OPI Gelcolor

[ferretkingdom]

I knew OPI's were guilty of shrink back. I guess I got lucky that You're Such a Budapest didn't. The chipping though really sucks. I wanted to get Herring, but I guess I'll skip it if the wear sucks.

OPI wears amazingly well for me yet is one if my easiest to remove. Not all OPI colors shrink back either. I haven't used my herring problem yet though so I'm not sure if that one shrinks.

They need to figure out the shrinkage issue - aren't they the only brand that has that problem?

No there are other brands that have goalies that shrink also. I have the last 3-4 OPI color sets and very few I had any shrinkage issues with. They've definitely improved IMO. Also really shaking the crap out of them and warming them slightly helps application. I just put the bottle under my leg while I remove the old mani and do my prep.

It's such a pain, but not every color wears the same way. Not all of the colors shrink either. I think that it is important to have a really good base coat on your nails, and to make sure that the surface of the base is dry brushed. I use Vitagel Strength, two coats with dry brushing and I've worn OPI GelColors very successfully. If your nails aren't strong, then you need to make them stronger, either with Vitagel or Structure. Also, OPI doesn't like too many coats. Too many coats and the gel loses flexibility so that it chips off faster. Try not to be too discouraged. I only wish they sold mini bottles.

I never dry brush unless I find a bad shrinker, but I find it still doesn't help me much. I just flash cure.

 

[Mrstkeller]

What does 'flash cure' entail exactly? I've heard it said a bunch.

 

[DellaDog]

OPI wears amazingly well for me yet is one if my easiest to remove. Not all OPI colors shrink back either. I haven't used my herring problem yet though so I'm not sure if that one shrinks.



No there are other brands that have goalies that shrink also. I have the last 3-4 OPI color sets and very few I had any shrinkage issues with. They've definitely improved IMO. Also really shaking the crap out of them and warming them slightly helps application. I just put the bottle under my leg while I remove the old mani and do my prep.



I never dry brush unless I find a bad shrinker, but I find it still doesn't help me much. I just flash cure.

I haven't found that dry brushing helped reduce shrinkage, but I tried flash curing the last 2 manis & that did help a lot.

 

[lindsaymomof5]

What does 'flash cure' entail exactly? I've heard it said a bunch.

Flash curing is when you cure one finger or a couple of fingers just for about 10 seconds or so just to keep the polish where you want it until you get all 5 fingers done for the complete cure. It helps with polishes that do a lot of shrink back. Also for nail art !

 

[bestrdh]

I did my nails with OPI Ink with LeChat Princess Tears on top. Excuse the mis-shapen nails but we just did our floors and my nails took a beating!!

 

[VodkaSoda]

I'm looking for a SOG that comes closest to OPI Aphrodite's Pink Nightie. I've started a new thread so any info on there, or here, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[elmel]

I'm looking for a SOG that comes closest to OPI Aphrodite's Pink Nightie. I've started a new thread so any info on there, or here, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

OOh, I'd love to know if you find out anything!

 

[emilieann]

Me too, love that color!

 

[VodkaSoda]

My stash of colors I got today. I felt like a little girl on Christmas Day! Obviously, I like pinks/reds. Cant wait to swatch them. Maybe one or a combo of two will be close to Aphrodite's Pink Nightie..

 

[DellaDog]

How fun!!

 

[Bunny1212]

My stash of colors I got today. I felt like a little girl on Christmas Day! Obviously, I like pinks/reds. Cant wait to swatch them. Maybe one or a combo of two will be close to Aphrodite's Pink Nightie..

I shouldn't look, I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I have to buy. I have to buy. I HAVE TO BUY...

 

[VodkaSoda]

I shouldn't look, I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I have to buy. I have to buy. I HAVE TO BUY...

That's how I feel everytime I see a new swatch color! Lol I told myself I can't buy more until I've worn 2/3 of them first.

Btw I only intended on buying one when I found this lot for a great deal!

 

[DellaDog]

I shouldn't look, I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I must not buy. I have to buy. I have to buy. I HAVE TO BUY...

I will give you some counseling - are you sure you don't have colors similar to her new enviable haul?

 

[Bunny1212]

I will give you some counseling - are you sure you don't have colors similar to her new enviable haul?

When did that ever matter?

 

[VodkaSoda]

So here is my swatch. Posted more pics on the swatch thread. Sadly, no color the is close to Aphrodite's Pink Nightie. :thumbdown: But I will enjoy this lot. Thanks for indulging with me.