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.

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 photo showcasing a set of short nails with a flawless acrylic overlay, capturing the glossy finish, smooth texture, and intricate nail art design.

Acrylic Overlay On Short Nails: A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Having short nails but longing for a fancy manicure? Acrylic overlays are a great option to extend your natural nails and get that gorgeous long nail look you desire. With…
A close-up photograph captures a hand delicately holding a small paintbrush, dipped in vibrant paint colors, meticulously painting an intricately designed pattern on a woman's perfectly manicured nails.

Can You Paint Your Nails With Paint?

Posted on
If you’ve run out of nail polish but have some leftover paint in the garage, you may be wondering if you can use that paint to color your nails instead…
A close-up shot of a clean nail file against a pristine white background, showcasing its perfectly smooth surface and the absence of any dirt or residue.

How To Clean A Nail File: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
A clean nail file is essential for beautiful, healthy nails. Using a dirty nail file can lead to the spread of bacteria and fungus, causing infections like nail fungus and…
A close-up shot capturing the delicate process of applying gel polish onto press-on nails, showcasing the precision and artistry involved in achieving a flawless, salon-quality manicure at home.

Can You Put Gel Polish On Press-On Nails?

Posted on
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…
A close-up photo of a pair of feet with curled toenails being gently trimmed by a hand holding a nail clipper, showcasing a step-by-step guide for cutting toenails that curl inwards.

How To Cut Ingrown Toenails That Curl Inwards

Posted on
Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful. If the sides of your toenail grow into the skin on the sides of your toes, it can cause redness, swelling, infection, and make…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a nail polish bottle with a specially designed brush, showcasing the easy-to-use applicator for effortless and precise nail painting.

The Easiest Way To Paint Your Nails

Posted on
Painting your nails can be a fun and creative way to express yourself, but it can also be tricky to get an even, smooth coat without any smudges. If you’re…
A close-up shot captures a woman's hands adorned with vibrant gel nail polish by Sally Hansen, showcasing the glossy finish and impeccable application.

A Complete Guide To Gel Nail Polish By Sally Hansen

Posted on
With an ever expanding array of nail polish options on the market, gel nail polish has become one of the most popular choices for its long-lasting color, chip-resistant formula, and…
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

Posted on
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…
A close-up photo capturing a woman's hands with perfectly manicured gel nails, showcasing their flawless shine and impeccable finish, leaving viewers wondering about the cost of a fill-in for such stunning nails.

How Much Does A Gel Nail Fill In Cost?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t want to spend too much, you may be wondering about the cost of a gel nail fill in. Gel manicures are…
A close-up image of gel nail polish remover clips, showcasing their innovative design and functionality, capturing the essence of convenience and efficiency in nail care.

A Comprehensive Guide On Gel Nail Polish Remover Clips

Posted on
Gel nail polish has become increasingly popular over the past few years thanks to its durable, chip-resistant finish. However, removing gel polish can be a tedious process without the right…
A close-up shot capturing a hand adorned with a set of vibrant acrylic nails, showcasing various shapes and lengths, each meticulously crafted with intricate designs and glossy finishes.

Acrylic Nails Shapes And Lengths: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become an extremely popular nail enhancement option, allowing you to achieve lengthy, durable nails in a variety of stylish shapes. If you’ve been thinking about trying acrylics…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of hands being gently pushed back cuticles, showcasing healthy nails, providing a visual representation of the query.

Does Pushing Back Cuticles Help Nails Grow?

Posted on
If you’re looking to grow your nails out long and strong, you may be wondering if pushing back your cuticles can help. Cuticles are the thin skin around the base…
A close-up shot capturing a hand adorned with a set of meticulously applied gel X nail tips, showcasing their versatility and compatibility with various nail designs.

Can You Use Any Nail Tips For Gel X?

Posted on
Nail extensions like gel x have become increasingly popular for creating long, durable, and beautiful nail looks. But with so many nail tip options on the market, how do you…
A close-up shot capturing a hand adorned with vibrant gel nail polish, showcasing intricate nail art achieved by creatively incorporating nail stickers, adding a unique touch to the overall design.

Can You Use Nail Stickers With Gel Polish?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t always have the time or money for frequent salon visits, nail stickers can be a quick and affordable alternative to polish…
A close-up photo captures a hand delicately holding a tissue stained red, while a broken nail lies nearby, hinting at the pain and the need for immediate care.

What To Do When You Break A Nail And It Bleeds

Posted on
Breaking a nail can be painful and lead to bleeding. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: apply pressure with a clean cloth or tissue to stop the…
A vibrant close-up photograph of a colorful nail polish display at a bustling beauty store, showcasing a wide range of shades and brands, enticing customers to explore and purchase.

Where To Buy Nail Polish: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you love painting your nails with fun, creative colors, you may frequently find yourself wondering where to buy nail polish. With so many brands and stores to choose from,…
A close-up shot showcasing sleek black and silver glitter nails, catching the light just right, creating an alluring sparkle that adds a touch of glamour.

