Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a review of the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat. If you're anything like me, you're always on the lookout for that perfect top coat that will extend the life of your manicure and give it that salon-worthy shine. OPI is a well-known and respected brand in the nail polish world, so expectations are high with this one. Does it live up to the hype? Let's find out!

What is OPI Infinite Shine?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the top coat, let's quickly touch on what the OPI Infinite Shine system is all about. Basically, it's OPI's answer to gel polish, but without the need for a UV or LED lamp. The system consists of a primer, color coat, and top coat, all formulated to work together to deliver a long-lasting, high-shine manicure. The big promise here is that you can achieve gel-like results with the ease and convenience of regular nail polish. This is super appealing for those of us who love the look of gel but don't want the hassle of special equipment or the potential damage to our nails from the removal process.

The OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is the final step in this system, designed to seal in the color and provide that glossy, durable finish. It's formulated with oligomers that react to natural light, which OPI claims helps to harden and cure the polish over time. This is what supposedly gives the Infinite Shine system its longevity and resistance to chipping. A good top coat is essential; it’s like the bodyguard for your nail color. It protects against everyday wear and tear, preventing chips, scratches, and fading. Plus, it adds that beautiful shine that makes your nails look professionally done. The Infinite Shine Top Coat aims to do all of this while also being easy to apply and remove, just like regular polish.

So, the question remains: does it deliver on these promises? We'll be exploring everything from application and drying time to longevity and overall finish. By the end of this review, you'll have a clear idea of whether the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is worth adding to your nail polish collection. We'll also compare it to other top coats on the market, so you can make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences. Whether you're a nail polish newbie or a seasoned pro, this review is for you. Let's get started and see if this top coat can truly give us that infinite shine we're all searching for!

First Impressions and Application

Alright, let's talk about the initial experience with the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat. The first thing I noticed was the packaging – classic OPI, sleek and professional. The bottle is the standard OPI shape, which I find easy to hold and maneuver. The brush is also the typical OPI brush: a good size, not too thick or thin, and with a rounded tip. This makes application pretty straightforward and helps to avoid streaks or uneven coverage. I always appreciate a well-designed brush because it can really make or break the application process.

When applying the top coat, the consistency felt just right – not too thick that it goops up, and not too thin that it runs everywhere. It glided smoothly over the nail, creating an even layer without much effort. I made sure to apply a thin, even coat, as that's usually the key to preventing bubbles and ensuring proper drying. The top coat is clear, as expected, and doesn't seem to distort the color of the polish underneath, which is a definite plus. Some top coats can have a slight tint that alters the color, but this one seems to stay true to the original shade.

One of the things that stood out to me during application was the shine. Even before it was fully dry, the top coat gave my nails a noticeable glossy finish. It definitely looked promising right off the bat. I also appreciated that it didn't have a strong, overpowering smell like some nail products do. The scent was mild and dissipates quickly, which is great for those who are sensitive to strong odors. Overall, the initial application experience was positive. The top coat was easy to work with, provided good coverage, and had a nice shine. But, of course, the real test is how it performs over time. We'll be looking at drying time, longevity, and overall wear in the next sections. So far, though, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is making a good first impression!

Drying Time and Shine

Now, let's get into two crucial aspects of any top coat: drying time and shine. Nobody wants to sit around for ages waiting for their nails to dry, and we all want that gorgeous, glossy finish that makes our manicure look professionally done. So, how does the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat fare in these areas?

Drying time is always a big factor for me. I'm impatient, and I don't want to risk smudging my nails while I'm trying to get on with my day. OPI claims that the Infinite Shine system dries relatively quickly, thanks to its unique formula that reacts to natural light. In my experience, the top coat did dry to the touch within a reasonable amount of time – about 5-10 minutes. However, it took a bit longer to fully harden and become completely smudge-proof. I'd say it was fully dry and ready to go in about 20-30 minutes. This is fairly standard for regular nail polish top coats, but it's not quite as fast as some of the quick-dry options out there.

As for the shine, I was genuinely impressed. The OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat delivers a seriously glossy finish. It gives your nails that beautiful, reflective shine that makes them look like you've just stepped out of a salon. The shine is definitely one of the standout features of this top coat. It really elevates the look of your manicure and makes the color pop. Even after a few days of wear, the shine remained intact, which is a huge plus. Some top coats lose their luster over time, but this one held up remarkably well.

To really put it to the test, I compared the shine of the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat to a few other top coats I have in my collection. It definitely stood out as one of the glossiest. The shine was comparable to some gel top coats, which is quite impressive for a regular polish formula. However, it's worth noting that the shine may vary slightly depending on the color of the polish underneath. Darker colors tend to reflect more light, so they may appear even shinier with this top coat. Overall, the drying time is decent, and the shine is exceptional. If you're looking for a top coat that will give your nails a super glossy, salon-worthy finish, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is definitely worth considering!

