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.

Get Started

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 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…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of hands being gently pushed back cuticles, showcasing healthy nails, providing a visual representation of the query.

Does Pushing Back Cuticles Help Nails Grow?

Posted on
If you’re looking to grow your nails out long and strong, you may be wondering if pushing back your cuticles can help. Cuticles are the thin skin around the base…
A close-up shot of perfectly manicured feet, with glossy black nail polish adorning the toes. The dark hue contrasts beautifully against the skin, exuding an edgy and sophisticated vibe.

Black Nail Polish On Toes: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Black nail polish is a popular and timeless choice that can make a statement on fingers and toes. If you’re considering rocking black nails on your toes, you’ve come to…
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 captures a hand with chubby fingers adorned with a perfectly manicured round nail shape, creating an illusion of slender fingers.

What Nail Shape Is Best For Fat Fingers?

Posted on
Having fat or chunky fingers can make getting a perfect manicure seem impossible. But never fear – with the right nail shape and tips, you can create elegant nails that…
A close-up photo capturing the rebellious spirit of a man's hand, adorned with glossy black nail polish, symbolizing individuality and breaking traditional gender norms.

Black Nail Polish On Men: An In-Depth Guide

Posted on
Black nail polish has long been seen as an edgy, alternative style choice. However, in recent years, black nail polish on men has become increasingly popular in mainstream culture. Celebrities…
Close-up shot of a damaged nail bed after acrylic removal; the once healthy bed now reveals redness, inflammation, and peeling skin, highlighting the consequences of improper nail care.

Damaged Nail Bed: How To Heal Your Nails After Acrylics

Posted on
If you recently removed your acrylic or gel nail enhancements and noticed your natural nails are damaged underneath, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with brittle, thin, cracked, or even…
A close-up photograph capturing the meticulous process of filing and painting nails, while simultaneously showing the elegant strands of hair being styled, highlighting the synchrony of hair and nail growth.

Do Hair And Nails Grow At The Same Rate?

Posted on
If you’ve ever wondered if the hair on your head and the nails on your fingers and toes grow at the same pace, you’re not alone. Many people are curious…
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?…
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 shot of a girl's hand, showcasing her black nail polish. The dark shade represents her edgy and rebellious personality, while also symbolizing mystery and confidence.

What Does Black Nail Polish Mean On A Girl?

Posted on
Nail polish color and choice can be very revealing. If you’ve noticed a girl wearing black nail polish, you may be wondering what it signifies about her personality and style…
Close-up photo of a hand with acrylic nails, showcasing the visible nail growth underneath. Faint lines and ridges indicate the need for maintenance and removal of the acrylics.

How To Get Rid Of Nail Growth Under Acrylics

Posted on
If you get regular acrylic nail treatments, you may have noticed some unwanted nail growth occurring under the artificial nails. This can cause the acrylics to lift or look uneven…
A still-life image capturing a hand gracefully placed on a table, showcasing freshly painted gel nails drying naturally under a warm ray of sunlight.

How To Dry Gel Nail Polish Without A Uv Light

Posted on
Gel nail polish has become a popular choice for its glossy finish and long-lasting wear. But what do you do when you want that salon-perfect manicure at home without investing…
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 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…
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 shot of a hand with perfectly manicured nails, adorned with a vibrant shade of purple nail polish, symbolizing creativity, luxury, and individuality.

What Does Purple Nail Polish Mean? A Detailed Look

Posted on
Purple nail polish has become an increasingly popular choice for many women and men. With its rich, royal tones, a purple manicure makes a bold fashion statement. But beyond just…
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…
A close-up photo of a bottle of nail polish remover with a skull and crossbones symbol, emphasizing the potential danger and toxicity associated with its misuse or ingestion.

Can Nail Polish Remover Kill You?

Posted on
Nail polish remover contains chemicals like acetone, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities. However, occasional exposure to small amounts during…
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…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of hands wearing protective gloves while applying nail polish, ensuring flawless nails without any unwanted stains.

How To Avoid Stained Nails From Nail Polish

Posted on
Having beautifully manicured nails can make you feel put together, but the sight of stained nails the morning after a DIY manicure can be disheartening. If you’ve ever peeled off…
Close-up shot of a hand holding a cotton pad soaked in isopropyl alcohol, gently removing acrylic nails, capturing the process of nail removal with precision and effectiveness.

Can Isopropyl Alcohol Remove Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Acrylic nails have been a popular enhancement for natural nails for decades. They provide thickness, strength, and length that isn’t possible with natural nails alone. However, removing acrylic nails isn’t…
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…