Achieving Stunning Black And Silver Glitter Nails

Posted on
Glitter nails are having a major moment right now. The sparkly, eye-catching look is perfect for making a statement. If you love edgy nail art, then black and silver glitter…
A close-up photo capturing a spilled bottle of nail polish remover, a cotton pad, and a stained tile surface, depicting the process of removing nail polish from tiles.

How To Get Nail Polish Off Tile: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Removing nail polish from tile can be a frustrating task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right techniques and products, you can easily get those pesky polish stains…
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?

Posted on
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 shot of a hand, showcasing perfectly filed and polished dip nails, with a nail technician's file gently gliding over the surface, capturing the meticulous process.

Can You File Dip Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Dip nails have become an extremely popular at-home manicure option. The powder dipping process creates a durable, long-lasting manicure that can last up to 3 weeks without chipping or lifting…
A close-up photograph capturing a bottle of Essie nail polish, with a background of scientific research papers on formaldehyde, emphasizing the connection between the two.

Does Essie Nail Polish Contain Formaldehyde?

Posted on
With the rise in awareness around potentially harmful ingredients in beauty products, many people have questions around what exactly is in the nail polishes they use. Essie is one of…
The photo captures the vibrant interior of a bustling nail salon, adorned with decorative elements reflecting Vietnamese culture, showcasing the close connection between the Vietnamese community and the nail salon industry.

Why Are So Many Nail Salons Vietnamese?

Posted on
Nail salons have become ubiquitous across the United States, with over 17,000 estimated to be in business. Interestingly, a large percentage of nail technicians and salon owners in the US…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with flawless nails, showcasing the durability of a chip-resistant nail polish, leaving the viewer confident in its long-lasting quality.

Does No Chip Nail Polish Ruin Your Nails?

Posted on
Nail polish is one of the quickest, easiest ways to decorate your nails and change up your look. But some people worry that certain types of polish, like ‘no chip’…
A close-up shot of vibrant, cruelty-free vegan nail polish bottles lined up, reflecting a rainbow of colors, radiating beauty and compassion.

A Guide To Cruelty Free Vegan Nail Polishes

Posted on
With the rising popularity of veganism and ethical consumerism, more people are looking for nail polishes that are not only vegan but also cruelty-free. If you love painting your nails…
A close-up photo capturing the intricate design and vibrant colors of acrylic nails applied on toes, showcasing the creativity and artistry involved in this unique trend.

Can You Put Acrylic Nails On Toes?

Posted on
Have you ever looked at your toes and wished you could glam them up with a nice set of long, acrylic nails? Getting a pedicure is always nice, but acrylic…
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?

Posted on
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 photograph capturing a hand holding a nail polish brush, highlighting the question "Do you need a nail license to do nails?" written on a notepad.

Do You Need A Nail License To Do Nails?

Posted on
If you enjoy doing nail art and want to turn your passion into a career, you may be wondering if you need a license to do nails professionally. With the…
A close-up photograph of a hand, focusing on a chipped nail, capturing the intricate details and imperfections, evoking curiosity about the cost of fixing it.

How Much Does It Cost To Get One Nail Fixed?

Posted on
If you’ve ever broken a nail or had one start to lift from the nail bed, you know how unsightly and sometimes painful it can be. Rather than clipping it…
A close-up photo of a bottle of nail polish remover with a skull and crossbones symbol, emphasizing the potential danger and toxicity associated with its misuse or ingestion.

Can Nail Polish Remover Kill You?

Posted on
Nail polish remover contains chemicals like acetone, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. However, occasional exposure to small amounts during…
A close-up photograph showcasing beautifully manicured hands adorned with intricate floral nail art, displaying the skillful technique of painting delicate flowers onto each nail.

How To Paint Flowers On Nails: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Painting beautiful flowers on your nails is easier than you think! With some practice and the right techniques, anyone can create gorgeous floral nail art at home. If you’re short…
The photo captures a close-up of a toenail being meticulously trimmed at a nail salon, showcasing the precise technique employed to enhance comfort and prevent ingrown nails.

Why Do Nail Salons Cut The Sides Of Toenails?

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten a pedicure, you may have noticed the nail technician trimming off the sides of your toenails. This isn’t just for aesthetics – there’s an important reason…
Close-up photo of a gloved hand holding a bottle of air freshener, spraying a fragrant mist into the air, effectively neutralizing the lingering smell of acrylic nails in a stylishly decorated living room.

How To Get Rid Of Acrylic Nail Smell In Your House

Posted on
The strong chemical smell from acrylic nails can quickly permeate your home and linger for days. If you’re looking to banish that bothersome odor, you’ve come to the right place…
A close-up shot capturing a set of beautifully manicured nails, each finger showcasing different stages of wear and growth, reflecting the question of how many fills before a new set is needed.

How Many Fills Before You Need A New Set Of Nails?

Posted on
If you just got a fresh set of acrylic or gel nails, you’re probably wondering how long they’ll last before needing a fill or replacement. With proper at-home care between…