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 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…
A close-up photograph capturing a brown, discolored toenail, revealing the intricate details of the nail bed, raising questions about potential causes and prompting concern for the viewer.

Why Is My Toenail Turning Brown? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
If you’ve noticed one or more of your toenails turning brown, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Discolored toenails can be caused by a number of things, ranging from harmless…
A close-up photo of a busy nail salon's cash register, overflowing with cash, showcasing the financial success and profitability of the nail salon business.

How Much Do Nail Salons Make Per Year?

Posted on
Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure at the nail salon and wondered how much money those places pull in? Nail salons have exploded in popularity over the last…
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 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 of a hand gripping a tube of Liquid Nails, its cap partially unscrewed, revealing the sticky adhesive ready to be accessed and used for construction projects.

How To Open Liquid Nails: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Have you ever needed to remove dried liquid nails from a tube or container, only to find that the adhesive has completely solidified, making it impossible to squeeze out? We’ve…
A close-up photo capturing a hand submerged in a bowl of acetone, showing the process of acrylic nail removal, highlighting the question "how much is acrylic nail removal?"

How Much Does Acrylic Nail Removal Cost?

Posted on
Are you thinking about removing your acrylic nails but worried about the cost? We’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about acrylic…
A close-up shot capturing a hand adorned with a set of meticulously applied gel X nail tips, showcasing their versatility and compatibility with various nail designs.

Can You Use Any Nail Tips For Gel X?

Posted on
Nail extensions like gel x have become increasingly popular for creating long, durable, and beautiful nail looks. But with so many nail tip options on the market, how do you…
A close-up shot capturing the sleek design of a gel nail polish dryer machine, its vibrant LED lights illuminating the perfectly manicured nails with a glossy finish.

The Complete Guide To Gel Nail Polish Dryer Machines

Posted on
For nail polish lovers, there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for what feels like an eternity for your latest manicure to dry. Gel nail polish gives you glossy, chip-resistant nails,…
Close-up shot of a set of perfectly manicured hands adorned with vibrant nail wraps. A bottle of gel top coat hovers above, ready to enhance the wraps' longevity and shine.

Can You Put Gel Top Coat Over Nail Wraps?

Posted on
If you love getting nail wraps but want them to last longer, you may be wondering if you can apply a gel top coat over them. Nail wraps offer fun…
A close-up shot of a hand under UV nail lamp, showcasing beautifully manicured acrylic nails glowing under the ultraviolet light.

Do You Need Uv Light For Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
When deciding on your next set of fabulous nails, you may be wondering: do you need UV light for acrylic nails? The quick answer is yes – UV light is…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with meticulously painted nails in a vertical gradient pattern, creating an optical illusion that makes wide nails appear narrower and more elongated.

How To Make Wide Nails Look Narrow

Posted on
Do you have naturally wide nail beds that make your nails look boxy and masculine? Having wide nail beds can make nails seem shorter and wider than you’d like. Luckily,…
A close-up photo capturing a display of vibrant Gelish nail polish bottles neatly arranged on a shelf at a beauty supply store.

Where To Buy Gelish Nail Polish: The Complete Guide

Posted on
With its chip-resistant and long-lasting formula, gelish nail polish has become a popular choice for the perfect manicure. But where can you find authentic gelish polish for an affordable price?…
A close-up shot capturing a collection of nail polish bottles in rich autumn hues. Each bottle showcases vibrant shades of burnt orange, deep burgundy, and earthy browns, embodying the essence of fall.

Fall Colors For Nail Polishes: Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a shift in fashion. Nail polish trends are no exception. As the seasons change from summer to fall, darker, richer nail polish…
Close-up shot of a freshly painted Essie nail polish bottle, surrounded by a blurred background of a timer ticking away, symbolizing the curiosity of "how long does Essie nail polish take to dry."

How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Take To Dry?

Posted on
If you love painting your nails with Essie nail polish, you’ve likely wondered just how long it takes the polish to dry. With over 300 gorgeous shades to choose from,…
A close-up shot capturing the textured details of a hand holding a strand of hair and a nail, showcasing their similarities in composition and structure.

Are Nails And Hair Made Of The Same Thing?

Posted on
If you’ve ever looked closely at your fingernails and the hair on your head, you may have wondered if these protein filaments that grow from your skin are made of…
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…
A close-up photo showcasing the flawless beauty of natural nails enhanced with a clear gel overlay, reflecting light to create a glossy, glass-like finish.

A Detailed Guide To Clear Gel Overlay On Natural Nails

Posted on
Nails are the reflections of our overall health and beauty. With regular manicures and nail care routines, you can maintain strong and beautiful natural nails. However, sometimes our nails need…
A photo of a person sniffing a bottle of nail polish remover, surrounded by scientific books and brain-shaped balloons, emphasizing the question of whether it harms brain cells.

