Verified by Nail Artists: 8 OPI Layering Combinations That Clearly Indicate Your Impeccable Style
Compliments on nail color rank highly alongside admiration for fragrances; there’s nothing that makes my day quite like when a friend, colleague, or even a stranger inquires about the polish I have on. Even better is when the polish I’m using is a duo, allowing me to respond with something like: "Oh, this? It’s a custom combination." Naturally, I’ll disclose the enchanting pair (I never keep secrets), which typically features a blend of chic OPI colors. The brand is known for some of the most classic nail shades ever (Funny Bunny, Put It in Neutral, Big Apple Red… Shall I continue?), but combining them truly unlocks new possibilities for flawless, upscale-looking manicures. Just take it from celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, who often mixes OPI polishes for her A-list clients like Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, and Sabrina Carpenter. “With OPI’s variety of colors, there are endless options to blend until you find your perfect hue,” she tells Who What Wear. “It’s customizable, playful, and allows you to achieve finishes that you can’t find in a single bottle. Each time you layer, you uncover a new color story that feels unique and personal!”
To layer like a nail professional at home, she suggests using a palette (such as a handheld mirror or a paper plate) to mix the two shades, instead of applying one polish directly over the other on your nails. Just place a drop of each pigment you want to blend, mix it up, and then apply. “I recommend using a thin nail brush to combine the colors until you achieve a consistent tone,” Ganzorigt explains. “This helps prevent streaking and ensures the custom shade goes on evenly.”
There truly are limitless elegant pairings, but nail technicians, including Ganzorigt, have a few favorites they recommend. Below are eight noteworthy OPI combinations to consider for your next manicure.
1. Bubble Bath and Funny Bunny
Bubble Bath remains a timeless classic (I wore it on my wedding day!), but when paired with Funny Bunny, the sweet pink transforms into a perfectly soapy sheer finish. It’s one of the most sought-after OPI combos on the internet, affectionately called "Bubble Bunny" by beauty insiders. Social media editor Emma Hughes is particularly fond of this pale pink look, declaring it her "one tried-and-true combo for life" due to its flattering nature. Talk about a stellar recommendation!
2. Bubble Bath and Put It in Neutral
Ganzorigt shares, “One of my favorite OPI layering combinations is Bubble Bath and Put It in Neutral.” “It softens the pink just enough to create that milky, super-wearable nude that everyone adores.” While Put It in Neutral has a taupe-pink hue, Funny Bunny appears more creamy white; if you’re after a neutral finish with slight pink tones, this duo is a must-try.
3. Passion and Bare My Soul
Passion is often used as a base for French manicures due to its sheer finish and nude-pink tint. When combined with the warm beige of Bare My Soul, it results in a sandy neutral manicure that captures the essence of summer, according to Ganzorigt. “These shades create effortless, sun-kissed washes of color that feel fresh and beachy,” she notes. Perhaps this is why she chose this combination for Sabrina Carpenter’s “Manchild” music video, which premiered last June.
4. Bare My Soul and Put It in Neutral
Celebrity nail artist Iram Shelton refers to this pairing as her "no-makeup makeup look for nails." If you want to elevate your “naked” manicure, layering these neutral hues is a smart choice. Don’t forget a glossy top coat to achieve Shelton’s "ultra glossy, soap nail effect."
5. Black Onyx and Brown to Earth
Ganzorigt reveals, “In winter, I love using Black Onyx as a base for any dark shades. It deepens the color and provides a rich, dark finish.” While you might assume that a deep black polish would overpower the result, trust the expert—it creates an "almost black" pigment that’s exceptionally chic for the season. Feel free to mix this dark hue with any moody shades (burgundy, navy, gray, etc.), but particularly with a chocolate brown for a rich outcome. “Black Onyx with Brown to Earth creates a lovely deep brown for winter,” Ganzorigt adds, envisioning a combination of deep espresso over milk chocolate.
6. Bubble Bath and Strawberry Margarita
If you're leaning towards a more vibrant shade of pink, consider mixing in Strawberry Margarita. This lively fuchsia has a strong presence, but when layered with Bubble Bath, it tones down the intensity just a bit if that’s your preference. You can either blend these two polishes for a custom shade or create a gradient "candy floss" effect like
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Verified by Nail Artists: 8 OPI Layering Combinations That Clearly Indicate Your Impeccable Style
Pairs that deserve compliments and that everyone in your life will want to emulate.
