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!

A close-up shot of a hand holding a paintbrush, delicately applying red liquid onto a clear nail, capturing the process of creating red nail polish.

How To Make Red Nail Polish From Scratch

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If you want to jazz up your nails with a custom red that matches your style, learning how to whip up some red nail polish at home is easier than…
Close-up of a woman's hand, showcasing a beautifully manicured nail with smudged polish, revealing her frustration and curiosity as she wonders why her nail polish still smudges hours after application.

Why Does My Nail Polish Smudge Hours Later?

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If you’ve just painted your nails only to have the polish smudge later in the day, it can be incredibly frustrating. A pristine manicure takes time and care to perfect,…
A close-up photo capturing the intricate ridges and patterns on a nail buffer, showcasing its ability to smooth and shine nails to perfection.

What Does A Nail Buffer Do? A Detailed Guide

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Smooth, shiny nails are a sign of good health and grooming. If your nails are looking dull or have ridges and imperfections, using a nail buffer can transform them. But…
A close-up photo capturing a split nail, showing the clear division down the middle, revealing the layers of the nail plate and highlighting the issue of nail splitting.

Why Does My Nail Split Down The Middle?

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If you’ve ever looked down at your hands and noticed an unsightly split right down the center of your nail, you’re not alone. Split nails can occur for a variety…
A close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured nails showcasing the vibrant shade of Essie nail polish. The smooth, glossy finish suggests long-lasting wear and durability.

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…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of vibrant press-on nails, delicately adorning a hand, while gently submerged in crystal-clear water within a serene pool.

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…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of hands wearing waterproof gloves, delicately shielding perfectly manicured nails from the cascading water droplets of a rejuvenating shower.

How To Protect Your Nails While Showering

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If you love having beautifully manicured nails, dealing with the drying effects of daily showers can be frustrating. Warm water, harsh soaps, and scrubbing can all cause nails to become…
A close-up shot of a woman's hand delicately applying a clear nail adhesive to a broken nail, showcasing the meticulous process of fixing it without the use of a tea bag.

How To Fix A Broken Nail Without A Tea Bag

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Dealing with a broken nail can be annoying and even painful. If you don’t have a tea bag on hand, which is a popular home remedy, you may be wondering…
Close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured acrylic nails, elegantly elongated and adorned with intricate designs, showcasing the artistry and expertise required to create stunning nail extensions.

How Long Do Your Nails Need To Be To Get Acrylics?

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Getting beautiful, durable acrylic nails requires growing your natural nails to an optimal length first. But just how long is long enough before you can get acrylic nails applied? Read…
A close-up shot of elegant hands showcasing flawless dark blue matte nail polish, exuding an aura of mystery and sophistication.

The Ultimate Guide To Dark Blue Matte Nail Polish

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Dark blue matte nail polish is having a major moment right now. With its rich, sophisticated hue and ultra-modern matte finish, this moody shade adds an instant dose of drama…
A close-up photo capturing perfectly manicured nails adorned with a chic checkered pattern, displaying precision and skill in nail art.

How To Get Checkered Nails: A Step-By-Step Guide

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Nail art is a fun and creative way to express your personal style. If you’re looking to try something new and eye-catching for your next manicure, checkered nails are a…
A close-up image showcasing a set of beautifully done ombre nails, with vibrant colors seamlessly blending into one another.

How Much Do Ombre Nails Cost? The Complete Guide

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Ombre nails have been a hugely popular nail art trend over the past several years, prized for their ability to seamlessly blend two or more colors in a gradient effect…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of vibrant, meticulously designed fake nails delicately placed on fingers, contrasting against a background that highlights the visible signs of onycholysis.

Can I Wear Fake Nails With Onycholysis?

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If you have onycholysis, or nail lifting, you may be wondering if you can still wear fake nails. Onycholysis causes the nail to separate from the nail bed, resulting in…
A close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured nails, showcasing the application process of nail builder gel, revealing strong, durable, and beautifully shaped nails.

What Is Nail Builder Gel?

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Nail builder gel has become an increasingly popular nail enhancement product in recent years. With its durable, natural look and relatively easy application process, it’s no wonder many people are…
A close-up photo capturing a partially lifted toenail, revealing the delicate skin beneath, highlighting the curiosity and concern behind the question "Why is my toenail lifting?"

Why Is My Toenail Lifting? Causes And Treatments

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If you’ve noticed that one of your toenails seems to be lifting up from the nail bed, you’re not alone. A lifted toenail can cause pain and discomfort, not to…
A close-up shot capturing a set of polygel nails, showcasing their thickness as the light delicately glimmers off their smooth surface.

How Thick Should Polygel Nails Be?

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With the rising popularity of polygel nails, many DIY nail enthusiasts want to know: how thick should polygel nails be? Getting the thickness right is crucial for achieving an attractive,…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of hands gently peeling off an aprés nail, revealing the natural nail underneath, showcasing the process of removing aprés nails with care and precision.

How To Remove Apres Nails

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Many women love to get Apres gel nails because of how long-lasting, natural-looking, and durable they are. But what happens when you are ready to remove them at home? Getting…
A close-up shot capturing the elegance of perfectly manicured square nails painted with a classic French tip design, showcasing sophistication and style.

