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.

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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!

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A Comprehensive Guide To Nail Art Design

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Nail art design allows you to unleash your creativity and make a bold fashion statement with your fingernails. From basic polish techniques to advanced 3D designs, the possibilities are endless…
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How To Care For Gel Nails

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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…
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How To Properly Dispose Of Nail Polish

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Nail polish is a staple in many people’s beauty routines, providing a pop of color and flair to fingernails. But when it’s time to say goodbye to old, dried out…
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Is Essie Nail Polish Long Lasting?

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With hundreds of nail polish options on the market, it can be tough to know which brands actually last on your nails. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick…
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Do Nail Salons Sell Nail Polish? A Detailed Look

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With over 17,000 nail salons in the United States, nail care has become a booming industry. If you’re wondering whether these nail spas and salons sell the nail polishes they…
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How Long Does Super Glue Last On Nails?

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If you’ve ever had a broken nail or nail enhancement and reached for the super glue as an emergency repair, you may have wondered – just how long will this…
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Can You Paint Nail Tips Before Applying Acrylic?

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If you want a perfect manicure that lasts, applying acrylic nails is a great option. But before getting those acrylics put on, you may be wondering if you can paint…
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Can You Swim With Acrylic Nails?

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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…
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A Guide To French Tip Designs On Square Nails

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If you love a classic, elegant nail look but also want something modern and on-trend, French tips on square nails are the perfect choice. Traditionally, French manicures feature a nude…
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How Long Should You Keep Fake Nails On?

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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…
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A Guide To Cruelty Free Vegan Nail Polishes

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With the rising popularity of veganism and ethical consumerism, more people are looking for nail polishes that are not only vegan but also cruelty-free. If you love painting your nails…
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What Nail Shape Makes Fingers Look Skinnier?

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Having slim and slender looking fingers is desirable for many. The shape of your nails can actually make a big difference in how slender your fingers appear. In this article,…
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How To Get Black, White, And Silver Nails

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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…
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Do Nail Salons Take Walk-Ins?

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If you’re in a rush and need a quick manicure or pedicure, you may be wondering if you can just walk into your local nail salon without an appointment. The…
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How To Cut Ingrown Toenails That Curl Inwards

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Ingrown toenails can be extremely painful. If the sides of your toenail grow into the skin on the sides of your toes, it can cause redness, swelling, infection, and make…
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How To Keep Your Nails Looking Clean And Healthy

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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…
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What Is Magnetic Nail Polish? A Detailed Guide

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Magnetic nail polish is one of the hottest nail art trends. If you’re wondering what exactly magnetic nail polish is and how it works, you’ve come to the right place…
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Can You Rock Climb With Long Nails?

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For those who enjoy rock climbing, keeping your nails trim is an important aspect for safety and performance. However, you may be wondering if it’s possible to rock climb at…
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?

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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…
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Are Nail Polish Fumes Harmful?

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Nail polish is a staple in many people’s beauty routines, but inhaling those strong fumes makes some of us wonder if we’re causing damage each time we paint our nails…
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Choosing The Best Nail Shape For Active Clients

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With the new year upon us, many people have set fitness goals and are determined to live a more active lifestyle. For women, this often means rethinking their nail care…
A close-up image capturing the graceful swirls of vibrant nail polish colors in a glass dish, as a thin brush delicately blends them together.

How To Mix Nail Polish Like A Pro

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Whether you’re looking to create a custom color or needing to revive a dried-out bottle, learning how to properly mix nail polish is a useful skill for any beauty lover…
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Where To Buy Nail Polish: A Comprehensive Guide

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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

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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…
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Can You Get A Manicure With Acrylic Nails?

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If you already have a set of acrylic nails on, you may be wondering if you can still get a manicure. Getting regular manicures is an important part of acrylic…
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What Is A Nail Pop? A Complete Guide

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What Is A Nail Fill? A Complete Guide

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Getting your nails done is an indulgence that many people enjoy on a regular basis. If you get acrylic, gel, dip powder or any other type of artificial nails applied,…
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?

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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 photo capturing a bottle of Miracle Gel nail polish, surrounded by UV light bulbs, emphasizing the question of whether this polish requires UV light for optimal results.

Does Miracle Gel Nail Polish Need Uv Light?

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Nail polish trends come and go, but one that has stood the test of time is miracle gel nail polish. With its chip-resistant, glossy finish that can last over two…