Update: These are now available for purchase on Overall Beauty! The link is here.
Good morning!
Today I can finally reveal the secret I have been talking about on Twitter! This is super duper exciting news that I have had to keep a lid on for many months. I have partnered with BB Couture to create my own nail polish collection called The Vampy Varnish Collection!!! It’s simply beyond magnificent for me to be able to finally tell you guys!
I am extremely excited to work with BB Couture because I REALLY believe in their polishes. They have fast become one of my favorite brands. The colors are totally unique and amazing, the polish formula is spot on, and I love that they don’t follow what everyone else is doing.
The idea came about because there were some colors I had in my head that I really wanted to see in real life. I approached Cindy Scott, the creator of BB Couture, and asked what she thought about my ideas. She loved them and said she wanted to work together.
Maybe you are wondering just how the whole process worked. It was actually pretty simple. Cindy would send me test samples of what she imagined the colors in my brain to be, and we would work from there. Some were right on and didn’t need any changing, some needed a few tweaks. But finally after awhile we had a collection of 6 polishes that we were both very happy with. Then came the fun part – I got to name them all (with her final approval)! I decided to name most of them after places around the Bay Area that meant something to me. A couple of the names are just for fun. 😉
So before we get to the swatches I thought you might want to learn a little more about BB Couture, so I asked Cindy some questions.
- How did you get started in the nail polish business? I used to use my mother’s Cutex Hot Pink (back then they only had a couple of colors; pink and red). I started using it when I was about 3. I even remember eating it when my mother was not looking (I am surprised I survived that one.) In the late 90’s, I worked in sales for Toma Industries. That’s when I really got into polish.
- How did you come up with the name BB Couture? BB stands for Botanical Babes. When we started this, we made a formula that didn’t contain any formaldehyde , DBP or toluene. I used to get upset when I bought polish in the past and I would ask the salemen if it had those ingredients, and he would say no. Then I got home and read the label, and come to find out it had all three.
- What is your favorite color from your brand? My favorite color from my brand has to be Hermosa Surfer Girl, I am very proud of that one.
- What is the process for creating a polish from conception to finished product? First we come up with a color that we like (if we are not in a creative mood nothing gets done), then we test it. Many times we have to start over, things just aren’t as we thought they would be (you understand how that works). We show it to different people and get different opinions. Then naming is somewhat difficult too; the colors are tossed around until we come up with a good theme and names. We then bottle it and label it.
- Are you getting a lot of men ordering the mens line for themselves? There are a few men ordering for themselves, and they ave very grateful.
And now without further adieu, The Vampy Varnish Collection!
Kelly’s Green
Kelly’s Green is an avocado green with small pieces of black, green and gold glitter. I really wanted to see an avocado green with glitter, and had never seen it, so I created it. I love the way this turned out! The name of course is a play on both the color kelly green and my name. This goes on a little sheer at first, but is perfect after three coats.
Kelly’s Green zoom shot
Union Square
Union Square is a taupe/gold foil with a green and pink micro glitter. I love this, I think it’s so unique looking and applied like a dream. No streaks and opaque in just two coats. I named this after one of my favorite spots in San Francisco. I think it looks sophisticated yet still edgy.
Union Square zoom shot
Mendocino Midnight
Mendocino Midnight is a really dark teal that leans towards the blue side. It’s jam packed with micro glitter in green, blue and pink. This is named after a town about 3 1/2 hours north of the Bay Area called Mendocino. I camped there probably 2-3 times a year my entire childhood, and now my parents live there. Because the sky is so black and crystal clear (when it’s not foggy) you can see tons of stars, and this reminds me of the night sky. This is three coats.
Mendocino Midnight zoom shot
Redwood Forest
Redwood Forest is a forest green packed with light blue, small flake glitter. What I love about this green is it’s not like any other I own. This isn’t emerald and it’s not teal and it’s not olive. The flake glitter makes it extra special! Redwood Forest is named after the giant Redwood trees found all over the Bay Area. This is three coats.
