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 of a hand with beautifully manicured acrylic nails, showcasing a bottle of nail polish remover and a cotton pad, emphasizing the process of removing stains from acrylic nails.

How To Get Stain Off Acrylic Nails: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Have you ever had the misfortune of somehow staining your acrylic nails, marring their perfect look? It can be incredibly frustrating and annoying, especially if you’ve just had them done…
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 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…
The photo captures a close-up of a toenail being meticulously trimmed at a nail salon, showcasing the precise technique employed to enhance comfort and prevent ingrown nails.

Why Do Nail Salons Cut The Sides Of Toenails?

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten a pedicure, you may have noticed the nail technician trimming off the sides of your toenails. This isn’t just for aesthetics – there’s an important reason…
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…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of delicate eyelashes, free from any nail glue residue, displaying their natural beauty and enhancing the eyes.

How To Remove Nail Glue From Eyelashes

Posted on
Have you ever accidentally gotten nail glue on your natural eyelashes? This common mishap can leave eyelashes sticky and uncomfortable. Luckily, there are some easy methods to safely remove the…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of hands gracefully holding a bottle of nail growth serum, emphasizing the anticipation of longer, healthier nails.

How To Make Nails Grow Faster: A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Want beautifully long, healthy nails? Who doesn’t! Having gorgeous nails can make you feel confident and put-together. But what if your nails seem stuck at a stubby length or take…
A close-up shot of a pair of hands, showcasing the meticulous process of applying builder gel onto nail forms, with precision and expertise.

How To Use Nail Forms With Builder Gel

Posted on
Nail art using builder gel is a hugely popular trend right now. Gel polish is long-lasting, chip resistant and provides a smooth, glossy finish. Using forms allows you to sculpt…
A photo of a spilled bottle of nail polish on a white bedsheet, showing the colorful, dried stains and a person attempting to remove them using various cleaning materials.

How To Get Nail Polish Out Of Sheets

Posted on
Oh no, you just spilled nail polish on your nice clean sheets and now there is a stubborn stain! Not to worry, removing nail polish from sheets is possible with…
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…
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 shot of vibrant, multi-colored nail polish bottles arranged in an orderly row, showcasing a range of Dungeons and Dragons-themed shades, ready to be purchased and adorned on nails.

Where To Buy Dnd Nail Polish: The Top Places To Shop

Posted on
With its wide color selection, quality formula, and affordable prices, DND nail polish has become a hugely popular brand. If you’re looking to get your hands on these stylish lacquers,…
A close-up photo capturing a hand, with focus on the nails, revealing the healing process as the skin around the nails shows signs of improvement and recovery.

How To Stop Biting The Skin Around Your Nails

Posted on
Nail biting and picking is a common bad habit, but it can lead to infections, ugly scars, and chronic skin conditions around your nails. If you want attractive hands free…
A close-up photograph showcasing a perfectly manicured hand with glossy, vibrant gel nail polish, highlighting its long-lasting shine and professional finish.

What Is Gel Nail Polish? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
With so many nail polish options on the market, gel nail polish has become one of the most popular choices for its durability and long-lasting color. If you’ve ever wondered…
Close-up of a hand delicately cradling a torn nail, capturing the pain and vulnerability. The focus is on seeking solace and the need for immediate care.

What To Do If Your Nail Rips Off: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Ripping off a nail can be extremely painful and distressing. If you’re looking down at an exposed nail bed, you’re probably wondering what steps you should take next. Don’t worry…
A close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured gel nails, bathed in the soft glow of a UV lamp, capturing the moment of patience and precision required for a flawless finish.

How Long Should You Leave Gel Nails Under A Uv Lamp?

Posted on
Got an appointment to get gorgeously glossy gel manicure but unsure about the curing time? With various gel polish brands advertising different timings, it’s easy to get confused. Read on…
A close-up shot of a bottle of nail polish with a label displaying its ingredients, including alcohol content, capturing the curiosity surrounding its composition.

Does Nail Polish Contain Alcohol?

Posted on
Nail polish is a popular cosmetic product used by people of all ages to add color and decoration to fingernails and toenails. With its glossy finish and vast color options,…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a nail polish bottle, showcasing perfectly manicured nails with a Gel-X finish, capturing the essence of the question "Do you need a license to do Gel-X nails?"

Do You Need A License To Do Gel-X Nails?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of gel-x nail extensions that give you a perfect natural or acrylic-style manicure for 2-3 weeks, you may be wondering – do I need a special…
A close-up photo showcasing healthy, natural nails before and after using dip powder. The transformation highlights the protective nature of dip powder and dispels concerns about nail damage.

Does Dip Powder Damage Your Nails?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of dip powder manicures, many people wonder if this trendy nail service can damage their natural nails. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer:…
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 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 transparent bottle of nail polish, showcasing a versatile shade that perfectly complements any outfit, symbolizing the quest for a color that goes with everything.

What Color Nail Polish Goes With Everything?

Posted on
Choosing the perfect nail polish color can be a hassle when you want something versatile for any outfit or occasion. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: nude…
A close-up shot capturing a hand with beautifully manicured gel nails, showcasing their glossy finish and flawless application, leaving viewers wondering if these nails can withstand an overcuring process.

Can You Overcure Gel Nails? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Gel manicures are known for their glossy finish and long-lasting wear, but taking proper care during the curing process is key. Overcuring gel nails can lead to a host of…
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 of a pristine glass nail file, its smooth surface reflecting light, showcasing its durability and longevity.

How Long Do Glass Nail Files Really Last?

Posted on
For those looking to keep their nails in tip-top shape, a high-quality nail file is a must-have accessory. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough…
A close-up shot capturing a hand delicately applying UV gel to bond a set of beautifully designed fake nails, showcasing the versatility of UV gel as a reliable adhesive for nail enhancements.

Can You Use Uv Gel As Glue For Fake Nails?

Posted on
If you enjoy getting fake nails or nail extensions but find the process tedious and expensive at the salon, you may be tempted to try doing them at home. A…
A close-up photograph captures a bottle of nail polish, its cap removed, with a small object securely attached to a surface, demonstrating the unconventional use of nail polish as a makeshift adhesive.

Can Nail Polish Be Used As Glue?

Posted on
If you’ve ever had a nail pop off or a heel come loose right before a big event, you may have wondered if nail polish can work in a pinch…
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…
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 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…
Close-up photo of a hand with freshly manicured gel nails, revealing the peeling edges only two days later, highlighting the frustrating reality of short-lived perfection.

Why Do My Gel Nails Peel Off After Just 2 Days?

Posted on
Having beautiful gel manicures that only last for a couple of days can be endlessly frustrating and make you feel like you wasted your money at the salon. If your…