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 the intricate ridges and patterns on a nail buffer, showcasing its ability to smooth and shine nails to perfection.

What Does A Nail Buffer Do? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Smooth, shiny nails are a sign of good health and grooming. If your nails are looking dull or have ridges and imperfections, using a nail buffer can transform them. But…
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 photo showcasing a hand with neatly shaped nails, featuring the step-by-step application of nail builder gel, highlighting the process and final result.

How To Use Nail Builder Gel For Beautiful Nails

Posted on
Having beautiful, healthy nails can make a world of difference in how your hands look. Nail builder gel is an excellent product that allows you to achieve salon-quality nails at…
A close-up photo capturing a nail technician's hands skillfully applying nail polish to a client's nails, showcasing the precision and expertise required to obtain a nail tech license.

How To Get A Nail Tech License: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting a license to become a professional nail technician can open up a rewarding career path. But navigating the licensing process can also be complicated and frustrating if you don’t…
The photo captures a close-up shot of a vibrant display of OPI gel nail polish bottles, neatly arranged on a shelf in a bustling beauty store.

Where Can I Buy Opi Gel Nail Polish?

Posted on
With its long-lasting formula and wide variety of fashionable colors, OPI gel nail polish has become a top choice for stylish, chip-free manicures. If you’re looking to get your hands…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a small glass bottle filled with liquid, surrounded by various ingredients like charcoal powder and pigment, depicting the process of making homemade black nail polish.

How To Make Black Nail Polish From Scratch

Posted on
If you love painting your nails black but hate the chemicals in store-bought polishes, you’re in luck. Making your own black nail polish at home is easy, inexpensive, and customizable…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of delicate hands meticulously applying glue to reattach a gel nail, showcasing the intricate process of repairing a broken nail.

Can You Glue A Gel Nail Back On?

Posted on
Have you ever had the misfortune of popping off one of your beautiful gel nails? The sight of that bare nail surrounded by perfectly glamorous companions is enough to ruin…
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 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 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 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, 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…
A close-up shot of a hand showcasing a sleek and shiny chrome nail design, depicting elegance and sophistication.

How Much Do Chrome Nails Cost In 2023

Posted on
Chrome nails have become an increasingly popular nail trend over the last few years. Their mirror-like finish gives nails a stylish, eye-catching look. If you’re considering getting chrome nails yourself,…
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 shot showcasing sleek black and silver glitter nails, catching the light just right, creating an alluring sparkle that adds a touch of glamour.

Achieving Stunning Black And Silver Glitter Nails

Posted on
Glitter nails are having a major moment right now. The sparkly, eye-catching look is perfect for making a statement. If you love edgy nail art, then black and silver glitter…
A close-up photo captures a hand holding a small brush dipped in clear nail polish, delicately applying a thin layer over a vibrant acrylic painting on a canvas.

Can You Put Nail Polish Over Acrylic Paint?

Posted on
If you enjoy decorating your nails with fun colors and designs, you may be wondering if you can apply a coat of nail polish over acrylic paint. The answer depends…
A close-up photo capturing a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover gently wiping away layers of colorful nail polish from a woman's fingernails.

How To Use Nail Polish Remover: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Nail polish remover is a nail care product that helps easily and effectively remove nail polish from your fingernails and toenails. If you’ve struggled with stubborn nail polish or made…
A close-up photo captures a nurse's hands, adorned with meticulously manicured long nails, showcasing the delicate balance between personal style and professional standards in the healthcare field.

Can Nurses Have Long Nails? A Detailed Look

Posted on
With the recent trend of long, embellished nails, many people wonder if nurses are allowed to sport lengthy manicures. After all, most healthcare facilities have strict dress code policies. If…
Close-up photo of two hands side by side, one with painted nails and the other natural, showcasing the length and condition of the nails.

Does Nail Polish Affect The Growth Of Nails?

Posted on
With so many colors and textures to choose from, it’s no wonder nail polish has become a staple in beauty routines. But some people wonder if frequently painting their nails…
A close-up photograph showcasing a perfectly manicured hand with glossy, vibrant gel nail polish, highlighting its long-lasting shine and professional finish.

What Is Gel Nail Polish? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
With so many nail polish options on the market, gel nail polish has become one of the most popular choices for its durability and long-lasting color. If you’ve ever wondered…
Close-up of a manicurist's hand skillfully applying a set of vibrant, glossy press-on nails on a client's finger, capturing the meticulous process and showcasing the salon's expertise in nail art.

Do Nail Salons Offer Press On Nails?

Posted on
If you’re looking for a quick manicure solution, you may be wondering if your local nail salon offers press on nails. With cleverly designed fake nail tips and tabs that…
A close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured nails, showcasing different nail shapes like square, oval, stiletto, and almond, highlighting the question "What is the strongest nail shape?"

What Is The Strongest Nail Shape?

Posted on
For any DIY or construction project, having the right nails can make all the difference in getting the job done efficiently and effectively. When it comes to strength and durability,…
A close-up shot capturing the elegance of perfectly manicured square nails painted with a classic French tip design, showcasing sophistication and style.

A Guide To French Tip Designs On Square Nails

Posted on
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…
A close-up photo capturing a manicured hand showcasing beautifully shaped nails adorned with glossy and intricately designed impress nails, flawlessly adhered, demonstrating their longevity and staying power.

How To Get Impress Nails To Stay On

Posted on
Having beautiful nails can instantly boost your confidence and complete any outfit. Impress nails provide an easy and affordable way to get salon-quality manicures at home. But like any press-on…