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!

A close-up shot of a hand holding a nail polish bottle, showcasing perfectly manicured nails with a Gel-X finish, capturing the essence of the question "Do you need a license to do Gel-X nails?"

Do You Need A License To Do Gel-X Nails?

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With the rising popularity of gel-x nail extensions that give you a perfect natural or acrylic-style manicure for 2-3 weeks, you may be wondering – do I need a special…
Close-up photo of a hand with acrylic nails, showcasing the visible nail growth underneath. Faint lines and ridges indicate the need for maintenance and removal of the acrylics.

How To Get Rid Of Nail Growth Under Acrylics

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If you get regular acrylic nail treatments, you may have noticed some unwanted nail growth occurring under the artificial nails. This can cause the acrylics to lift or look uneven…
A close-up photograph capturing the intricate details of a brad nail, showcasing its small size, slender shape, and sharp point, highlighting its functionality in woodworking and carpentry projects.

What Is A Brad Nail?

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Brad nails, sometimes called finish nails, are a versatile type of fastener used in woodworking and construction projects. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly a brad nail is and how…
Close-up shot of a hand delicately holding a nail repair kit. Broken acrylic nail fragments lie nearby, while a step-by-step guide is visible in the background, promising a flawless restoration.

How To Fix A Broken Acrylic Nail

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Oh no! Nothing ruins a perfect manicure faster than a broken acrylic nail. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dealing with the aftermath of a broken acrylic and need…
A close-up photo capturing a set of vibrant nail wraps on a hand, showcasing intricate designs and flawless application, raising curiosity about their durability and longevity.

How Long Do Nail Wraps Last? A Detailed Look

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With the rising popularity of nail wraps, also called nail stickers or manicure stickers, many people wonder just how long these nail art products actually last. Nail wraps offer a…
A close-up photo captures a set of meticulously manicured dip nails adorned with tips, showcasing their flawless beauty and durability.

How Long Do Dip Nails Last With Tips?

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If you love getting your nails done but don’t want to spend hours at the salon every couple of weeks, dip powder nails may be the solution you’re looking for…
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?

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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 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

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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 shot of a hand with perfectly manicured gel nails, bathed in the soft glow of a UV lamp, capturing the moment of patience and precision required for a flawless finish.

How Long Should You Leave Gel Nails Under A Uv Lamp?

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Got an appointment to get gorgeously glossy gel manicure but unsure about the curing time? With various gel polish brands advertising different timings, it’s easy to get confused. Read on…
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

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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 shot capturing a pair of hands delicately applying vibrant acrylic nail polish outdoors, with a backdrop of lush greenery and natural sunlight, showcasing the versatility of nail art.

Can You Do Acrylic Nails Outside?

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With the rising popularity of acrylic nails, many DIYers wonder if it’s possible to apply acrylics in an outdoor setting instead of being cooped up inside. If you’re crunched for…
A close-up shot of a pair of hands holding a nail cutter, with beautifully manicured acrylic nails ready to be trimmed, capturing the anticipation of a nail makeover.

Can You Cut Acrylic Nails? A Detailed Guide

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If you have long acrylic nails and are wondering if you can cut them at home, you’ve come to the right place. Cutting acrylic nails is possible with the right…
Close-up shot of a pair of hands, showcasing damaged nails that are being gently treated with natural remedies, surrounded by ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and vitamin E capsules.

How To Repair Damaged Nails At Home: 10 Easy Remedies

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If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Keep nails trimmed and filed, use cuticle oil, apply nail strengtheners, avoid picking and peeling, massage with oils,…
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

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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 a hand holding a vibrant collection of nail polish bottles, showcasing the freedom and personalization of bringing your own nail polish to the salon.

Can You Bring Your Own Nail Polish To The Salon?

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Getting your nails done at the salon is a pampering experience that many people enjoy. However, with the cost of nail services these days, you may be looking for ways…
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?

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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 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?

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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 photo capturing a pair of hands wearing waterproof gloves, delicately shielding perfectly manicured nails from the cascading water droplets of a rejuvenating shower.

How To Protect Your Nails While Showering

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If you love having beautifully manicured nails, dealing with the drying effects of daily showers can be frustrating. Warm water, harsh soaps, and scrubbing can all cause nails to become…
A close-up photograph capturing an array of nail polish bottles in various colors and brands, arranged neatly on a price tag, signifying the average cost of nail polish.

