Bold Nail Polish Shades: Amanda’s Latest Picks

Follow Amanda and Vampy Varnish’s latest recommendations for vibrant lacquer shades. From sultry reds and vampy wines to shimmering metallics and moody darks, see Amanda’s current favorites to inspire your next manicure.

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Meet Amanda

Amanda turned her lifelong passion for bold nail colors into a career when she took over as Editor-in-Chief of Vampy Varnish in 2022.

As a longtime Vampy fan herself, Amanda felt honored to continue the legacy of founder Kelly Keeton who helmed the blog for over a decade.

When she’s not scouting the newest polish collections or trying out daring nail art looks to share with readers, you can find Amanda at her home base in San Francisco indulging in vampire novels and rock concerts.

Stay on top of Amanda’s latest posts and manicure inspiration by following Vampy Varnish on Instagram and Twitter!

Common Questions

We aim to publish new nail polish reviews, nail art tutorials, industry news and other content 3-4 times per week. Be sure to subscribe to get notified whenever we publish new posts so you never miss our latest recommendations!

We showcase a wide range of popular, indie, luxury and up-and-coming nail polish brands. Some favorites include OPI, Essie, Zoya, Cirque Colors, ILNP, Holo Taco, Orly and Olive & June. We also dig discovering underground indie makers for unique colors.

While we do occasionally partner with brands relevant to our audience on sponsored campaigns, all product reviews and roundups on Vampy Varnish reflect our honest, unbiased opinions and advice to shop the best quality lacquers. We would never sacrifice our integrity by recommending subpar polishes just for compensation.

We want all customers fully happy with their Vampy Varnish shop orders! If you received a damaged item or simply changed your mind, returns are accepted within 14 days. Please email shop@vampyvarnish with your order details. We will issue you a prepaid return label or refund. Custom or special order items may have different policies, so please check your receipt.

Great question! Having an eye for aesthetics and passion for the nail industry certainly helps in running a successful nail blog. Beyond that though, consistency and business savvy also come into play.

Our top tips for starting a nail blog include: commit to a regular posting schedule like 2-3x a week to build authority and readership; focus on high quality photography, swatches and reviews; promote relentlessly on social channels like Instagram and Pinterest; monetize through avenues like affiliate programs, selling merch or ads once you have steady traffic.

Most importantly, stay relentlessly on-trend with new product launches, techniques and nail art styles while also establishing your unique viewpoint. It helps tremendously to nail down your blog niche and identity. Find that angle readers come to rely on whether it’s humor, drama or hyper-specific color families. The possibilities are endless to make your mark on the nail game!

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What Your Nail Color Says About You

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Nail polish isn’t just about making a fashion statement. The colors you choose for your nails can actually give insight into your personality. If you’ve ever wondered what your go-to…
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How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Last?

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If you love painting your nails with fun, trendy colors, you’ve probably used Essie nail polish. With its vast color selection and salon-quality formula, Essie has become a go-to brand…
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How Long Is A 16D Nail? A Detailed Look

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For any construction or home improvement project, having the right nails can make a big difference in getting the job done right. One of the most common nail sizes used…
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Can You Paint Over Gel Nails? A Detailed Guide

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Painting your nails is one of life’s simple pleasures. With regular polish though, chips and dings are inevitable. Gel polish lasts longer, but what happens when you’re ready for a…
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Can You Use Nail Glue For Lashes? A Detailed Guide

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Can Isopropyl Alcohol Remove Acrylic Nails?

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Acrylic nails have been a popular enhancement for natural nails for decades. They provide thickness, strength, and length that isn’t possible with natural nails alone. However, removing acrylic nails isn’t…
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How Much Acetone Is In Nail Polish Remover?

