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.

Get Started

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 showcasing a bottle of essential oils for nail growth, surrounded by beautifully manicured hands, emphasizing their healthy and strong appearance.

Essential Oils For Nail Growth: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you’ve been struggling with brittle, weak nails that never seem to grow, using essential oils may be the natural solution you’ve been looking for. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll…
A close-up photo of a clear glass filled with chlorine solution, showcasing its potential to eliminate nail fungus, providing a visual representation of the topic.

Does Chlorine Kill Nail Fungus? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you’ve noticed yellowing, thickening or crumbling of your toenails, you may have a fungal nail infection. Nail fungus is a common condition that can cause cosmetic concerns as well…
A close-up shot capturing a hand with beautifully manicured gel nails, showcasing their glossy finish and flawless application, leaving viewers wondering if these nails can withstand an overcuring process.

Can You Overcure Gel Nails? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Gel manicures are known for their glossy finish and long-lasting wear, but taking proper care during the curing process is key. Overcuring gel nails can lead to a host of…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a nail clipper, capturing the tiny clippings falling into a toilet bowl, symbolizing the question "Can you flush nail clippings?"

Can You Flush Nail Clippings Down The Toilet?

Posted on
If you just clipped your nails and are wondering if you can simply flush the clippings down the toilet, you’re not alone. Many people ponder this question and have concerns…
A close-up shot capturing a hand elegantly adorned with Gel-X nails, showcasing their flawless finish and impeccable shine, leaving viewers wondering, "Can you get a fill with Gel-X nails?"

Can You Get A Fill With Gel-X Nails?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t have the time or money for frequent salon visits, gel-x extensions may be the perfect solution. Gel-x nails provide lengthy wear…
A close-up photo capturing a man's hands, showcasing perfectly groomed nails with a subtle shine from the clear nail polish, exuding a sense of confidence and attention to detail.

Clear Nail Polish For Men: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Nail polish isn’t just for women anymore. In recent years, clear nail polish has become increasingly popular among men who want stronger, better looking nails without an overtly flashy manicure…
A close-up shot showcasing a hand with vibrant acrylic nails gracefully typing on a keyboard, symbolizing the question of whether servers can sport such fashionable nails while working.

Can Servers Have Acrylic Nails? A Detailed Look

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become a popular nail enhancement option, allowing people to have beautiful, lengthy nails that can last for weeks at a time. But can servers – whose jobs…
A close-up photo of vibrant, glossy acrylic nails being applied, symbolizing beauty and style, while hinting at the potential health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to their chemicals.

Can Acrylic Nails Cause Cancer? A Detailed Look

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become an increasingly popular nail enhancement option for many women around the world. With their ability to extend the length of natural nails and allow for intricate…
A close-up photo captures a hand holding a small brush dipped in clear nail polish, delicately applying a thin layer over a vibrant acrylic painting on a canvas.

Can You Put Nail Polish Over Acrylic Paint?

Posted on
If you enjoy decorating your nails with fun colors and designs, you may be wondering if you can apply a coat of nail polish over acrylic paint. The answer depends…
A close-up photo showcasing perfectly glossy and smooth gel nails with no visible smudging or denting, indicating a fully cured and professionally done manicure.

How To Tell If Gel Nails Are Cured

Posted on
Beautifully manicured nails can make any woman feel put together. But when it comes to gel manicures, how can you tell if the gel is properly cured? Dry looking nails…
A close-up photo capturing a woman's hands gently applying cuticle oil to her perfectly manicured gel nails, showcasing the importance of hydration and maintenance for long-lasting, healthy-looking nails.

How To Care For Gel Nails

Posted on
Gel manicures have become extremely popular thanks to their chip-resistant finish and long-lasting color. But keeping your manicured nails looking fabulous involves more than just regular polishing sessions at the…
A close-up photo capturing a skilled nail technician expertly applying intricate nail art, showcasing their steady hands and meticulous attention to detail, inspiring aspiring individuals to pursue a career in the nail industry.

