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 capturing the delicate hands of a 10-year-old girl, showcasing her vibrant, glittery glue-on nails, sparkling with innocence and creativity.

Are Glue On Nails Safe For 10 Year Olds?

Posted on
Glue on nails, also called press on nails, allow you to quickly apply artificial nails without using nail glue or visiting a salon. If you have a 10 year old…
A close-up photo of a male hand holding a nail brush, with soap suds and water splashing around as he cleans his nails meticulously.

How To Clean Nails For Men: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Having clean and well-groomed nails is an important part of personal hygiene and appearance for men. dirty, unkempt nails not only look bad but can also harbor germs and bacteria…
A close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured nails, showcasing different nail shapes like square, oval, stiletto, and almond, highlighting the question "What is the strongest nail shape?"

What Is The Strongest Nail Shape?

Posted on
For any DIY or construction project, having the right nails can make all the difference in getting the job done efficiently and effectively. When it comes to strength and durability,…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with a visibly inflamed and red acrylic nail, revealing signs of discomfort and pain.

Why Do My Acrylic Nails Hurt? Causes And Solutions

Posted on
If you just got acrylic nails and are wondering why they hurt, you’re not alone. Many people experience pain and discomfort after an acrylic nail application. The good news is…
A close-up photograph capturing a pair of bitten nails, shadowed by a wriggling worm, symbolizing the potential health risks associated with nail biting.

Can Biting Your Nails Give You Worms?

Posted on
Nail biting is an incredibly common habit, but it comes with risks like infection. If you’ve ever bitten your nails, you may have wondered – can I get worms from…
A close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured acrylic nails, showcasing the smooth application of a primer before the colorful nail polish is applied.

Do You Need Primer For Acrylic Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become an increasingly popular nail enhancement option for people looking to extend the length of their natural nails or add strength and protection. With so many acrylic…
A close-up of an array of colorful, meticulously designed press-on nails, neatly organized in a display case, showcasing the variety and quality of products available for a press-on nail business.

How To Start A Press On Nail Business

Posted on
Nails are big business! With the growing popularity of press on nails and nail art, starting your own press on nail business can be a lucrative endeavor. If you’re wondering…
A close-up shot of a bottle of vegetable oil, with a hand holding a nail file and a jar of vitamins in the background, symbolizing the pursuit of healthy nail growth.

Does Vegetable Oil Help Your Nails Grow?

Posted on
If you’ve ever dealt with brittle, peeling nails you know how frustrating it can be. Weak nails that split and crack easily not only look unattractive, but they can also…
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?

Posted on
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 photo capturing the meticulous cleaning process of a dab nail, showcasing the removal of residue and the sparkling clean surface, ready for use.

How To Clean A Dab Nail: A Complete Guide

Posted on
If you enjoy smoking cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter or budder, you know how important it is to keep your dab nail clean. A dirty, clogged nail will affect the…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with neatly polished nails, showcasing a transparent bottle of super glue alongside a tube of traditional nail glue, emphasizing the question of their interchangeable usage.

Can You Use Super Glue As Nail Glue?

Posted on
If you’ve ever had a nail pop off, you know how frustrating it can be. Without nail glue, you’re left with an exposed nail bed that catches on everything. In…
A close-up shot capturing a perfectly manicured hand dipped in vibrant colored powder, showcasing the flawless application and longevity of dip nails.

How To Make Your Dip Nails Last Longer

Posted on
Dip powder nails have become one of the most popular nail trends in recent years. With their durable, chip-resistant finish and ability to grow out gracefully, it’s no wonder why…
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

Posted on
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 photo capturing a pair of hands, nails impeccably manicured and anxiety-free. A serene expression on the person's face signifies the triumph over nail picking and finding inner peace.

How To Stop Anxiety Nail Picking For Good

Posted on
Nail biting and skin picking are common nervous habits that many people find difficult to break. If you have dermatillomania or are looking for ways to stop anxiety nail picking,…
A photo of a person sniffing a bottle of nail polish remover, surrounded by scientific books and brain-shaped balloons, emphasizing the question of whether it harms brain cells.

Does Smelling Nail Polish Remover Kill Brain Cells?

Posted on
The strong scent of nail polish remover, with its harsh acetone odor, makes many people wonder: Is inhaling the fumes from this common beauty product damaging my brain cells? If…
A close-up shot of a hand elegantly displaying perfectly manicured dip nails, showcasing the beauty and precision of the nail artistry, hinting at the question of their cost.

How Much Do Dip Nails Cost In 2023

Posted on
Dip powder nails have become an increasingly popular nail service over the past few years. If you don’t have time for a full salon visit or prefer doing your nails…
A close-up shot of a perfectly manicured hand with glossy black nails, contrasting against vibrant summer flowers in the background.

Dark Nail Colors You Can Wear All Summer Long

Posted on
Summer is coming up and you may be tempted to ditch the dark nail polish for something brighter. But don’t put away your darker lacquers just yet! Rich dark tones…
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

Posted on
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 shot of a hand gently peeling off a nail wrap, revealing the natural nail underneath, showcasing a step-by-step process of removing nail wraps.

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

Posted on
Nail wraps have become a popular nail art trend, allowing you to quickly and easily apply designs to your nails. But while applying wraps is a breeze, removing them can…
A close-up photo showcasing a hand gently peeling off a lifted dip nail, while a bottle of nail glue and a file lie nearby, depicting a DIY solution for fixing lifting dip nails at home.

How To Fix Lifting Dip Nails At Home

Posted on
Have your dip powder nails started lifting at the tips and sides? Don’t panic – with the right products and techniques, you can easily fix them at home. In this…
A close-up shot capturing clean, well-shaped nails with a natural shine, enhanced by a hint of moisturizer, revealing their inherent beauty without the need for nail polish.

How To Make Your Nails Look Nice Without Polish

Posted on
Having beautiful looking nails can make you feel more put together and confident, but constantly painting them can be time-consuming and damaging. Luckily, there are plenty of simple tips and…
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?

Posted on
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 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?

Posted on
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…
Close-up shot of a bottle of hand sanitizer next to a pair of infected nails, emphasizing the question of whether hand sanitizer can effectively eliminate nail fungus.

Does Hand Sanitizer Kill Nail Fungus?

Posted on
If you’ve noticed yellow, crumbly nails with white spots, you may have a fungal nail infection. Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot…
Close-up photo of a meticulous manicurist's hands, delicately painting vibrant nail polish onto a client's nails, showcasing the skill and precision required to master the art of nail care.

How Long Does It Take To Learn How To Do Nails?

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, you may have thought to yourself that you’d like to learn how to meticulously shape nails, apply polish,…
A close-up shot of a beautifully manicured hand, showcasing perfectly shaped nails with a glossy nail polish application, capturing the essence of a complete and stylish manicure.

Does A Manicure Include Nail Polish?

Posted on
Getting a perfect manicure is a dream for many women who want beautiful and well-maintained nails. But one common question arises – does a standard manicure service include the application…