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!

Close-up shot of a hand holding a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol, gently removing acrylic nails, capturing the process of nail removal with precision and effectiveness.

Can Isopropyl Alcohol Remove Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Acrylic nails have been a popular enhancement for natural nails for decades. They provide thickness, strength, and length that isn’t possible with natural nails alone. However, removing acrylic nails isn’t…
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 photo capturing a hand elegantly positioned with a nail form securely attached, showcasing the step-by-step process of using nail forms for creating stunning nail extensions.

How To Use Nail Forms: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Using nail forms can help you achieve a perfect manicure at home. With some practice, you’ll be applying flawless acrylics and gel polish with ease. If you’re short on time,…
Close-up photo of a hand with acrylic nails, showcasing the visible nail growth underneath. Faint lines and ridges indicate the need for maintenance and removal of the acrylics.

How To Get Rid Of Nail Growth Under Acrylics

Posted on
If you get regular acrylic nail treatments, you may have noticed some unwanted nail growth occurring under the artificial nails. This can cause the acrylics to lift or look uneven…
A close-up shot capturing a hand holding a vibrant collection of nail polish bottles, showcasing the freedom and personalization of bringing your own nail polish to the salon.

Can You Bring Your Own Nail Polish To The Salon?

Posted on
Getting your nails done at the salon is a pampering experience that many people enjoy. However, with the cost of nail services these days, you may be looking for ways…
A close-up photograph capturing the delicate strokes of a paintbrush skillfully applying intricate designs onto a set of beautifully manicured nails.

Can You Use Paint Brushes For Nail Art?

Posted on
Nail art is a fun and creative way to decorate your nails, but buying supplies can get expensive. You may be wondering if you can save money by using paint…
A close-up photo captures a pair of hands delicately holding a small brush, gently cleaning the area underneath perfectly manicured acrylic nails, ensuring impeccable hygiene and maintaining their flawless appearance.

How To Thoroughly Clean Under Acrylic Nails

Posted on
If you enjoy wearing acrylic nails, you know how difficult it can be to properly clean underneath them. Dirt, debris, and even fungus can accumulate in the small space between…
A close-up shot of a hand with freshly painted gel nails under a UV lamp, capturing the moment as the intense light accelerates the drying process.

How Long Does It Take Gel Nail Polish To Dry?

Posted on
If you just got a fresh gel manicure, you’re probably wondering how long you have to wait before your nail polish is completely dry and cured. Nothing’s worse than leaving…
A close-up photo of a nail set tool, showcasing its metal construction, cylindrical shape, and different-sized tips designed for driving and setting nails precisely into wood or other materials.

What Is A Nail Set? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Do you ever find yourself wishing there was an easier way to drive nails below the surface of wood? If so, you need a nail set in your toolbox. A…
A close-up photograph capturing bitten nails contrasted with perfectly manicured nails, highlighting the struggle between self-destructive habits and the desire for well-groomed hands.

Can You Get Your Nails Done If You Bite Them?

Posted on
Nail biting is a common habit that leaves nails ragged and uneven. If you’re a nail biter wondering if you can still get a nice manicure, the answer is yes!…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a nail polish bottle with a specially designed brush, showcasing the easy-to-use applicator for effortless and precise nail painting.

The Easiest Way To Paint Your Nails

Posted on
Painting your nails can be a fun and creative way to express yourself, but it can also be tricky to get an even, smooth coat without any smudges. If you’re…
A close-up shot of perfectly manicured feet, with glossy black nail polish adorning the toes. The dark hue contrasts beautifully against the skin, exuding an edgy and sophisticated vibe.

Black Nail Polish On Toes: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
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 photograph captures a hand delicately holding a small paintbrush, dipped in vibrant paint colors, meticulously painting an intricately designed pattern on a woman's perfectly manicured nails.

Can You Paint Your Nails With Paint?

Posted on
If you’ve run out of nail polish but have some leftover paint in the garage, you may be wondering if you can use that paint to color your nails instead…
A close-up photo capturing a pregnant woman's hands gently applying a layer of vibrant nail polish onto her perfectly shaped nails, showcasing her stylish choice amidst the blissful anticipation of motherhood.

Can I Use Nail Polish While Pregnant?

Posted on
Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with lots of changes for both mom and baby. As your body goes through physical and hormonal changes, you may be wondering how your…
A still-life image capturing a hand gracefully placed on a table, showcasing freshly painted gel nails drying naturally under a warm ray of sunlight.

