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 pair of artificial glue-on nails, with a focus on the base of the nail bed, showcasing the natural nails growing underneath.

Can Your Nails Grow Under Glue On Nails?

Posted on
If you’ve gotten acrylic or glue on nails before, you may be wondering if your natural nails continue growing underneath the artificial ones. This is a common question for people…
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 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 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 capturing a set of perfectly manicured nails, showcasing the fresh, natural look after the removal of acrylics, with a bottle of colorful nail polish waiting to be used.

Can I Paint My Nails After Removing Acrylics?

Posted on
If you just removed your acrylic or gel nail polish and are wondering whether you can immediately paint your natural nails, you’re not alone. Many people want to paint their…
A close-up photo capturing a woman's hand delicately holding a nail brush, as she skillfully smooths out air bubbles on a glossy gel nail surface.

How To Fix Bubbles In Gel Nail Polish At Home

Posted on
If you’ve just finished painting your nails with gel polish only to discover tiny annoying bubbles have formed, don’t panic. Dealing with bubbles can be frustrating, but the good news…
A close-up shot of a woman's hand holding a tube of nail glue, while the glue gradually dries and becomes transparent on her perfectly manicured nails.

How Long Does Nail Glue Take To Dry?

Posted on
If you’ve ever applied nail glue then you know the anxious wait for it to dry and set the artificial nail firmly in place. You wave your hands around like…
A close-up photo capturing a bottle of Miracle Gel nail polish, surrounded by UV light bulbs, emphasizing the question of whether this polish requires UV light for optimal results.

Does Miracle Gel Nail Polish Need Uv Light?

Posted on
Nail polish trends come and go, but one that has stood the test of time is miracle gel nail polish. With its chip-resistant, glossy finish that can last over two…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of short nails with a flawless acrylic overlay, capturing the glossy finish, smooth texture, and intricate nail art design.

Acrylic Overlay On Short Nails: A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Having short nails but longing for a fancy manicure? Acrylic overlays are a great option to extend your natural nails and get that gorgeous long nail look you desire. With…
A close-up shot of freshly manicured nails, glistening with vibrant nail polish, as droplets of water from a showerhead gently cascade over them.

How Long After Painting Nails Can I Shower?

Posted on
If you just finished painting your nails and are wondering how long you need to wait before hopping in the shower, you’re not alone. Many nail polish enthusiasts ask this…
A close-up photo of a customer's hand holding a dollar bill, poised to place it in a tip jar at a nail salon, capturing the act of tipping.

How Much To Tip At A Nail Salon: The Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting your nails done at a professional salon can be a luxurious and relaxing experience. However, the service often comes with a hefty price tag, leaving many wondering if they…
A close-up photograph of a hand, focusing on a chipped nail, capturing the intricate details and imperfections, evoking curiosity about the cost of fixing it.

How Much Does It Cost To Get One Nail Fixed?

Posted on
If you’ve ever broken a nail or had one start to lift from the nail bed, you know how unsightly and sometimes painful it can be. Rather than clipping it…
A close-up photo capturing a clear glass bottle of nail polish, a dropper filled with alcohol, and a nail polish brush, showcasing the process of thinning nail polish with alcohol.

How To Thin Nail Polish With Alcohol

Posted on
If you’ve ever had a bottle of nail polish become too thick and goopy to use, you may have wondered if there’s a way to revive it. The good news…
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,…
A close-up photo capturing a pair of hands meticulously scrubbing under carefully trimmed nails, water droplets glistening against the skin, showcasing the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.

How To Keep Your Nails Looking Clean And Healthy

Posted on
Having clean fingernails is not only important for good hygiene but also gives confidence and makes a good impression. If you want your nails to look their best, it’s important…
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…
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 hand delicately pouring nail polish remover into a small glass container, showcasing the process of safe and responsible disposal.

How To Properly Dispose Of Nail Polish

Posted on
Nail polish is a staple in many people’s beauty routines, providing a pop of color and flair to fingernails. But when it’s time to say goodbye to old, dried out…
A close-up shot of a woman's hand with perfectly manicured almond-shaped nails. The nails are painted with a classic French tip design, featuring a soft pink color that elegantly complements her skin tone.

