Today’s helmer drawer is OPI. You’d think that as someone with such a large stash that I would have more than one drawer of OPI, but nope. And this one isn’t even full. I’ve never been too sold on the OPI hype train, and I prefer to think of my collection as more of a “greatest hits” to paraphrase my friend Emma, than a comprehensive collection. I’ve picked out five shades today for various reasons, and I hope you enjoy them.

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21. OPI Swimsuit… Nailed It!
YEAR: 2011 (Miss Universe)
AVAILABILITY: Discontinued

I picked this one out because a) I’d never swatched it before and b) It’s FREAKING GORGEOUS. Honestly, just look at it! This obnoxiously bright blue foil is the kind of polish that dreams are made of. If this was a Pretty Serious shade, I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I would be of it. Stupid name aside, well done OPI.

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22. OPI Jaded
YEAR: Unknown
AVAILABILITY: Very Rare

This is an ultra rare Japanese OPI bottle of the HTF Nicole shade of the same name. It’s also a dupe for Rainforest and Golf Course Green. I have no idea how old it is, but I know it’s from the same time/collection as OPI (Nicole) Totally Teal, coincidentally a dupe for Real Teal and Yosemite. They don’t get much rarer than this, folks.

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23. OPI Cabana Banana
YEAR: 2004 (Summer Splash)
AVAILABILITY: Discontinued

As soon as I saw swatches for this bad boy many many years ago, I knew it had to be mine. At the time, it was a much easier to find, less expensive dupe for MAC Phosphor, but I’m guessing a lot of you have never heard of that polish! Cabana Banana is a little on the sheer side, but that helps the sparkles shine through. I’d forgotten how much I love this.

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24. OPI Got The Blues For Red
YEAR: 2005 (Chicago)
AVAILABILITY: Added to Core Line

Ahh, memories. This ladies and gents was my very first OPI. Look, you can even tell that I’ve used it a lot! (Something that never happens anymore!). I can’t even really say what it was that drew me to this particular shade. I used to hate reds but for some reason, I wanted this one. It’s glassy and perfect and I’m still pretty much in love with it. At least now I know it’s added to core that I can pick up a replacement if this one ever dries up.

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25. OPI Electric Eel
YEAR: 2005 (Brights)
AVAILABILITY: Discontinued

Finally, the most underrated OPI green in existence, Electric Eel. This gorgeous pearlescent duochrome green might be a little on the sheer side, but layered over a black creme… KAPOW. I adore it. Part of the Brights 2005 collection along with other amazing polishes like Megawatt? Fireflies and Sonic Bloom, these are still fairly easy to track down and definitely worth the effort!

5 drawers down! Tomorrow’s drawer is Zoya and Color Club!