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I had these two in my collection and thought 'oh, are these a dupe?' so I put them to the test.
PACKAGING (Essie):
I am a bit OCD when it comes to my nail polish, I love the squared/rectangular packaging because they store easier and nicer.
PACKAGING (OPI):
OPI's packaging isn't bad, the bottle looks sleek and is well known as OPI.
CLAIMS (Essie):
Provides flawless coverage along with outstanding durability
Brush fits every nail size for streak-free application
Intense rich colour with high coverage
Wide brush for quick, easy and smooth application
High shine with a glossy finish
Professional long-lasting, chip resistant formula
CLAIMS (OPI):
Quality nail color
Up to 7 days of wear.
INGREDIENTS (Essie):
ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, propyl acetate, tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, isopropyl alcohol, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, triphenyl phosphate, ethyl tosylamide, camphor, stearalkonium bentonite, diacetone alcohol, stearalkonium hectorite, benzophenone-1, synthetic fluorphlogopite, citric acid, silica, aluminum hydroxide, colophonium / rosin / colophane, calcium aluminum borosilicate, aqua / water / eau, aluminum calcium sodium silicate, calcium sodium borosilicate, dimethicone, alumina, polyethylene terephthalate, oleth-10 phosphate, polyurethane-33. may contain : ci 77891 / titanium dioxide, mica, ci 77120 / barium sulfate, ci 77491, ci 77499 / iron oxides, ci 19140 / yellow 5 lake, ci 77510 / ferric ammonium ferrocyanide, ci 15880 / red 34 lake, ci 15850 / red 7 lake, ci 15850 / red 6 lake, ci 77000 / aluminum powder, ci 77163 / bismuth oxychloride, ci 77742 / manganese violet, ci 77266 / black 2, ci 42090 / blue 1 lake, ci 77007 / ultramarines, tin oxide, ci 77510 / ferric ferrocyanide, ci 15880 / red 34, ci 73360 / red 30 lake, ci 75170 / guanine, ci 47000 / yellow 11, titanium dioxide.
INGREDIENTS (OPI):
Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Propyl Acetate, Tosylamide Formaldehyde Resin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Triphenyl Phosphate, Ethyl Tosylamide, Camphor, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Diacetone Alcohol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Benzophenone-1, Citric Acid, Dimethicone
I prep my nails, push the cuticles back, file and buff my nails and then used my favourite manicure products such as OPI BondAid then Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat.
Going from left to right so left hand from pinkie to thumb it goes Essie, OPI, Essie, OPI, Essie then on the right hand from thumb to pinkie it goes OPI, Essie, OPI, Essie, OPI, the reason I do this instead of one hand being one brand and the other hand the other brand is because I use my right hand more so that hand will scuff more. NOTE: I am not a pro, my right hand is scruffy because I am right handed.
Layer #1: Essie seems to be a good coverage with just one layer whereas the OPI nails aren't a solid colour.
Layer #2: Second coat for both nail polish brand looks better. The OPI dries quicker than the Essie.
I applied my favourite top coat and cuticle oil over the nail, I really love my nails, I need to clean them up a little but I love black nail polish.
Day #4: Top picture is my right hand and the whole nail peels off which is Essie. Bottom picture is my left hand and the chipped nail is OPI
Day #5: Top picture is my right hand and the chipped nails are OPI. Bottom picture is my left hand and the nails that have completely gone are Essie and the chipped nails are OPI. Essie just peels off as one where as OPI chips.
Day #5 (Removal): I hate chipped nails so I removed the nail polish using my favourite nail polish remover which is Cutex and a lint free pad. They both removed easily however OPI was easier.
Essie Nail Lacquer in Licorice
Purchased From: Boots
Shade: Licorice
Size: 13.5ml
Price: £7.99
OPI Nail Lacquer in My Gondola Or Yours
Purchased From: John Lewis
Shade: My Gondola Or Yours
Size: 15ml
Price: £13.50
Least layers applied: I used the same but I would say Essie
Best applicator: Essie
Dries Quickiest: OPI
Nicest to apply: Essie
Lasts longer: Not sure
Looks the best longest: Either
Best packaging: Essie
Easiest to remove: OPI
I love both of the nail polishes individually, I think if you want to save a little money buy the Essie but OPI is a good brand to invest in.
Is it a dupe: Yes
Date Tried: Thursday 23rd April 2020
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