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 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 photo showcasing a manicured hand with beautifully sculpted acrylic nails coated in a glossy gel polish, exuding elegance and vibrancy.

Can You Put Gel Polish On Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
If you love getting your nails done but don’t want to spend hours at the salon between appointments, you may be wondering if you can put gel polish on acrylic…
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 hand with perfectly manicured gel nails being cured under a UV lamp, emphasizing the importance of UV light for the gel nail application process.

Do I Need Uv Light For Gel Nails?

Posted on
Gel nail extensions have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional acrylics. With their damage-free removal process and long-lasting shine, it’s easy to see the appeal. But to get the…
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 shot of a split pinky toenail, showcasing the jagged edges and the discomfort it may cause, capturing the curiosity behind "why does my pinky toe nail split?"

Why Does My Pinky Toe Nail Keep Splitting?

Posted on
If you’ve noticed your pinky toe nail splitting often, you’re not alone. Many people deal with this pesky problem that can cause pain and discomfort. But don’t worry – with…
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 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…
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 pair of vibrant press-on nails, delicately adorning a hand, while gently submerged in crystal-clear water within a serene pool.

Can You Wear Press On Nails In The Pool?

Posted on
With summer here and pool days ahead, you may be wondering if your cute press on nails can withstand some time in the chlorinated water. Well, we have the details…
A close-up image capturing a set of colorful press-on nails neatly arranged on a clean surface, showcasing their vibrant designs and flawless finish.

Are Press On Nails Reusable? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
With the rising popularity of press on nails as an easy and affordable at-home manicure option, one common question is – can you reuse press on nails? If you’re looking…
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 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 photo captures a table covered in colorful streaks of dried nail polish. Fingertips holding a damp cloth appear, gently wiping away the stubborn stains, revealing the clean surface beneath.

How To Get Nail Polish Off A Table Without Remover

Posted on
Oh no, you’ve accidentally spilled nail polish on your nice wooden table and you don’t have any remover on hand. Don’t panic! Getting nail polish off household surfaces like tables…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a gel nail kit for beginners, showcasing vibrant colors of nail polishes, a UV lamp, and various nail art tools, inviting beginners to explore the world of gel nails.

The Complete Guide To Gel Nail Kits For Beginners

Posted on
Looking to give yourself a perfect at-home manicure using gel nail polish? Getting started with gel nails can be intimidating for beginners. But have no fear, with the right gel…
A close-up photo of a pair of feet, showcasing beautifully trimmed toenails, revealing the importance of regular maintenance and prompting the question of how often one should cut their toenails.

How Often Should You Cut Your Toenails?

Posted on
If you’ve ever wondered how often you should trim your toenails, you’re not alone. Proper toenail care is important for maintaining good foot health and preventing problems like ingrown toenails…
A close-up shot captures a woman's hands adorned with vibrant gel nail polish by Sally Hansen, showcasing the glossy finish and impeccable application.

A Complete Guide To Gel Nail Polish By Sally Hansen

Posted on
With an ever expanding array of nail polish options on the market, gel nail polish has become one of the most popular choices for its long-lasting color, chip-resistant formula, and…
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 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…
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 shot of a hand holding a paintbrush, delicately applying red liquid onto a clear nail, capturing the process of creating red nail polish.

How To Make Red Nail Polish From Scratch

Posted on
If you want to jazz up your nails with a custom red that matches your style, learning how to whip up some red nail polish at home is easier than…
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 shot captures a hand with chipped and overgrown nails, showcasing the need for a nail fill. Faded nail polish and rough cuticles hint at neglected self-care.

How Much Does A Nail Fill Cost? A Detailed Look

Posted on
Getting your nails done can be an indulgent treat, but regular upkeep with nail fills can really add up. If you’ve ever wondered just how much a basic nail fill…
A close-up photo capturing a hand elegantly positioned with a nail form securely attached, showcasing the step-by-step process of using nail forms for creating stunning nail extensions.

How To Use Nail Forms: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Using nail forms can help you achieve a perfect manicure at home. With some practice, you’ll be applying flawless acrylics and gel polish with ease. If you’re short on time,…
A close-up shot of a manicurist delicately filling the gap between the cuticle and the grown-out acrylic nails, ensuring a seamless transition and perfect nail shape.

What Is A Nail Fill? A Complete Guide

Posted on
Getting your nails done is an indulgence that many people enjoy on a regular basis. If you get acrylic, gel, dip powder or any other type of artificial nails applied,…
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…