Dive into the shimmering world of OPI's Make 'Em Jelly Summer 2025 nail polish collection! This comprehensive review explores 13 captivating shades, a delightful mix of creamy and jelly finishes, promising a summer of vibrant nail artistry. From delicate peach blushes to striking hot pinks and unexpected forest greens, this collection offers a diverse range to suit every style and preference. We'll delve into the application, pigmentation, and overall performance of each shade, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses.Prepare to discover which shades deliver the perfect sheer wash of color, which boast exceptional opacity, and which might require a bit more patience to master. We'll analyze the "jelly" effect – that mesmerizing translucent quality – and determine whether the collection lives up to its summery hype. Get ready to uncover the best shades for nail art, everyday wear, and those perfect for a "naked nails but better" look. This review will be your ultimate guide to navigating the vibrant hues of OPI's Make 'Em Jelly Summer 2025 collection.
Pros And Cons
- Variety of colors (cream and jelly finishes)
- Easy and beginner-friendly application (self-leveling)
- Good quality jelly formulas (not too sheer or patchy)
- Some shades may appear patchy (Daffodil Duckwalk)
- Jelly shades in warmer colors might stain nails (Prideful Peach)
- In-store purchases may lack clear indication of jelly vs. cream finish
- Pastel pink shade lacked opacity and smooth application
Read more: 10 Must-Have China Glaze Nail Polish Shades
Sheer Perfection: Pearl Clutching Behavior
This incredibly sheer polish, Pearl Clutching Behavior, offers a light peachy blush tone. It's perfect for achieving a 'naked nails but better' look, softening the visible nail line and creating a smoother, cleaner appearance. This versatile shade also works beautifully as a base for French manicures.

The sheer nature allows for buildable coverage, adjusting intensity to individual preference. It's a surprisingly sophisticated choice that adds a touch of understated elegance to any look.

Pink Perfection: Cotton Candied Claws
Cotton Candied Claws, a light pink jelly, provides a sheer wash of color with the first coat. The formula applies smoothly and evenly, making it ideal for single-coat application or layering.

Building up to two or three coats increases color intensity, while still maintaining that beautiful translucent jelly effect. It's incredibly summery and reminiscent of nostalgic jelly furniture designs.

Vibrant Hot Pink: Drive Magenta
Drive Magenta, despite its name, is a striking hot pink cream rather than a magenta. Its formula is almost neon in application, drying to a slightly deeper hue.

While initial application might appear uneven, the polish's self-leveling properties ensure a smooth, flawless finish. This makes it a beginner-friendly option, even for less experienced nail polish users.

Coral Dream: Blush and Pride
Blush and Pride surprised me; the bottle suggests a pink, but it applies as a warm coral. The unique formula falls between a cream and a jelly, with a pleasant semi-sheer, semi-opaque effect.

Two coats provide excellent coverage, obscuring the nail line while retaining the jelly-like look. This is a truly gorgeous summer red alternative.

Jelly Red: Make Them Jelly
Make Them Jelly, initially appearing red in the bottle, is the jelly counterpart to Blush and Pride. Its application is slightly sheer, requiring three coats for optimal opacity.

Despite the sheerness, it achieves that fun, signature jelly look. Three coats are ideal for even coverage without losing the playful translucent effect; it almost gives a watermelon vibe.

Golden Orange Jelly: Prideful Peach
Prideful Peach, a golden orange jelly, presents a challenge. While cute on the nail bed, it can stain the free edge, making it potentially less desirable for some.

Three coats offer better opacity, minimizing staining and enhancing the overall look. This shade is best suited for nail art, possibly with gold glitter gradients.

Undecided Yellow: Daffodil Duckwalk
Daffodil Duckwalk, a cream finish, falls somewhere between cream and jelly, making it a disappointment. The formula lacks the expected opacity; two and three coats still leave a patchy appearance.

Despite its gorgeous bright yellow with white undertones, the inconsistent opacity is an issue, particularly noticeable on longer nails.

Surreal Green: Pose and Ivy
Pose and Ivy, a cool-toned forest green jelly, is a stunning shade. Its sheer nature applies smoothly, without patchiness, creating a uniquely captivating appearance.

It's a beautiful standalone shade, but also provides endless nail art possibilities. The sheerness might not be ideal for those with uneven nail lines.

Sky Blue Beauty: Blew Them All Away
Blew Them All Away is a breathtaking sky blue cream with periwinkle undertones. Two coats achieve perfect coverage, and its self-leveling formula ensures a smooth finish.

The color is vibrant and summery, almost neon, and its application is remarkably easy. It strongly resembles an older OPI shade, making it a nostalgic yet updated choice.

Deep Blue Ocean: Indigo Off
Indigo Off, a deep sheer jelly, inspires endless nail art creativity. Similar in sheerness to the green, but in a deeper tone, it's ideal for layering.

The deep blue color is reminiscent of the ocean and works beautifully with flakey toppers for a unique oceanic look. It also stands alone as a beautiful, vibrant shade.

Warm Purple: Vogue and Violet
Vogue and Violet, a warm, light to medium purple cream, boasts excellent opacity. Two coats provide complete coverage, and the self-leveling formula compensates for any application imperfections.

Despite some initial application unevenness, it dries to a smooth, polished finish. It's a solid, opaque choice that stands out in the collection.

Pastel Pink: Baby Pink Again
Baby Pink Again, a pastel shade leaning towards white, has a slightly sheer formula. Three coats are required for full coverage but the formula isn't the easiest to work with.

While pretty, it falls short compared to other high-quality pastel creams available. Its application is less beginner-friendly than other polishes in the collection.

Overall Conclusion
The OPI Make 'Em Jelly Summer 2025 collection offers a delightful mix of cream and jelly finishes, in mostly pink and red shades, with some unexpected colors. The jelly formulas are generally impressive, applying smoothly and building coverage well; some standout colors like Pose and Ivy and Indigo Off were particularly stunning.

While some cream shades underwhelmed in terms of opacity and application, the self-leveling nature of most OPI polishes remains a strong point. Overall, this collection is a worthwhile addition for those who enjoy experimenting with both cream and jelly polishes; however, the lack of clear distinction between jelly and cream formulas on the packaging might lead to initial frustration for some shoppers.