Redwood Forest zoom shot
Napa Valley Red
Napa Valley Red is a deep, burgundy red with red and pink small glitter pieces. It’s almost jelly-like in consistency. This color is stunning! I really wanted a totally vampy red that had a lit from within effect, and this is definitely it. This one I swatched one time and immediately knew nothing had to be changed about it! It’s named after the Napa Valley Wine Country, which is about 40 minutes north from me. If you are planning a trip to the Bay Area, you have to check it out, it’s beautiful up there. Oh and I don’t even drink wine! This is three coats.
Napa Valley Red zoom shot
Vampy Varnish
Vampy Varnish is a black base with olive green and emerald green glitter pieces. I had this color in my mind forever! I wanted a black with olive green in it and could never find one. This was the hardest one to capture for us, but after I think 5 or 6 tries, we nailed it! This one is a little “chunky” in texture, but it’s very slight, and a top coat smooths it out perfectly. It’s named, obviously, after my website! This is three coats.
Vampy Varnish zoom shot
There you have it! What do you guys think? I would love hear to your thoughts on my new collection, so please leave a comment, and let me know which ones you liked!
These should be available very soon on both BB Couture’s website here and Overall Beauty here. They will retail for $9.00 each.
Oh and stay tuned because soon I will be giving away two sets of my new collection to a couple lucky people!
-VV
112 comments
That is so awesome! I love every single one. Congrats and thanks for creating these new colors for us!
Hi kelly,
Thank you!
A bunch of really great looking polishes – I think my fav is Mendocino Midnight!
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Lacquer Lundi =-.
Hi Shannon,
Yep, that one is awesome 🙂
These look awesome, congratulations!!!!! 😀
.-= Meghan´s last blog ..Urban Decay 24/7 Swatches =-.
Hi Meghan,
Thanks so much!
Congratulations! Your collection looks stunning! I love all of them but my favorite is Vampy Varnish I think! 🙂
.-= Jeanette´s last blog ..KOTD: Ho Ho Holiday 2 =-.
Hi Jeanette,
Vampy Varnish is so hot, especially in the sun and with a top coat 🙂
Congratulations on your new line of nail polish!!!! My absolute favorite is Union Square!!!! It is soooo pretty!!! My other faves are Napa Valley Red and Mendocino Midnight… I know you must be thrilled!!!!!
Hi Arlyn,
Oooh so glad you like Union Square! I am really excited!
unreal!!! I love them all! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
:c)
.-= Elaine´s last blog ..Some Urban Outfitters Nail Polish Swatches =-.
Hi Elaine,
Yay, thanks!
Oh my God. Kelly – this is AMAZING! I love them all. Each time I scrolled I thought “I like that one the best” and then the next one down was even better. They are all absolutely perfect and I can’t wait to get them!
You must be so proud – this is such great news and a perfect collection x
.-= Helen´s last blog ..Illamasqua Boo =-.
Hi Helen,
I am so glad you love them! I wanted them to be “different” and hope I achieved that. Means a lot when other nail bloggers also like them! 🙂
WOW they are so unbelievably gorgeous! Many congratulations on your collection, what fabulous colors! My favorites are definitely Mendocino Midnight and Napa Valley Red. <3 GORGE!
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Christmas Memories =-.
Union square, Mendocino Midnight &Vampy Varnish are my favorites! Congrats!!!!
Kelly’s green looks amazing!! I love, love, love avocado!
.-= Liz´s last blog ..This is a ** MAN-icure ** BB Couture For Men Pipe Bender =-.
Hi Liz,
Me too and isn’t it different looking? I love the way it came out especially with the black flecks 🙂
i am so stoked to buy these! i live in the bay area too, so the names alone are enough to make me want them. congrats, this is such a cool collection!
-stephanie
Hi killersandliars,
Oh yay, so they mean something to you also? It was so fun naming them, I could do that all day 🙂
Mendocino Midnight and Napa Valley Red are beautiful! They’re my favorite. Kelly’s Green is cool, too 🙂
Congratz! This is cool!
.-= Phyrra´s last blog ..12 Days of Meow & Aromaleigh =-.
Hi Phyrra,
Thank you!!!!
omg i LOVE them all! i esp like napa valley red, but all your colours are really pretty and unique!