Longevity and Wear

Okay, so it looks great and applies well, but how long does the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat actually last? This is arguably the most important factor when choosing a top coat. We all want a manicure that can withstand daily wear and tear without chipping or fading within a day or two. So, let's dive into the longevity and wear of this top coat.

OPI promises that the Infinite Shine system provides gel-like wear, meaning it should last longer than your average manicure. In my experience, the longevity was definitely better than some other top coats I've tried, but it wasn't quite as long-lasting as a true gel manicure. On average, I was able to get about 5-7 days of wear before I started to notice any significant chipping. This is pretty good for a regular polish system. Of course, the longevity can vary depending on your daily activities and how hard you are on your hands. If you're constantly washing dishes or doing other tasks that involve a lot of hand use, your manicure may not last as long.

Even though it wasn't completely chip-proof, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat did a great job of protecting my nails from minor scratches and wear. The top coat created a hard, durable layer that helped to prevent damage to the polish underneath. I also noticed that the color stayed vibrant and didn't fade as quickly as it would with some other top coats. One thing I did notice was that the tips of my nails started to show some wear after a few days, even if there weren't any major chips. This is pretty common with most manicures, but it's something to keep in mind.

To maximize the longevity of your manicure with the OPI Infinite Shine system, it's important to follow all the steps: use the primer, apply thin coats of color, and finish with the top coat. Proper application can make a big difference in how long your manicure lasts. Also, consider wearing gloves when doing household chores to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure. Overall, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat provides good longevity and wear. It may not be quite as long-lasting as a gel manicure, but it's definitely a step up from many other regular polish top coats. If you're looking for a top coat that will extend the life of your manicure and keep your nails looking great for several days, this one is worth considering!

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear and concise overview, let's break down the pros and cons of the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat:

Pros:

• High Shine Finish: As we've discussed, the shine is one of the standout features of this top coat. It gives your nails a glossy, salon-worthy look that lasts. The shine is comparable to some gel top coats, which is quite impressive for a regular polish formula.
• Good Longevity: While it may not be as long-lasting as a true gel manicure, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat provides better longevity than many other regular polish top coats. You can expect to get about 5-7 days of wear before noticing significant chipping.
• Easy Application: The top coat has a smooth, easy-to-apply formula that glides effortlessly over the nail. The brush is well-designed and helps to prevent streaks or uneven coverage.
• Protects Nail Color: The OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat creates a hard, durable layer that helps to protect your nails from minor scratches and wear. It also helps to prevent the color from fading quickly.
• Reasonable Drying Time: While it's not the fastest-drying top coat on the market, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat dries to the touch within a reasonable amount of time (about 5-10 minutes) and is fully dry in about 20-30 minutes.

Cons:

• Not Completely Chip-Proof: Although it provides good longevity, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is not completely chip-proof. You may still experience some chipping after a few days of wear, especially if you're hard on your hands.
• Requires the Infinite Shine System for Best Results: While you can use the top coat with other nail polishes, it's designed to work as part of the OPI Infinite Shine system. For the best results and longest wear, it's recommended to use it with the Infinite Shine primer and color coats.
• Price: OPI products tend to be a bit more expensive than some other drugstore brands. The OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is an investment, but many users find that the quality and performance justify the cost.

Overall, the pros definitely outweigh the cons for the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat. If you're looking for a top coat that will give your nails a high-shine finish, good longevity, and easy application, this one is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that it may not be completely chip-proof and that it's designed to work best as part of the OPI Infinite Shine system.

Final Verdict

So, after putting it to the test, what's the final verdict on the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat? Overall, I'm impressed. It delivers on its promise of providing a high-shine, long-lasting manicure that looks professionally done. While it may not be a perfect, completely chip-proof solution, it's definitely a step up from many other regular polish top coats on the market. The shine is exceptional, the application is easy, and the longevity is good.

If you're looking for a top coat that will give your nails that wow factor and extend the life of your manicure, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for those who want the look of gel polish without the hassle of UV lamps or the potential damage to their nails. Just keep in mind that it's designed to work best as part of the OPI Infinite Shine system, so you may want to invest in the primer and color coats as well for optimal results.

While the price may be a bit higher than some other drugstore brands, the quality and performance justify the cost. A good top coat is an essential part of any nail polish collection, and the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is a reliable and effective choice that will help you achieve beautiful, long-lasting nails.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you're willing to invest in a quality top coat that delivers on its promises, the OPI Infinite Shine Top Coat is a winner. It's a great addition to any nail polish collection and will help you achieve salon-worthy nails at home. So go ahead and give it a try – you won't be disappointed!