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 transformation of short, brittle nails into long, healthy ones, showcasing the effectiveness of a nail growth serum.

Do Nail Growth Serums Really Work?

Posted on
If you’ve ever longed for longer, stronger nails but found that they grow slowly or split and peel easily, you may have wondered whether nail growth serums can help. We’ll…
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 photo showcasing the intricate process of sharpening a pair of scissors using a nail file, capturing the precision and detail required for achieving a sharp cutting edge.

How To Sharpen Scissors With A Nail File

Posted on
Do you have a pair of scissors that have become dull and aren’t cutting well anymore? Before you throw them out and buy a new pair, try sharpening them with…
A close-up shot of a bottle of nail polish with a label displaying its ingredients, including alcohol content, capturing the curiosity surrounding its composition.

Does Nail Polish Contain Alcohol?

Posted on
Nail polish is a popular cosmetic product used by people of all ages to add color and decoration to fingernails and toenails. With its glossy finish and vast color options,…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a nail polish brush, delicately painting each nail with a gradient effect, showcasing a flawless ombre manicure achieved without the use of a sponge.

How To Do Ombre Nails Without A Sponge

Posted on
Have you ever wanted to do stylish ombre nails at home without the mess of using a sponge? If you’re short on sponges or want an easier and cleaner alternative,…
A close-up photo showcasing perfectly glossy and smooth gel nails with no visible smudging or denting, indicating a fully cured and professionally done manicure.

How To Tell If Gel Nails Are Cured

Posted on
Beautifully manicured nails can make any woman feel put together. But when it comes to gel manicures, how can you tell if the gel is properly cured? Dry looking nails…
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

Posted on
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 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 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…
Close-up shot of a hand delicately holding a nail filer, gently filing down the sharp edges of a set of gleaming white teeth, capturing the quest for a flawless smile.

How To File Your Teeth With A Nail Filer

Posted on
Having smooth and even teeth improves your smile and dental health. While visiting the dentist for professional teeth filing is ideal, you may wonder if you can file your own…
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 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…
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?

Posted on
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 photo capturing a clear glass bottle of nail polish, a dropper filled with alcohol, and a nail polish brush, showcasing the process of thinning nail polish with alcohol.

How To Thin Nail Polish With Alcohol

Posted on
If you’ve ever had a bottle of nail polish become too thick and goopy to use, you may have wondered if there’s a way to revive it. The good news…
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 photograph capturing a pair of bitten nails, shadowed by a wriggling worm, symbolizing the potential health risks associated with nail biting.

Can Biting Your Nails Give You Worms?

Posted on
Nail biting is an incredibly common habit, but it comes with risks like infection. If you’ve ever bitten your nails, you may have wondered – can I get worms from…
A close-up photo of a pair of nail clippers lying on a white surface, capturing the sharp blades and delicate rust spots, alluding to the question of HIV survival.

How Long Can Hiv Live On Nail Clippers?

Posted on
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can contract HIV by sharing nail clippers with someone who is HIV-positive, you’re not alone. Many people have concerns about whether viruses like HIV…
A close-up shot of a hand gently peeling off a nail wrap, revealing the natural nail underneath, showcasing a step-by-step process of removing nail wraps.

How To Remove Nail Wraps: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Nail wraps have become a popular nail art trend, allowing you to quickly and easily apply designs to your nails. But while applying wraps is a breeze, removing them can…
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 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…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a bottle of pure white nail polish, with a soft brush poised to apply the glossy color onto a perfectly manicured nail.

How To Make White Nail Polish At Home

Posted on
There’s nothing more classic and elegant than a fresh coat of pearly white nail polish. But finding that perfect crisp white shade at the drugstore can be hit or miss…
A close-up shot of elegant hands showcasing flawless dark blue matte nail polish, exuding an aura of mystery and sophistication.

The Ultimate Guide To Dark Blue Matte Nail Polish

Posted on
Dark blue matte nail polish is having a major moment right now. With its rich, sophisticated hue and ultra-modern matte finish, this moody shade adds an instant dose of drama…
A close-up shot capturing a hand holding a regular nail polish bottle, a stamping plate, and a freshly stamped nail design, showcasing the possibilities of using regular nail polish for stamping art.

Can You Use Regular Nail Polish For Stamping?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of nail art techniques like stamping, many nail polish enthusiasts wonder if they need to invest in special polishes or if their regular lacquers will do…
A close-up photo of a clean polygel brush, bristles neatly arranged and residue-free, placed next to a bottle of brush cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

How To Clean Polygel Brushes: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you use polygel for nail enhancements, you know how crucial it is to keep your brushes clean. Dirty polygel brushes can cause imperfections in your nail enhancement application and…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a bottle of nail polish remover, cotton pad poised to wipe away a sticky nail polish mishap.

How To Fix Sticky Nail Polish: A Complete Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever painted your nails only to have the polish turn gummy and sticky shortly after, you know how frustrating it can be. Sticky nail polish can ruin an…
A close-up shot of a woman's hand holding a tube of nail glue, while the glue gradually dries and becomes transparent on her perfectly manicured nails.

How Long Does Nail Glue Take To Dry?

Posted on
If you’ve ever applied nail glue then you know the anxious wait for it to dry and set the artificial nail firmly in place. You wave your hands around like…
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?

Posted on
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 captures a table covered in colorful streaks of dried nail polish. Fingertips holding a damp cloth appear, gently wiping away the stubborn stains, revealing the clean surface beneath.

How To Get Nail Polish Off A Table Without Remover

Posted on
Oh no, you’ve accidentally spilled nail polish on your nice wooden table and you don’t have any remover on hand. Don’t panic! Getting nail polish off household surfaces like tables…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of vibrant press-on nails, delicately adorning a hand, while gently submerged in crystal-clear water within a serene pool.

Can You Wear Press On Nails In The Pool?

Posted on
With summer here and pool days ahead, you may be wondering if your cute press on nails can withstand some time in the chlorinated water. Well, we have the details…
Close-up of a woman's hand, showcasing a beautifully manicured nail with smudged polish, revealing her frustration and curiosity as she wonders why her nail polish still smudges hours after application.

Why Does My Nail Polish Smudge Hours Later?

Posted on
If you’ve just painted your nails only to have the polish smudge later in the day, it can be incredibly frustrating. A pristine manicure takes time and care to perfect,…
A close-up shot of a beautifully painted toenail, capturing the vibrant color and glossy finish, providing a clear answer to the question, "Does a pedicure include nail polish?"

Does A Pedicure Include Nail Polish?

Posted on
If you’re wondering whether getting a pedicure means you’ll walk out with perfectly painted nails, you’re not alone. Many people book pedicures expecting lacquered toes, only to find the polish…
A close-up photo capturing the mesmerizing effect of hologram nail polish on perfectly manicured nails, showcasing a vibrant rainbow spectrum of colors and a dazzling prismatic shine.

What Is Hologram Nail Polish? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Looking to add some eye-catching sparkle to your nails? Holographic nail polish, sometimes called holo nail polish, is taking the beauty world by storm. With its multi-dimensional, rainbow-like shimmer, holographic…