.-= Musicalhouses´s last blog ..Comparison Swatches: Nude/Beige Nail Polishes =-.
Hi Musicalhouses,
So glad you like ’em!
I die! These are awesome! I especially want Napa Valley Red and Kelly’s Green. I have never bought BB Couture but I think these will be my first. Great job!!!!
Hi Nicole,
You have to try BB, their formula seriously rocks and their colors are really all very unique. I love their stuff!
Wow! these are amazing! Congrats Kelly!
Napa Valley Red and Vampy Varnish stand out the most to me.
I will definitely have to pick some of these up!
This is amazing:
1. I don’t own any BB Coutures. I’ve been meaning to but I’m on a NO BUY.
2. What’s more, I think I want to buy the entire collection. Unheard of.
3. I really don’t like glitters much at all.
4. I can count the number of reds I have on one hand. +1 more soon
Awesome job. I hope they’re released in time for the BBC’s BOGOF promotion
Hi crotchfairy,
You must get some when you are off your no buy 🙂 I hope that they are online within a couple days!
Napa Valley Red makes me drool. MUST HAVE!
This is so excting! You did a great job on these. And I absolutely love Napa Valley Red! Too bad I can´t get to this brand 🙁 I live in Czech republic.
.-= AllYouDesire´s last blog ..China Glaze Emerald Sparkle with Konad =-.
Congrats to an awesome collecton! I’ve actually been secretly hoping you would team up with one of the polish brands and create your own collection. I’m so happy to see my wish finally came through. 😀 BB Couture is my favorite brand (next to RBL) and I can honestly say I love all of the colors in your collection, though my favorites are Kelly’s Green (I squeeled when I saw it!) and Union Square. Will definitely pick these babies up when they are available.
Oh noes, I just placed a BB order, and since I’m in Sweden it’ll be a while until next time… I ADORE Napa Valley, gorgeous perfection! Great job and extremely exciting, I am so happy for you!
Hi Kelly,
Awesome colors! These might have to be my first BBs!
Oh wow, that’s so fabulous!! They’re absolutely beautiful – must have been SO exciting putting these colours together!
congrats Kelly! it’s awsome 🙂 I love the colors in the collection… it’s hard to pick a favorite!
.-= Inbal´s last blog ..red-purple franken עירבולק באדום-סגול =-.
WOW! what an awesome amazing opportunity!! congratulations first of all, and great job secondly! i cannot say enough good things because i honestly love each and every color you created! and would WEAR each of them! it’s easy to say that you like a color, but could never picture yourself wearing them, but i would proudly sport everyone of these varnishes on my tips!! my favorites are “kelly’s green” (because i’m a kelly too, just spelled differently), “union square”, “redwood forest”, and “mendocino midnight”. wow wow wow!
That is just awesome! Love them all, have 3 favorites that I think i must get somehow! Napa Valley and Union Square. But the best is Vampy Varnish! LOVE IT <3
Such a nice opportunity for you! 😉 Really glad on your behalf 🙂 Kelly's Green is really unique, dont think I've never seen anything like it 😀
.-= rijaH´s last blog ..Random Barry M’s =-.
This is the best colour collection i have ever seen.I do not own even 1 BB polish and i want this entire collection.Each one is unique.WELL DONE.
Napa Valley Red is gorgeous! You definitely nailed that lit from within effect that you were going for – perfection!
I looove Napa Valley Red. Great job!
I *really* like the last 4 colors there – so gorgeous!
.-= keerthi´s last blog ..swatch: illamasqua grab =-.
Napa Valley Red for the win :). I don’t even really wear reds, but that one is so up my alley!
Oh my gosh, this is so exciting! Congrats! ^_^ I love Napa Valley Red and I *adore* Union Square! Will be ordering ASAP!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..Quick Take(s): Sugar Rosé Tinted Lip Treatment & Korres Lip Butter =-.
Oh my, Kelly, those are awesome! Congrats on a great job, and a great opportunity! I love them, and think I’ll be getting 4… or 5. Maybe all? Haha. <3
.-= Feline´s last blog ..Shoppingbilder =-.
