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 shot of a hand holding a smartphone displaying a social media app, while the other hand flaunts beautifully manicured nails, suggesting the question: "Does SNS help nails grow?"

Does Sns Help Nails Grow? A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on
Gorgeous long nails are the envy of many. If you’ve ever wondered if SNS or dip powder manicures can help your nails grow longer and stronger, you’re not alone. In…
A close-up photo capturing a bottle of nail primer, showcasing its label and texture, highlighting its purpose in preparing the nails for polish application.

What Is Nail Primer? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
If you’ve ever gotten a manicure or done your own nails at home, you may have seen nail technicians use a product called nail primer. But what exactly is nail…
A close-up photo captures a hand delicately holding a tissue stained red, while a broken nail lies nearby, hinting at the pain and the need for immediate care.

What To Do When You Break A Nail And It Bleeds

Posted on
Breaking a nail can be painful and lead to bleeding. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: apply pressure with a clean cloth or tissue to stop the…
Close-up shot of a manicured hand holding a nail form, fingers delicately positioning it on the natural nail, capturing the intricate process of how to put on nail forms.

How To Put On Nail Forms: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Getting salon quality nails at home can seem intimidating. But with the right supplies and techniques, you can achieve beautiful acrylic or gel nail enhancements using nail forms. If you’re…
A close-up shot of a hand gracefully holding a nail buffer, demonstrating the proper technique with gentle circular motions on a perfectly manicured nail.

How To Use A Nail Buffer For Flawless Nails

Posted on
Having beautiful, healthy nails can make you feel confident and put-together. But maintaining a perfect manicure takes work. Using a nail buffer is one of the easiest ways to keep…
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 clear nail polish bottle next to a resin-coated artwork, showcasing the potential use of clear nail polish as a substitute for resin in art projects.

Can Clear Nail Polish Be Used As Resin?

Posted on
With the rising popularity of crafting and DIY projects using resin, many crafters wonder if commonly available clear nail polish could be substituted when resin is unavailable or too expensive…
A close-up photo capturing a vibrant palette of acrylic paint tubes and an assortment of colorful nail polish bottles, showcasing the potential for creative experimentation by mixing the two mediums.

Can You Mix Acrylic Paint With Nail Polish?

Posted on
If you enjoy arts and crafts, you may have wondered if you can mix two popular painting materials – acrylic paint and nail polish. Combining paints can yield interesting effects,…
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 shot of a woman's hands, showcasing her perfectly done gel nails, with a calendar in the background, highlighting the frequency of nail salon appointments.

How Often Should You Get A New Set Of Gel Nails?

Posted on
Getting a fresh set of gel manicure is one of life’s simple pleasures. With gel polish that dries quickly under UV light and lasts for weeks without chipping, it’s no…
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…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a glass bowl filled with warm water and salt, showcasing the process of soaking nails to promote faster growth.

How To Grow Nails Fast With Salt

Posted on
Do you wish you could grow your nails out long but find they break or peel before getting very far? Using salt is an easy and inexpensive trick to strengthen…
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 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 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 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 gently peeling off a nail wrap, revealing the natural nail underneath, showcasing a step-by-step process of removing nail wraps.

How To Remove Nail Wraps: A Step-By-Step Guide

Posted on
Nail wraps have become a popular nail art trend, allowing you to quickly and easily apply designs to your nails. But while applying wraps is a breeze, removing them can…
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 captures a nurse's hands, adorned with meticulously manicured long nails, showcasing the delicate balance between personal style and professional standards in the healthcare field.

Can Nurses Have Long Nails? A Detailed Look

Posted on
With the recent trend of long, embellished nails, many people wonder if nurses are allowed to sport lengthy manicures. After all, most healthcare facilities have strict dress code policies. If…
A close-up shot of a hand holding a small glass bottle filled with liquid, surrounded by various ingredients like charcoal powder and pigment, depicting the process of making homemade black nail polish.

How To Make Black Nail Polish From Scratch

Posted on
If you love painting your nails black but hate the chemicals in store-bought polishes, you’re in luck. Making your own black nail polish at home is easy, inexpensive, and customizable…
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 hand holding a paintbrush, poised above a glossy gel nail, capturing the anticipation of painting over a vibrant, perfectly manicured canvas.

Can You Paint Over Gel Nails? A Detailed Guide

Posted on
Painting your nails is one of life’s simple pleasures. With regular polish though, chips and dings are inevitable. Gel polish lasts longer, but what happens when you’re ready for a…
A close-up shot capturing a pair of hands gently soaking off acrylic nails in a bowl of warm water, showcasing a non-acetone alternative method for nail removal.

How To Soak Off Acrylic Nails Without Acetone

Posted on
Removing acrylic nails can be a hassle, especially if you don’t have acetone on hand. Luckily, there are several effective acetone-free soaking methods you can try at home to painlessly…
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 photo capturing a cotton ball soaked in nail polish remover gently wiping away layers of colorful nail polish from a woman's fingernails.

How To Use Nail Polish Remover: A Complete Guide

Posted on
Nail polish remover is a nail care product that helps easily and effectively remove nail polish from your fingernails and toenails. If you’ve struggled with stubborn nail polish or made…
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 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…
A close-up photograph capturing the tiny hands of a baby clutching nail clippers, a poignant reminder of the potential dangers and importance of child safety.

Can Cutting A Baby With Nail Clippers Cause Tetanus?

Posted on
Accidentally nicking your baby while trimming their nails can be scary for any parent. You may worry about the potential for infection or other health complications. So can using nail…
A close-up shot capturing a woman's hands adorned with beautifully manicured acrylic nails, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors, representing the average cost of acrylic nails.

What Is The Average Cost Of Acrylic Nails?

Posted on
Getting your nails done can be an enjoyable self-care activity, but the costs can add up quickly. If you’re wondering what to budget for a new set of acrylic nails,…