OPI Original Colors
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OPI has been in business since 1989 - that’s 36 years.
Throughout the life of their business, they’ve released many shades, but some have become so iconic that they’ve stood the test of time.
While many of the earlier shades are no longer in production, there are a few OPI original colors that are still on the roster and we’re going to dive into these colors in this post.
Below you will find OPI nail colors from the early era of 1989 to 1999 that are still on the market.
Of course, the formulas have been changed since then to match today’s performance standards, but the shades themselves are classic, lovely and sophisticated.
The first 5 OPI nail colors below are from the original launch collection.
Then, we’ll move into the original shades through the 1990s that you can still buy new.
OPI Alpine Snow
A classic, opaque white that is perfect for french tips or polka dot nail art.
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OPI Kyoto Pearl
A classic white pearl that builds to a lovely level of opacity. You can wear it as a sheer or full coverage shade, depending on how many coats you choose.
Use coupon code LOTSOFLACQUER for 10% OFF
Purchased w/a gift card from Zulily
OPI Dutch Tulips
This red cream has pink undertones, making it my favorite red for spring.
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OPI OPI Red
OPI Red has a glamorous feel to it. It’s a rich red cream with a subtle silver pearl which gives it a sophisticated sheen.
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OPI Malaga Wine
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OPI Cajun Shrimp
From the 1990 Spring/Summer Collection, Cajun Shrimp is still one of the most popular coral reds on the market. It’s a hot red with a juicy pink and orange undertone.
Use coupon code LOTSOFLACQUER for 10% OFF
OPI Pompeii Purple
From the 1991 Spring/Summer Carnival Collection, Pompeii Purple is a bright, cool magenta pink pearl with a purplish blue flash.
OPI Samoan Sand
From the 1993 Spring/Summer Paradise Collection, Samoan Sand is a semi sheer tan neutral that you can build up to opacity in 3 coats.
Use coupon code LOTSOFLACQUER for 10% OFF
OPI Tutti Frutti Tonga
From the 1997 Spring/Summer South Seas Collection, Tutti Frutti Tonga is a warm peachy pink pearl. It’s one of the rare shades in this post, but you can still find it through some third party vendors.
OPI Nomad’s Dream
From the 1998 Spring/Summer Painted Desert Collection, Nomad’s Dream is a warm, sandy champagne pearl. It’s another rare shade to find now but you can still get it in some places today.
Use coupon code LOTSOFLACQUER for 10% OFF
OPI Chick Flick Cherry
From the 1999 Fall/Winter Hollywood Collection, Chick Flick Cherry is a rich dark cherry red cream.
Use coupon code LOTSOFLACQUER for 10% OFF
OPI I’m Not Really a Waitress
Also from the 1999 Fall/Winter Hollywood Collection, I’m Not Really A Waitress is a smooth, easy to work with burgundy pearl.
All in all, these OPI iconic shades have lasting power for a reason - they’re all beautiful, classic colors that could be a staple on any nail polish collector’s shelf.
If you want to learn more about the early OPI nail colors and which collections they hail from, my favorite resource is this OPI Collection List from The Polish Garden.
To add any of these nail polish colors to your collection, follow the links above!
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