7 OPI GelColor Swatches for Long-Lasting Nails
Published 2026-04-01. Thank you to Beyond Polish for generously gifting these gel nail polishes as PR! As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Last fall, Beyond Polish kindly sent us a selection of classic OPI GelColor shades to test and share. After wearing them, swatching them, and putting them through real-life wear, we’re excited to show you how they truly perform.
(For transparency: all other tools and supplies used were purchased by us - you can find the full list in our guide, How To Apply OPI GelColor At Home).
We’ve already featured each shade individually, but seeing them side by side can give you a much better sense of how these colors compare and which ones you’d gravitate toward when presented with a few options.
So in this post, you’ll find swatches of 7 iconic OPI shades in their GelColor formula, all in one place to help you choose your next manicure.
These aren’t just random picks - they’re fan-favorite classics, with some shades that have stood the test of time since OPI’s early days.
In other words, you’re looking at colors that aren’t going out of style anytime soon.
If you already love OPI’s traditional nail polishes, their GelColor line is a potential upgrade to consider.
You get the same recognizable shades, but with longer wear and a high-gloss, salon-quality finish. Plus, since many gel shades match their lacquer counterparts, it’s simple to create a perfectly coordinated mani-pedi.
And if you’ve been considering doing gel nails at home, this is where OPI really shines.
Their GelColor system delivers reliable, professional-looking results without the salon appointment.
In fact, after multiple applications, these gels have earned a spot in my personal “tried-and-true” category. They’re formulas I trust when I need my manicure to last through busy weeks, work trips, or special events - no second-guessing required.
So without further ado, let’s look at the swatches:
OPI GelColor Manicures
OPI GelColor Funny Bunny
Shown in 3 coats, though you could wear it in 2 coats, OPI GelColor Funny Bunny is a classic sheer milky white gel nail color.
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OPI GelColor Love is in the Bare
Shown in 3 coats, this is another you could wear in 2 coats for a more translucent finish. Love is in the Bare is a gorgeous milky sheer pink, ideal for bridal nails or an every day classic look.
I had this on my wish list for quite some time before I tried it and it is more beautiful than I thought it would be.
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OPI GelColor Bubble Bath
Shown in 2 coats, Bubble Bath is another gorgeous sheer pink from OPI, but it’s warmer than Love is in the Bare. If you’re into peachy pink sheers, I consider Bubble Bath a must try.
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OPI GelColor Big Apple Red
This red is so bright and pigmented.
It’s been a fan favorite shade among OPI Lovers like ourselves for 25 years now and while I have tried it in the lacquer formulas, the gel manicure formula simply brings a bit of extra pigmentation to this already rich, vibrant red nail color.
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OPI GelColor Malaga Wine
Malaga Wine is currently the most popular burgundy nail color among our readers and it looks good in every formula I’ve tried it in so far. This photo shows it in 3 coats, but you can also wear it in 2 coats.
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OPI GelColor Midnight Mantra
Shown in 3 thin coats, you could wear this in 2 coats, but with most of these gel nail colors, I want to see what 3 coats look like, which is why they are photographed that way.
It usually darkens the color and in this case, it did - Midnight Mantra is a very inky navy blue nail color, but in some lighting scenarios, it looks like dark denim or royal blue.
Whichever hue pulls strongest on you, this is an all around gorgeous dark blue creme gel polish.
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OPI GelColor Lincoln Park After Dark
Last but not least, the iconic blackish shade that is beloved for its deep aubergine undertones, we have Lincoln Park After Dark.
If there was only 1 black nail color I was able to wear for the rest of my life, it might be this one, simply because the deep purple base adds some beautiful dimension to this blackish shade.
If you like both black and purple, this unique darkened gel color is one to consider having around.
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All in all, these OPI GelColor polishes will each deliver a high quality, long lasting manicure that you can create at home in your DIY nail area.
Of all these shades, which color do you think you’d wear the most?
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