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Nail polish remover is a staple in many households and salons for removing nail polish quickly and effectively. But what exactly is in nail polish remover that makes it work…
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Do Acrylics Fall Off? A Comprehensive Guide

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Acrylic nails have become an extremely popular nail enhancement option, allowing you to have beautiful, lengthy nails that can last for weeks at a time. However, one of the most…
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What Is A Nail Overlay?

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If you’ve ever gotten your nails done at a salon, you may have heard your nail technician mention something called a “nail overlay.” But what exactly is a nail overlay…
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What To Do When Your Nail Breaks

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Chipped, cracked, or broken nails can happen to anyone. Dealing with a damaged nail can be annoying and even painful if left untreated. Don’t worry – with the right steps,…
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Can You Put Gel Polish On Press-On Nails?

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If you love the look of gel manicures but don’t always have the time or money for professional treatments, you may be wondering if you can apply gel polish to…
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What Does Black Nail Polish Mean On A Girl?

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Nail polish color and choice can be very revealing. If you’ve noticed a girl wearing black nail polish, you may be wondering what it signifies about her personality and style…
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Why Do My Acrylic Nails Hurt? Causes And Solutions

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A close-up shot capturing the hands of a client holding a magazine, while a nail technician delicately paints vibrant colors onto their nails.

How Long Does A Nail Appointment Take?

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Do you love getting a manicure but find yourself always rushing out the door of the nail salon? Getting a full set of nails or a pedicure involves many steps…
A close-up photo capturing a bottle of Miracle Gel nail polish, surrounded by UV light bulbs, emphasizing the question of whether this polish requires UV light for optimal results.

Does Miracle Gel Nail Polish Need Uv Light?

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Nail polish trends come and go, but one that has stood the test of time is miracle gel nail polish. With its chip-resistant, glossy finish that can last over two…
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The Easiest Nail Shape For Typing

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How Long Do Tips Last On Nails? A Detailed Guide

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Can You Put Gel Polish On A Bruised Nail?

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Can You Wear Press On Nails In The Pool?

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With summer here and pool days ahead, you may be wondering if your cute press on nails can withstand some time in the chlorinated water. Well, we have the details…
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How To Keep Nails Healthy With Acrylics

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Are Nail Stickers Bad For Your Nails?

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How To Do Ombre Nails Without A Sponge

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How To Stop Gel Nails From Burning

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How To Apply Nail Wraps: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Why Are My Nail Beds Blue? A Comprehensive Guide

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Are Glue On Nails Safe For 10 Year Olds?

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How Long After Painting Nails Can I Shower?

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If you just finished painting your nails and are wondering how long you need to wait before hopping in the shower, you’re not alone. Many nail polish enthusiasts ask this…
A close-up shot capturing intricate floral patterns in vibrant colors painted on perfectly manicured nails, showcasing the artistry and creativity of nail design.

A Comprehensive Guide To Nail Art Design

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Nail art design allows you to unleash your creativity and make a bold fashion statement with your fingernails. From basic polish techniques to advanced 3D designs, the possibilities are endless…
A close-up photograph capturing a hand adorned with vibrant gel nails, one of which is partially detached, subtly illustrating the query "do gel nails fall off on their own?"

Do Gel Nails Fall Off On Their Own?

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If you just got a fresh set of gel manicure nails, you may be wondering how long they will last before starting to lift off or fall off completely. Gel…
A close-up shot of a woman's hands showcasing her acrylic nails after 4 weeks, capturing the intricate design, vibrant colors, and any signs of wear or growth.

What Happens To Acrylic Nails After 4 Weeks?

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If you just got a fresh set of acrylics put on and are wondering how they will look after 4 weeks, you’re in the right place. Acrylic nails can last…
A close-up shot of a nail technician's hands skillfully applying intricate nail art, showcasing their talent in creating beautiful and detailed designs.

What Is A Nail Tech? A Comprehensive Guide

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If you’ve ever gotten a manicure or pedicure at a salon, chances are a nail tech took care of your nails. Nail techs, also known as manicurists or nail technicians,…