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 photograph capturing a hand holding a tube of nail glue with a pair of false eyelashes placed nearby, highlighting the question, "Can you use nail glue for lashes?"

Can You Use Nail Glue For Lashes? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten eyelash extensions or considered DIYing the procedure to save money, using nail glue may seem convenient. But is it safe? Here’s a quick answer: nail glue…
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

Posted on
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 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 the intricate details of a hand, showcasing the contrasting textures of living skin, vibrant nails, and the flowing strands of hair, provoking curiosity about their living or nonliving nature.

Are Hair And Nails Living Or Nonliving Tissue?

Posted on
Nails and hair are made from keratin and have no active cells, but are they truly lifeless? Let’s investigate what gives life to our tresses and tips. If you’re short…
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…
A close-up image capturing a set of pink and white gel nails being gently soaked in a bowl of acetone solution, showcasing the process of removing gel nails at home.

How To Remove Pink And White Gel Nails At Home

Posted on
Pink and white gel nails can look beautiful, but removing them without damaging your natural nails can be tricky. If you’re looking for a safe, effective DIY gel removal method,…
A close-up shot capturing a beautifully intricate nail design, showcasing vibrant colors and delicate patterns, leaving viewers wondering, "How much is this stunning nail art?"

How Much Does Nail Art Cost?

Posted on
With its seemingly endless design possibilities, nail art has become an increasingly popular way to decorate fingers and toes over the past decade. If you’ve admired the tiny works of…
A close-up image showcasing elegant French manicure nails adorned with shimmering silver glitter, exuding sophistication and glamour.

Dazzling French Manicure Nails With Glitter

Posted on
French manicure nails are a timeless, elegant look that never seems to go out of style. Adding a touch of glitter takes this classic design to a whole new sparkling…
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 image showcasing a set of beautifully done ombre nails, with vibrant colors seamlessly blending into one another.

How Much Do Ombre Nails Cost? The Complete Guide

Posted on
Ombre nails have been a hugely popular nail art trend over the past several years, prized for their ability to seamlessly blend two or more colors in a gradient effect…
A close-up photo capturing a hand with long, slender fingers adorned with almond-shaped nails, creating an illusion of elongation and making the fingers appear skinnier.

What Nail Shape Makes Fingers Look Skinnier?

Posted on
Having slim and slender looking fingers is desirable for many. The shape of your nails can actually make a big difference in how slender your fingers appear. In this article,…
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 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 shot of a clean nail file against a pristine white background, showcasing its perfectly smooth surface and the absence of any dirt or residue.

How To Clean A Nail File: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
A clean nail file is essential for beautiful, healthy nails. Using a dirty nail file can lead to the spread of bacteria and fungus, causing infections like nail fungus and…
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?

Posted on
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…
A close-up photograph capturing a hand with intricately painted nails resembling tiny tattoos, showcasing the fusion of nail art and body art in a single image.

Can You Tattoo Your Nails?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of nail art, many people wonder if it’s possible to get actual tattoos on their nails. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to…
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 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 shot capturing a vibrant summer-themed manicure, adorned with colorful flowers, playful fruit slices, and tiny palm trees, exuding a charming and adorable vibe.

20 Cute Nail Ideas To Refresh Your Look This Summer

Posted on
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fun, bright nail colors and designs. If you’re looking for cute and on-trend nail inspiration for the warm weather months, you’ve come…
A close-up photo capturing a bottle of nail polish remover placed next to a computer keyboard, depicting the curiosity and potential harm of using it to clean delicate electronics.

Can I Use Nail Polish Remover To Clean Electronics?

Posted on
Cleaning electronics can be tricky business. Using the wrong type of cleaner can damage sensitive components. So what about using nail polish remover? This common household product seems gentle enough…
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 man's hands, showcasing perfectly groomed nails with a subtle shine from the clear nail polish, exuding a sense of confidence and attention to detail.

Clear Nail Polish For Men: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Nail polish isn’t just for women anymore. In recent years, clear nail polish has become increasingly popular among men who want stronger, better looking nails without an overtly flashy manicure…
Close-up of a hand holding a bottle of nail polish, emphasizing the warning label, while a cloud of colored mist symbolizes the potentially harmful fumes lingering around.

Are Nail Polish Fumes Harmful?

Posted on
Nail polish is a staple in many people’s beauty routines, but inhaling those strong fumes makes some of us wonder if we’re causing damage each time we paint our nails…