From Bubble Bath to Tiramisu for Two, These Are the Best OPI Nail Colours of All Time

When I think of the best nail polish colours, OPI always comes to mind. Founded in 1981, the American nail brand has created some truly legendary nail colours—with equally iconic, often tongue-in-cheek names to match. Often, when I speak to celebrity manicurists about nail colours and nail trends, OPI is always, always name-checked. You might remember when 'Funny Bunny' went viral after Hailey Bieber's manicurist, Zola Ganzorigt, combined it with chrome powder and the 'glazed donut' manicure was born. Ask any beauty editor about their go-to nail colour, they are bound to mention the universally flattering sheer pink Bubble Bath, Funny Bunny or one of the several neutral variations that the brand does so well. And if you scroll through any celebrity nail tech's Instagram, you'll often spot a smattering of classic OPI shades such as Big Apple Red, Put It In Neutral and Malaga Wine.

The beauty of OPI is that they come in both gel polish and nail polish form, so whether you're headed to the salon for gel nails or doing a DIY manicure at home, you can often find the shades in both forms. I decided it was time to compile the best OPI nail colours that celebrity nail techs and editors alike swear by for their manicures. Scroll ahead to see the best OPI nail colour shades IRL.

The Best OPI Nails Colours, According to Manicurists and Editors

• Best neutral OPI nail colour: OPI Put It in Neutral
• Best red OPI nail colour: OPI Big Apple Red
• Best subtle OPI nail colour: OPI Baby, Take A Vow
• Best statement OPI nail colour: OPI Black Cherry Chutney

1. Bubble Bath

We're starting off strong with one of OPI's bestselling shades, Bubble Bath. "If I could only wear one shade for the rest of my life, it would 100% be OPI Bubble Bath," says Who What Wear UK managing editor, Poppy Nash. This sheer glossy pink suits everyone and looks great worn alone or layered with other shades. The Internet swears by combining both Bubble Bath with Funny Bunny—more on that shade below.

Shop the Shade:

2. Funny Bunny

When I spoke to celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae, she mentioned several of her favourite OPI shades, one of which is Funny Bunny, the perfect milky white that is so versatile. "I’ll start with my favourite trio . . . ‘Funny Bunny’, ‘Baby, Take a Vow’ and ‘Put It In Neutral’," says Rae. "All of these shades are so iconic, and I’m sure everyone has had a manicure with at least one of these, but they are so versatile, and if you’re a neutral lover like me, you can constantly switch up your look by layering and mixing them," she says.

"‘Funny Bunny’ worn alone is so chic; it brightens the natural nail and it’s such a lovely way to do a white manicure without it being too stark. I will quite often use Funny Bunny for the ‘naked French’ look. Applying this as a French tip as opposed to a solid white looks so fresh and gives the illusion of naturally perfect nails," says Rae.

Shop the Shade:

3. Put It In Neutral

"‘Put It In Neutral’ is one of the most universally flattering shades, the perfect blend of every tone that blurs and conceals any imperfections in the nail," says Rae. This neutral is more beige-toned, making it ideal if you don't want too much of a pink undertone.

Shop the Shade:

4. Big Apple Red

Another of Rae's favourites? "‘Big Apple Red," she says. "I can spot this shade a mile away, the most perfect red, and it wouldn’t be an OPI favourite list if this wasn’t included," she says. The bright red is a great year-round hue that transcends seasons, looks great on both long and short nails and looks great as a pedicure colour too. IMO, this is the only red you will ever need; it's classic and timeless.

Shop the Shade:

5. Malaga Wine

At Who What Wear UK, we have a love affair with dark red nails, and Malaga Wine is a go-to for senior fashion & beauty editor, branded content, Rebecca Rhys-Evans. "Possibly the most iconic nail varnish shade in movie history is, of course, Uma Thurman's burgundy on the Pulp Fiction poster. That's what I'm going for when I opt for Malaga Wine, a deep, sexy red that is just so classic," she says. "When you're in an indecisive mood in the salon panicking over which colour to go for, Malaga Wine is one you can't go wrong with, and to add extra 'oomph,' I say pair it with a matching lipstick."

