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 pair of delicate eyelashes, free from any nail glue residue, displaying their natural beauty and enhancing the eyes.

How To Remove Nail Glue From Eyelashes

Posted on
Have you ever accidentally gotten nail glue on your natural eyelashes? This common mishap can leave eyelashes sticky and uncomfortable. Luckily, there are some easy methods to safely remove the…
A close-up photo capturing the rebellious spirit of a man's hand, adorned with glossy black nail polish, symbolizing individuality and breaking traditional gender norms.

Black Nail Polish On Men: An In-Depth Guide

Posted on
Black nail polish has long been seen as an edgy, alternative style choice. However, in recent years, black nail polish on men has become increasingly popular in mainstream culture. Celebrities…
A close-up shot captures the delicately manicured hands adorned with artificial nails, showcasing the meticulous application of polygel on top, creating a seamless blend of beauty and durability.

Can You Put Polygel Over Fake Nails?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t always have the time or money for professional manicures, you may be wondering if you can apply polygel over your fake…
A close-up photograph capturing a bottle of Essie nail polish, with a background of scientific research papers on formaldehyde, emphasizing the connection between the two.

Does Essie Nail Polish Contain Formaldehyde?

Posted on
With the rise in awareness around potentially harmful ingredients in beauty products, many people have questions around what exactly is in the nail polishes they use. Essie is one of…
The photo captures a vibrant display of various nail polish bottles neatly arranged on a shelf in a nail salon, enticing customers with a multitude of colors and finishes.

Do Nail Salons Sell Nail Polish? A Detailed Look

Posted on
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…
A close-up shot capturing the intricate process of filling dip powder nails with acrylic, showcasing the skilled hands of a nail technician delicately applying the acrylic powder onto the nails.

Can You Fill Dip Powder Nails With Acrylic?

Posted on
Dip powder nails have become an increasingly popular alternative to acrylic or gel nails. But what happens when your dip powder manicure starts to grow out? Can you fill in…
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 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 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…
Close-up of a woman's hands flaunting perfectly manicured acrylic nails, appearing glossy and vibrant. The image exudes elegance, showcasing the importance of proper maintenance for maintaining healthy-looking nails.

How To Keep Nails Healthy With Acrylics

Posted on
If you love getting acrylic nails but struggle to keep them looking healthy, you’re not alone. Acrylic nails require special care to prevent chipping, cracking, and damage to the natural…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of short nails with a flawless acrylic overlay, capturing the glossy finish, smooth texture, and intricate nail art design.

Acrylic Overlay On Short Nails: A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Having short nails but longing for a fancy manicure? Acrylic overlays are a great option to extend your natural nails and get that gorgeous long nail look you desire. With…
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 photo capturing a bottle of nail primer, showcasing its label and texture, highlighting its purpose in preparing the nails for polish application.

What Is Nail Primer? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten a manicure or done your own nails at home, you may have seen nail technicians use a product called nail primer. But what exactly is nail…
A close-up shot of a woman's hands showcasing her matte nail polish, revealing the wear and tear after two weeks, highlighting the longevity of matte nails.

How Long Do Matte Nails Last?

Posted on
If you love the modern, understated look of matte nails but aren’t sure about their durability, you’re not alone. Achieving the soft, velvety finish of a matte manicure takes precision…
A close-up shot of a beautifully manicured hand, showcasing perfectly shaped nails with a glossy nail polish application, capturing the essence of a complete and stylish manicure.

Does A Manicure Include Nail Polish?

Posted on
Getting a perfect manicure is a dream for many women who want beautiful and well-maintained nails. But one common question arises – does a standard manicure service include the application…
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…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of hands gracefully holding a bottle of nail growth serum, emphasizing the anticipation of longer, healthier nails.

How To Make Nails Grow Faster: A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Want beautifully long, healthy nails? Who doesn’t! Having gorgeous nails can make you feel confident and put-together. But what if your nails seem stuck at a stubby length or take…
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 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 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 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 shot of vibrant, multi-colored nail polish bottles arranged in an orderly row, showcasing a range of Dungeons and Dragons-themed shades, ready to be purchased and adorned on nails.

Where To Buy Dnd Nail Polish: The Top Places To Shop

Posted on
With its wide color selection, quality formula, and affordable prices, DND nail polish has become a hugely popular brand. If you’re looking to get your hands on these stylish lacquers,…
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 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 shot capturing a vibrant summer-themed manicure, adorned with colorful flowers, playful fruit slices, and tiny palm trees, exuding a charming and adorable vibe.

20 Cute Nail Ideas To Refresh Your Look This Summer

Posted on
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun, bright nail colors and designs. If you’re looking for cute and on-trend nail inspiration for the warm weather months, you’ve come…
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 image capturing a hand with perfectly manicured acrylic nails, showcasing the application of gel primer, highlighting its role in enhancing the longevity and adhesion of the nail extensions.

Can You Use Gel Primer For Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
If you enjoy having beautifully manicured nails, you may have wondered if you can use gel primer with acrylic nails. With so many nail products on the market, it can…
A close-up photo showcasing a manicured hand with beautifully sculpted acrylic nails coated in a glossy gel polish, exuding elegance and vibrancy.

Can You Put Gel Polish On Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t want to spend hours at the salon between appointments, you may be wondering if you can put gel polish on acrylic…
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…
A close-up shot capturing a flawless French manicure on elegantly long nails, showcasing the perfect blend of nude base, pristine white tips, and a subtle glossy finish.

How To Get The Perfect French Manicure On Long Nails

Posted on
French manicures may seem simple, but perfecting the classic white tipped look on long nails can be tricky. With the right products, techniques, and maintenance, you can achieve salon-worthy french…
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…