It feels like a long time ago when I swatched and reviewed OPI Rainbow Connection from The Muppets Collection even though it was just in September.
You’ll remember it as the multicoloured glitterbomb with 3 different sizes of hexagonal glitter.
Since then, I have acquired 2 other nail polishes that are quite similar.
One of them is a dead-on dupe. And if you’re not interested in paying OPI prices, you’ll want to check this out because one of the polishes I compare rings in at just $3.99 USD online!
I whipped up a post for those who are a fan of the glittertastic look of OPI Rainbow Connection, but who want to see how it stacks up to the alternatives. Thought this would make for a nice little shopping-tip post.
The nail polishes featured in this OPI Rainbow Connection Dupes post are: OPI Rainbow Connection (of course), Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie, and Milani Gems.
I’ve compared all 3 in relation to their appearance, brush, accessibility, and price. Hopefully this will help you decide which one is a better fit for you. Or, maybe you’ll decide that you no longer like any of them, and you’ll keep your hard-earned cash in your wallet.
The format of this post is going to be a little different than my usual reviews on a single bottle of polish. I’ve set this up to make it easier for you to see the main similarities and differences between each of the polishes.
Hope this helps! 
OPI Rainbow Connection
- Collection: OPI The Muppets Collection
- Amount: 15 mL (0.5 fl. oz.)
- Retail Price: $9.95 CAD
- Where to Buy: Trade Secrets & select spa/beauty-supply stores
- Swatches & Review: Please see my detailed OPI Rainbow Connection swatches & review post for more in-depth information & photos. (You’ll also find my layering experiments over several different colours there.)
- Disclosure: This polish was sent to me by PR.
Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie
- Collection: Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolors Collection
- Amount: 15 mL (0.5 fl. oz.)
- Retail Price: $10.99 CAD
- Where to Buy: Shoppers Drug Mart (for Canadians) & Wal-Mart (for Americans)
- Swatches & Review: Please see below.
- Disclosure: This polish was sent to me by PR.
Milani Gems
- Collection: Milani Jewel FX Collection
- Amount: 13.2 mL (0.45 fl. oz.)
- Retail Price: $4.99 USD (I haven’t seen this sold in a store in Canada.)
- Where to Buy: Cherry Culture (It’s currently on sale for $3.99 USD.)
- Swatches & Review: Please see below.
- Disclosure: I bought it from Cherry Culture during their 20% off coupon-code sale.
Since it would be far too lengthy and repetitive for me to describe OPI Rainbow Connection a second time, I urge you to see my in-depth swatches and review as linked above. (I’ve also addressed the similarities and differences between OPI Rainbow Connection and Deborah Lippmann’s Happy Birthday in that post.)
Bottle Shot Comparison Pictures
Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie
OPI Rainbow Connection
Milani Gems
Brush Comparison
Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie
OPI Rainbow Connection
Milani Gems
Comparison Swatches
For all of the below swatches, the order from left-right is:
- OPI Rainbow Connection
- Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie
- Milani Gems
1 Coat with Flash
2 Coats with Flash
3 Coats with Flash
3 Coats in Direct Sunlight
2 Coats Over OPI Black Onyx in Direct Sunlight
My Thoughts
Glitter
OPI Rainbow Connection and Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie look like dead-on dupes to me. And the only difference I can see with Milani Gems is that the largest hexagonal glitter is a touch smaller than the largest hexagonal glitter of the other two.
Bottom Line: The overall effect of all of these is extremely similar. The difference in size of the largest hexagonal pieces isn’t a huge deal.
Brushes
OPI has the widest brush. Nicole by OPI has a narrower brush. Milani has the skinniest brush that’s also much floppier than the other two.
Bottom Line: I found that the Nicole by OPI brush made it harder to apply the chunky polish compared to the ones by OPI and Milani. I prefer the OPI one because it covers more of the nail and, with multiple coats, seems to provide slightly more coverage than the others. My second choice would be Milani because the floppiness actually makes it easier to lay down the polish (I think the smaller hexagonal pieces also make the formula easier to work with.). The Nicole by OPI brush comes in last place because the narrow, stiffer brush required me to double-dip when painting each nail.
