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 UV nail lamp with a freshly painted regular nail polish under it, as the light illuminates and potentially speeds up the drying process.

Does Uv Light Dry Regular Nail Polish?

Posted on
Nail polish is one of the most popular ways to decorate and beautify fingernails, but waiting for it to dry can be tedious. This leads many people to wonder –…
A close-up shot capturing a vibrant summer-themed manicure, adorned with colorful flowers, playful fruit slices, and tiny palm trees, exuding a charming and adorable vibe.

20 Cute Nail Ideas To Refresh Your Look This Summer

Posted on
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun, bright nail colors and designs. If you’re looking for cute and on-trend nail inspiration for the warm weather months, you’ve come…
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…
A close-up photo capturing a hand adorned with various shades of delicate pink nail polish, showcasing a gradient effect that beautifully transitions from soft blush to vibrant fuchsia.

A Guide To The Various Shades Of Pink Nails

Posted on
With the huge variety of pink nail polish shades available, deciding on the perfect pink for your nails can seem like an overwhelming task. From barely-there nudes to bold hot…
A close-up shot capturing a set of beautifully manicured nails, each finger showcasing different stages of wear and growth, reflecting the question of how many fills before a new set is needed.

How Many Fills Before You Need A New Set Of Nails?

Posted on
If you just got a fresh set of acrylic or gel nails, you’re probably wondering how long they’ll last before needing a fill or replacement. With proper at-home care between…
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?

Posted on
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 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 photo capturing a nail technician's hands gracefully shaping and painting nails, with a blurred background displaying various nail products, reflecting the investment required to become a nail tech.

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Nail Tech?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of nail salons and the growing demand for skilled manicurists, many people wonder – how much does it really cost to become a nail tech? If…
A close-up shot of vibrant, multi-colored nail polish bottles arranged in an orderly row, showcasing a range of Dungeons and Dragons-themed shades, ready to be purchased and adorned on nails.

Where To Buy Dnd Nail Polish: The Top Places To Shop

Posted on
With its wide color selection, quality formula, and affordable prices, DND nail polish has become a hugely popular brand. If you’re looking to get your hands on these stylish lacquers,…
A close-up shot of a forgotten and dusty drawer, revealing a pile of once vibrant and sparkling Diamond Deb nail files, now abandoned and untouched, their purpose and relevance faded away.

What Happened To Diamond Deb Nail Files?

Posted on
If you’ve been searching for the iconic Diamond Deb nail files that used to be a staple in every nail salon, you’re not alone. Diamond Deb emery boards were once…
A close-up photo of a busy nail salon's cash register, overflowing with cash, showcasing the financial success and profitability of the nail salon business.

How Much Do Nail Salons Make Per Year?

Posted on
Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure at the nail salon and wondered how much money those places pull in? Nail salons have exploded in popularity over the last…
A close-up photograph capturing a brown, discolored toenail, revealing the intricate details of the nail bed, raising questions about potential causes and prompting concern for the viewer.

Why Is My Toenail Turning Brown? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you’ve noticed one or more of your toenails turning brown, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Discolored toenails can be caused by a number of things, ranging from harmless…
A close-up photo captures a set of meticulously manicured dip nails adorned with tips, showcasing their flawless beauty and durability.

How Long Do Dip Nails Last With Tips?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t want to spend hours at the salon every couple of weeks, dip powder nails may be the solution you’re looking for…
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 shot capturing the reflection of vibrant acrylic nails delicately skimming the surface of a crystal-clear swimming pool.

Can You Swim With Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Acrylic nails and water may seem like a bad combination, but with the right precautions, you may be able to enjoy swimming without damaging your manicure. If you’re short on…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of vibrant, meticulously designed fake nails delicately placed on fingers, contrasting against a background that highlights the visible signs of onycholysis.

Can I Wear Fake Nails With Onycholysis?

Posted on
If you have onycholysis, or nail lifting, you may be wondering if you can still wear fake nails. Onycholysis causes the nail to separate from the nail bed, resulting in…
A close-up photo capturing perfectly manicured hands adorned with beautiful gel nails and acrylic nails side by side, subtly displaying the difference between the two options.

Do Gel Nails Last Longer Than Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten a manicure, you may have been presented with options for gel nails or acrylic nails. Both enhance the look of natural nails, but is one type…
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…
A close-up photo capturing the rebellious spirit of a man's hand, adorned with glossy black nail polish, symbolizing individuality and breaking traditional gender norms.

Black Nail Polish On Men: An In-Depth Guide

Posted on
Black nail polish has long been seen as an edgy, alternative style choice. However, in recent years, black nail polish on men has become increasingly popular in mainstream culture. Celebrities…
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 showcasing a hand gently peeling off a lifted dip nail, while a bottle of nail glue and a file lie nearby, depicting a DIY solution for fixing lifting dip nails at home.

How To Fix Lifting Dip Nails At Home

Posted on
Have your dip powder nails started lifting at the tips and sides? Don’t panic – with the right products and techniques, you can easily fix them at home. In this…
A close-up shot capturing the intricate process of filling dip powder nails with acrylic, showcasing the skilled hands of a nail technician delicately applying the acrylic powder onto the nails.

Can You Fill Dip Powder Nails With Acrylic?

Posted on
Dip powder nails have become an increasingly popular alternative to acrylic or gel nails. But what happens when your dip powder manicure starts to grow out? Can you fill in…
A close-up shot showcasing a delicate glass bottle filled with a custom-made sage green nail polish, surrounded by various dried sage leaves and a small mortar and pestle.

How To Make Sage Green Nail Polish

Posted on
Sage green nail polish is the perfect earthy tone for spring and summer manicures. If you’ve been searching for the right light green polish to complement your skin tone, learning…
A close-up photo of vibrant, glossy acrylic nails being applied, symbolizing beauty and style, while hinting at the potential health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to their chemicals.

Can Acrylic Nails Cause Cancer? A Detailed Look

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become an increasingly popular nail enhancement option for many women around the world. With their ability to extend the length of natural nails and allow for intricate…
A close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured gel nails, bathed in the soft glow of a UV lamp, capturing the moment of patience and precision required for a flawless finish.

How Long Should You Leave Gel Nails Under A Uv Lamp?

Posted on
Got an appointment to get gorgeously glossy gel manicure but unsure about the curing time? With various gel polish brands advertising different timings, it’s easy to get confused. Read on…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with neatly polished nails, showcasing a transparent bottle of super glue alongside a tube of traditional nail glue, emphasizing the question of their interchangeable usage.

Can You Use Super Glue As Nail Glue?

Posted on
If you’ve ever had a nail pop off, you know how frustrating it can be. Without nail glue, you’re left with an exposed nail bed that catches on everything. In…
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 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 shot capturing a set of beautifully manicured nails adorned with vibrant nail stickers, raising questions about their potential impact on nail health and durability.

Are Nail Stickers Bad For Your Nails?

Posted on
Nail art stickers, also known as nail wraps or manicure decals, allow you to instantly jazz up your nails with fun patterns and designs. But could these trendy nail overlays…
A close-up shot capturing a hand elegantly adorned with Gel-X nails, showcasing their flawless finish and impeccable shine, leaving viewers wondering, "Can you get a fill with Gel-X nails?"

Can You Get A Fill With Gel-X Nails?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t have the time or money for frequent salon visits, gel-x extensions may be the perfect solution. Gel-x nails provide lengthy wear…
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…