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 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 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 photo displaying perfectly manicured nails with a glossy heart-shaped top coat nail polish, adding a touch of elegance and charm to the overall look.

A Complete Guide To Heart Top Coat Nail Polish

Posted on
Heart top coat nail polish has become an incredibly popular nail art trend recently, allowing you to decorate your nails with cute and whimsical heart designs. If you’ve seen these…
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 capturing a hand with a visibly inflamed and red acrylic nail, revealing signs of discomfort and pain.

Why Do My Acrylic Nails Hurt? Causes And Solutions

Posted on
If you just got acrylic nails and are wondering why they hurt, you’re not alone. Many people experience pain and discomfort after an acrylic nail application. The good news is…
Close-up photo of a pair of hands delicately holding a sterile tool, gently lifting the corner of an inflamed toe nail, showcasing the process of fixing an ingrown toe nail.

How To Fix An Ingrown Toenail: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Dealing with an ingrown toenail can be extremely painful and frustrating. If left untreated, it can lead to infection and other complications. The good news is that you can take…
A close-up shot capturing a hand holding a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover, gently wiping away the yellow tint from acrylic nails, revealing their natural shine.

How To Get Rid Of Yellow Tint On Acrylic Nails

Posted on
Yellowing acrylic nails is a common issue that can make your manicure look dull and dingy. If you’ve noticed your acrylics developing an unsightly yellowish tinge, don’t worry – bringing…
A close-up shot of a clear nail polish bottle next to a resin-coated artwork, showcasing the potential use of clear nail polish as a substitute for resin in art projects.

Can Clear Nail Polish Be Used As Resin?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of crafting and DIY projects using resin, many crafters wonder if commonly available clear nail polish could be substituted when resin is unavailable or too expensive…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of vibrant, meticulously designed fake nails delicately placed on fingers, contrasting against a background that highlights the visible signs of onycholysis.

Can I Wear Fake Nails With Onycholysis?

Posted on
If you have onycholysis, or nail lifting, you may be wondering if you can still wear fake nails. Onycholysis causes the nail to separate from the nail bed, resulting in…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of artificial nail tips, neatly arranged in various shapes, sizes, and colors, highlighting their versatility in enhancing and transforming natural nails.

What Are Nail Tips? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten your nails done at a salon, you may have heard your manicurist ask if you want nail tips. But what exactly are nail tips? In short,…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a smartphone displaying a social media app, while the other hand flaunts beautifully manicured nails, suggesting the question: "Does SNS help nails grow?"

Does Sns Help Nails Grow? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Gorgeous long nails are the envy of many. If you’ve ever wondered if SNS or dip powder manicures can help your nails grow longer and stronger, you’re not alone. In…
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 capturing a hand adorned with vibrant gel nail polish, showcasing intricate nail art achieved by creatively incorporating nail stickers, adding a unique touch to the overall design.

Can You Use Nail Stickers With Gel Polish?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t always have the time or money for frequent salon visits, nail stickers can be a quick and affordable alternative to polish…
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 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 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 photo of a bitten nail, revealing redness, skin irritation, and potential infection, highlighting the harmful consequences and unhygienic nature of nail biting.

Why Is Nail Biting Bad? A Comprehensive Look

Posted on
Nail biting is a common habit many people have, but it can lead to several health and aesthetic issues. If you’re wondering why you should stop biting your nails, read…
A close-up shot capturing a man's hand gracefully displaying shiny, perfectly manicured acrylic nails, challenging societal norms and embracing self-expression.

Can Guys Wear Acrylic Nails? A Detailed Look

Posted on
With gender norms blurring in modern society, more men are expressing themselves through traditionally feminine beauty techniques like acrylic nails. But can guys actually wear acrylics? Let’s take a detailed…
A close-up photo capturing a hand holding a small bottle of clear liquid adhesive, surrounded by various nail care tools and colorful nail polish bottles, showcasing the process of making nail glue.

How To Make Diy Nail Glue At Home

Posted on
If you love doing your own manicures at home but hate how expensive nail glue can be, making your own nail glue is a great DIY project. Homemade nail glue…
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 photo captures a hand holding a small brush dipped in clear nail polish, delicately applying a thin layer over a vibrant acrylic painting on a canvas.

Can You Put Nail Polish Over Acrylic Paint?

Posted on
If you enjoy decorating your nails with fun colors and designs, you may be wondering if you can apply a coat of nail polish over acrylic paint. The answer depends…
A close-up shot of a pair of white acrylic nails being gently scrubbed with a soft brush under running water, capturing the process of cleaning and restoring their pristine appearance.

How To Clean White Acrylic Nails

Posted on
If you just got a fresh set of white acrylic nails, keeping them looking pristine can be a challenge. Acrylic nails tend to show dirt and stains more than natural…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of ancient bronze nail clippers, worn and rusted, lying on a weathered wooden table, evoking curiosity about the methods used for nail care in the past.

How Did They Cut Their Nails In Ancient Times?

Posted on
If you ever looked down at your fingers and thought about how people take care of their nails today with nail clippers, files, and even salon visits, you probably wondered…
A close-up shot capturing a hand elegantly adorned with Gel-X nails, showcasing their flawless finish and impeccable shine, leaving viewers wondering, "Can you get a fill with Gel-X nails?"

Can You Get A Fill With Gel-X Nails?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t have the time or money for frequent salon visits, gel-x extensions may be the perfect solution. Gel-x nails provide lengthy wear…
A close-up shot of a woman's hand showcasing perfectly manicured nails with a glossy dark pink gel polish, radiating elegance and sophistication.

The Complete Guide To Dark Pink Gel Nail Polish

Posted on
With its romantic and feminine vibe, dark pink nail polish has become a go-to shade for many women. But finding that perfect dusty rose or red-tinged pink gel polish can…
Close-up of a woman's hands flaunting perfectly manicured acrylic nails, appearing glossy and vibrant. The image exudes elegance, showcasing the importance of proper maintenance for maintaining healthy-looking nails.

How To Keep Nails Healthy With Acrylics

Posted on
If you love getting acrylic nails but struggle to keep them looking healthy, you’re not alone. Acrylic nails require special care to prevent chipping, cracking, and damage to the natural…
A close-up shot capturing the vibrant Essie nail polish bottle, showcasing its long-lasting formula, while a perfectly manicured hand flaunts glossy, chip-free nails.

Is Essie Nail Polish Long Lasting?

Posted on
With hundreds of nail polish options on the market, it can be tough to know which brands actually last on your nails. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick…
A close-up photograph captures the intricacies of a hand delicately holding a pencil, showcasing the meticulously drawn nails, each stroke showcasing the artist's skill and attention to detail.

How To Draw A Hand With Nails Step By Step

Posted on
Drawing hands can be tricky, but with some practice and patience, anyone can learn how to draw a realistic hand complete with nails. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk…
A close-up shot of a big toe showcasing a white, discolored nail, revealing the curiosity and concern about its appearance.

Why Is My Big Toenail White?

Posted on
If you’ve noticed your big toenail turning white, you’re not alone. Many people deal with changes in their toenails that leave them looking opaque and chalky. If you’re short on…