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 captures the delicately manicured hands adorned with artificial nails, showcasing the meticulous application of polygel on top, creating a seamless blend of beauty and durability.

Can You Put Polygel Over Fake Nails?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t always have the time or money for professional manicures, you may be wondering if you can apply polygel over your fake…
A close-up photograph captures a pair of perfectly manicured hands, delicately scrubbing matte nails with a soft brush under running water, revealing their original velvety finish.

How To Clean Matte Nails: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Having beautifully manicured matte nails can be a great look, but keeping them clean can be a challenge. If you don’t properly care for matte nail polish, it can quickly…
a hand gently holding a cotton ball soaked in warm, soapy water, as the gel nail polish gradually starts to lift off the nails, showcasing a gentle and acetone-free removal method.

How To Remove Gel Nail Polish Without Acetone

Posted on
Gel nail polish is a popular option for women who want beautiful and long-lasting manicures. But removing gel polish is not as easy as regular nail polish. Acetone is the…
A close-up shot capturing a beautifully manicured hand adorned with intricate fall-themed nail art, featuring cute patterns of pumpkins, autumn leaves, and cozy sweaters.

Trendy And Cute Nail Designs For Fall

Posted on
As the leaves start changing colors and the air gets crisper, it’s time to switch up your nail game for autumn. If you’re looking for inspiration on the cutest nail…
A close-up photo capturing the intricate details of a hand, showcasing the contrasting textures of living skin, vibrant nails, and the flowing strands of hair, provoking curiosity about their living or nonliving nature.

Are Hair And Nails Living Or Nonliving Tissue?

Posted on
Nails and hair are made from keratin and have no active cells, but are they truly lifeless? Let’s investigate what gives life to our tresses and tips. If you’re short…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a glass bowl filled with warm water and salt, showcasing the process of soaking nails to promote faster growth.

How To Grow Nails Fast With Salt

Posted on
Do you wish you could grow your nails out long but find they break or peel before getting very far? Using salt is an easy and inexpensive trick to strengthen…
A close-up shot capturing a hand holding a nail brush, showcasing the bottle of dehydrator and nail primer side by side, creating anticipation for the next step in a flawless nail preparation process.

Nail Primer Vs Nail Dehydrator: What Goes First?

Posted on
Getting a perfect gel manicure starts with proper nail prep. But with so many different nail prep products out there, it can get confusing. Should you apply nail primer or…
A close-up photograph showcasing a freshly painted nail with primer, capturing the texture and shine, while emphasizing the drying process through subtle cracks forming on the surface.

How Long Does Nail Primer Take To Dry?

Posted on
If you’ve just painted your nails and are wondering how long you need to wait before moving on to the next step, you’re not alone. Nail primer is an important…
A close-up shot capturing the hands of a nail technician expertly painting intricate designs on a client's nails, showcasing their skills and dedication to becoming a certified nail tech.

How To Become A Certified Nail Technician

Posted on
Have you ever admired the beautiful nail art at your local salon and wondered if you could learn the skills to do it yourself? Becoming a licensed nail technician can…
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…
A close-up photo capturing a freshly painted acrylic nail that has partially chipped off, revealing the natural nail underneath, raising questions about the durability and longevity of acrylic nails.

Do Acrylics Fall Off? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become an extremely popular nail enhancement option, allowing you to have beautiful, lengthy nails that can last for weeks at a time. However, one of the most…
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 of a hand holding a nail polish bottle, showcasing perfectly manicured nails with a Gel-X finish, capturing the essence of the question "Do you need a license to do Gel-X nails?"

Do You Need A License To Do Gel-X Nails?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of gel-x nail extensions that give you a perfect natural or acrylic-style manicure for 2-3 weeks, you may be wondering – do I need a special…
A close-up photo showcasing a hand with neatly shaped nails, featuring the step-by-step application of nail builder gel, highlighting the process and final result.

How To Use Nail Builder Gel For Beautiful Nails

Posted on
Having beautiful, healthy nails can make a world of difference in how your hands look. Nail builder gel is an excellent product that allows you to achieve salon-quality nails at…
Close-up shot of a hand holding a glass of alcohol, reflecting vibrant neon lights, showcasing glossy gel nails with a mesmerizing shine.

Does Alcohol Make Gel Nails Shiny?

