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 photo showcasing the flawless beauty of natural nails enhanced with a clear gel overlay, reflecting light to create a glossy, glass-like finish.

A Detailed Guide To Clear Gel Overlay On Natural Nails

Posted on
Nails are the reflections of our overall health and beauty. With regular manicures and nail care routines, you can maintain strong and beautiful natural nails. However, sometimes our nails need…
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…
A close-up photograph capturing a pair of delicately manicured hands adorned with intricately designed fake nails, symbolizing the question of whether one can perform prayer in Islam while wearing them.

Can You Pray With Fake Nails In Islam?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of stylish fake nails, many Muslim women wonder if they can still pray salah while wearing acrylics or press-on nails. In this comprehensive guide, we dive…
A close-up shot of a clear nail polish bottle next to a resin-coated artwork, showcasing the potential use of clear nail polish as a substitute for resin in art projects.

Can Clear Nail Polish Be Used As Resin?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of crafting and DIY projects using resin, many crafters wonder if commonly available clear nail polish could be substituted when resin is unavailable or too expensive…
A close-up photo captures a hand with chubby fingers adorned with a perfectly manicured round nail shape, creating an illusion of slender fingers.

What Nail Shape Is Best For Fat Fingers?

Posted on
Having fat or chunky fingers can make getting a perfect manicure seem impossible. But never fear – with the right nail shape and tips, you can create elegant nails that…
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 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 colorful, inviting nail salon sign with the words "Walk-ins Welcome" prominently displayed, enticing passersby to enter and indulge in a relaxing nail treatment.

Do Nail Salons Take Walk-Ins?

Posted on
If you’re in a rush and need a quick manicure or pedicure, you may be wondering if you can just walk into your local nail salon without an appointment. The…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a bottle of pure white nail polish, with a soft brush poised to apply the glossy color onto a perfectly manicured nail.

How To Make White Nail Polish At Home

Posted on
There’s nothing more classic and elegant than a fresh coat of pearly white nail polish. But finding that perfect crisp white shade at the drugstore can be hit or miss…
A close-up photo capturing water droplets falling on a set of beautifully manicured press-on nails, highlighting the question of whether they can withstand being wet.

Can Press On Nails Get Wet? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Press on nails have become an increasingly popular nail enhancement option for their affordability, ease of application, and temporary wear. Their adhesive nature, however, leaves many wondering if press on…
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…
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 holding a mixing palette, with various shades of brown nail polish being blended together using a small brush, creating a customized hue.

How To Make Brown Nail Polish At Home

Posted on
If you’re looking for a neutral, earthy nail color that complements your skin tone, brown nail polish is a perfect choice. Brown tones are universally flattering and create a gorgeous…
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…
Close-up of a bruised toe nail, magnifying its dark purple color and capturing the tender skin around it, exemplifying the need for gentle care and proper healing techniques.

How To Heal A Bruised Toenail

Posted on
If you’ve ever stubbed your toe and ended up with a bruised, black and blue toenail, you know how painful it can be. A bruised toenail not only looks bad,…
A close-up photo capturing a hand holding a small bottle of clear liquid adhesive, surrounded by various nail care tools and colorful nail polish bottles, showcasing the process of making nail glue.

How To Make Diy Nail Glue At Home

Posted on
If you love doing your own manicures at home but hate how expensive nail glue can be, making your own nail glue is a great DIY project. Homemade nail glue…
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 shot of a woman's hand showcasing perfectly manicured nails with a glossy dark pink gel polish, radiating elegance and sophistication.

The Complete Guide To Dark Pink Gel Nail Polish

Posted on
With its romantic and feminine vibe, dark pink nail polish has become a go-to shade for many women. But finding that perfect dusty rose or red-tinged pink gel polish can…
A close-up shot capturing a set of vibrant gel and acrylic nail kits neatly arranged, showcasing an array of colors, textures, and tools, ready to create stunning nail art masterpieces.

Gel Vs Acrylic Nail Kits: Which Is Better For You?

Posted on
Nail art has become increasingly popular over the years, with gel and acrylic being two of the most common enhancement options. If you’re looking to do your nails at home,…
A close-up photo captures a skilled technician gently removing acrylic nails at a nail salon, showcasing their expertise and the meticulous care they offer to clients.

Do Nail Salons Remove Acrylic Nails For Free?

Posted on
Getting a fresh set of acrylic nails can make your hands look great, but what happens when it’s time to take them off? You may be wondering if nail salons…
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…
Close-up of a hand delicately cradling a torn nail, capturing the pain and vulnerability. The focus is on seeking solace and the need for immediate care.

What To Do If Your Nail Rips Off: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Ripping off a nail can be extremely painful and distressing. If you’re looking down at an exposed nail bed, you’re probably wondering what steps you should take next. Don’t worry…
A photo of a spilled bottle of nail polish on a white bedsheet, showing the colorful, dried stains and a person attempting to remove them using various cleaning materials.

How To Get Nail Polish Out Of Sheets

Posted on
Oh no, you just spilled nail polish on your nice clean sheets and now there is a stubborn stain! Not to worry, removing nail polish from sheets is possible with…
A close-up photo capturing a damaged nail bed, discolored and brittle, serving as a cautionary image about the potential harm peroxide can inflict on nails.

Can Peroxide Damage Your Nails? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever had a minor nail injury or noticed discoloration, you may have reached for hydrogen peroxide. This common disinfectant can clean small wounds and whiten nails, leading some…
A close-up photo capturing a hand elegantly holding a bottle of nail polish with a label reading "Anti-Stick Formula" prominently displayed, emphasizing its protection against stickiness.

What Nail Product Protects Against Stickiness?

Posted on
Having sticky, tacky nail polish is one of the most annoying things when doing your nails. It seems like no matter how carefully you apply the polish, it still ends…
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 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 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…
Close-up photo of a well-manicured hand with perfectly straight nails, showcasing a step-by-step guide on preventing nails from curling under, highlighting proper filing techniques and maintenance tips.

How To Stop Nails From Curling Under

Posted on
If you’ve ever experienced nails that curl under at the tips, you know how unsightly and uncomfortable it can be. Luckily, with the right products and techniques, you can get…