What Is The Average Cost Of Nail Polish In 2024?

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With the wide variety of nail polish brands and colors available today, determining the average cost can be tricky. However, knowing the typical price range can help you budget for…
Close-up photo of a woman's hands gracefully holding a potted plant, showcasing her long, healthy nails. The vibrant green leaves mirror the growth and strength she desires for her own nails.

How To Grow Your Nails Faster: A Complete Guide

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If you’ve ever dreamed of having long, healthy nails but find that your nails are slow to grow, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to get their nails to reach…
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?

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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 captures a skilled technician gently removing acrylic nails at a nail salon, showcasing their expertise and the meticulous care they offer to clients.

Do Nail Salons Remove Acrylic Nails For Free?

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Getting a fresh set of acrylic nails can make your hands look great, but what happens when it’s time to take them off? You may be wondering if nail salons…
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?

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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 captures a pair of hands delicately holding a small brush, gently cleaning the area underneath perfectly manicured acrylic nails, ensuring impeccable hygiene and maintaining their flawless appearance.

How To Thoroughly Clean Under Acrylic Nails

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If you enjoy wearing acrylic nails, you know how difficult it can be to properly clean underneath them. Dirt, debris, and even fungus can accumulate in the small space between…
A close-up shot capturing a delicate, precision-focused hand using a makeup brush to expertly apply intricate designs onto meticulously manicured acrylic nails.

Can You Use A Makeup Brush For Acrylic Nails?

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Applying acrylic nails at home can be tricky without the right tools. If you don’t have a proper acrylic brush, you may wonder if substituting a makeup brush will work…
A close-up shot showcasing a bottle of essential oils for nail growth, surrounded by beautifully manicured hands, emphasizing their healthy and strong appearance.

Essential Oils For Nail Growth: A Comprehensive Guide

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If you’ve been struggling with brittle, weak nails that never seem to grow, using essential oils may be the natural solution you’ve been looking for. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll…
A close-up shot of a forgotten and dusty drawer, revealing a pile of once vibrant and sparkling Diamond Deb nail files, now abandoned and untouched, their purpose and relevance faded away.

What Happened To Diamond Deb Nail Files?

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If you’ve been searching for the iconic Diamond Deb nail files that used to be a staple in every nail salon, you’re not alone. Diamond Deb emery boards were once…
A close-up photo capturing a peeling toenail, revealing layers of nail plate separation, shedding light on possible causes and urging viewers to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why Is My Toenail Peeling? A Comprehensive Guide

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If you’ve noticed your toenails starting to peel or flake off, you’re not alone. Peeling toenails are a common problem that can happen for a variety of reasons. If you’re…
A close-up shot of perfectly manicured feet, with glossy black nail polish adorning the toes. The dark hue contrasts beautifully against the skin, exuding an edgy and sophisticated vibe.

Black Nail Polish On Toes: A Comprehensive Guide

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Black nail polish is a popular and timeless choice that can make a statement on fingers and toes. If you’re considering rocking black nails on your toes, you’ve come to…
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

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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…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a paintbrush, delicately applying red liquid onto a clear nail, capturing the process of creating red nail polish.

How To Make Red Nail Polish From Scratch

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If you want to jazz up your nails with a custom red that matches your style, learning how to whip up some red nail polish at home is easier than…
A close-up photograph capturing a skilled hand meticulously filling tiny nail holes in a perfectly painted white trim, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship involved in this home improvement task.

How To Fill Nail Holes In Trim

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If you just installed new trim or molding in your home, you may have noticed small nail holes left behind. While some people choose to leave them as-is, filling nail…
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

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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 capturing a pair of hands being gently pushed back cuticles, showcasing healthy nails, providing a visual representation of the query.

Does Pushing Back Cuticles Help Nails Grow?

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If you’re looking to grow your nails out long and strong, you may be wondering if pushing back your cuticles can help. Cuticles are the thin skin around the base…
A close-up photo showcasing healthy, natural nails before and after using dip powder. The transformation highlights the protective nature of dip powder and dispels concerns about nail damage.

Does Dip Powder Damage Your Nails?

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With the rising popularity of dip powder manicures, many people wonder if this trendy nail service can damage their natural nails. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer:…