OPI Infinite Shine in Can't Tame a Wild Thing

 

OPI Infinite Shine in Can't Tame a Wild Thing

2 coats

For this mani, I used all three steps of the OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System, and then topped it with my quick dry topcoat, NYC Grand Central Station. I have tried the system before without an added quick dry topcoat, and I didn't find that I got very good wear from it- I would get chips pretty quickly. Once I added NYC GSC, I got much better wear!

Info from OPI about the system:

Infinite Shine Lacquer delivers ultra-rich, vivid color in unique OPI shades.  Is an innovative service option for manicures, pedicures and enhancements.

Gel shine without the light.  Last up to 10 days.  Soak free removal.

The Infinite Shine system of products combine for longer-lasting color and shine:

• Step 1 Primer: Goes beyond base - it actually primes nails for a revolutionary grip on color while preventing staining.
• Step 2 Lacquer: Delivers real depth with ultra-rich, vivid color.
• Step 3 Gloss: Promises gel-like durability - the state-of-the-art formula includes gel polymers that cures to a hard film in natural light, yet removes easily without soaking.

OPI Infinite Shine in Can't Tame a Wild Thing

OPI Infinite Shine in Can't Tame a Wild Thing

used entire IS system: primer, 2 coats of color, gloss topcoat

from the OPI Breakfast At Tiffany's Collection for Holiday 2016

I have been re-testing out the Infinite System system with a new shade from the Breakfast At Tiffany's collection, and while I love love love this poppy red, I still don't love love love the system. The topcoat just isn't very thick, so you don't get the gel-like finish I prefer. Now, I do feel like I get pretty good wear from this system, but not enough to justify the higher base/top price. 

OPI Infinite Shine system: Wear test report

5 full days of wear

OPI Infinite Shine system in Girl Without Limits

primer, 2 coats of color, gloss topcoat

 

The pic above is after 5 full days of wear and I'm pretty impressed with how it looks. I could have probably worn it for at least another day or two, but my ADD kicked in and I had to take it off and do a new mani. It was still shiny, and I had what I would consider minimal tip wear.

 

But..... would I recommend paying the premium price of $12.50 per step for this system? No, I don't think I would. In addition, I didn't feel like the topcoat behaved as well as the quick-dry topcoat I am used to using. I painted my right hand just before bed and went to sleep about 30 minutes later and had some sheet marks the next morning.

 

Two other home no-light gel systems that I also liked that are more reasonably priced are L'Oreal Extraordinaire Gel-Lacque ($13 for box with base and topcoat bottles together, $8 for color) and the Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy ($8 for each of the three steps). My recommendation would be to skip OPI Infinite Shine and go with either of those.

 

 

OPI Infinite Shine system in Girl Without Limits

OPI Infinite Shine system in Girl Without Limits

primer, 2 coats of color, gloss topcoat

 

OPI has launched a no-light gel polish so of course I had to give it a try. Each part of the system retails for $12.50. The primer reminded me of Orly Bonder.  I found the color to give good coverage in 2 coats. It flowed easily and evenly. The gloss topcoat did seem to dry pretty quickly to the touch, but I went to bed about 30 minutes after a I painted my right hand and got some smudge marks, which I don't normally get when I use NYC Grand Central Station as my topcoat.

 

I'm currently testing out the wear to see how it compares to regular polish. Stayed tuned!