OPI's Festive "I'll Take the Cake" Green Nail Polish for St. Patrick's Day Manicures

The Story Behind OPI's "I'll Take the Cake" Nail Polish

OPI's light pastel green nail polish shade "I'll Take the Cake" is a perfect color for St. Patrick's Day manicures and pedicures. With its soft green hue reminiscent of four-leaf clovers and shamrocks, this polish adds a touch of Irish spirit to any look.

The Origins of "I'll Take the Cake"

The name of this OPI polish, "I'll Take the Cake," is actually a cute play on words. Traditionally on St. Patrick's Day, people look forward to eating Irish soda bread, Irish cream cake, Guinness chocolate cake, and other sweet treats. So with its pastel green color, "I'll Take the Cake" is implying that you'll take - or wear - this lucky shade of green polish.

The polish was released by OPI as part of their St. Patrick's Day collection one year, making it perfect for wearing during the March festivities. The soft green hue reminds people of all things Irish and the various green cakes and cupcakes often seen around this holiday.

Wearing "I'll Take the Cake" Green Nail Polish

This light pastel green is a great shade to paint your nails or toes any time you want to evoke that feeling of luck around St. Patrick's Day. It can be worn year-round, but really shines when paired with shamrock prints, sparkly gold accents, and other touches that nod to Irish culture.

"I'll Take the Cake" also works nicely as an accent nail shade paired with nudes, pinks, taupes, whites, and metallics. Use it on just one or two nails for a subtle pop of color. Or layer glitter, striping tape, rhinestones, or other nail art on top of it to create an eye-catching manicure.

Complementary Colors for This Green Polish

There are many polish shades that pair beautifully with "I'll Take the Cake" by OPI. Try any of these colors for a perfectly coordinated manicure:

• Sparkling gold, copper, or silver - metallics add shine
• Nude pinks and taupes - soft neutrals let the green pop
• Classic red - an iconic color pairing
• Royal blue - reminds people of the Irish flag
• Emerald green - amp up the Irish spirit
• Rich purple - contrasting yet harmonious
• Pale blue - feels fresh for spring
• Yellow - sunny color enhances the green

The options are endless when matching other polish colors with this light green! Use your imagination and get creative with your manicure.

How to Apply "I'll Take the Cake"

Applying OPI's "I'll Take the Cake" polish is easy with some basic tips in mind:

Prep Your Nails

Start by filing your nails to the desired length and shape. Then thoroughly cleanse nails to remove any oil or lotion. You can use acetone-based nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or plain soap and water. Gently push back and trim cuticles if needed. Apply a base coat to protect nails and ensure longer wear.

Paint on the Polish

Apply a thin first layer of "I'll Take the Cake," being careful not to flood the cuticles. Let the polish dry 2-3 minutes before going in with a second coat to ensure full, even color coverage. The second coat will also help the manicure last longer without chips or smudges. Finish by sealing the entire manicure with a clear top coat.

Maintain Your Manicure

Once completed, protect your pretty pastel green nails by wearing gloves to wash dishes or clean. Avoid picking at your polish and use cuticle oil daily to keep nails hydrated. When polish begins chipping after 4-5 days, simply touch up the growth near cuticles. Or remove it all and start fresh! Proper prep and protection will have your "I'll Take the Cake" mani looking great for over a week.

Cute Nail Art Ideas with This Polish

Not only does OPI's "I'll Take the Cake" make a fabulous stand-alone manicure polish for St. Patrick's Day, but it also serves as an excellent base color for easy nail art ideas. The soft green hue allows other designs painted on top to really stand out.

Gold Accents

For a glam take on St. Patrick's Day nails, paint on delicate gold leaf shapes, geometric designs, or simple stripes over the green polish. This color pairing looks elegant while still feeling festive.

Shamrocks

Tiny bright white or silver shamrocks dotted randomly on each nail make for simple yet cute nail art. Spread them evenly across all five nails or create one accent shamrock nail by placing them all there.

Rainbows

Can't get enough green for St. Patty's Day? Extend the color up into little rainbow arcs on one or two accent nails. Follow the arc shape with the rest of the rainbow hues using striping tape for clean lines or nail art brushes for freehand rainbows.

However you choose to wear OPI's "I'll Take the Cake" green polish, it will have you feeling lucky this St. Patrick's Day! Show it off at holiday parties or simply enjoy its bright yet calming color. This shade truly captures the festive spirit of the Irish holiday.

FAQs

Where can I buy OPI's "I'll Take the Cake" nail polish?

This limited edition polish was sold on the OPI website and in beauty supply stores, nail salons, and some retailers like Ulta and Target. Since it was released for a St. Patrick's Day collection, it may only be available during the March festivities or while supplies last.

What other OPI polishes pair well with this green?

"I'll Take the Cake" looks beautiful alongside OPI bubble bath for a soft and sweet color pairing. Their lighter pinks and nudes also complement it nicely. Or go bold by pairing it with a black polish like their popular "Lincoln Park After Dark."

How many coats of "I'll Take the Cake" should I apply?

While it has good pigmentation, this pastel green polish tends to become opaque and rich after two coats. Apply thinly without flooding cuticles. Let the first coat dry before adding the second.

What nail art can I do using this polish?

You can paint on delicate gold designs, tiny sparkling shamrocks, or little rainbow arcs over top of your "I'll Take the Cake" manicure. The soft green acts as the perfect subtle base for all kinds of creative nail art using striping tape, rhinestones, glitter, and more!