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 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…
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,…
Close-up shot of a pair of hands, showcasing damaged nails that are being gently treated with natural remedies, surrounded by ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and vitamin E capsules.

How To Repair Damaged Nails At Home: 10 Easy Remedies

Posted on
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Keep nails trimmed and filed, use cuticle oil, apply nail strengtheners, avoid picking and peeling, massage with oils,…
A close-up shot capturing a hand gripping a rusty hammer, with the focus on a bent nail, poised for removal, showcasing the determination and technique required to extract it safely.

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

Posted on
Getting a nail stuck in your foot can be extremely painful. If you want quick relief, here’s the fastest way to remove a nail: use pliers to grip the nail…
A close-up photograph of a manicured hand showcasing a nail overlay, where a thin layer of gel or acrylic is applied on natural nails to enhance their strength and appearance.

What Is A Nail Overlay?

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten your nails done at a salon, you may have heard your nail technician mention something called a “nail overlay.” But what exactly is a nail overlay…
A close-up shot of a forgotten and dusty drawer, revealing a pile of once vibrant and sparkling Diamond Deb nail files, now abandoned and untouched, their purpose and relevance faded away.

What Happened To Diamond Deb Nail Files?

Posted on
If you’ve been searching for the iconic Diamond Deb nail files that used to be a staple in every nail salon, you’re not alone. Diamond Deb emery boards were once…
A close-up photograph of a damaged nail bed, showing peeling, discoloration, and ridges, providing visual evidence of the potential damage caused by long-term use of nail polish.

Does Nail Polish Damage Nails? The Pros And Cons

Posted on
With so many fun nail polish colors and designs to choose from, it’s easy to change up your manicure on a regular basis. But some people wonder if frequently painting…
A close-up photo capturing a UV nail lamp with a freshly painted regular nail polish under it, as the light illuminates and potentially speeds up the drying process.

Does Uv Light Dry Regular Nail Polish?

Posted on
Nail polish is one of the most popular ways to decorate and beautify fingernails, but waiting for it to dry can be tedious. This leads many people to wonder –…
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 shows a nail file held against a piece of rough wood, capturing the texture and the question of whether it can substitute sandpaper.

Can You Use A Nail File As Sandpaper?

Posted on
Do you need to sand or smooth a surface, but don’t have any sandpaper on hand? In a pinch, some people wonder whether a nail file or emery board can…
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 shot captures the elegant simplicity of a hand adorned with black, white, and silver nail polish, reflecting sophistication and modernity.

How To Get Black, White, And Silver Nails

Posted on
Black, white, and silver nails are a stunning way to add some edge and elegance to your manicure. These cool-toned nails are perfect for any occasion and can be customized…
A close-up shot of elegantly manicured black nails adorned with a sleek and precise white line running along the tips, exuding sophistication and modernity.

Black Nails With White Lines: Causes And Treatment

Posted on
If you’ve noticed mysterious white lines on your black painted nails, you may be wondering what’s causing them and whether you should be concerned. These white lines and spots are…
A close-up shot captures perfectly manicured clear nails adorned with delicate white floral patterns, adding an elegant touch to the hands.

Achieving Stunning Clear Nails With White Designs

Posted on
Clear nails with delicate white designs are the height of elegance and style. If you’re looking to update your manicure with this on-trend look that flatters all skin tones, you’ve…
A close-up shot capturing delicate hands with perfectly manicured short nails, showcasing the intricate details of the nail art and the serene expression on the person's face.

Getting A Fabulous Manicure Even With Short Nails

Posted on
If you’re one of the many women who prefer to keep your nails neatly trimmed and short, you may wonder if it’s still possible to get a beautiful, professional-looking manicure…
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 hand holding a vibrant, bold-colored nail polish bottle, reflecting individuality, confidence, and an adventurous personality.

What Your Nail Color Says About You

Posted on
Nail polish isn’t just about making a fashion statement. The colors you choose for your nails can actually give insight into your personality. If you’ve ever wondered what your go-to…
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…
A close-up shot capturing the vibrant colors and intricate design of a set of acrylic toe nails, showcasing the artistry and detail while leaving the viewer curious about their cost.

How Much Do Acrylic Toe Nails Cost In 2024?

Posted on
Acrylic nails have been a popular nail enhancement for decades, allowing people to have beautiful, long-lasting manicures. In recent years, more and more people are also getting acrylic nails applied…
A close-up photograph showcasing an array of acrylic nails, featuring various shapes, lengths, and designs, capturing the diversity and creativity in nail art.

A Comprehensive Guide To Different Types Of Acrylic Nails

Posted on
Acrylic nails have become an extremely popular nail enhancement option for women around the world who want beautiful, stylish fingernails. If you’re considering getting acrylics but are unsure where to…
A close-up photo of a hand with perfectly manicured nails coated in clear nail polish, showcasing its protective layer and glossy finish.

Does Clear Nail Polish Protect Nails?

Posted on
With so many nail polish options on the market, you may be wondering if a simple clear coat actually does anything to strengthen or protect the nails underneath. Clear polish…
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 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 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…
The photo showcases a close-up shot of a well-manicured hand with short, rounded nails, demonstrating a practical and ideal choice for active clients.

Choosing The Best Nail Shape For Active Clients

Posted on
With the new year upon us, many people have set fitness goals and are determined to live a more active lifestyle. For women, this often means rethinking their nail care…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a mixing palette, with various shades of brown nail polish being blended together using a small brush, creating a customized hue.

How To Make Brown Nail Polish At Home

Posted on
If you’re looking for a neutral, earthy nail color that complements your skin tone, brown nail polish is a perfect choice. Brown tones are universally flattering and create a gorgeous…
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 photo showcasing a perfectly manicured hand with glossy, vibrant OPI nail polish, flawlessly applied, emphasizing its longevity and durability.

How Long Does Opi Nail Polish Last?

Posted on
If you love using OPI nail polish for its vast color selections and quality formula, you may be wondering – how long does it actually last on nails before starting…
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 capturing the delicate process of applying gel polish onto press-on nails, showcasing the precision and artistry involved in achieving a flawless, salon-quality manicure at home.

Can You Put Gel Polish On Press-On Nails?

Posted on
If you love the look of gel manicures but don’t always have the time or money for professional treatments, you may be wondering if you can apply gel polish to…
A close-up photo showcasing a hand gently peeling off a lifted dip nail, while a bottle of nail glue and a file lie nearby, depicting a DIY solution for fixing lifting dip nails at home.

How To Fix Lifting Dip Nails At Home

Posted on
Have your dip powder nails started lifting at the tips and sides? Don’t panic – with the right products and techniques, you can easily fix them at home. In this…
A close-up shot capturing the reflection of vibrant acrylic nails delicately skimming the surface of a crystal-clear swimming pool.

Can You Swim With Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Acrylic nails and water may seem like a bad combination, but with the right precautions, you may be able to enjoy swimming without damaging your manicure. If you’re short on…