Unlocking Stunning Nails with OPI Achievement Unlocked Gel Polish

Gel manicures have become increasingly popular over the past decade thanks to their extended wear, chip-resistant finish. While regular polish may last 3-5 days at most, a quality gel manicure can go 2-3 weeks without chipping or fading. This makes gel an appealing choice for those who want beautiful, fuss-free nails. One of the top professional gel polish brands on the market is OPI. And their Achievement Unlocked collection takes gel color to eye-catching new heights.

>> Click Here to Unlocking Stunning Nails with OPI Achievement Unlocked Gel Polish

What Makes OPI Achievement Unlocked Special

OPI is well-known in the nail industry for their infinite shade options and salon-quality formulation. But their Achievement Unlocked gel lacquers have a few special features that set them apart:

Unique Color-Shifting Ability

Many of the lacquers in the Achievement Unlocked line are infused with iridescent pearl particles that cause the shades to transform under direct light. So though the color may appear one way in the bottle, it takes on a multifaceted, dimensional look on the nails. This color fluctuation ability makes for mesmerizing manicures that capture eyes.

Creatively Themed

As the name suggests, each Achievement Unlocked shade is named after popular video game concepts and imagery. So you have colors like “Level Up,” “Save the Princess,” “Heart Container,” and “1-Up.” This video-game inspiration brings a sense of fun to the polishes.

Salon Gel Formula

While OPI does offer take-home gel polish kits, their Achievement Unlocked lacquers are specifically designed for professional application and curing (hardening) with an LED or UV nail lamp. This means they deliver that super glossy, flexible, and long-wearing finish you expect from a salon gel manicure.

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The Game Plan - How to Achieve These Boss Nails

Ready to unlock show-stopping nails that dazzle like never before? Here is a step-by-step guide to getting and maintaining OPI Achievement Unlocked gel polish:

Step 1: Prep Your Nails

Before polish can be applied, you want to start with clean nail beds free of oil, lotion or soap residue. Trim and shape your nails into your desired length and file the surfaces lightly to remove shine. Push back and trim cuticles as needed with a cuticle pusher and nippers. Finish with a dehydrator prep wipe to eliminate oils and prep the nails.

Step 2: Base Coat

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Apply a thin layer of a dedicated gel base coat (like OPI Natural Nail Base Coat) to help the polish bond properly and prevent staining or damage to the natural nails. Make sure to cap the free edge so the coat wraps just slightly over the tip of each nail.

Step 3: Apply Color Coats

Roll the Achievement Unlocked polish bottle between your hands to mix the shade before application. Then use controlled, even strokes to paint the gel lacquer onto each nail from cuticle to tip. Make sure you allow a few seconds between passes of polish to prevent dragging. Two thin coats are better than one thick coat for best results. Be sure to cap the free edges.

Step 4: Seal With Top Coat

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Once the final layer of color is applied, the nails go under an LED or UV lamp for 30-60 seconds of light exposure to cure or harden the gel polish layers. Finish up by applying a glossy top coat like OPI Platinum Top Coat to seal and smooth the manicure before curing once more. The top coat helps fill in any small imperfections in the color for a glassy finish.

Step 5: Maintenance & Removal

One of the perks of gel polish is low maintenance. There’s no need for touch ups! But be sure to apply cuticle oil daily to keep the skin around the nails healthy and conditioned against cracking or over-dryness, which can cause lifting.

When it's eventually time for removal after 2-3 weeks of wear, do NOT pick or peel off gel polish as this can strip layers of the nail plate. Use a pure acetone remover instead to safely dissolve both base and top coats to lift the polish away from nails. Gently file off any remaining residue.

Troubleshooting Common Gel Polish Problems

While OPI Achievement Unlocked Lacquers deliver long wear and spectacular shine when applied properly, there are a few things that can go wrong. Here is how to troubleshoot the most common gel manicure mishaps:

Cracking/Shrinking Gel

If you notice the polish shrinking away from the edges of your nails or cracking within a few days of application, this is likely due to product being wiped away too soon before full curing. Be sure to allow the full curing time under lamp before wiping tacky inhibition layer.