Shop the Shade:

6. Baby, Take A Vow

"‘Baby, Take a Vow’ has my heart," says Rae. "I’ve worn it for some super special occasions, and there’s a reason why; it just gives your nails a beautiful rosy glow." As the name suggests, this sheer 'your nails, but better' blush pink makes a great wedding manicure colour for brides.

Shop the Shade:

7.Lincoln Park After Dark

Lincoln Park After Dark reached icon status when it launched back in 2005, and it's still as popular with editors today as the ultimate almost black purple. "I know many see a black manicure as something best kept for Halloween season, but I like to embrace my inner-goth with dark, moody shades all times of year. Where black can often feel a bit too cool on my fair skin, Lincoln Park After Dark's purple undertone feels a bit more complimentary and adds some depth and interest over a flat black hue," says Rhys-Evans. "I've had it a few times on hands, but it's really a go-to pedicure choice."

Shop the Shade:

8. Black Cherry Chutney

If you love a deep red with a little shimmer, this shade is a must-try. "My wildcard favourite is ‘Black Cherry Chutney. ’ I reach for this every Autumn/Winter," says Rae. 'It's an ultra dark, black-red shade with a pearl finish, which makes them look super glossy." I'm bookmarking this one for party season.

Shop the Shade:

9. Bare My Soul

OPI's Bare My Soul is another classic neutral nail colour that suits everyone. "Bare My Soul is a delicate pinky-nude shade that complements every skin tone," says editorial assistant, Brittany Davy." With just one coat, it gives nails a soft, healthy glow, but you can layer it for a deeper, pink-toned nude finish if you prefer more coverage. I love using it as a base coat for nail art and French-tip designs at the salon, but it’s just as beautiful on its own when I apply it at home. It gives my nails a neat, polished look, and it doesn’t stand out when it starts to grow out or if I get a chip here and there."

Shop the Shade:

More OPI Shades We Love

10. Don't Bossa Nova Me Around

As for myself, OPI's Don't Bossa Nova Me Around is a shade I always reach for on my toes. While I find true white too stark, this creamy, grey nude has a touch of lilac to it, which is so much more flattering—it reads more like an off-white on my skin tone.

11. Not Afraid Of The Dark

"Another favourite of mine is Not Afraid of the Dark; it's a deep, chocolatey brown which is my go-to all year (yes even in summer!)," says Rhys-Evans. "I'm a dark shade girl. I have pale skin, and I have found that neutrals can make my hands look washed out/greyish, so red and dark hues are my version of a neutral. I do love a burgundy, but my mani hot take is that chocolate is just burgundy for the cool kids."

12. Over-Slay Your Welcome

"I love a nude, but my nails are so pink and light to begin with that I need a little something more than a traditional light neutral colour," says junior branded content editor, Humaa Hussain. "Which is why I always go for this light, almost caramel-like shade because it works so well with my skin tone, and though it is darker than a pinky nude, it still gives off that 'barley there' hue."

13. Tiramisu For Two

"Tiramisu for Two is the perfect pinky, creamy, latte-toned nude for my skin tone," says copy editor, Georgia Seago.

14. All Night Strong

"I'm a big fan of navy nail polishes, and this OPI one has the most stunning, shiny finish that makes my nails look so healthy," says junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay. "Not only that, but it's part of OPI's Nail Envy collection, which means it also helps to strengthen and protect nails from peeling and splitting. If you want a chic-looking manicure at home, this is the polish to go for."

15. Cajun Shrimp

This is one of OPI's most-loved and classic shades, which is a spicy coral-red that screams summer.

16. You Don't Know Jacques!

This might be the chicest grey-toned brown around, and the cool undertones give it a stylish edge that looks particularly cool on short nails.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.