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 shot of a bottle of anti-fungal oil for nails, showcasing its sleek design and featuring a drop of oil suspended mid-air, ready to provide relief and rejuvenation.

Anti Fungal Oils For Nails: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Fungal infections of the nails, known as onychomycosis, are a common problem that can leave nails discolored, thickened, brittle, and ugly. Getting rid of nail fungus can be challenging, but…
A close-up shot of a woman's hands, showcasing her perfectly done gel nails, with a calendar in the background, highlighting the frequency of nail salon appointments.

How Often Should You Get A New Set Of Gel Nails?

Posted on
Getting a fresh set of gel manicure is one of life’s simple pleasures. With gel polish that dries quickly under UV light and lasts for weeks without chipping, it’s no…
A close-up photo of a hand with perfectly manicured nails coated in clear nail polish, showcasing its protective layer and glossy finish.

Does Clear Nail Polish Protect Nails?

Posted on
With so many nail polish options on the market, you may be wondering if a simple clear coat actually does anything to strengthen or protect the nails underneath. Clear polish…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of delicate hands meticulously applying glue to reattach a gel nail, showcasing the intricate process of repairing a broken nail.

Can You Glue A Gel Nail Back On?

Posted on
Have you ever had the misfortune of popping off one of your beautiful gel nails? The sight of that bare nail surrounded by perfectly glamorous companions is enough to ruin…
A close-up shot capturing a beautifully intricate nail design, showcasing vibrant colors and delicate patterns, leaving viewers wondering, "How much is this stunning nail art?"

How Much Does Nail Art Cost?

Posted on
With its seemingly endless design possibilities, nail art has become an increasingly popular way to decorate fingers and toes over the past decade. If you’ve admired the tiny works of…
A close-up shot of a clear glass container filled with nail polish remover, showcasing the label displaying the percentage of acetone content.

How Much Acetone Is In Nail Polish Remover?

Posted on
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…
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?

Posted on
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 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 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

Posted on
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…
Close-up shot of a nail technician applying a clear solution onto a client's nail bed, using a brush. The nail dehydrator helps remove oils and moisture, ensuring better adhesion for nail polish or extensions.

What Is Nail Dehydrator? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten a professional manicure or pedicure, you may have noticed the nail technician apply a liquid to your nails before starting the service. This liquid, commonly referred…
A close-up shot capturing the vibrant Essie nail polish bottle, showcasing its long-lasting formula, while a perfectly manicured hand flaunts glossy, chip-free nails.

Is Essie Nail Polish Long Lasting?

Posted on
With hundreds of nail polish options on the market, it can be tough to know which brands actually last on your nails. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick…
Close-up photo of a woman's hands gracefully holding a potted plant, showcasing her long, healthy nails. The vibrant green leaves mirror the growth and strength she desires for her own nails.

How To Grow Your Nails Faster: A Complete Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever dreamed of having long, healthy nails but find that your nails are slow to grow, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to get their nails to reach…
Close-up shot of a manicured hand holding a nail form, fingers delicately positioning it on the natural nail, capturing the intricate process of how to put on nail forms.

How To Put On Nail Forms: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Getting salon quality nails at home can seem intimidating. But with the right supplies and techniques, you can achieve beautiful acrylic or gel nail enhancements using nail forms. If you’re…
Close-up shot of a set of perfectly manicured hands adorned with vibrant nail wraps. A bottle of gel top coat hovers above, ready to enhance the wraps' longevity and shine.

Can You Put Gel Top Coat Over Nail Wraps?

Posted on
If you love getting nail wraps but want them to last longer, you may be wondering if you can apply a gel top coat over them. Nail wraps offer fun…
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 capturing the aftermath of Gel X nail application, revealing severely damaged, brittle nails with peeling, breakage, and discoloration.

Does Gel X Ruin Your Nails?

Posted on
If you’re obsessed with gel manicures that last for weeks, but worries about gel x’s impact, you’ve come to the right place. The quick answer is – it depends. When…
A close-up shot capturing a perfectly manicured hand, showcasing vibrant and glossy base coat gel nail polish, reflecting light and enhancing the natural beauty of the nails.

The Ultimate Guide To Base Coat Gel Nail Polish

Posted on
With the rising popularity of gel manicures, many people are looking to recreate the salon experience at home. A key component to achieving a flawless, long-lasting manicure is the base…
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 shot of a spilled bottle of nail polish remover on a vibrant colored fabric, capturing the moment of potential damage and the contrasting elements.

Can Nail Polish Remover Bleach Clothes?

Posted on
Nail polish stains on your favorite shirt or dress can be frustrating. In a hurry, you may reach for a bottle of nail polish remover to try to get the…
A close-up shot of a hand gripping a tube of Liquid Nails, its cap partially unscrewed, revealing the sticky adhesive ready to be accessed and used for construction projects.

How To Open Liquid Nails: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Have you ever needed to remove dried liquid nails from a tube or container, only to find that the adhesive has completely solidified, making it impossible to squeeze out? We’ve…
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 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 photo of a nail set tool, showcasing its metal construction, cylindrical shape, and different-sized tips designed for driving and setting nails precisely into wood or other materials.

What Is A Nail Set? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Do you ever find yourself wishing there was an easier way to drive nails below the surface of wood? If so, you need a nail set in your toolbox. A…
A close-up photograph capturing the perplexing sight of a nail embedded beneath the surface of a finger, highlighting the mysterious phenomenon of a nail growing underneath another.

Why Do I Have A Nail Growing Under My Nail?

Posted on
Have you ever noticed a little nail growing under one of your regular fingernails or toenails? This condition, known medically as an onychauxis or accessory nail, can seem strange but…
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 image capturing the graceful swirls of vibrant nail polish colors in a glass dish, as a thin brush delicately blends them together.

How To Mix Nail Polish Like A Pro

Posted on
Whether you’re looking to create a custom color or needing to revive a dried-out bottle, learning how to properly mix nail polish is a useful skill for any beauty lover…
A close-up photo capturing a vibrant palette of acrylic paint tubes and an assortment of colorful nail polish bottles, showcasing the potential for creative experimentation by mixing the two mediums.

Can You Mix Acrylic Paint With Nail Polish?

Posted on
If you enjoy arts and crafts, you may have wondered if you can mix two popular painting materials – acrylic paint and nail polish. Combining paints can yield interesting effects,…
A close-up image capturing the skilled hands of an esthetician delicately applying colorful nail polish onto a client's perfectly manicured nails.

Can You Do Nails With An Esthetician License?

Posted on
Nail care services like manicures and pedicures are popular treatments that many clients want from their estheticians. If you’re an esthetics student or licensed esthetician interested in expanding your service…
A close-up shot of a hand showcasing a vibrant array of dipping powder colors for nails, arranged in perfect order, representing a spectrum of choices for a dazzling and personalized manicure.

The Ultimate Guide To Dipping Powder Nail Colors

Posted on
Nail art using dipping powders has become an incredibly popular technique for achieving long-lasting, chip-resistant manicures. With endless colors and designs to choose from, it can be overwhelming deciding which…