you want one OPI shade that genuinely goes with everything, Bubble Bath is the gold standard. The sheer, milky pink is soft enough to fade into any outfit, polished enough for formal occasions, and forgiving enough that small chips don’t show as much as they would on a bolder color. Funny Bunny and Samoan Sand are close runners-up if you want a slightly more opaque or warmer neutral with the same go-with-anything energy.
Is Bubble Bath or Funny Bunny more sheer?
Bubble Bath is more sheer than Funny Bunny. Bubble Bath is a translucent, milky pink that gives you a soft wash of color and usually requires two to three coats for opacity. Funny Bunny, by contrast, is a milky off-white that’s slightly more pigmented and builds up to a creamier, fuller finish. Both are sheer compared to most polishes on the market, but Bubble Bath leans noticeably more “barely there.”
READ: OPI Launches OPI’m a Bubble Bunny: The Perfect Funny Bunny + Bubble Bath Blend
What is the best OPI neutral shade?
The best OPI neutral shade depends on your skin tone, but a few stand out as universal favorites. Samoan Sand is a warm, sandy nude that flatters most complexions. Bare My Soul is a soft, peachy neutral with a hint of pink. Tagus in That Selfie! is a slightly cooler pinky-nude that works year-round. And Coconuts Over OPI is a creamy taupe that reads as elevated and a little more grown-up. For something more on the milky-white side, Funny Bunny never misses.
What is OPI’s most iconic red?
Big Apple Red is OPI’s most iconic red, full stop. The true, classic red has been in the OPI lineup for decades and is the shade most people picture when they think “OPI red.” It’s bold, glossy, and flattering on every skin tone, which is why it’s a go-to for everything from holiday manicures to wedding nails. Honorable mentions go to I’m Not Really a Waitress (a deeper, slightly shimmery red) and Cajun Shrimp (the cult-favorite coral-red).
Which OPI shade is best for French manicures?
For traditional French manicures, Alpine Snow is OPI’s classic crisp white tip color, and Bubble Bath is the go-to sheer pink base. Together, they create the iconic French look that’s been a staple for decades. For a more modern, soft-focus take, pair Funny Bunny with a sheerer white for an invisible French manicure vibe. And for a micro French manicure moment, swap Alpine Snow for a precision liner brush and a fine line of color.
Garri James, Senior Managing Editor & Book Club Co-Host
As Senior Managing Editor of The Everygirl, Garri oversees the pitching, planning, and creation of all content. You might also find her name pop up as a contributor throughout the site, though she mostly works behind the scenes, leading the team in their creative efforts and ensuring they have everything they need to create top-quality content for our audience. When she isn’t knee-deep in a spreadsheet, you can find Garri reading The Everygirl Book Club’s monthly picks, chatting with members, or researching the next buzzy title to bring to the group.
Andrea is a writer and editor with 10+ years of experience in women’s lifestyle and commerce content. She is based in Los Angeles, California, and her work appears in Vogue, Glamour, The Zoe Report, and many more.
