OPI vs. Essie: Debate
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free skin care · Sun Sep 02, 2012 4:39 pm

As the title suggests, I'm so confused as to which is the superior nail polish brand, Opi or Essie. As well, if there are those of you who have opinions on their base and top coats, please share them.

Right now I think I'm into OPI. But I have a lot of both brands, and sometimes they chip terribly or wear off and other times they don't, no matter my level of wear and tear. I think it might be in the color formulations, not the brand? Like reds have more staying power across the board, and light colors and greens and lavenders don't?

Please share and enlighten if you can. Maybe a chemist of nail polishes will come along... You never know these days on EDS!

free skin care · Mon Sep 03, 2012 3:12 am

I've experienced differences with certain colours, avalange. For instance, I tried one Butter London polish in red with a golden shimmer and it was appalling, chipping within 2 hours of application. However, I then tried a golden beige with shimmer from the same brand and it lasted for a few days with no problem.

Yellows can be generally problematic with regard to application across brands, taking several coats to get rid of the streakiness.

I've never used Essie but have heard great things about it and my experiences with OPI have generally been fine. In my opinion, you're as likely to obtain good results with either of them, dependent on the particular colour used. This is why I always like to find user reviews on sites selling nail polishes and research as to whether the colour I like wears well.

I'm using Leighton Denny base and top coats at the moment and it seems very good. Seche Vite is very popular but I understand that it can occasionally cause shrinkage of the colour beneath.

My clumsiness usually leads to the varnish chipping off fairly rapidly but the use of a base and top coat has made a big difference for me. I also apply the varnish an hour or so before going to bed, along with quick drying drops on top, in order to cut down on the likelihood of dents and damage whilst it sets.

free skin care · Mon Sep 03, 2012 6:42 am

I think a lot has to do with the color. The OPI Spring/Summer collection had some colors that lasted forever because of the very small sparkles. The Texas collection was horrible because the colors were sheer. I just tried the new fall collection from OPI (German, I think) just yesterday so I can't guess about the orange shimmer one.

Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:05 am

Definitely OPI, I have few Essie but I don't like their quality Sad

free skin care · Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:23 am

I'm thinking OPI is superior for light colors and sheers.
I'm wearing a gorgeous lavender sheer color on my nails right now--

And I cooked up a storm last night, washed dishes, and folded clothes (main culprits for me that ruin my manicures), and my nails still look lovely.

I do like certain essie colors for dark blues and reds.

--avalange

free skin care · Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:48 am

This is definitely personal preference. I love Essie. It wears fantastic for me, OPI doesn't. OPI has better color ranges though.

free skin care · Mon Apr 01, 2013 8:16 am

I like OPI more than Essie, because OPI can be
wear more than 1 week

free skin care · Mon Apr 01, 2013 10:52 am

I prefer Essie but think Deborah Lippmann is more fashion-y:
http://lippmanncollection.com/2011dl/index_new.php

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