Accessibility
OPI can be found at beauty-supply stores and some salons. Nicole by OPI can be found at Shoppers or Wal-Mart. Milani is available mainly online for most Canadians.
Bottom Line: If you don’t want to pay for shipping, and you don’t want to head to the mall or a salon, Nicole by OPI may be the easiest for you to track down.
Price
Nicole by OPI is the most expensive. OPI is cheaper, but not by much. Milani is about half the price of OPI.
Bottom Line: The clear winner for me is Milani.
I am very grateful to have all 3 bottles, but for those of you who are trying to pick up just one, my recommendation is to go for Milani. If online ordering isn’t your thing, I recommend OPI. And I don’t think that they’re different enough to justify purchasing all three.
Which one was the overall winner for you? Even if the Milani isn’t an exact dupe of OPI, is it close enough for you, or do you really like those larger hexagonal glitter from the others?
Hello, I’m new to your website but love it already!
I also live in Canada and found Milani Gems at my local SuperStore! Only place I’ve found that carries Milani anything.
Hi!
I’m not sure if it was a random thing, but the Loblaws/Superstores where I live have Milani in their cosmetics area. Around the same price, no shipping!
Hey Jen!
I’ve seen a very small section at my Loblaws/Superstores with Milani, too. Have you seen the latest collections there? I always just see the same few core-collection pieces…and not even all of them.
Thanks for the comparison! When I was all three released one right after the other, I didn’t know which one to buy! And I ended up buying Sephora by OPI Spark-tacular! in the end anyway : )
Hey Reena!
No problem! Oh, I didn’t even bother getting the Sephora by OPI polish. I think I have enough of this kind of glitter to last me well into the next life.
It’s weird but I got the Nicole by OPI one and it actually has the wide brush!!!
I’m really happy that it has it but I don’t understand why some don’t!!
Hey Laura!
Hmm…guess it’s random. That’s very strange how it’s not consistent!
I love your blog! Was the thickness of the ‘clear goop’ about the same?
Btw dopey question – do you pronounce O.P.I. “opey” or say each letter individually?
Hey gg!
Thanks!
I just realized that the second part of my reply got cut off. So sorry!
That’s not a dumb question at all! It’s actually pronounced O.P.I. (each letter is pronounced individually) instead of “Opey”. But, if you like calling it “Opey”, go for it.
OPI and Nicole by OPI had a thicker consistency compared to Milani. Milani was not only thinner, but it had smaller glitter particles, so I think that’s also what made it apply more easily.
Over at the Polish Insomniac blog, there’s a post about NOPI and OPI being the same exact polish: http://www.polishinsomniac.net/2011/11/opi-rainbow-connection-nicole-rainbow.html. Looking at all the pictures, I tend to believe it’s true. For myself, I have OPI because it was the my least expensive option. I love it!
Hey Another Cristina!
Awesome!
Yup, they’re definitely dupes. Funny thing is that here in Canada, Nicole by OPI is more expensive usually than OPI.
Thank you for the comparison post! I now have Milani coming in the mail. I don’t care how many dupes there are, I will always love clown vomit:-D
Hey Jamieson!
You’re very welcome. Thought that this comparison would be helpful. There are just sooooo many dupes out there, but it’s nice to hear that you’re not sick of it and will enjoy wearing it.
I love how thorough l this review was Mary! You really narrowed down the search for people and I sooo respect your honesty!
I retweeted this when you first posted it because I found it so helpful!
I bought Rainbow Connection after I saw YOUR swatches… I have yet to try it… but I can’t wait!
Hey Marta!
Please let me know what you think of Rainbow Connection when you try it out. If you decide to blog about it, I must see it on your pretty nails!
I have actually had the Milani polish for a few months now, and I was quite surprised when OPI came out with one pretty much exactly the same. Over here in NZ it’s normal for OPI to cost around $25 NZD, whereas I got the Milani online for much much cheaper! I feel like a winner
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Hey Del!
