OPI Intelli-Gel Colors

OPI Intell-Gel Technology Gel Color Bottles, L to R: Hands in the Clouds, Reoccurin’ Gleam and Mirror, Mirror on the Awe

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Intell-Gel was released in August 2024 and when it was launched, OPI began phasing out its previous GelColor formula. 

This new gel formula was launched with 100+ colors, plus a Super Base Coat, Super No Wipe Top Coat, Super Gloss Top Coat and a Super Matte Top Coat.

Intell-Gel Technology features these key benefits:

  • High viscosity

The formula has a responsive molecular design that allows the formula to thin as it is applied, for cuticle flood-proof application.

  • Self correcting

When you release the brush pressure after application, the formula reforms to its plump original shape.

  • New brush

The brush features a rounded edge that fans out for more coverage with fewer strokes. 

  • More pigmented

OPI increased the pigment in every shade, making your coverage more saturated. Fuller coverage in fewer coats.

  • HEMA-free and Vegan

It’s better for you and your animal friends too.

When you include all supplies needed for this manicure - nail cleanser, dehydrator, base coat, color, top coat, lint-free wipes, minus the OPI lamp and cost of removal - your average cost per manicure is around just $1.10. 

If you include the OPI lamp, it’s $3.40 per manicure, as a total start-up cost.

If you include removal, add a few cents for the costs of acetone and gel soak off bowls or nail tips.

I specifically love the HEMA-free aspect, which created a sense of relief while using this product. It’s also really responsive - it’s not too thick that it’s problematic and it’s just thick enough it stays where you want it. I noticed I would dab some gel in a spot unevenly and it would level itself out before my eyes. This responsive quality makes it very user friendly.

Below are 3 swatches of the new Spring 2025 OPI’m Dreaming Collection colors.

These swatches are shown with Super Base Coat and Super Gloss Top Coat.
OPI Hands in the Clouds GelColor swatch
OPI Hands in the Clouds GelColor swatch

OPI Hands in the Clouds GelColor swatch

OPI GelColor Hands in the Clouds

Shown in 2 coats, OPI Hands in the Clouds is a milky white with subtle shimmer. If you’re a big fan of OPI’s sheer white shades, like Funny Bunny, but looking for a touch of pearlescent sparkle, this is it.

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OPI Reoccurin’ Gleam GelColor swatch
OPI Reoccurin’ Gleam GelColor swatch

OPI GelColor Reoccurin’ Gleam

This romantic, pearly baby pink is dusted with a subtle golden shimmer that catches the light just right—like a little sparkle spell on your nails. Shown here in 3 coats, you can also wear it in 2 coats for a soft, sheer finish. 

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OPI Mirror, Mirror on the Awe GelColor swatch
OPI Mirror, Mirror on the Awe GelColor swatch

OPI GelColor Mirror, Mirror on the Awe

Shown in 2 coats, Mirror, Mirror on the Awe is a sheer nude shimmer. The shimmer is a subtle gold that makes your manicure look like your nails, but with neutral sparkle. I love that this shade has a "professional nails" finish, with a kiss of glitter.

For best results with OPI Intelli-Gel, use these instructions:

1 - Start with a clean, prepped nail surface, free of oils and debris. I used OPI N.A.S. Cleansing Solution, buffed and shaped the nail, then applied OPI Bond Aid.

2 - Shake the bottles for 60 seconds to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. 

3 - Apply the OPI Intelli-Gel Super Base Coat in 1 thin layer. Cure for 30 seconds in an OPI Star Light Gel Lamp.

4 - Apply a thin coat of color, starting by capping the free edge to seal it. Cure for 30 seconds. Repeat for a second coat.

5 - Follow with a thin layer of your desired top coat. I used the Super Gloss Top Coat. You can also use the Super No Wipe Top Coat or Super Matte Top Coat. Cap the free edge to seal it. Cure for 30 seconds.

6 - If you’re using the Super Gloss Top Coat or Super Matte Top Coat, use a lint-free nail wipe soaked in N.A.S Cleansing Solution to remove any tacky gel residue. 

7 - Finish with a drop of cuticle oil to the base of each nail. Gently massage it into the cuticle area.

Total cure time for OPI Intell-Gel:

When using the OPI Star Lamp, each coat requires just 30 seconds to cure, giving you a total cure time of 2 to 2.5 minutes, depending on how many color coats you use.

All in all, it’s my first time trying OPI’s latest gel technology system - Intelli-Gel and I like it.

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Morgan Taylor Spring 2025 Now & Zen Collection Swatches