How can you spot fake OPI nail varnish?

OPI was founded in the 1980s and is now the world's number 1 professional nail care company. Known and recognised for its excellent products, its polishes in multiple shades and their ease of application, the brand has revolutionised the world of nails. With over 200 colours to choose from, the brand appeals to anyone who wants long-lasting, perfect nails. In fact, OPI promises to apply nails in 10 minutes and last for 10 days. However, the innovation and excellence of OPI's products have also attracted counterfeiters who have been quick to create replicas of the brand's iconic nail polishes. Here are a few tips on how to tell a fake OPI nail polish from a real OPI nail polish.

The varnish cap :

The first thing you need to check is the varnish cap. This is a good indicator of its authenticity.

The wording OPI should be embossed on the top of the cap. Some replica factories sometimes don't bother to reproduce this small detail.

Also look at the font size of the brand name and, more specifically, the letter O. On a genuine varnish, this is thicker than on a counterfeit.

On the left, an authentic OPI nail varnish cap, on the right, a replica of this cap.

The OPI bottle:

Pay particular attention to the bottle of your OPI nail polish. You should see two serial numbers on the bottle. The first is on the bottom of the bottle, written in black. The second is almost imperceptible and is on the top of the bottle. Feel free to move the bottle to reveal it. This serial number must be made up of 8 characters, the first are numbers and the last are letters.

Also check the size of the pictograms on the varnish bottle. They are often smaller than they need to be.

The label under the bottle :

Also check the information on the label stuck to the bottom of the bottle. In particular, you'll be able to find the colour code on this label. Make sure that the colour code corresponds to the name of the colour. To do this, refer to the OPI website.

The lettering on this label must be green on a white background except for the serial number which is written in black. The labels must include the name of the varnish, the serial number, a barcode and the words "Peel Here".

The OPI brush:

Let's move on to the nail varnish brush. The brush has a number of characteristics that show whether or not it is genuine.

The brand name must appear on the top of the brush. It must be raised and completely visible when there is no varnish on it.

Secondly, one of the reasons the brand is so well known is the ease with which the varnish can be applied to the finger. This is made possible by the brand's patented brush.

The brushes are well-stocked and smooth, so you can cover the nail in a single stroke.

On the left, a replica brush, on the right, an authentic brush

Secure your OPI varnish purchase with Obvy:

If you wish to buy your OPI varnish on resale platforms between private individuals, we advise you to use Obvy to secure your transaction.

Obvy is a secure payment platform that helps you avoid the scams that are common in transactions between private individuals. When you make a transaction on Obvy, the funds are only credited to your seller when the buyer certifies that the goods purchased are in order. If this is not the case, you are automatically refunded and the item is returned to the seller.

By using Obvy to carry out transactions between private individuals, you can also benefit from payment in several instalments.