Posted on
If you have gel manicures, you may have noticed your nails looking a little dull lately. A quick swipe of alcohol can bring back the shine, but is that good…
A close-up shot capturing a hand adorned with beautifully manicured almond-shaped nails, showcasing the meticulous detailing and elegance.

How Much Do Almond Nails Cost In 2023?

Posted on
With their elongated, rounded shape, almond nails are one of the most popular nail trends right now. But before rushing off to the salon, you’re probably wondering – how much…
A close-up photo capturing a manicurist's hands skillfully applying nail polish on a client's nails, showcasing the precision and expertise required to obtain a nail license.

How To Get A Nail License: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting a nail technician license allows you to start a lucrative career doing manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, and more. But what steps do you need to take to get licensed?…
A close-up photo of a customer's hand holding a dollar bill, poised to place it in a tip jar at a nail salon, capturing the act of tipping.

How Much To Tip At A Nail Salon: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting your nails done at a professional salon can be a luxurious and relaxing experience. However, the service often comes with a hefty price tag, leaving many wondering if they…
A close-up photo shows a nail file held against a piece of rough wood, capturing the texture and the question of whether it can substitute sandpaper.

Can You Use A Nail File As Sandpaper?

Posted on
Do you need to sand or smooth a surface, but don’t have any sandpaper on hand? In a pinch, some people wonder whether a nail file or emery board can…
A close-up photo capturing a nail technician's hands skillfully applying nail polish to a client's nails, showcasing the precision and expertise required to obtain a nail tech license.

How To Get A Nail Tech License: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting a license to become a professional nail technician can open up a rewarding career path. But navigating the licensing process can also be complicated and frustrating if you don’t…
A close-up shot captures a hand with black nail polish on a single finger, symbolizing rebellion and individuality amidst a sea of conventional, bare nails.

The Meaning Behind Black Nail Polish On One Hand

Posted on
Black nail polish has been a staple in alternative and goth subcultures for decades. Recently, a new nail art trend has emerged – wearing black polish on just one hand…
A close-up image showcasing a hand holding a nail file gently filing a broken toenail, capturing the meticulous process of repairing and restoring the damaged nail.

How To Fix A Broken Toe Nail

Posted on
Dealing with a broken toe nail can be extremely painful and frustrating. If you’ve ever experienced a broken or cracked toenail, you know how annoying it can be when it…
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 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…
Close-up of a manicurist's hand skillfully applying a set of vibrant, glossy press-on nails on a client's finger, capturing the meticulous process and showcasing the salon's expertise in nail art.

Do Nail Salons Offer Press On Nails?

Posted on
If you’re looking for a quick manicure solution, you may be wondering if your local nail salon offers press on nails. With cleverly designed fake nail tips and tabs that…
A close-up shot capturing a hand gracefully extending towards a bottle of gel polish, emphasizing the process of replenishing and revitalizing gel nails.

Can You Refill Gel Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you enjoy having beautifully manicured nails but don’t want to keep paying for full gel manicures, you may be wondering: can you refill gel nails yourself at home between…
A close-up photo capturing a bottle of nail polish remover placed next to a computer keyboard, depicting the curiosity and potential harm of using it to clean delicate electronics.

Can I Use Nail Polish Remover To Clean Electronics?

Posted on
Cleaning electronics can be tricky business. Using the wrong type of cleaner can damage sensitive components. So what about using nail polish remover? This common household product seems gentle enough…
A close-up image capturing a set of pink and white gel nails being gently soaked in a bowl of acetone solution, showcasing the process of removing gel nails at home.

How To Remove Pink And White Gel Nails At Home

Posted on
Pink and white gel nails can look beautiful, but removing them without damaging your natural nails can be tricky. If you’re looking for a safe, effective DIY gel removal method,…
A close-up photo capturing a hand delicately holding a nail file, gently shaping the nail to fix the uneven smile line, showcasing precision and attention to detail.

How To Fix Uneven Nail Smile Lines

Posted on
If you notice that your nail polish tends to chip or wear away more on one side or area of your nails, leaving you with an uneven ‘smile line’, don’t…
A close-up photo showcasing a manicured hand with beautifully sculpted acrylic nails coated in a glossy gel polish, exuding elegance and vibrancy.

Can You Put Gel Polish On Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t want to spend hours at the salon between appointments, you may be wondering if you can put gel polish on acrylic…