How To Become A Nail Tech: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting into a career as a nail technician can be an exciting prospect for those interested in beauty, design, and creativity. Plus, it has the potential to be a lucrative…
Close-up shot of a hand delicately holding a nail repair kit. Broken acrylic nail fragments lie nearby, while a step-by-step guide is visible in the background, promising a flawless restoration.

How To Fix A Broken Acrylic Nail

Posted on
Oh no! Nothing ruins a perfect manicure faster than a broken acrylic nail. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dealing with the aftermath of a broken acrylic and need…
The photo captures a close-up shot of a vibrant display of OPI gel nail polish bottles, neatly arranged on a shelf in a bustling beauty store.

Where Can I Buy Opi Gel Nail Polish?

Posted on
With its long-lasting formula and wide variety of fashionable colors, OPI gel nail polish has become a top choice for stylish, chip-free manicures. If you’re looking to get your hands…
A close-up photo captures a set of meticulously manicured dip nails adorned with tips, showcasing their flawless beauty and durability.

How Long Do Dip Nails Last With Tips?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t want to spend hours at the salon every couple of weeks, dip powder nails may be the solution you’re looking for…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a gel nail kit for beginners, showcasing vibrant colors of nail polishes, a UV lamp, and various nail art tools, inviting beginners to explore the world of gel nails.

The Complete Guide To Gel Nail Kits For Beginners

Posted on
Looking to give yourself a perfect at-home manicure using gel nail polish? Getting started with gel nails can be intimidating for beginners. But have no fear, with the right gel…
Close-up photo of a hand with pincer nails, showcasing a step-by-step process of gently filing and buffing the nails to achieve a flat shape, promoting nail health and comfort.

How To Flatten Pincer Nails For Good

Posted on
If you have pincer nails, you know how unsightly and painful they can be. Luckily, there are several effective methods to help flatten and correct pincer nails at home. Here’s…
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 shot of a hand holding a vibrant, bold-colored nail polish bottle, reflecting individuality, confidence, and an adventurous personality.

What Your Nail Color Says About You

Posted on
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…
A close-up shot capturing delicate hands with perfectly manicured short nails, showcasing the intricate details of the nail art and the serene expression on the person's face.

Getting A Fabulous Manicure Even With Short Nails

Posted on
If you’re one of the many women who prefer to keep your nails neatly trimmed and short, you may wonder if it’s still possible to get a beautiful, professional-looking manicure…
Close-up of a woman's hand holding an ice pack, showcasing red, swollen fingers, and a gel nail polish remover nearby, illustrating the aftermath of an allergic reaction to gel nail polish.

How To Treat An Allergic Reaction To Gel Nail Polish

Posted on
If you got your nails done recently and noticed redness, swelling, bumps, itching or other irritation around the nails, you may have developed an allergic reaction to the gel nail…
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…
A close-up photograph capturing bitten nails contrasted with perfectly manicured nails, highlighting the struggle between self-destructive habits and the desire for well-groomed hands.

Can You Get Your Nails Done If You Bite Them?

Posted on
Nail biting is a common habit that leaves nails ragged and uneven. If you’re a nail biter wondering if you can still get a nice manicure, the answer is yes!…
A close-up shot showcasing a delicate glass bottle filled with a custom-made sage green nail polish, surrounded by various dried sage leaves and a small mortar and pestle.

How To Make Sage Green Nail Polish

Posted on
Sage green nail polish is the perfect earthy tone for spring and summer manicures. If you’ve been searching for the right light green polish to complement your skin tone, learning…
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 shot of a hand with perfectly manicured gel nails, bathed in the soft glow of a UV lamp, capturing the moment of patience and precision required for a flawless finish.

How Long Should You Leave Gel Nails Under A Uv Lamp?

Posted on
Got an appointment to get gorgeously glossy gel manicure but unsure about the curing time? With various gel polish brands advertising different timings, it’s easy to get confused. Read on…
A close-up shot captures the elegant simplicity of a hand adorned with black, white, and silver nail polish, reflecting sophistication and modernity.

How To Get Black, White, And Silver Nails

Posted on
Black, white, and silver nails are a stunning way to add some edge and elegance to your manicure. These cool-toned nails are perfect for any occasion and can be customized…