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 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 shot of a hand with perfectly manicured nails, showcasing the application process of nail builder gel, revealing strong, durable, and beautifully shaped nails.

What Is Nail Builder Gel?

Posted on
Nail builder gel has become an increasingly popular nail enhancement product in recent years. With its durable, natural look and relatively easy application process, it’s no wonder many people are…
A close-up shot capturing a hand with long, perfectly manicured nails gripping onto a rugged rock face, showcasing the determination and skill of a rock climber defying traditional expectations.

Can You Rock Climb With Long Nails?

Posted on
For those who enjoy rock climbing, keeping your nails trim is an important aspect for safety and performance. However, you may be wondering if it’s possible to rock climb at…
A close-up shot capturing vibrant gel art paint being delicately applied onto a perfectly manicured nail, showcasing intricate designs and a glossy finish.

A Complete Guide To Gel Art Paint For Nails

Posted on
If you’re looking to give your nails a creative, eye-catching look that lasts, gel art paint could be just what you need. With its intense pigments and glossy finish, gel…
A close-up photo showcasing freshly manicured gel nails with a glossy top coat, radiating a brilliant shine, highlighting their flawless appearance and rejuvenated luster.

How To Make Gel Nails Look Shiny Again

Posted on
If your gel manicure is starting to look dull and faded, don’t worry – with a little TLC, you can bring back the shine and luster to your nails. Gel…
A close-up shot of vibrant, cruelty-free vegan nail polish bottles lined up, reflecting a rainbow of colors, radiating beauty and compassion.

A Guide To Cruelty Free Vegan Nail Polishes

Posted on
With the rising popularity of veganism and ethical consumerism, more people are looking for nail polishes that are not only vegan but also cruelty-free. If you love painting your nails…
A close-up photograph showcasing a freshly painted nail with primer, capturing the texture and shine, while emphasizing the drying process through subtle cracks forming on the surface.

How Long Does Nail Primer Take To Dry?

Posted on
If you’ve just painted your nails and are wondering how long you need to wait before moving on to the next step, you’re not alone. Nail primer is an important…
A close-up shot of a hand gracefully painting nails at a home workstation, capturing the focus and skill required for nail artistry at home.

Do You Need A License To Do Nails At Home?

Posted on
With the rising costs of getting your nails done professionally, more and more people are considering doing their own manicures and pedicures at home. But before you break out the…
A close-up shot capturing a perfectly manicured hand, showcasing vibrant nail tips. The tips are flawlessly applied, leaving viewers wondering how long this nail art will last.

How Long Do Tips Last On Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Getting your nails done with beautiful nail tips can make your hands look amazing. But how long will those glamorous nails last before needing a fill or replacement? If you’re…
A close-up shot capturing the hands of a nail technician expertly painting intricate designs on a client's nails, showcasing their skills and dedication to becoming a certified nail tech.

How To Become A Certified Nail Technician

Posted on
Have you ever admired the beautiful nail art at your local salon and wondered if you could learn the skills to do it yourself? Becoming a licensed nail technician can…
A close-up photograph capturing the meticulous process of filing and painting nails, while simultaneously showing the elegant strands of hair being styled, highlighting the synchrony of hair and nail growth.

Do Hair And Nails Grow At The Same Rate?

Posted on
If you’ve ever wondered if the hair on your head and the nails on your fingers and toes grow at the same pace, you’re not alone. Many people are curious…
A close-up shot of a hand with a bruised nail, delicately applying gel polish, capturing the contrast between the damaged area and the vibrant, glossy color.

Can You Put Gel Polish On A Bruised Nail?

Posted on
If you just had an accident and bruised your nails, you may be wondering if you can still get your nails done or put on gel polish. With a big…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a bottle of OPI Nail Envy, with perfectly manicured nails showcasing the product's effectiveness and a smiley face charm hanging from one finger.

How To Use Opi Nail Envy For Strong, Healthy Nails

Posted on
If you’re struggling with weak, brittle nails that split and peel easily, OPI Nail Envy can be a game changer. With continued use, OPI Nail Envy helps transform even the…
A close-up photo capturing a nail technician's hands gracefully shaping and painting nails, with a blurred background displaying various nail products, reflecting the investment required to become a nail tech.

How Much Does It Cost To Become A Nail Tech?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of nail salons and the growing demand for skilled manicurists, many people wonder – how much does it really cost to become a nail tech? If…
A close-up shot capturing a hand adorned with a set of vibrant acrylic nails, showcasing various shapes and lengths, each meticulously crafted with intricate designs and glossy finishes.

Acrylic Nails Shapes And Lengths: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become an extremely popular nail enhancement option, allowing you to achieve lengthy, durable nails in a variety of stylish shapes. If you’ve been thinking about trying acrylics…
A close-up photo captures a hand with chubby fingers adorned with a perfectly manicured round nail shape, creating an illusion of slender fingers.

What Nail Shape Is Best For Fat Fingers?

Posted on
Having fat or chunky fingers can make getting a perfect manicure seem impossible. But never fear – with the right nail shape and tips, you can create elegant nails that…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a nail clipper, capturing the tiny clippings falling into a toilet bowl, symbolizing the question "Can you flush nail clippings?"

Can You Flush Nail Clippings Down The Toilet?

Posted on
If you just clipped your nails and are wondering if you can simply flush the clippings down the toilet, you’re not alone. Many people ponder this question and have concerns…
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 photo showcasing a hand with neatly shaped nails, featuring the step-by-step application of nail builder gel, highlighting the process and final result.

How To Use Nail Builder Gel For Beautiful Nails

Posted on
Having beautiful, healthy nails can make a world of difference in how your hands look. Nail builder gel is an excellent product that allows you to achieve salon-quality nails at…
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?

Posted on
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 barefoot person's curled toenail, showcasing its unusual shape and texture, with a backdrop of medical tools and reference materials, depicting the curiosity surrounding the condition.

Why Do My Toenails Curl? Causes And Treatments

Posted on
If you’ve noticed your toenails starting to curl under at the edges, you’re not alone. Curled toenails are a common occurrence that can happen for a variety of reasons. While…
Close-up of a manicurist's hand skillfully applying a set of vibrant, glossy press-on nails on a client's finger, capturing the meticulous process and showcasing the salon's expertise in nail art.

Do Nail Salons Offer Press On Nails?

Posted on
If you’re looking for a quick manicure solution, you may be wondering if your local nail salon offers press on nails. With cleverly designed fake nail tips and tabs that…
A close-up shot capturing a hand with vibrant acrylic nails elegantly holding a bottle of nail polish, highlighting the question "Can you get a manicure with acrylic nails?"

Can You Get A Manicure With Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
If you already have a set of acrylic nails on, you may be wondering if you can still get a manicure. Getting regular manicures is an important part of acrylic…
Close-up photo of a pinky toe showcasing the upward growth of the nail. The intricate details of cuticles and ridges highlight the curious nature of this phenomenon.

Why Does My Pinky Toe Nail Grow Up?

Posted on
If you’ve noticed your pinky toe nail growing in an upward direction, you’re not alone. Many people deal with this pesky nail issue. While it may seem harmless, an ingrown…
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 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…