Congrats!! I’m so jealous! The bay area names are perfect and fit their namesakes to a t! I’m thinking that Medocino Midnight and Union Square are my favorites out of your swatches.
Congratulations! You really came up with outside-the-box colors.
Congrats Kelly!!! Nice colors…loving the the Napa Valley
you go girl i am all over this !! woo hoo i get to rock VV nail polishes
i especially love union square cause union square is one of my fave places in NYC !
amazing colors! i’ve never gotten nail polish from bb couture, but i might have to have to now (:
.-= Candi´s last blog ..candiDUH: Retweet! 3 lucky #UrbanDecay followers will receive Show Pony Shadow Boxes + an exclusive poster w/ Kime Buzzelli’s art fr our launch party =-.
Simply Fabulous! I love the collection! Absolutely gorgeous!!!
.-= lacquerholic´s last blog ..NOTD: Orly Goth =-.
Congratulations! This sounds like so much fun! 😀
I really like Union Square and Napa Valley Red. 🙂
Congratulations Kelly! I’m making an order right now. Love all the colors, I knew you would come up some unique and unexpected polishes!
congratulations! that’s fantastic. i especially love union square and napa valley red. i am from the bay area originally and love that they are named after places from there. i may have to order the set for myself after christmas. hopefully santa gives me some money to spend after the holidays. congrats!
.-= thuy´s last blog .. =-.
Congrats!!! I’m so happy for you! These colors ar ejust amazing. Love love love Vampy Varnish and Kelly’s Green. They are simply gorgeous!
Kelly, I’m new here…just been following for a few weeks…I love your site. Congrats on the new collection…that is just amazing!!! My favorites are Union Square and the Napa red………will be picking those up (unless I win the giveaway!!).
Congratulations! These are AMAZING! I cannot wait to get my hands on these colors! They are all so unique and lovely Kelly! Great job!
those are all so stunning! i can’t wait to get them!
totally AWESOME!! gotta get all of them, especially kelly’s green and union square…
AWESOME! What are you trying to do to me woman – there are so many colours there I HAVE to have!
.-= Selina´s last blog ..Your daily dose of pretty: Dorothy Perkins lace up platform sandals, and another guest post at DP =-.
Aww, this is so awesome! Congratulations, and I love your collection, it’s genius!
.-= Niki´s last blog ..Nicole by OPI Hint of Mint =-.
Oh, Kelly. I am so excited for this. I love all the colors, especially the Kelly green and vampy Varnish.
I always thought you have awesome taste in polish, this collection proves it.
You are a celebrity. Well you were before, but now you are a BIGGER one.
Congrats again.
Every single color is gorgeous!!! I’ll be buying them all 🙂
Congrats on getting your own polish collection!! I need just about all of them and will be buying them as soon as I get me some Christmas money. Unless I win the giveaway hehe. Union Square is at the top of my list; I don’t have any polishes like it (and there’s a Union Square in my hometown too!) The only one I’m not sure about is Kelly’s Green, and only because those types of greens usually look horrible with my skintone. ): I love the color though, it totally looks like an avocado milkshake!
Wow, Kelly, this collection is AMAZING!!! I plan on buying every single one. It’s like you crawled into my brain and stole all of my nail polish dreams (that I never thought I’d see in real life)!!! 😀
I like them all, but Union Square is my favorite one. Great collection!
.-= TipsToToes´s last blog ..Spa Ritual Hush =-.
I’m from the Bay Area too and LOVE that you gave them locally inspired names! Congrats on the collection!
napa valley red is toooo diiiiieeeee fooooorrrr!!!!! and i am in love with red wood forest, dare i say i love it more than emerald sparkle? and mendocino midnight is soo pretty but i especially love your visual of the night sky while camping.. thinking of that visual made me like the polish even more 🙂 great job!
That’s so cool that you got to do this, they all look awesome! *clap* Funnest secret ever 🙂
.-= rinni´s last blog ..I forgot to update again! =-.