Does Smelling Nail Polish Remover Kill Brain Cells?

Posted on
The strong scent of nail polish remover, with its harsh acetone odor, makes many people wonder: Is inhaling the fumes from this common beauty product damaging my brain cells? If…
A close-up shot capturing clean, well-shaped nails with a natural shine, enhanced by a hint of moisturizer, revealing their inherent beauty without the need for nail polish.

How To Make Your Nails Look Nice Without Polish

Posted on
Having beautiful looking nails can make you feel more put together and confident, but constantly painting them can be time-consuming and damaging. Luckily, there are plenty of simple tips and…
A close-up shot capturing a woman's hands delicately applying a vibrant nail wrap, showcasing the step-by-step process of achieving a flawless and stylish manicure effortlessly.

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

Posted on
Nail wraps, also known as nail decals or stickers, allow you to get a salon-quality manicure in the comfort of your own home. If you’re wondering how to apply these…
A close-up shot of a girl's hand, showcasing her black nail polish. The dark shade represents her edgy and rebellious personality, while also symbolizing mystery and confidence.

What Does Black Nail Polish Mean On A Girl?

Posted on
Nail polish color and choice can be very revealing. If you’ve noticed a girl wearing black nail polish, you may be wondering what it signifies about her personality and style…
A close-up shot of a well-manicured hand holding a bottle of cuticle oil, showcasing the product's importance in maintaining healthy and moisturized cuticles.

How Often Should You Use Cuticle Oil?

Posted on
If you want healthy, strong nails that grow quickly and look great, using cuticle oil is a must. But many people wonder just how often they really need to apply…
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 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

Posted on
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 shot captures the elegance of a woman's hand, showcasing perfectly manicured brown nails with pristine white tips, exuding sophistication and style.

Brown Nails With White Tips: Causes And Treatments

Posted on
If you’ve noticed white tips on your otherwise brown nails, you may be wondering what’s causing this change and whether it’s something to worry about. The good news is that…
A close-up photo capturing the intricate design and vibrant colors of acrylic nails applied on toes, showcasing the creativity and artistry involved in this unique trend.

Can You Put Acrylic Nails On Toes?

Posted on
Have you ever looked at your toes and wished you could glam them up with a nice set of long, acrylic nails? Getting a pedicure is always nice, but acrylic…
A photo of a spilled bottle of nail polish on a white bedsheet, showing the colorful, dried stains and a person attempting to remove them using various cleaning materials.

How To Get Nail Polish Out Of Sheets

Posted on
Oh no, you just spilled nail polish on your nice clean sheets and now there is a stubborn stain! Not to worry, removing nail polish from sheets is possible with…
A close-up photo capturing a split nail, showing the clear division down the middle, revealing the layers of the nail plate and highlighting the issue of nail splitting.

Why Does My Nail Split Down The Middle?

Posted on
If you’ve ever looked down at your hands and noticed an unsightly split right down the center of your nail, you’re not alone. Split nails can occur for a variety…
A close-up photo capturing the meticulous cleaning process of a dab nail, showcasing the removal of residue and the sparkling clean surface, ready for use.

How To Clean A Dab Nail: A Complete Guide

Posted on
If you enjoy smoking cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter or budder, you know how important it is to keep your dab nail clean. A dirty, clogged nail will affect the…
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?

Posted on
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…
A close-up shot of a woman's hands, showcasing her perfectly done gel nails, with a calendar in the background, highlighting the frequency of nail salon appointments.

How Often Should You Get A New Set Of Gel Nails?

Posted on
Getting a fresh set of gel manicure is one of life’s simple pleasures. With gel polish that dries quickly under UV light and lasts for weeks without chipping, it’s no…
A close-up photograph capturing a pair of hands with neatly painted nail tips, showcasing the intricate design before the application of acrylic nails.

Can You Paint Nail Tips Before Applying Acrylic?

Posted on
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…
Close-up shot of a hand holding a glass of alcohol, reflecting vibrant neon lights, showcasing glossy gel nails with a mesmerizing shine.

Does Alcohol Make Gel Nails Shiny?

Posted on
If you have gel manicures, you may have noticed your nails looking a little dull lately. A quick swipe of alcohol can bring back the shine, but is that good…
A close-up shot captures a woman's hand delicately applying metallic eyeshadow onto her meticulously manicured nails, creating a stunning chrome effect, showcasing the versatility of beauty products.

Can You Use Eyeshadow For Chrome Nails?

Posted on
Chrome nails are a hot trend in nail art, with their mirror-like metallic finish that reflects light. But buying special chrome nail powders can get expensive. What if you could…
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…