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 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…
The photo captures a vibrant display of various nail polish bottles neatly arranged on a shelf in a nail salon, enticing customers with a multitude of colors and finishes.

Do Nail Salons Sell Nail Polish? A Detailed Look

Posted on
With over 17,000 nail salons in the United States, nail care has become a booming industry. If you’re wondering whether these nail spas and salons sell the nail polishes they…
Close-up shot of a damaged nail bed after acrylic removal; the once healthy bed now reveals redness, inflammation, and peeling skin, highlighting the consequences of improper nail care.

Damaged Nail Bed: How To Heal Your Nails After Acrylics

Posted on
If you recently removed your acrylic or gel nail enhancements and noticed your natural nails are damaged underneath, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with brittle, thin, cracked, or even…
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 set of vibrant nail wraps on a hand, showcasing intricate designs and flawless application, raising curiosity about their durability and longevity.

How Long Do Nail Wraps Last? A Detailed Look

Posted on
With the rising popularity of nail wraps, also called nail stickers or manicure stickers, many people wonder just how long these nail art products actually last. Nail wraps offer a…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of hands delicately applying vibrant acrylic nail polish outdoors, with a backdrop of lush greenery and natural sunlight, showcasing the versatility of nail art.

Can You Do Acrylic Nails Outside?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of acrylic nails, many DIYers wonder if it’s possible to apply acrylics in an outdoor setting instead of being cooped up inside. If you’re crunched for…
A close-up photo of a pair of nail clippers lying on a white surface, capturing the sharp blades and delicate rust spots, alluding to the question of HIV survival.

How Long Can Hiv Live On Nail Clippers?

Posted on
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can contract HIV by sharing nail clippers with someone who is HIV-positive, you’re not alone. Many people have concerns about whether viruses like HIV…
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 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 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 a flawless French manicure on elegantly long nails, showcasing the perfect blend of nude base, pristine white tips, and a subtle glossy finish.

How To Get The Perfect French Manicure On Long Nails

Posted on
French manicures may seem simple, but perfecting the classic white tipped look on long nails can be tricky. With the right products, techniques, and maintenance, you can achieve salon-worthy french…
A close-up shot capturing a woman's hands adorned with beautifully manicured acrylic nails, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors, representing the average cost of acrylic nails.

What Is The Average Cost Of Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Getting your nails done can be an enjoyable self-care activity, but the costs can add up quickly. If you’re wondering what to budget for a new set of acrylic nails,…
A close-up photo capturing a bottle of Miracle Gel nail polish, surrounded by UV light bulbs, emphasizing the question of whether this polish requires UV light for optimal results.

Does Miracle Gel Nail Polish Need Uv Light?

Posted on
Nail polish trends come and go, but one that has stood the test of time is miracle gel nail polish. With its chip-resistant, glossy finish that can last over two…
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…
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 photo capturing the hands of a well-groomed man, showcasing clean, neatly trimmed nails, subtly hinting at the question "how much is a manicure for a man?"

How Much Does A Manicure Cost For A Man In 2024?

Posted on
In today’s society, manicures are no longer just for women. More and more men are taking care of their nails and getting professional manicures. But how much does a manicure…
A close-up image capturing a set of colorful press-on nails neatly arranged on a clean surface, showcasing their vibrant designs and flawless finish.

Are Press On Nails Reusable? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
With the rising popularity of press on nails as an easy and affordable at-home manicure option, one common question is – can you reuse press on nails? If you’re looking…
A close-up shot of vibrant, cruelty-free vegan nail polish bottles lined up, reflecting a rainbow of colors, radiating beauty and compassion.

A Guide To Cruelty Free Vegan Nail Polishes

Posted on
With the rising popularity of veganism and ethical consumerism, more people are looking for nail polishes that are not only vegan but also cruelty-free. If you love painting your nails…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a bottle of nail polish remover, cotton pad poised to wipe away a sticky nail polish mishap.

How To Fix Sticky Nail Polish: A Complete Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever painted your nails only to have the polish turn gummy and sticky shortly after, you know how frustrating it can be. Sticky nail polish can ruin an…
A close-up photo showcasing a hand adorned with vibrant acrylic nail designs for beginners, featuring intricate patterns, bold colors, and delicate embellishments.

Acrylic Nail Designs For Beginners

Posted on
If you’re looking to learn how to do acrylic nail designs as a beginner, you’ve come to the right place. Acrylic nails allow you to get creative with colors, shapes,…
A close-up photo capturing a woman's hand delicately holding a nail brush, as she skillfully smooths out air bubbles on a glossy gel nail surface.

How To Fix Bubbles In Gel Nail Polish At Home

Posted on
If you’ve just finished painting your nails with gel polish only to discover tiny annoying bubbles have formed, don’t panic. Dealing with bubbles can be frustrating, but the good news…
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 photo captures hands gently soaking in a bowl of warm water, providing relief to sore nails, while a serene expression reflects the relief felt by the subject.

How To Relieve Nail Pain: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Nail pain can be extremely uncomfortable and disrupt your daily activities. If you’ve ever experienced throbbing, piercing pain in your fingernails or toenails, you know how agonizing it can be…
A close-up shot of perfectly manicured nails adorned with heart-shaped designs in shades of pink and red, capturing the essence of love and romance for Valentine's Day.

Cute Nails For Valentine’S Day

Posted on
Valentine’s Day is all about romance, and what better way to get in the mood than with a cute manicure to match? All eyes will be on your fab nails…
A close-up shot showcasing a perfectly manicured hand adorned with vibrant, glossy fake nails, reflecting the wearer's unique style and enhancing their overall confidence.

How To Get Fake Nails: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Fake nails are a great way to experiment with fun nail art designs or simply give your natural nails a break. But getting fake nails for the first time can…
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?

Posted on
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…