Bubbles in the Gel

Tiny bubbles or pockets of air can disrupt the smooth appearance of polish, causing an undesirable pitted texture. If you have bubbles, the gel is likely being applied too thick. Use thin, even coats and allow 10 seconds between passes to prevent this issue.

Discoloration of Polish

Achievement Unlocked shades are highly pigmented so staining or discoloration after just a few days generally signals an issue with prep. Be sure to use dehydrator wipe and base coat to prevent yellowing or muddying of the bright gel lacquer.

Lifting of Polish

When gel begins lifting or peeling away from the nail edge before 2 weeks, this is most commonly caused by oil or moisture getting under the polish. Be sure to keep nails, cuticles and skin very dry during prep. And apply oil to skin ONLY not nails.

Get Expert Help for Bewitching Nails

While OPI Achievement Unlocked gel lacquers are perfect for professional application and enjoyment, you can run into trouble trying lengthy, intricate nail art or application techniques at home.

To ensure you get maximum wear and visually stunning effects from these dimensional polishes, consider booking a salon gel manicure. The [nail technicians] at your local salon have the expert skills and high quality lamps needed to apply polish properly. This helps avoid the common pitfalls like chipping, cracking or lifting you may experience handling gel at home.

The professionals can also enhance the mesmerizing, color-shifting OPI shades with art using polish, foils, glitters, rhinestones, charms and more. From subtle to show-stopping, pro nail art takes these video game-inspired lacquers to the next level for major nail achievements unlocked!

FAQs on OPI Achievement Unlocked Gel Polish

Still have some questions about the performance, wear or removal of these breakthrough gel lacquers? Here are answers to some frequently asked gel polish questions:

Does Gel Polish Damage Your Nails?

When applied and removed properly, an OPI gel manicure will not damage the natural nails. But picking or peeling gel polish away can pull up layers of nail and cause breakage.

To avoid this, use acetone as instructed to dissolve both base and top coats and lift the polish away after wear. Buff gently and use cuticle oil to nourish nails.

How Do I Remove Gel Polish at Home?

Never peel or pick off gel polish as it can seriously damage nail beds. To safely remove OPI Achievement Unlocked lacquers after their long wear ability has run out, you’ll need 100% pure acetone remover, foil wraps, cotton balls, a cuticle stick and buffer block.

First, file the surface shine off your gels to help the acetone penetrate easier. Apply acetone liberally onto each nail before wrapping securely with foil. Let it sit for 15-20 mins until polish softens, then use cuticle stick to gently scrape residue away. Repeat as needed for full removal.

Can I Reapply Gel Polish Without Removing?

It is not recommended by OPI professionals to apply a new layer of gel lacquer over an existing manicure. Each application and removal weakens nails slightly. So it's best to fully remove with foil wrap method before reapplication for healthiest nails.

How Long Does Achievement Unlocked Gel Polish Last?

The maximum wear time for these OPI gels is 2-3 weeks with proper application and cure time. But that duration depends greatly on your daily habits and nail chemistry. Frequent hand washing or use of harsh cleaners may cause the polish to lift earlier while those with naturally oily nails may also experience faster breakdown of wear.

Game On! Unlock Show-Stopping Nails with OPI Gels

OPI’s video game-inspired Achievement Unlocked Gel Lacquer Collection takes sparkling, dimensional nail color to new heights. With their ability to shift colors under light for mesmerizing depth and effects, these polishes create spellbinding gel manicures that capture attention.

While the gels are perfect for professional salon application and removal, you can successfully maintain the polish at home between infills with proper care. Just be extremely gentle during removal and nourish nails regularly with cuticle oil for health. Book time with a skilled nail tech if hoping to achieve intricate nail art or design effects using Achievement Unlocked shades.

Ready to unlock the most eye-catching, long-lasting manicure around? Swipe on these OPI gels and level up your nails to new records with their show-stopping shine and flair!