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 shot of a hand with freshly painted gel nails under a UV lamp, capturing the moment as the intense light accelerates the drying process.

How Long Does It Take Gel Nail Polish To Dry?

Posted on
If you just got a fresh gel manicure, you’re probably wondering how long you have to wait before your nail polish is completely dry and cured. Nothing’s worse than leaving…
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 of a hand holding a ruler, with a perfectly aligned nail placed next to it, illustrating the process of measuring nail size accurately.

How To Measure Nail Size: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting nails that perfectly fit your fingers and toes can make a world of difference. Ill-fitting artificial nails lead to lifting, cracking, and even damage to the natural nail. Measuring…
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 of a woman's hands, showcasing her healthy and strong nails with a fresh coat of clear nail polish, demonstrating effective techniques to strengthen nails after shellac.

How To Strengthen Nails After Shellac Removal

Posted on
Having beautiful, strong nails is important to many women. Shellac and other gel polish provides a glossy, chip-resistant manicure, but can damage nails if removed improperly. Don’t worry – with…
A close-up shot capturing a person's foot, showcasing a missing pinky toe nail. The focus lies on the exposed nail bed, revealing the mystery behind why it fell off.

Why Does My Pinky Toe Nail Fall Off?

Posted on
Having a nail randomly fall off your pinky toe can be alarming. But don’t worry, there’s usually a reasonable explanation for this occurrence. If you’re short on time, here’s a…
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

Posted on
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 capturing a hand adorned with pink nail polish, delicately applying it to a canvas, symbolizing femininity, beauty, and self-expression.

What Does Pink Nail Polish Mean? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Nail polish has come a long way from just protecting our nails to making bold fashion statements. The color pink, in particular, has become associated with femininity, playfulness, and self-care…
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 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 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 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 of a hand holding a glass bowl filled with warm water and salt, showcasing the process of soaking nails to promote faster growth.

How To Grow Nails Fast With Salt

Posted on
Do you wish you could grow your nails out long but find they break or peel before getting very far? Using salt is an easy and inexpensive trick to strengthen…
A close-up shot of chipped, discolored nails covered in streaky, peeling layers of expired nail polish, showcasing the consequences of using old and expired products.

What Happens If You Use Expired Nail Polish?

Posted on
Using old nail polish that’s past its expiration date? Don’t fret – we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about…
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 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 image capturing the graceful swirls of vibrant nail polish colors in a glass dish, as a thin brush delicately blends them together.

How To Mix Nail Polish Like A Pro

Posted on
Whether you’re looking to create a custom color or needing to revive a dried-out bottle, learning how to properly mix nail polish is a useful skill for any beauty lover…
Close-up photo of a person's hand, showcasing a neatly wrapped bandage around a wounded finger nail, providing a step-by-step visual guide on how to properly secure and protect the injured area.

How To Properly Bandage An Injured Finger Nail

Posted on
If you’ve ever experienced an injury to your finger nail, you know how painful it can be. From splits and cracks, to complete avulsions, finger nail injuries are common but…
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 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 shot of a hand holding a gel nail kit for beginners, showcasing vibrant colors of nail polishes, a UV lamp, and various nail art tools, inviting beginners to explore the world of gel nails.

The Complete Guide To Gel Nail Kits For Beginners

Posted on
Looking to give yourself a perfect at-home manicure using gel nail polish? Getting started with gel nails can be intimidating for beginners. But have no fear, with the right gel…
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 capturing a pair of hands wearing protective gloves while applying nail polish, ensuring flawless nails without any unwanted stains.

How To Avoid Stained Nails From Nail Polish

Posted on
Having beautifully manicured nails can make you feel put together, but the sight of stained nails the morning after a DIY manicure can be disheartening. If you’ve ever peeled off…
A close-up photo capturing a bare foot with a missing toenail, highlighting the raw skin beneath, evoking questions about pain, healing, and potential remedies.

What To Do When Your Toenail Falls Off

Posted on
Losing a toenail can be painful and alarming. If you look down and see your toenail is gone or hanging on by a thread, you’re probably wondering what happened and…
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 photograph captures a hand delicately holding a small paintbrush, dipped in vibrant paint colors, meticulously painting an intricately designed pattern on a woman's perfectly manicured nails.

Can You Paint Your Nails With Paint?

Posted on
If you’ve run out of nail polish but have some leftover paint in the garage, you may be wondering if you can use that paint to color your nails instead…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of gentle hands delicately applying a soothing cuticle oil to ease discomfort caused by press-on nails.

How To Stop Press-On Nails From Hurting

Posted on
Do your press-on nails hurt after wearing them for a while? Many people love the look of press-on nails but find they start to cause pain and discomfort over time…
A close-up photo capturing a hand delicately pouring nail polish remover into a small glass container, showcasing the process of safe and responsible disposal.

How To Properly Dispose Of Nail Polish

Posted on
Nail polish is a staple in many people’s beauty routines, providing a pop of color and flair to fingernails. But when it’s time to say goodbye to old, dried out…
A close-up photo capturing a freshly painted nail, showcasing the vibrant color and glossy finish of an OPI nail polish, with a subtle timer in the background indicating the drying time.

How Long Does It Take For Opi Nail Polish To Dry?

Posted on
If you’ve ever painted your nails with OPI nail polish, you know the struggle of waiting impatiently for each coat to dry. Nothing’s worse than messing up your perfect manicure…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with flawless nails, showcasing the durability of a chip-resistant nail polish, leaving the viewer confident in its long-lasting quality.

Does No Chip Nail Polish Ruin Your Nails?

Posted on
Nail polish is one of the quickest, easiest ways to decorate your nails and change up your look. But some people worry that certain types of polish, like ‘no chip’…
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 shot capturing a hand adorned with beautifully manicured almond-shaped nails, showcasing the meticulous detailing and elegance.

How Much Do Almond Nails Cost In 2023?

Posted on
With their elongated, rounded shape, almond nails are one of the most popular nail trends right now. But before rushing off to the salon, you’re probably wondering – how much…