Hehe, you are a winner!
Sheesh – $25 for a bottle of polish is a LOT! So glad you snatched up the Milani. Smart!
Just seeing all these dupes is decreasing my excitement about Rainbow Connection substantially. I do love it… however, it isn’t exactly anything too special, and seeing how everyone is coming out with dupes it takes a bit away from it. It’s a pretty “glittertastic” polish, but I think that if I hadn’t already received my Muppet Collection polishes, I’d buy the Milani online thanks to your swatches!
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Hey Nicole!
Definitely see where you’re coming from. The more saturated the market is with dupes, the less enticing something becomes. Oh well…there will always be other exciting polishes that come out!
There is a new dupe to these polishes: Fun-Fetti by Finger Paints. It retails for about $4.99 at Sally’s. It’s a limited edition holiday polish that will be around from around November to January. Here’s a swatch and pic I found : http://thenailphile.blogspot.com/2011/10/fingerpaints-fun-fetti-holiday-limited.html
The polish is already out online at Sally’s so it should be in stores too.
Hey maddy!
Oh geeeeezzzz…How many dupes are there going to be in total? I really hope it’s not going to be EVERYWHERE because that’s when people will get sick of it and begin thinking it’s not special.
Thanks for the heads up about this! I didn’t even think of this, and then I saw the picture, and you’re totally right.
They are coming out with way too many dupes of this! I fell in love with rainbow Connection the minute I saw it because I totally love rainbow glitter and jumbo hexagon glitter. This won’t stop me from getting a bottle of whichever dupe but I doubt people who are getting these polishes or already have them will be wearing them as much.
Agreed. It’s unfortunate. It’ll definitely make it easier for people to get their hands on a bottle, but people will get burned out on it faster.
The Nicole By OPI is $7 USD here, and I’ve seen it in Walmart.
I haven’t seen Rainbow Connection anywhere, but only small salons sell OPI around me.
I don’t have any of these, but I have a dupe to them! lol
It’s by the brand Confetti, called “Tazmanian Devil”. and it’s a brand only sold in CVS Pharmacy stores, and it retails for $1.99!
But I have to say, it has terrible wear time!
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I saw a swatch of Tazmanian Devil by Confetti and it’s different from the three because it has micro glitter and these don’t. I like all 4 of the dupes no matter what. I like the one by confetti because it has micro glitter making it extra glittery!
Oh, thanks for pointing that difference out, Maddy!
I agree – micro-glitter adds more bling.
Hey Emily!
Lucky you – that’s a much better price than what Canadians typically have to pay for it. Although sometimes Nicole by OPI goes on sale…however, I haven’t really seen new collections go on sale.
Tazmanian Devil sounds like a real steal at just $1.99! WOW! Even if it has terrible wear, I think the extremely low price point makes it a good deal.
Wow, they look identical. What was once a very unique color by deborah lipmann is now duped everywhere! That’s good for us who cannot spend $16 on a bottle of polish, but now this glitter seems kind of bleh. I just don’t feel like it’s all that special anymore. I’m still going to cherish my bottle of OPI rainbow connection, but I don’t think I’ll be wearing it as often as I thought.
Hey Vivian!
Aww…sorry to hear that you’re not as excited about wearing OPI Rainbow Connection now. Pretend like you didn’t see this post!
I’ve had Milani Gems for a couple of months now and got it because I knew it was a dupe to Deborah Lippmann Happy Birthday. Now come to find, it’s become a dupe to a ton of other polishes. I’m pretty happy with it, it’s cheap, works well, and I found it at my Target which is less than five minutes driving from my house. If I had to get a backup bottle and Gems was no longer available, I’d probably get Rainbow Connection. There’s so many of these colors right now, it’s sort of becoming like the shatter/crackle trend, every brand is doing it. Thanks for the comparison!
Hey Melissa!
I’m hoping that we don’t see tons of other brands jumping on this bandwagon, too, and making their own ‘dupe’. When it’s everywhere, that’s when I get sick of something.