How To Dry Gel Nail Polish Without A Uv Light

Posted on
Gel nail polish has become a popular choice for its glossy finish and long-lasting wear. But what do you do when you want that salon-perfect manicure at home without investing…
A close-up shot capturing a beginner's hand delicately painting adorable nail designs with vibrant colors, featuring playful polka dots and tiny hearts, exuding a charming and cute vibe.

30 Cute And Easy Nail Designs For Beginners

Posted on
Nail art can seem intimidating for beginners, but it doesn’t have to be! With some simple techniques and cute designs, anyone can create stylish nails right at home. In this…
A close-up shot capturing a woman's hands delicately applying a vibrant nail wrap, showcasing the step-by-step process of achieving a flawless and stylish manicure effortlessly.

How To Apply Nail Wraps: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Nail wraps, also known as nail decals or stickers, allow you to get a salon-quality manicure in the comfort of your own home. If you’re wondering how to apply these…
A close-up shot capturing a person's foot, showcasing a missing pinky toe nail. The focus lies on the exposed nail bed, revealing the mystery behind why it fell off.

Why Does My Pinky Toe Nail Fall Off?

Posted on
Having a nail randomly fall off your pinky toe can be alarming. But don’t worry, there’s usually a reasonable explanation for this occurrence. If you’re short on time, here’s a…
A close-up photo showcasing the intricate process of sharpening a pair of scissors using a nail file, capturing the precision and detail required for achieving a sharp cutting edge.

How To Sharpen Scissors With A Nail File

Posted on
Do you have a pair of scissors that have become dull and aren’t cutting well anymore? Before you throw them out and buy a new pair, try sharpening them with…
A close-up shot of a woman delicately applying cuticle oil to her perfectly manicured acrylic nails, showcasing the importance of regular maintenance for their longevity and health.

How To Maintain Acrylic Nails: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Having beautiful, long-lasting acrylic nails requires some maintenance and TLC. Without proper care, your nails can start lifting, cracking, or dulling rather quickly. If you’re short on time, here’s the…
A close-up photo capturing the mesmerizing effect of hologram nail polish on perfectly manicured nails, showcasing a vibrant rainbow spectrum of colors and a dazzling prismatic shine.

What Is Hologram Nail Polish? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Looking to add some eye-catching sparkle to your nails? Holographic nail polish, sometimes called holo nail polish, is taking the beauty world by storm. With its multi-dimensional, rainbow-like shimmer, holographic…
A close-up photo capturing a bare foot with a missing toenail, highlighting the raw skin beneath, evoking questions about pain, healing, and potential remedies.

What To Do When Your Toenail Falls Off

Posted on
Losing a toenail can be painful and alarming. If you look down and see your toenail is gone or hanging on by a thread, you’re probably wondering what happened and…
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?

Posted on
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…
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?

Posted on
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 shot capturing the process of applying polygel onto a natural nail, showcasing the step-by-step method and tools involved in creating flawless, durable and lightweight polygel nails.

How Do Polygel Nails Work? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you’ve scrolled past stylish nails on Instagram or seen them at your local nail salon, you may have wondered, how do polygel nails work? This polymer-based gel is a…
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 shot capturing a pair of hands gracefully holding a bottle of nail growth serum, emphasizing the anticipation of longer, healthier nails.

How To Make Nails Grow Faster: A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Want beautifully long, healthy nails? Who doesn’t! Having gorgeous nails can make you feel confident and put-together. But what if your nails seem stuck at a stubby length or take…
A close-up shot of a bottle of anti-fungal oil for nails, showcasing its sleek design and featuring a drop of oil suspended mid-air, ready to provide relief and rejuvenation.

Anti Fungal Oils For Nails: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Fungal infections of the nails, known as onychomycosis, are a common problem that can leave nails discolored, thickened, brittle, and ugly. Getting rid of nail fungus can be challenging, but…
Close-up photo of a pair of hands delicately holding a sterile tool, gently lifting the corner of an inflamed toe nail, showcasing the process of fixing an ingrown toe nail.

How To Fix An Ingrown Toenail: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be extremely painful and frustrating. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and other complications. The good news is that you can take…
Close-up photo of a pinky toe showcasing the upward growth of the nail. The intricate details of cuticles and ridges highlight the curious nature of this phenomenon.

Why Does My Pinky Toe Nail Grow Up?

Posted on
If you’ve noticed your pinky toe nail growing in an upward direction, you’re not alone. Many people deal with this pesky nail issue. While it may seem harmless, an ingrown…