The Best Almond Nails French Tip Colors

Posted on
French tip nails are a timeless and chic nail style that can be adapted with different nail shapes and colors. Almond shaped nails are especially popular right now, pairing an…
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 of a well-manicured hand holding a bottle of cuticle oil, showcasing the product's importance in maintaining healthy and moisturized cuticles.

How Often Should You Use Cuticle Oil?

Posted on
If you want healthy, strong nails that grow quickly and look great, using cuticle oil is a must. But many people wonder just how often they really need to apply…
A close-up shot capturing an artist's hand delicately applying vibrant strokes of acrylic paint onto a set of pristine nails, showcasing the creativity and versatility of using a paintbrush for acrylic nail art.

Can I Use A Paint Brush For Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Having beautiful nails has become a trend nowadays with the popularity of nail art. Many women are starting to do their own acrylic or gel nails at home to save…
A close-up photo showcasing a beautifully manicured hand with an array of vibrant nail colors, perfectly complementing the warm and rich tones of brown skin.

What Nail Colors Look Good On Brown Skin

Posted on
With hundreds of trendy nail polish colors to choose from each season, figuring out what shades complement your skin tone can feel overwhelming. If you have brown skin, you want…
A close-up photo capturing a freshly painted nail, showcasing the vibrant color and glossy finish of an OPI nail polish, with a subtle timer in the background indicating the drying time.

How Long Does It Take For Opi Nail Polish To Dry?

Posted on
If you’ve ever painted your nails with OPI nail polish, you know the struggle of waiting impatiently for each coat to dry. Nothing’s worse than messing up your perfect manicure…
A close-up image of a hand with neatly manicured short, rounded nails, showcasing their curved shape ideal for comfortable and effortless typing.

The Easiest Nail Shape For Typing

Posted on
Typing on a keyboard all day can be tough on your nails. With every click-clack of the keys, your nail beds take a beating. So what’s the best nail shape…
A close-up photo captures a pair of hands delicately using a nail file to gently thin the gel nail polish, creating a smooth and even surface.

How To Thin Gel Nail Polish For A Flawless Manicure

Posted on
Beautiful gel manicures can really make your hands pop, but often gel polish formulas are quite thick. Thick gel polish leads to bumpy application and chipping. Luckily, there’s an easy…
A close-up shot capturing the sleek design of a gel nail polish dryer machine, its vibrant LED lights illuminating the perfectly manicured nails with a glossy finish.

The Complete Guide To Gel Nail Polish Dryer Machines

Posted on
For nail polish lovers, there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting for what feels like an eternity for your latest manicure to dry. Gel nail polish gives you glossy, chip-resistant nails,…
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 photo capturing a pair of hands, nails impeccably manicured and anxiety-free. A serene expression on the person's face signifies the triumph over nail picking and finding inner peace.

How To Stop Anxiety Nail Picking For Good

Posted on
Nail biting and skin picking are common nervous habits that many people find difficult to break. If you have dermatillomania or are looking for ways to stop anxiety nail picking,…
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…
Close-up shot of a skilled nail technician delicately repairing a broken natural nail at a bustling nail salon, showcasing their expertise and attention to detail.

Can A Nail Salon Fix A Broken Natural Nail?

Posted on
Dealing with a broken nail can be painful and frustrating. If your natural nail breaks, you may be wondering if visiting your local nail salon is the best way to…
A close-up photo of a colorful, inviting nail salon sign with the words "Walk-ins Welcome" prominently displayed, enticing passersby to enter and indulge in a relaxing nail treatment.

Do Nail Salons Take Walk-Ins?

Posted on
If you’re in a rush and need a quick manicure or pedicure, you may be wondering if you can just walk into your local nail salon without an appointment. The…
A close-up photo showcasing a vibrant and playful nail design on tiny fingers, featuring adorable patterns, pastel colors, and delicate glitter accents, perfect for stylish 11-year-old girls.

Cute Short Nails For 11 Year Olds

Posted on
If you’re an 11 year old girl looking for cute, short nail ideas that are age-appropriate, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you…