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 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 woman's hands showcasing her matte nail polish, revealing the wear and tear after two weeks, highlighting the longevity of matte nails.

How Long Do Matte Nails Last?

Posted on
If you love the modern, understated look of matte nails but aren’t sure about their durability, you’re not alone. Achieving the soft, velvety finish of a matte manicure takes precision…
A close-up shot of a manicured hand featuring a glossy, perfectly shaped nail with a smooth finish, showcasing the flawless application of SNS nail system.

What Are Sns Nails? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
With intricate designs and eye-catching embellishments, SNS nails have become a hugely popular nail trend. If you’ve seen someone rocking flawless, glossy nails that seem to last forever without chipping…
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 image capturing a pair of hands with perfectly manicured nails, showcasing the precision of super glue application and the longevity it provides, evoking curiosity about its durability.

How Long Does Super Glue Last On Nails?

Posted on
If you’ve ever had a broken nail or nail enhancement and reached for the super glue as an emergency repair, you may have wondered – just how long will this…
A close-up photograph capturing a nail pop in a drywall, revealing a protruding nail head with a small crack around it, indicating a potential issue in construction or wall maintenance.

What Is A Nail Pop? A Complete Guide

Posted on
Nail pops are a common issue that homeowners deal with, especially in older homes. If you’ve noticed small bumps or raised areas on your walls or ceilings, you’re probably dealing…
A close-up shot of a hand, showcasing perfectly filed and polished dip nails, with a nail technician's file gently gliding over the surface, capturing the meticulous process.

Can You File Dip Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Dip nails have become an extremely popular at-home manicure option. The powder dipping process creates a durable, long-lasting manicure that can last up to 3 weeks without chipping or lifting…
A close-up photo capturing a display of vibrant Gelish nail polish bottles neatly arranged on a shelf at a beauty supply store.

Where To Buy Gelish Nail Polish: The Complete Guide

Posted on
With its chip-resistant and long-lasting formula, gelish nail polish has become a popular choice for the perfect manicure. But where can you find authentic gelish polish for an affordable price?…
Close-up photo of a woman's hands submerged in a bowl of icy water, soothing the burning sensation caused by gel nails.

How To Stop Gel Nails From Burning

Posted on
Getting a fresh gel manicure can make you feel like a million bucks. However, the process of curing the polish with UV or LED light can sometimes leave your fingers…
A close-up shot capturing a hand holding a nail brush, showcasing the bottle of dehydrator and nail primer side by side, creating anticipation for the next step in a flawless nail preparation process.

Nail Primer Vs Nail Dehydrator: What Goes First?

Posted on
Getting a perfect gel manicure starts with proper nail prep. But with so many different nail prep products out there, it can get confusing. Should you apply nail primer or…
A close-up shot capturing a collection of nail polish bottles in rich autumn hues. Each bottle showcases vibrant shades of burnt orange, deep burgundy, and earthy browns, embodying the essence of fall.

Fall Colors For Nail Polishes: Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a shift in fashion. Nail polish trends are no exception. As the seasons change from summer to fall, darker, richer nail polish…
A close-up of an array of colorful, meticulously designed press-on nails, neatly organized in a display case, showcasing the variety and quality of products available for a press-on nail business.

How To Start A Press On Nail Business

Posted on
Nails are big business! With the growing popularity of press on nails and nail art, starting your own press on nail business can be a lucrative endeavor. If you’re wondering…
A close-up photograph of a hand, focusing on a damaged nail bed being gently treated with a nail repair solution, showcasing the process of healing and restoration.

How To Repair A Damaged Nail Bed

Posted on
If you’ve ever experienced a painful nail bed injury, you know how disruptive it can be to your daily activities. A damaged nail bed not only causes discomfort but can…
A close-up shot of a woman delicately applying cuticle oil to her perfectly manicured acrylic nails, showcasing the importance of regular maintenance for their longevity and health.

How To Maintain Acrylic Nails: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Having beautiful, long-lasting acrylic nails requires some maintenance and TLC. Without proper care, your nails can start lifting, cracking, or dulling rather quickly. If you’re short on time, here’s the…
A close-up shot of a hand with perfectly manicured nails showcasing the vibrant shade of Essie nail polish. The smooth, glossy finish suggests long-lasting wear and durability.

How Long Does Essie Nail Polish Last?

Posted on
If you love painting your nails with fun, trendy colors, you’ve probably used Essie nail polish. With its vast color selection and salon-quality formula, Essie has become a go-to brand…
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 photo capturing a pregnant woman's hands gently applying a layer of vibrant nail polish onto her perfectly shaped nails, showcasing her stylish choice amidst the blissful anticipation of motherhood.

Can I Use Nail Polish While Pregnant?

Posted on
Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with lots of changes for both mom and baby. As your body goes through physical and hormonal changes, you may be wondering how your…
A close-up photo showcasing a set of flawless gel X nails, perfectly manicured and glossy. The longevity of the nails is evident in their pristine condition, raising questions about their durability.

How Long Should Gel X Nails Last?

Posted on
Gel x nails have become an increasingly popular nail service that offers durable, long-lasting manicures with vivid polish colors that don’t fade or chip. But how long should you expect…
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 shot capturing a delicate, precision-focused hand using a makeup brush to expertly apply intricate designs onto meticulously manicured acrylic nails.

Can You Use A Makeup Brush For Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Applying acrylic nails at home can be tricky without the right tools. If you don’t have a proper acrylic brush, you may wonder if substituting a makeup brush will work…
A close-up shot of chipped, discolored nails covered in streaky, peeling layers of expired nail polish, showcasing the consequences of using old and expired products.

What Happens If You Use Expired Nail Polish?

Posted on
Using old nail polish that’s past its expiration date? Don’t fret – we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about…
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…
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…
Close-up shot of a pair of hands gently applying a nourishing cuticle oil before bed, capturing the soft glow of the oil and the healing touch on the cuticles.

How To Heal Cuticles Overnight: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Dry, cracked cuticles can be painful and unsightly. If you need soft, healthy cuticles fast, here are some quick solutions: Apply a thick cuticle oil or cream before bed and…
A close-up shot of a hand dipping a bare nail into a container filled with colorful powders, capturing the process of nail dipping in vibrant detail.

What Is Nail Dipping? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
With so many nail trends popping up every year, it can be hard to keep track. One technique that has risen in popularity recently is dip powder nails. If you’re…
A close-up photo capturing a split nail, showing the clear division down the middle, revealing the layers of the nail plate and highlighting the issue of nail splitting.

Why Does My Nail Split Down The Middle?

Posted on
If you’ve ever looked down at your hands and noticed an unsightly split right down the center of your nail, you’re not alone. Split nails can occur for a variety…
A close-up shot of a man's hand gently holding a woman's hand, showcasing their interlocked fingers, with both wearing neutral nail colors, symbolizing a preference for subtlety and simplicity.

What Nail Color Do Guys Like? The Definitive Guide

Posted on
When it comes to nail polish, women often wonder – what colors do men find most attractive? The eternal question has puzzled ladies for ages. Before your next manicure appointment,…