How To Spot a Faux-PI (fake OPI) nail polish

Along my travels through Asia I have noticed that that OPI is a very popular brand, sold practically everywhere. Unfortunately, most of these turn out to be fakes and thus the previously appealing $2 pricetag suddenly seems overpriced. Thankfully, while visiting an NGO Nail Salon based in Cambodia, part of Friends International we had a talk to the pedicurist about local products and he gave us some advice on how to spot a "fake/Faux-PI" from a real "OPI", and I'm here to share that with you in case you ever find yourself thinking....this doesn't seem legit or WOW THIS OPI is SOOO CHEAP!

Now I personally haven't tried any of the fakes but I've been told that the formulation isn't terrible so if you're just choosing it based on the colours and you're not too concerned about the product being legitimate or exactly as the ones at Myer/DJ's then go right ahead, I won't judge, but in case you're a bit of a snob like me (it's not my best quality) then I have some tips and pictures to help you spot the fake...click the link below!!

TOP TIPS FOR SPOTTING A FAKE-OPI NAIL POLISH

1. Make sure it says OPI.
This might seem obvious but not all fakes are made alike, the bad ones won't even say OPI but will use the same font/design but will say OBI or another variation. So check that first.

2. Feel the printing on the bottle
Real OPI bottles have the writing on the side of the bottle in a raised textured ink. Often fake OPI varnishes will have the same writing printed on the bottle but lack the texture, instead it will feel completely smooth.

Fake $2 OPI bought at the markets

3. Look at the sticker on the bottom of the bottle
It should have a serial number and list the name of the shade along with a "peel here"....which should actually peel back to reveal further information underneath. Most fakes will not have this as it is too expensive, they may have a simple sticker with just the colour or sometimes no sticker at all and instead just printing straight onto the glass bottom.

Real OPI - Top Label with Serial Number,
 Bottom Label with shade details

4. Check the serial number on the side of the bottle

Each bottle of OPI will have a unique serial number printed on the side, usually near the bottom of the bottle. It will match the serial number on the sticker.

Serial number on real OPI bottle

5. If possible, check that the colour listed matches the colour inside. 

If you have an Eidetic/Photographic memory and a keen interest in knowing EVERY SINGLE SHADE EVER MADE...then go ahead but otherwise, it's worth doing a quick google search just to check that the shade listed on the bottom of the bottle actually matches the colour inside as often fakes will claim to be one of the more common/high selling shades but are actually completely different. For example "I'm Not Really A Waitress" is a dark red colour however the bottle may actually contain a bright pink or black shade. It's fine if you like the colour but it might be a quick tip off for a fake.

Example of Fake: Label lists "Funny Bunny" (usually a pale pink)
 but the colour is much closer to "You Don't Know Jacques!"
also note that there is no sticker under the "peel here"

So I'm sure there's more out there than that but that's what I learnt on my visit to the nail salon in Phnom Penh and I hope it helps you the next time you find yourself in South-East Asia or at some markets which claim to sell "cheap OPI". 

x Alina/Sparkle