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 hand with a visibly inflamed and red acrylic nail, revealing signs of discomfort and pain.

Why Do My Acrylic Nails Hurt? Causes And Solutions

Posted on
If you just got acrylic nails and are wondering why they hurt, you’re not alone. Many people experience pain and discomfort after an acrylic nail application. The good news is…
A close-up photo capturing a colorful array of nail polishes, nail art brushes, and various nail accessories neatly displayed on a store shelf.

Where To Buy Nail Supplies: The Complete Guide

Posted on
If you love doing your own nails at home, having a good stock of nail supplies is essential. But where exactly can you find quality nail polishes, tools, acrylics, gels,…
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…
A close-up shot of a hand adorned with dark green and orange nail polish, creating a striking contrast against the skin, capturing a bold and vibrant manicure.

A Guide To Dark Green And Orange Nails

Posted on
Nail art allows you to express your unique style and personality through your fingernails. Recently, an eye-catching color combination that has been gaining popularity is dark green and orange nails…
A close-up of an array of colorful, meticulously designed press-on nails, neatly organized in a display case, showcasing the variety and quality of products available for a press-on nail business.

How To Start A Press On Nail Business

Posted on
Nails are big business! With the growing popularity of press on nails and nail art, starting your own press on nail business can be a lucrative endeavor. If you’re wondering…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of hands, nails impeccably manicured and anxiety-free. A serene expression on the person's face signifies the triumph over nail picking and finding inner peace.

How To Stop Anxiety Nail Picking For Good

Posted on
Nail biting and skin picking are common nervous habits that many people find difficult to break. If you have dermatillomania or are looking for ways to stop anxiety nail picking,…
A close-up photo showcasing a 16d nail lying beside a ruler, perfectly illustrating its length, sharpness, and texture, emphasizing its role in construction and carpentry.

How Long Is A 16D Nail? A Detailed Look

Posted on
For any construction or home improvement project, having the right nails can make a big difference in getting the job done right. One of the most common nail sizes used…
A close-up shot of a freshly manicured hand, delicately holding a nail file, capturing the anticipation of a woman contemplating whether she can file her nails after a professional treatment.

Can You File Your Nails After Getting Them Done?

Posted on
Having beautiful nails is something many people strive for. Getting a professional manicure leaves your nails looking polished and pretty. But what happens when your nails start growing out after…
A close-up photograph capturing the meticulous process of filing and painting nails, while simultaneously showing the elegant strands of hair being styled, highlighting the synchrony of hair and nail growth.

Do Hair And Nails Grow At The Same Rate?

Posted on
If you’ve ever wondered if the hair on your head and the nails on your fingers and toes grow at the same pace, you’re not alone. Many people are curious…
A close-up shot capturing the sleek design of a gel nail polish dryer machine, its vibrant LED lights illuminating the perfectly manicured nails with a glossy finish.

The Complete Guide To Gel Nail Polish Dryer Machines

Posted on
For nail polish lovers, there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for what feels like an eternity for your latest manicure to dry. Gel nail polish gives you glossy, chip-resistant nails,…
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…
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 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 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 of a hand with vibrant, intricately designed nails showcasing the durability of Sharpie artistry, capturing the lasting beauty and precision of the marker's pigmentation.

How Long Does Sharpie Last On Nails?

Posted on
If you love doing creative nail art designs but don’t want to deal with the hassle and expense of gel manicures or acrylics, using Sharpies to decorate your nails is…
A close-up photo capturing a man's hand gently holding a woman's hand with beautifully manicured long nails painted in a deep, elegant shade, showcasing the allure and intrigue of long nails.

Do Men Like Long Nails? The Answer May Surprise You

Posted on
Long, colorful nails have become increasingly popular among women in recent years. But do men actually find long nails attractive? The answer is more complicated than you might think. If…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of gentle hands delicately applying a soothing cuticle oil to ease discomfort caused by press-on nails.

How To Stop Press-On Nails From Hurting

Posted on
Do your press-on nails hurt after wearing them for a while? Many people love the look of press-on nails but find they start to cause pain and discomfort over time…
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 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 of a hand holding a gel nail kit for beginners, showcasing vibrant colors of nail polishes, a UV lamp, and various nail art tools, inviting beginners to explore the world of gel nails.

The Complete Guide To Gel Nail Kits For Beginners

Posted on
Looking to give yourself a perfect at-home manicure using gel nail polish? Getting started with gel nails can be intimidating for beginners. But have no fear, with the right gel…
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 image showcasing a set of beautifully done ombre nails, with vibrant colors seamlessly blending into one another.

How Much Do Ombre Nails Cost? The Complete Guide

Posted on
Ombre nails have been a hugely popular nail art trend over the past several years, prized for their ability to seamlessly blend two or more colors in a gradient effect…
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…
A close-up shot of chipped, discolored nails covered in streaky, peeling layers of expired nail polish, showcasing the consequences of using old and expired products.

What Happens If You Use Expired Nail Polish?

Posted on
Using old nail polish that’s past its expiration date? Don’t fret – we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about…
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 photograph capturing the perplexing sight of a nail embedded beneath the surface of a finger, highlighting the mysterious phenomenon of a nail growing underneath another.

Why Do I Have A Nail Growing Under My Nail?

Posted on
Have you ever noticed a little nail growing under one of your regular fingernails or toenails? This condition, known medically as an onychauxis or accessory nail, can seem strange but…
A close-up photograph of a damaged nail bed, showing peeling, discoloration, and ridges, providing visual evidence of the potential damage caused by long-term use of nail polish.

Does Nail Polish Damage Nails? The Pros And Cons

Posted on
With so many fun nail polish colors and designs to choose from, it’s easy to change up your manicure on a regular basis. But some people wonder if frequently painting…
A close-up shot revealing a woman's hand with flawlessly manicured acrylic nails, yet one of them noticeably lifting at the tip after only three days.

Why Do My Acrylic Nails Lift After 3 Days?

Posted on
Having beautiful, long-lasting acrylic nails is every woman’s dream. But the nightmare begins when those pristine nails start lifting at the edges just days after getting them done at the…
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 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 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…