I LOVE these! How awesome is it that you got to create your own line of colors?! Yea for Kelly!!!! I definitely want to get Napa Valley Red and Union Square. They are all gorgeous. 🙂
Congrats! I’ve never seen colors like this anywhere else, super unique. Union Square, Mendocino Midnight, Redwood Forest and Vampy Varnish are my faves. I want ’em all, though!
.-= Tammy´s last blog ..Urban Decay Alice In Wonderland Book Of Shadows =-.
They are all gorgeous and I will be ordering at least one of every color. I have to say that when I saw Napa Valley Red I actually said “oooooohh” out loud. I LOVE it. Good job girl. What a cool accomplishment!!!
Congrats kelly am soooo happy for you. It must be awesome to have your own collection. These are for sure going to be my first bb nail polishes. These are my favorite and for sure going to get starting with kelly’s green, napa valley red, redwood forest and vampy varnish for sure! All of your polishes definetly look very unique. Oh by the way if you do have a giveaway. Pick me! Pick me!
Oops! I made a mistake I forgot to put these in between to and starting with,. Sorry.
Wow congrats! they all are very stunning!!!
Oh, You’re killin me Kelly..I was planning on ordering Hammer Drill and Dragon’s Breath already..! Maybe Napa Valley red(tho i’m not a big red person..more like burgundy)…and Union Square..I agree w/ everyone..great job..
can you also tell me if Napa Valley Red is similar to OPI Merry Merry Midnight…it looks so from my screen @ least..
Wow, this is big news! Congrats! My favorite is Napa Valley Red and I’m not even a red person. It is just beautiful.
I love them! How exciting to work with your own designs!! Napa and Union Square are my favorites–probably no surprise that those are my favorite places in the Bay Area as well!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Chanel Spring 2010: Empriente de Chanel Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder (Poudre Eclat Illuminatrice) =-.
Love the polishes! I am so stoked you chose to name so many after places in NorCal that I know and love! Makes me happy. 🙂
Have you ever thought of having a polish themed get together for those of us in the Bay Area? If you ever think about it, let me know– I’m in!
Congratulations on your collection!
I’m so happy for you! What a wonderful thing to have a polish line that you’ve personally helped develope. I love Kelly Green, Redwood Forest and Nappa Valley Red. They’re my favorites. I do love the whole collection and can’t wait for it to be available. Congrats, you deserve it.
Wow, those are some gorgeous colors! That’s one thing I love about BB Couture, they have such unique colors and their formula is amazing. I ordered all six but my absolute favs are Napa Valley Red and Kelly’s green. I hope we see more colors from you, they’re unlike any I have.
You did a fantastic job! There are some really unique colors in this collection.
These are quite wonderful. There is not a single polish that is close to anything else I’ve seen. What a collection. Each and every one is highly desirable. The only downside is that these are never available in the UK. I’ll have to fly out to my cousin in Philly….
These look amazing! I love all of them and would love to see more colors created by you. You rock!
ohhh i just picked out my Christmas presents. Great collection, these colors definitely speak to the vampy nail polish lover inside of me. *hugs* Great job.
I especially like the Napa Valley one!
.-= LiseyDuck´s last blog ..Black tie, red makeup part 3 – nails.No 7 Salsa, and my… =-.
Congrats on this achievement, Kelly! These are hot!!!
I died a little inside when I saw Napa Valley Red. I’m getting all of this collection except the first one. Alas, I know it will grow on me and I’ll end up getting it. Wow! You hit it outta the park with this one, Kelly.
LOVE your new colors. What a great treat to make your own. I love Napa Valley and Redwood forest it reminds me of running around Redwod State Park. Alas I miss going there on a regular basis. Great job on all of the colors and names!
All very pretty! It’s awesome you got to have your own polishes made! I love Nappa Valley Red the best!
I love Union Square and Napa Valley Red!!
Kelly, thank you so much for the swatches! This line you have created is awesome!!! I love them all, ESPECIALLY Napa Valley Red, it looks right up my alley! =) It sounds like so much fun to create your own line!
.-= kelsealaurel´s last blog ..KOTD and 5 Guys I Used to Like TAG! =-.
