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 capturing a peeling toenail, revealing layers of nail plate separation, shedding light on possible causes and urging viewers to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why Is My Toenail Peeling? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you’ve noticed your toenails starting to peel or flake off, you’re not alone. Peeling toenails are a common problem that can happen for a variety of reasons. If you’re…
A close-up photo capturing a man's hands, showcasing perfectly groomed nails with a subtle shine from the clear nail polish, exuding a sense of confidence and attention to detail.

Clear Nail Polish For Men: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Nail polish isn’t just for women anymore. In recent years, clear nail polish has become increasingly popular among men who want stronger, better looking nails without an overtly flashy manicure…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of artificial glue-on nails, with a focus on the base of the nail bed, showcasing the natural nails growing underneath.

Can Your Nails Grow Under Glue On Nails?

Posted on
If you’ve gotten acrylic or glue on nails before, you may be wondering if your natural nails continue growing underneath the artificial ones. This is a common question for people…
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 photo capturing a skilled nail technician expertly applying intricate nail art, showcasing their steady hands and meticulous attention to detail, inspiring aspiring individuals to pursue a career in the nail industry.

How To Become A Nail Tech: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting into a career as a nail technician can be an exciting prospect for those interested in beauty, design, and creativity. Plus, it has the potential to be a lucrative…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of hands meticulously scrubbing under carefully trimmed nails, water droplets glistening against the skin, showcasing the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.

How To Keep Your Nails Looking Clean And Healthy

Posted on
Having clean fingernails is not only important for good hygiene but also gives confidence and makes a good impression. If you want your nails to look their best, it’s important…
A close-up shot capturing a person's hand delicately holding a paintbrush, skillfully applying intricate designs onto a small acrylic nail tip, showcasing the process of practicing nail art without the use of a fake hand.

How To Practice Acrylic Nails Without A Fake Hand

Posted on
If you love getting acrylic nails but don’t always have access to a fake hand for practice, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to sharpen your technique using…
A close-up shot of a hand showcasing chipped nail polish, revealing the wear and tear due to daily activities, highlighting the question, "Why does my nail polish chip after 2 days?"

Why Does My Nail Polish Chip After 2 Days?

Posted on
If you’ve just painted your nails only to see chips and dings in the polish after a couple of days, you’re not alone. Many nail polish wearers face the frustration…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of vibrant press-on nails, delicately adorning a hand, while gently submerged in crystal-clear water within a serene pool.

Can You Wear Press On Nails In The Pool?

Posted on
With summer here and pool days ahead, you may be wondering if your cute press on nails can withstand some time in the chlorinated water. Well, we have the details…
A close-up shot capturing a hand adorned with vibrant gel nail polish, showcasing intricate nail art achieved by creatively incorporating nail stickers, adding a unique touch to the overall design.

Can You Use Nail Stickers With Gel Polish?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t always have the time or money for frequent salon visits, nail stickers can be a quick and affordable alternative to polish…
A close-up photograph showcasing a human hand with a magnified view of the fingernail area, revealing the delicate and pink nail bed beneath the transparent nail plate.

What Is A Nail Bed? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you’re wondering “what is a nail bed?”, you’ve come to the right place. The nail bed is an important part of the nail structure that affects the health and…
A close-up shot of a hand with a bruised nail, delicately applying gel polish, capturing the contrast between the damaged area and the vibrant, glossy color.

Can You Put Gel Polish On A Bruised Nail?

Posted on
If you just had an accident and bruised your nails, you may be wondering if you can still get your nails done or put on gel polish. With a big…
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…
Close-up photo of a person's hand, showcasing a neatly wrapped bandage around a wounded finger nail, providing a step-by-step visual guide on how to properly secure and protect the injured area.

How To Properly Bandage An Injured Finger Nail

Posted on
If you’ve ever experienced an injury to your finger nail, you know how painful it can be. From splits and cracks, to complete avulsions, finger nail injuries are common but…
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 photo of a person sniffing a bottle of nail polish remover, surrounded by scientific books and brain-shaped balloons, emphasizing the question of whether it harms brain cells.

Does Smelling Nail Polish Remover Kill Brain Cells?

Posted on
The strong scent of nail polish remover, with its harsh acetone odor, makes many people wonder: Is inhaling the fumes from this common beauty product damaging my brain cells? If…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a small glass bottle filled with liquid, surrounded by various ingredients like charcoal powder and pigment, depicting the process of making homemade black nail polish.

How To Make Black Nail Polish From Scratch

Posted on
If you love painting your nails black but hate the chemicals in store-bought polishes, you’re in luck. Making your own black nail polish at home is easy, inexpensive, and customizable…
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…
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 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…
Close-up of a woman's hand, showcasing a beautifully manicured nail with smudged polish, revealing her frustration and curiosity as she wonders why her nail polish still smudges hours after application.

Why Does My Nail Polish Smudge Hours Later?

Posted on
If you’ve just painted your nails only to have the polish smudge later in the day, it can be incredibly frustrating. A pristine manicure takes time and care to perfect,…
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 hand with perfectly manicured gel nails being cured under a UV lamp, emphasizing the importance of UV light for the gel nail application process.

Do I Need Uv Light For Gel Nails?

Posted on
Gel nail extensions have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional acrylics. With their damage-free removal process and long-lasting shine, it’s easy to see the appeal. But to get 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 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 photo capturing a hand delicately painting vibrant nail polish onto a light bulb, showcasing the creativity and experimentation of the individual.

Can You Paint A Light Bulb With Nail Polish?

Posted on
If you’ve ever looked at a boring, white light bulb and thought it could use a splash of color, you may have wondered if you can paint it with leftover…
A close-up photograph of a manicured hand showcasing a nail overlay, where a thin layer of gel or acrylic is applied on natural nails to enhance their strength and appearance.

What Is A Nail Overlay?

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten your nails done at a salon, you may have heard your nail technician mention something called a “nail overlay.” But what exactly is a nail overlay…
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 shot capturing a woman's hands gracefully displaying press-on nails, delicately layered over a vibrant coat of glossy nail polish.

Can You Put Press-On Nails Over Nail Polish?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t always have the time or money for professional manicures, you may have wondered if you can apply press-on nails over your…
A close-up photo showcasing a perfectly manicured hand with glossy, vibrant OPI nail polish, flawlessly applied, emphasizing its longevity and durability.

How Long Does Opi Nail Polish Last?

Posted on
If you love using OPI nail polish for its vast color selections and quality formula, you may be wondering – how long does it actually last on nails before starting…