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 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 row of colorful nail polish bottles neatly arranged on a sleek, well-lit counter at a nail bar.

What Is A Nail Bar: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting your nails done has become a popular self-care ritual for many. If you’ve been thinking about trying it out but don’t know where to start, you may be wondering…
Close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured acrylic nails, elegantly elongated and adorned with intricate designs, showcasing the artistry and expertise required to create stunning nail extensions.

How Long Do Your Nails Need To Be To Get Acrylics?

Posted on
Getting beautiful, durable acrylic nails requires growing your natural nails to an optimal length first. But just how long is long enough before you can get acrylic nails applied? Read…
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 photo of a pair of feet, showcasing beautifully trimmed toenails, revealing the importance of regular maintenance and prompting the question of how often one should cut their toenails.

How Often Should You Cut Your Toenails?

Posted on
If you’ve ever wondered how often you should trim your toenails, you’re not alone. Proper toenail care is important for maintaining good foot health and preventing problems like ingrown toenails…
A close-up photo capturing a spilled bottle of nail polish remover, a cotton pad, and a stained tile surface, depicting the process of removing nail polish from tiles.

How To Get Nail Polish Off Tile: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Removing nail polish from tile can be a frustrating task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right techniques and products, you can easily get those pesky polish stains…
A close-up shot of a man's hand gently holding a woman's hand, showcasing their interlocked fingers, with both wearing neutral nail colors, symbolizing a preference for subtlety and simplicity.

What Nail Color Do Guys Like? The Definitive Guide

Posted on
When it comes to nail polish, women often wonder – what colors do men find most attractive? The eternal question has puzzled ladies for ages. Before your next manicure appointment,…
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…
A close-up photo of a male hand holding a nail brush, with soap suds and water splashing around as he cleans his nails meticulously.

How To Clean Nails For Men: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Having clean and well-groomed nails is an important part of personal hygiene and appearance for men. dirty, unkempt nails not only look bad but can also harbor germs and bacteria…
A close-up photograph capturing the tiny hands of a baby clutching nail clippers, a poignant reminder of the potential dangers and importance of child safety.

Can Cutting A Baby With Nail Clippers Cause Tetanus?

Posted on
Accidentally nicking your baby while trimming their nails can be scary for any parent. You may worry about the potential for infection or other health complications. So can using nail…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of artificial nail tips, neatly arranged in various shapes, sizes, and colors, highlighting their versatility in enhancing and transforming natural nails.

What Are Nail Tips? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten your nails done at a salon, you may have heard your manicurist ask if you want nail tips. But what exactly are nail tips? In short,…
A close-up shot capturing a hand with beautifully manicured gel nails, showcasing their glossy finish and flawless application, leaving viewers wondering if these nails can withstand an overcuring process.

Can You Overcure Gel Nails? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Gel manicures are known for their glossy finish and long-lasting wear, but taking proper care during the curing process is key. Overcuring gel nails can lead to a host of…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of flawless gel X nails, perfectly manicured and glossy. The longevity of the nails is evident in their pristine condition, raising questions about their durability.

How Long Should Gel X Nails Last?

Posted on
Gel x nails have become an increasingly popular nail service that offers durable, long-lasting manicures with vivid polish colors that don’t fade or chip. But how long should you expect…
Close-up photo of a hand with freshly manicured gel nails, revealing the peeling edges only two days later, highlighting the frustrating reality of short-lived perfection.

Why Do My Gel Nails Peel Off After Just 2 Days?

Posted on
Having beautiful gel manicures that only last for a couple of days can be endlessly frustrating and make you feel like you wasted your money at the salon. If your…
Close-up photo of a gloved hand holding a bottle of air freshener, spraying a fragrant mist into the air, effectively neutralizing the lingering smell of acrylic nails in a stylishly decorated living room.

How To Get Rid Of Acrylic Nail Smell In Your House

Posted on
The strong chemical smell from acrylic nails can quickly permeate your home and linger for days. If you’re looking to banish that bothersome odor, you’ve come to the right place…
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 a hand holding a nail polish brush, delicately painting each nail with a gradient effect, showcasing a flawless ombre manicure achieved without the use of a sponge.

How To Do Ombre Nails Without A Sponge

Posted on
Have you ever wanted to do stylish ombre nails at home without the mess of using a sponge? If you’re short on sponges or want an easier and cleaner alternative,…
A close-up photo of a hand with beautifully manicured acrylic nails, showcasing a bottle of nail polish remover and a cotton pad, emphasizing the process of removing stains from acrylic nails.

How To Get Stain Off Acrylic Nails: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Have you ever had the misfortune of somehow staining your acrylic nails, marring their perfect look? It can be incredibly frustrating and annoying, especially if you’ve just had them done…
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 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 photograph capturing a hand holding a tube of nail glue with a pair of false eyelashes placed nearby, highlighting the question, "Can you use nail glue for lashes?"

Can You Use Nail Glue For Lashes? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten eyelash extensions or considered DIYing the procedure to save money, using nail glue may seem convenient. But is it safe? Here’s a quick answer: nail glue…
A close-up shot captures the vibrant and glossy Dashing Diva nail strips, perfectly adhered to a woman's nails, showcasing a stunning and flawless manicure.

A Comprehensive Guide To Dashing Diva Gloss Nail Strips

Posted on
Nail art has become an increasingly popular way to express creativity and personal style. Dashing Diva Gloss nail strips provide an easy, mess-free option for achieving salon-quality manicures from the…
A close-up photo capturing a woman's hands gently applying cuticle oil to her perfectly manicured gel nails, showcasing the importance of hydration and maintenance for long-lasting, healthy-looking nails.

How To Care For Gel Nails

Posted on
Gel manicures have become extremely popular thanks to their chip-resistant finish and long-lasting color. But keeping your manicured nails looking fabulous involves more than just regular polishing sessions at the…
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 capturing delicate hands with perfectly manicured short nails, showcasing the intricate details of the nail art and the serene expression on the person's face.

Getting A Fabulous Manicure Even With Short Nails

Posted on
If you’re one of the many women who prefer to keep your nails neatly trimmed and short, you may wonder if it’s still possible to get a beautiful, professional-looking manicure…
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…
Close-up photo of a bitten nail, revealing redness, skin irritation, and potential infection, highlighting the harmful consequences and unhygienic nature of nail biting.

Why Is Nail Biting Bad? A Comprehensive Look

Posted on
Nail biting is a common habit many people have, but it can lead to several health and aesthetic issues. If you’re wondering why you should stop biting your nails, read…
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 shot of a hand holding a nail clipper, capturing the tiny clippings falling into a toilet bowl, symbolizing the question "Can you flush nail clippings?"

Can You Flush Nail Clippings Down The Toilet?

Posted on
If you just clipped your nails and are wondering if you can simply flush the clippings down the toilet, you’re not alone. Many people ponder this question and have concerns…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a paintbrush, poised above a glossy gel nail, capturing the anticipation of painting over a vibrant, perfectly manicured canvas.

Can You Paint Over Gel Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Painting your nails is one of life’s simple pleasures. With regular polish though, chips and dings are inevitable. Gel polish lasts longer, but what happens when you’re ready for a…
A close-up shot of a hand, showcasing perfectly filed and polished dip nails, with a nail technician's file gently gliding over the surface, capturing the meticulous process.

Can You File Dip Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Dip nails have become an extremely popular at-home manicure option. The powder dipping process creates a durable, long-lasting manicure that can last up to 3 weeks without chipping or lifting…