OPI Comparisons: OPI Red

OPI OPI Red swatch

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OPI Red is a classic red from OPI.

It was one of the first reds released when OPI launched in 1989, right alongside Malaga Wine and Dutch Tulips, all of which are still in production today.

What’s special about this red compared to the two other early reds is that it has a subtle silver pearl finish giving it an elevated look. Both Malaga Wine and Dutch Tulips are cremes.

What makes it even more special is it’s really pigmented and opaque in a single coat, so you could wear it as a “one coat wonder.” However, to get the smoothest finish over ridged nails, two coats is best.

Because OPI Red is such an OPI classic shade, we’re previously compared it to Dutch Tulips and Big Apple Red.

In this post, we’re going to share how it compares to two other similar OPI nail shades - The Thrill of Brazil and Malaga Wine.

To begin, you’ll see swatches of OPI Red, followed by comparisons to The Thrill of Brazil and Malaga Wine.

All swatches shown in two coats.

OPI Red

OPI OPI Red swatch
OPI OPI Red swatch
OPI OPI Red swatch

A classic, deep red with a subtle silver pearlescent finish giving it a refined, sophisticated feel.

Now for OPI The Thrill of Brazil…

OPI The Thrill of Brazil swatch
OPI OPI Red vs OPI The Thrill of Brazil swatch

OPI OPI Red VS OPI The Thrill of Brazil

The Thrill of Brazil is a classic, warm red-to-orange creme with subtle, juicy blue undertones. 

Compared to OPI Red, it’s a creme finish, lighter in tone and has warm orange in it, whereas OPI Red contains a pearl swirl giving it extra sheen, is darker toned and has no orange.

My bottle of The Thrill of Brazil is on the older side, as this shade is from Spring 2014, so disregard the different bottle design.

OPI continues to make this shade in many formula types; it’s popular because The Thrill of Brazil is very similar to OPI Big Apple Red, one of the most iconic, well known shades OPI makes.

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Finally, OPI Malaga Wine…

OPI Malaga Wine swatch
OPI OPI Red VS OPI Malaga Wine

OPI OPI Red VS OPI Malaga Wine

Can you believe these two early reds are still fan favorites today? What do you think was their X factor that made them stand the test of time?

OPI Malaga Wine is a classic burgundy creme that is a fall and winter favorite. Compared to OPI Red, Malaga Wine is darker, vampier and it contains no pearlescence.

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All in all, compared to these two similar red OPI shades, OPI Red still stands alone as a red with a chic sheen from the subtle pearlescent finish.

Though, if you’re looking for more of a classic, trustworthy, go-to burgundy, Malaga Wine is your best choice. If you’d rather spring into summer juicy red with orange, The Thrill of Brazil is it.

Both of these red cremes are lovely and favorites among our readers, yet if you’re looking for a red with a formal twist and a touch of glamorous elegance, go with OPI Red.

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