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 an artist's hand delicately applying vibrant strokes of acrylic paint onto a set of pristine nails, showcasing the creativity and versatility of using a paintbrush for acrylic nail art.

Can I Use A Paint Brush For Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Having beautiful nails has become a trend nowadays with the popularity of nail art. Many women are starting to do their own acrylic or gel nails at home to save…
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 capturing a perfectly manicured hand, showcasing vibrant nail tips. The tips are flawlessly applied, leaving viewers wondering how long this nail art will last.

How Long Do Tips Last On Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Getting your nails done with beautiful nail tips can make your hands look amazing. But how long will those glamorous nails last before needing a fill or replacement? If you’re…
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 capturing the aftermath of Gel X nail application, revealing severely damaged, brittle nails with peeling, breakage, and discoloration.

Does Gel X Ruin Your Nails?

Posted on
If you’re obsessed with gel manicures that last for weeks, but worries about gel x’s impact, you’ve come to the right place. The quick answer is – it depends. When…
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…
Close-up photo of a woman's hands submerged in a bowl of icy water, soothing the burning sensation caused by gel nails.

How To Stop Gel Nails From Burning

Posted on
Getting a fresh gel manicure can make you feel like a million bucks. However, the process of curing the polish with UV or LED light can sometimes leave your fingers…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a mixing palette, with various shades of brown nail polish being blended together using a small brush, creating a customized hue.

How To Make Brown Nail Polish At Home

Posted on
If you’re looking for a neutral, earthy nail color that complements your skin tone, brown nail polish is a perfect choice. Brown tones are universally flattering and create a gorgeous…
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 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 photograph showcasing an array of acrylic nails, featuring various shapes, lengths, and designs, capturing the diversity and creativity in nail art.

A Comprehensive Guide To Different Types Of Acrylic Nails

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become an extremely popular nail enhancement option for women around the world who want beautiful, stylish fingernails. If you’re considering getting acrylics but are unsure where to…
A close-up shot captures the elegant simplicity of a hand adorned with black, white, and silver nail polish, reflecting sophistication and modernity.

How To Get Black, White, And Silver Nails

Posted on
Black, white, and silver nails are a stunning way to add some edge and elegance to your manicure. These cool-toned nails are perfect for any occasion and can be customized…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with beautifully manicured nails, showcasing a mix of gel and regular nail polish, creating a unique and vibrant blend of colors.

Can I Mix Gel And Regular Nail Polish?

Posted on
With the wide variety of nail polish options available today, you may be wondering if you can combine different formulas to achieve your perfect manicure. If you’re short on time,…
A close-up shot of a clear nail polish bottle next to a resin-coated artwork, showcasing the potential use of clear nail polish as a substitute for resin in art projects.

Can Clear Nail Polish Be Used As Resin?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of crafting and DIY projects using resin, many crafters wonder if commonly available clear nail polish could be substituted when resin is unavailable or too expensive…
A close-up photo capturing a hand delicately holding a nail file, gently shaping the nail to fix the uneven smile line, showcasing precision and attention to detail.

How To Fix Uneven Nail Smile Lines

Posted on
If you notice that your nail polish tends to chip or wear away more on one side or area of your nails, leaving you with an uneven ‘smile line’, don’t…
A close-up shot of perfectly manicured nails adorned with heart-shaped designs in shades of pink and red, capturing the essence of love and romance for Valentine's Day.

Cute Nails For Valentine’S Day

Posted on
Valentine’s Day is all about romance, and what better way to get in the mood than with a cute manicure to match? All eyes will be on your fab nails…
Close-up of a hand holding a bottle of clear nail polish, emphasizing the shiny, strong nails painted with it, showcasing the potential strengthening effect.

Does Clear Nail Polish Strengthen Nails?

Posted on
With an ever-growing nail polish market, clear nail polish has become a staple in nail care routines for its subtle sheen and protective abilities. But can a simple swipe of…
A close-up shot capturing a beautifully manicured hand adorned with intricate fall-themed nail art, featuring cute patterns of pumpkins, autumn leaves, and cozy sweaters.

Trendy And Cute Nail Designs For Fall

Posted on
As the leaves start changing colors and the air gets crisper, it’s time to switch up your nail game for autumn. If you’re looking for inspiration on the cutest nail…
A close-up shot capturing a hand holding a nail file, with neatly arranged fake nails in vibrant colors, showcasing the process of filing and shaping artificial nails.

Can You File Down Fake Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Fake nails have become an incredibly popular way to get beautiful nails quickly without spending hours at the salon. But what happens when your fake nails start to lift or…
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 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 photo displaying perfectly manicured nails with a glossy heart-shaped top coat nail polish, adding a touch of elegance and charm to the overall look.

A Complete Guide To Heart Top Coat Nail Polish

Posted on
Heart top coat nail polish has become an incredibly popular nail art trend recently, allowing you to decorate your nails with cute and whimsical heart designs. If you’ve seen these…
A close-up photo of a hand holding a bottle of nail polish remover, with a cotton pad gently wiping away the remnants of static nails, revealing clean and natural nails underneath.

How To Easily Remove Static Nails

Posted on
Static nails have become a huge trend over the past few years. Their fun designs and easy application make them a favorite nail option for many. But what happens when…
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…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of hands fully immersed in a jar of nail polish remover, with a paintbrush hovering above, symbolizing the desire to paint over dip nails.

Can You Paint Over Dip Nails?

Posted on
Dip nails have become a popular alternative to gel nails or acrylics. With their durability and long-lasting color, it’s no wonder many people opt for dip powder nails. But what…
A close-up shot of a hand showcasing a vibrant array of dipping powder colors for nails, arranged in perfect order, representing a spectrum of choices for a dazzling and personalized manicure.

The Ultimate Guide To Dipping Powder Nail Colors

Posted on
Nail art using dipping powders has become an incredibly popular technique for achieving long-lasting, chip-resistant manicures. With endless colors and designs to choose from, it can be overwhelming deciding which…
A close-up shot capturing a hand delicately applying UV gel to bond a set of beautifully designed fake nails, showcasing the versatility of UV gel as a reliable adhesive for nail enhancements.

Can You Use Uv Gel As Glue For Fake Nails?

Posted on
If you enjoy getting fake nails or nail extensions but find the process tedious and expensive at the salon, you may be tempted to try doing them at home. A…
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 photograph of a hand, focusing on a chipped nail, capturing the intricate details and imperfections, evoking curiosity about the cost of fixing it.

How Much Does It Cost To Get One Nail Fixed?

Posted on
If you’ve ever broken a nail or had one start to lift from the nail bed, you know how unsightly and sometimes painful it can be. Rather than clipping it…
A close-up shot capturing a hand adorned with pink nail polish, delicately applying it to a canvas, symbolizing femininity, beauty, and self-expression.

What Does Pink Nail Polish Mean? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Nail polish has come a long way from just protecting our nails to making bold fashion statements. The color pink, in particular, has become associated with femininity, playfulness, and self-care…
A close-up shot of a pair of white acrylic nails being gently scrubbed with a soft brush under running water, capturing the process of cleaning and restoring their pristine appearance.

How To Clean White Acrylic Nails

Posted on
If you just got a fresh set of white acrylic nails, keeping them looking pristine can be a challenge. Acrylic nails tend to show dirt and stains more than natural…
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 photo capturing a manicurist's hands skillfully applying nail polish on a client's nails, showcasing the precision and expertise required to obtain a nail license.

How To Get A Nail License: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting a nail technician license allows you to start a lucrative career doing manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, and more. But what steps do you need to take to get licensed?…
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…