A Guide To French Tip Designs On Square Nails

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If you love a classic, elegant nail look but also want something modern and on-trend, French tips on square nails are the perfect choice. Traditionally, French manicures feature a nude…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with a small cut, while a bottle of nail glue is being held nearby, showcasing the question of its suitability for treating the wound.

Can I Use Nail Glue On A Cut?

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If you’ve cut yourself and don’t have access to sterile bandages or medical glue, you may be wondering if household items like nail glue can be used to close the…
A close-up image capturing a set of pink and white gel nails being gently soaked in a bowl of acetone solution, showcasing the process of removing gel nails at home.

How To Remove Pink And White Gel Nails At Home

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Pink and white gel nails can look beautiful, but removing them without damaging your natural nails can be tricky. If you’re looking for a safe, effective DIY gel removal method,…
A close-up shot of a big toe showcasing a white, discolored nail, revealing the curiosity and concern about its appearance.

Why Is My Big Toenail White?

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If you’ve noticed your big toenail turning white, you’re not alone. Many people deal with changes in their toenails that leave them looking opaque and chalky. If you’re short on…
A close-up shot capturing a cosmetologist's steady hand delicately applying vibrant acrylic nail extensions, showcasing their skill and expertise in the field of nail care.

Can You Do Acrylic Nails With A Cosmetology License?

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Acrylic nails have become an increasingly popular service offered at nail salons and spas. Their customizability and durability make them a top choice for many clients looking to extend and…
A close-up shot capturing the reflection of vibrant acrylic nails delicately skimming the surface of a crystal-clear swimming pool.

Can You Swim With Acrylic Nails?

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Acrylic nails and water may seem like a bad combination, but with the right precautions, you may be able to enjoy swimming without damaging your manicure. If you’re short on…
A close-up photo displaying perfectly manicured nails with a glossy heart-shaped top coat nail polish, adding a touch of elegance and charm to the overall look.

A Complete Guide To Heart Top Coat Nail Polish

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Heart top coat nail polish has become an incredibly popular nail art trend recently, allowing you to decorate your nails with cute and whimsical heart designs. If you’ve seen these…
A close-up shot of perfectly pedicured toes adorned with a rich, glossy brown nail polish, accentuating the elegance and sophistication of the wearer.

Brown Nail Polish On Toes: A Complete Guide

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With summer just around the corner, you may be looking for fun and fresh ways to decorate your toes. Brown nail polish is having a major moment right now as…
A close-up photo capturing a hand elegantly holding a bottle of nail polish with a label reading "Anti-Stick Formula" prominently displayed, emphasizing its protection against stickiness.

What Nail Product Protects Against Stickiness?

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Having sticky, tacky nail polish is one of the most annoying things when doing your nails. It seems like no matter how carefully you apply the polish, it still ends…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of ancient bronze nail clippers, worn and rusted, lying on a weathered wooden table, evoking curiosity about the methods used for nail care in the past.

How Did They Cut Their Nails In Ancient Times?

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If you ever looked down at your fingers and thought about how people take care of their nails today with nail clippers, files, and even salon visits, you probably wondered…
A close-up photograph capturing a hand holding a tube of nail glue with a pair of false eyelashes placed nearby, highlighting the question, "Can you use nail glue for lashes?"

Can You Use Nail Glue For Lashes? A Detailed Guide

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If you’ve ever gotten eyelash extensions or considered DIYing the procedure to save money, using nail glue may seem convenient. But is it safe? Here’s a quick answer: nail glue…
A photo of a spilled bottle of nail polish on a white bedsheet, showing the colorful, dried stains and a person attempting to remove them using various cleaning materials.

How To Get Nail Polish Out Of Sheets

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Oh no, you just spilled nail polish on your nice clean sheets and now there is a stubborn stain! Not to worry, removing nail polish from sheets is possible with…
A close-up photo shows a nail file held against a piece of rough wood, capturing the texture and the question of whether it can substitute sandpaper.

Can You Use A Nail File As Sandpaper?

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Do you need to sand or smooth a surface, but don’t have any sandpaper on hand? In a pinch, some people wonder whether a nail file or emery board can…
A close-up shot of a woman's hands showcasing her matte nail polish, revealing the wear and tear after two weeks, highlighting the longevity of matte nails.

How Long Do Matte Nails Last?

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If you love the modern, understated look of matte nails but aren’t sure about their durability, you’re not alone. Achieving the soft, velvety finish of a matte manicure takes precision…
A close-up shot captures a vibrant nail polish design illuminated by the DND LED/UV nail lamp, showcasing its power to cure and enhance the stunning colors with a glossy finish.

Dnd Led/Uv Nail Lamp: A Comprehensive Guide

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Are you looking to buy a new nail lamp for your at-home manicures? DND LED/UV nail lamps are a popular option for achieving a professional gel manicure at home. In…
A close-up shot capturing a hand elegantly displaying perfectly manicured nails coated in shiny, chip-resistant shellac nail polish, showcasing its glossy finish and durability.

What Is Shellac Nail Polish? A Detailed Guide

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Nail polish trends come and go, but shellac nail polish has remained a popular choice for its durability and long-lasting color. If you’ve seen those perfect, glossy manicures that look…