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!

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Black Nail Polish On Toes: A Comprehensive Guide

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Black nail polish is a popular and timeless choice that can make a statement on fingers and toes. If you’re considering rocking black nails on your toes, you’ve come to…
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…
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?

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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 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?

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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…
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How To Use Opi Nail Envy For Strong, Healthy Nails

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If you’re struggling with weak, brittle nails that split and peel easily, OPI Nail Envy can be a game changer. With continued use, OPI Nail Envy helps transform even the…
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How To Clean Polygel Brushes: A Comprehensive Guide

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If you use polygel for nail enhancements, you know how crucial it is to keep your brushes clean. Dirty polygel brushes can cause imperfections in your nail enhancement application and…
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The Best Cute Short Acrylic Nails Designs And Ideas

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Having beautifully manicured nails can make you feel stylish and confident, but many people shy away from nail art because they think it’s too complicated or time consuming. If you…
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

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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…
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How To Properly Bandage An Injured Finger Nail

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If you’ve ever experienced an injury to your finger nail, you know how painful it can be. From splits and cracks, to complete avulsions, finger nail injuries are common 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 capturing a perfectly manicured hand, showcasing vibrant nail tips. The tips are flawlessly applied, leaving viewers wondering how long this nail art will last.

How Long Do Tips Last On Nails? A Detailed Guide

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Getting your nails done with beautiful nail tips can make your hands look amazing. But how long will those glamorous nails last before needing a fill or replacement? If you’re…
A close-up shot capturing vibrant gel art paint being delicately applied onto a perfectly manicured nail, showcasing intricate designs and a glossy finish.

A Complete Guide To Gel Art Paint For Nails

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If you’re looking to give your nails a creative, eye-catching look that lasts, gel art paint could be just what you need. With its intense pigments and glossy finish, gel…
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?

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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 woman's hands showcasing her acrylic nails after 4 weeks, capturing the intricate design, vibrant colors, and any signs of wear or growth.

What Happens To Acrylic Nails After 4 Weeks?

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If you just got a fresh set of acrylics put on and are wondering how they will look after 4 weeks, you’re in the right place. Acrylic nails can last…
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What Is The Strongest Nail Shape?

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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,…
Close-up of a hand holding a bottle of nail polish, emphasizing the warning label, while a cloud of colored mist symbolizes the potentially harmful fumes lingering around.

Are Nail Polish Fumes Harmful?

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Nail polish is a staple in many people’s beauty routines, but inhaling those strong fumes makes some of us wonder if we’re causing damage each time we paint our nails…
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?

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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 shot of a hand gracefully painting nails at a home workstation, capturing the focus and skill required for nail artistry at home.

Do You Need A License To Do Nails At Home?

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With the rising costs of getting your nails done professionally, more and more people are considering doing their own manicures and pedicures at home. But before you break out the…
A close-up shot of a hand showcasing chipped nail polish, revealing the wear and tear due to daily activities, highlighting the question, "Why does my nail polish chip after 2 days?"

Why Does My Nail Polish Chip After 2 Days?

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If you’ve just painted your nails only to see chips and dings in the polish after a couple of days, you’re not alone. Many nail polish wearers face the frustration…
A close-up photo showcasing a woman's hands adorned with beautiful, well-maintained fake nails, raising the question of how long one should keep them on for optimal durability and style.

How Long Should You Keep Fake Nails On?

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Fake nails can make your hands look instantly glamorous, but how long can you actually keep a set on before needing to remove and replace them? Getting the most wear…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of artificial nail tips, neatly arranged in various shapes, sizes, and colors, highlighting their versatility in enhancing and transforming natural nails.

What Are Nail Tips? A Detailed Guide

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If you’ve ever gotten your nails done at a salon, you may have heard your manicurist ask if you want nail tips. But what exactly are nail tips? In short,…
Close-up photo of a nail polish remover bottle on a sunny windowsill, capturing the mesmerizing transformation as the liquid slowly evaporates, leaving behind an empty bottle and a faint scent in the air.

Does Nail Polish Remover Evaporate?

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If you’ve just finished removing your nail polish and notice the bottle feels lighter, you may be wondering if nail polish remover evaporates over time. As you’ll soon find out,…
A close-up image capturing the gradual growth of a fingernail over a week, showcasing the transformation from a short nail to a slightly longer one.

How Long Do Nails Grow In A Week?

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Wondering how fast your nails grow? If you’re looking to estimate when it’s time for your next manicure or have an interest in nail health, understanding the average rate of…
A close-up photo showcasing a 16d nail lying beside a ruler, perfectly illustrating its length, sharpness, and texture, emphasizing its role in construction and carpentry.

How Long Is A 16D Nail? A Detailed Look

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For any construction or home improvement project, having the right nails can make a big difference in getting the job done right. One of the most common nail sizes used…
A close-up photo of a hand with beautifully manicured acrylic nails, showcasing a bottle of nail polish remover and a cotton pad, emphasizing the process of removing stains from acrylic nails.

How To Get Stain Off Acrylic Nails: A Complete Guide

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Have you ever had the misfortune of somehow staining your acrylic nails, marring their perfect look? It can be incredibly frustrating and annoying, especially if you’ve just had them done…
Close-up shot of a pair of hands gently applying a nourishing cuticle oil before bed, capturing the soft glow of the oil and the healing touch on the cuticles.

How To Heal Cuticles Overnight: A Complete Guide

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Dry, cracked cuticles can be painful and unsightly. If you need soft, healthy cuticles fast, here are some quick solutions: Apply a thick cuticle oil or cream before bed and…