OPI GelColor Bubble Bath Review & Swatches
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. This shade was gifted by Beyond Polish as a PR sample, but all other products and opinions are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bubble Bath is one of OPI’s most popular nail shades. It’s a go-to shade for bridal wear, minimalists and every day elegant nails.
As a bit of back story, Bubble Bath debuted in 2001 as part of the Soft Shades Bridal Collection. The Soft Shades Collections are some of my favorites from OPI - there are many with the label “soft shades.”
If you’re a Bubble Bath fan, mark January 8th on your calendar as a special day because it’s National Bubble Bath Day and the perfect time to don this shade.
So if you’re looking for a salon-quality, long lasting neutral-pink gel polish shade, Bubble Bath is likely at the top of your list and for many good reasons.
I’ve been wearing OPI Bubble Bath for at least the past 4 years.
I’ll also be sharing some tips below to help keep it from lifting early.
To begin though, let's dive into the color.
What Shade Is OPI GelColor Bubble Bath?
Bubble Bath in the GelColor formula is a soft, sheer warm pink, with a slight peach undertone, giving it a warm neutral finish.
It looks clean, polished and done, but not over done.
This shade seems to compliment every skin tone and it’s perfect for everyday wear.
You can still wear it as a bridal shade and many people do, but it’s so versatile you can also wear it for so many different occasions.
Overall, it’s a sheer pink gel polish that provides a glossy, translucent finish creating the coveted soap nails look.
In other formulas that I’ve covered though, it’s more of a peach and it’s beautiful this way too.
I’ve worn it both ways and the color simply builds to more opacity on the 3rd coat.
These photos were taken in natural light to capture the tone accurately.
And like all nail colors, especially sheers, keep in mind that your skin tone and the ambient lighting will influence how this particular shade looks on you.
OPI GelColor Bubble Bath Swatches
Application Tips for a Perfect, Long-Lasting Finish
- Prep the nails: shape, buff and dehydrate
- Apply base coat → cure for 30 seconds
- Apply 2 to 3 thin color coats → cure each for 30 seconds
- Apply top coat → cure for 30 seconds
- Cleanse with N.A.S. 99 or another high proof isopropyl alcohol solution and lint free wipe
- Repeat on the other hand & finish with cuticle oil
See my full step by step process here: How To Apply OPI GelColor at Home: A Step-By-Step Guide
How to Make Your OPI GelColor Last Longer (Without Lifting!)
1. Don’t apply the gel polish too close to your cuticle line.
Leaving a tiny margin helps prevent lifting and keeps your manicure looking fresh longer.
This step prevents flooding and ensures proper adhesion because if the gel polish gets on the cuticle even a tiny amount, it creates a gap in the seal.
Gel polish only lasts with a perfect seal around the edges.
2. Cap the free edges.
This is the same concept as above, because it’s about the seal.
When you don’t cap the free edge of your nail’s tip with gel polish before curing, it creates a weak spot on your nail’s edge.
Since your nails often bend at the tip, if this tip isn’t coated in polish, cracks between the nail and the gel easily form here, breaking the seal, inviting lifting.
3. Don’t pick at the edges.
Again with the seal. Just let your manicure be.
If you’re used to picking at your nails, like as a nervous habit (I’m not judging, same), use your gel manicure as your discipline practice to get out of the habit.
Picking at the gel manicure’s edges breaks the seal.
Gel polish bonds together as one unified nail implement.
Once you break the bond to the nail on one area of the nail, the whole gel polish strip will come right up, especially once moisture gets involved.
It’s unlike nail polish that chips in one spot and the rest of the manicure stays bonded because of the way the chemical reactions take place.
4. Use the brand's cohesive system.
It’s not a scam when someone encourages you to get the branded lamp that goes with the specific gel polishes - I’ve learned this through personal experience.
Using the brand’s full cohesive system gives me peace of mind because I’ve experienced premature gel manicure lifting that was resolved by matching brand products together.
The brands only test their products to work with their other products.
So even if there are no laws against using one brand’s products with another, your outcome is not guaranteed when you mix and match.
Brands don’t test their products with different brand products for a variety of reasons but mostly because the combinations are infinite.
Who has funding for this infinite testing especially when a brand may get nothing out of certifying another brand’s products as compatible?
So if you have compatibility, wear-time or performance issues, streamlining your system to be brand aligned is the first thing I recommend trying.
It’s an investment, I know, but it gives you confidence knowing your manicure is going to fully cure and last the promoted time.
Why OPI GelColor Bubble Bath Is Worth Buying
What I like about shopping at Beyond Polish compared to other local beauty stores is that it’s family owned, the product selection is diverse and the products come directly to me.
As a busy blog owner, I need to save time where possible and having products shipped directly to me helps with both. All products in this post besides the color were purchased by me from Beyond Polish.
Depending on where you’re located, they’re in California and I’m in Pennsylvania, you get your order in about a week with their standard shipping option.
But back to the polish.
It has a polished corporate yet delicate feminine look that is appealing to everyone.
It’s a go-to color that gives your hands a done, put together look without making them the centerpiece of your appearance, presentation or day.
Overall, it’s a flattering sheer pink that’s long lasting and aesthetically pleasing with the right application.
Every time I wear this shade, I can see why Bubble Bath is one of the most popular gel polishes and nail shades out there; it’s understated, clean and works with any outfit.
Ready to try the most timeless sheer pink in gel color?
This will ensure you get the right bond the first time. I’m glad I bought it myself.
Picking up this shade?
Tag me on Instagram once it arrives so I can see your swatches and thoughts of this beautiful color ~
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