The thing that really confuses me is that they change the names for the crackle nail polish to texture (Nicole by OPI), shatter (OPI) and blasted (Sephora by OPI). They all have the same effect and they’re all by OPI so why can’t they have the same name. I know it’s for business or something but it drives me crazy!
Yeah, they probably just want to differentiate each line even if it’s really the same. Makes me laugh because I always wonder what other names they’ll come out with. If they continue, they’ll have to really get creative because the more intuitive ones have already been used.
My Kardashian collex NOPIs have the ProWide brush… hmmm.
Hey CiCi!
Hmm…so the same colour can have different brushes?
For anyone reading this, maybe check the brush before buying it. If it has the brush CiCi’s came with, that’s so much better!
Yay the comparison post is up!
I personally prefer anything that’s lower priced for the same quality and Milani is such a great alternative. They look so different in the bottle (Milani vs OPI) but on the nail you’d have to use a magnifying lens to tell the difference (and even then you might still have a hard time)! Even the brush is outstanding. But I also prefer purchasing my polishes at brick and mortar stores so unless I find Gems anywhere, I think I lean towards Rainbow Connection instead.
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Hey Carmela!
I tried to get this post up a little earlier especially for you, actually, to help you decide which one to get.
I can’t believe hpw similar they all are! I’m quite surprised at the similarity between Rainbow Connection and the Nicole polish. I already bought Rainbow Connection but I would have bought Milani if I had access to it!
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Hey Emma!
I was pleased with my bottle of OPI Rainbow Connection, and then I was sent the Nicole by OPI one. And I had previously bought the Milani polish. When I saw them all in person, I thought they were all dupes. And, really, even though Milani isn’t a dead-on dupe, it really does give such a similar effect! Great value!
They are all so pretty. I’m in love with glitter nail polishes and all three seem pretty similar. Here in the US, Nicole by OPI is usually cheaper than OPI by a dollar or two.
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Hey PinkGlitter!
In Canada, sometimes I can get Nicole by OPI polishes for less than OPI, but if it’s from Shoppers Drug Mart, usually it has to go on sale.
I love the Milani one, I think I actually prefer it to the others.
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Hey Sarah!
Good choice – also the most economical one!
I really love all of them! I’m probably going to get OPI or Milani. Do you know what the cost of shipping is on the Cherry Culture website? It all depends on the cost of shipping for me. the review was amazing and I love the pictures! I have several bottles of Nicole by OPI nail polishes but the brushes don’t usually work out for me. To me, Rainbow Connection has more hexagons or their more noticeable but Milani Gems has more glitter. In the brush pictures it’s quite obvious that OPI and Milani pick up more glitter than Nicole by OPI! Thanks for the review!
Hey maddy!
To buy just one bottle of Milani nail polish, the shipping and handling fees at Cherry Culture are expensive (over $8 USD). So it’s only worthwhile if you’re planning to order a lot of other stuff because then the shipping isn’t too large of a percentage of your total order.
Oh, actually, please don’t judge how much glitter is on the brushes. When I took photos of the brushes, I wiped the glitter off the brush because I wanted to show more of the brush. Hmm…guess I should’ve wiped the Milani and OPI ones more. Whoops!
Thanks for the help! Next time I won’t judge by the brushes, I, myself wipe the brushes on the side of the bottle so I should have known there would have been less glitter. My bad! The Nicole by OPI brand came out with a new squarish brush for the justin Bieber collection and some of the texture coats. The brush is about the length of a mini polish brush but squared and has a slanted cut at the tip of the brush. It helps cover up the area and makes it easier for me not to get it on my skin that much. If I bought just one bottle of Milani which you said is $3.99 USD with shipping will be $11.99 USD than it’s more expensive. I guess I’ll buy online but buy more stuff like you said so that the percentage from my order won[‘t be that much.
Hey maddy!
Yeah, it’s definitely more expensive if you can only get hold of Milani Gems online and just order 1 bottle. It’s best to just wait to order more stuff along with it and to also wait for another coupon-code sale to save even more. They seem to have 15-25% off coupon codes pretty often. (I usually only order when they have these sales, now that I think about it.)