You did a great job. I really like Vampy Varnish!
Wow, congratulations!! What a fantastic accomplishment, and they are all super gorgeous! I can’t wait to win these! hee hee I’m trying to think positive! I have been wanting to try BB Couture, and these might just be my first ones.
.-= Euridice´s last blog ..Rescue Beauty Lounge to the Rescue! =-.
Hi Kelly!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, but never commented before. I love this collection!! You definitely made some really unique colors (as I knew you would since we seem to have similar tastes in polish 🙂 )and I’m excited to try some out! now the hard part will be deciding which ones to get, haha.
Kelly!
This so wonderful. I just purchased your six new polishes. My favorites are Vampy Varnish, Redwood Forest (another lovely green color), Napa Valley Red (I love your red and I don’t usually wear red, LOL) and Mendocino Midnight. Now, that I have seen them again and again, I love them all! So, now I know of two nail varnish web bloggers (Michelle and you) and will have both collections from both gorgeous woman.
Cool. It was a honor to be able to purchase (and get to wear) your collection when it arrives! I am just wondering which famous celebrities, and which magazines will feature your nail polishes? Expect to be even more famous than you are now, LOL
Your swatches are so beautiful and so happy to see each nail polish swatches zoom lens up close so we can view what the nail will look like. Amazing! BTW Your cat is such a babe and so spoiled, LOL and your Christmas tree ornament? I would not expect anything better than that one.
Have a joyful and Merry Holiday season and a Happy New Year Kelly.
((((Love Kelly))))
Mc Huggs 🙂
.-= Mc Huggs :)´s last blog ..Project Runway Season Six: Episode Eight =-.
OMG! I LOVE the Kelly Green polish. I took one look at it and swooned. The avocado green looks yummy enough to eat. Great job on this collection, I will definitely be picking up a few of these! I’m from the bay area too and I definitely see where you got inspiration for the names/colors. 🙂
That red is beautiful! Love the avocado green too! Congrats!
.-= Carla´s last blog ..New! Estee Lauder Blacker than Black Collection =-.
Hi Carla,
Thanks! I actually thought of you because not too long ago you asked me what my fav red’s were and this was one of them, but I couldn’t say anything yet, haha! 🙂
redwood forest is beautiful, can you show us the other new BB greens: studio 54, saturday night fever and pipe bender?
Hi frosty meadow,
I don’t have Studio 54 or Saturday Night Fever. I already reviewed Pipe Bender a week or so ago.
Kelly,
I haven’t been able to keep up with my favorite blogs too closely over the past month or so. I only just now learned about your BBcfN collection. I just want to echo what the others are saying and congratulate you on a super swell bunch of polish!! They are beautiful and fun and I can’t wait to get them. I’m a little surprised you didn’t do a purple, but then again, if I was limited to creating six, I’m sure it would get really difficult making decisions! I especially adore MM, RF, and VV. 😀 Thanks so much!
I just ordered Napa Valley Red, Union Square, Dragon’s Breath and Hammer Drill. 🙂
Very nice. There’s no such thing as too much green.
OMG! This collection is just perfect 😀 I LOVE green…
.-= Nea/ Fashioned in Finland´s last blog ..Skin MD Shielding Lotion review =-.
That is so cool Kelly!
Congrats!!!:D
.-= Sanna´s last blog ..OPI You don’t know Jacques! looking for his private jet =-.
Happy Holidays, Kelly! What a wonderful collection of original and beautiful polishes; congratulations on your accomplishment!
kelly, i admire this collection SO MUCH not only because the colors are to die for, but because the entire collection seems so true to YOU, not as if you just made up some colors to have a complete collection. every one of them is so unique and beautiful… i’m dying *drools*
I love Kelly’s Green!! It reminds me of a delicious kiwi.
I love your collection! Especially Napa Valley, Mendocino and Red Wood! =) Go Kelly! 😀
I just placed an order for Napa Valley Red and Redwood Forest. The colors look gorgeous and they remind me of home. I moved to Austin, TX in 1999 and redwood trees are one of the things I miss most. My parents have 11 redwoods outside their house in northern California and I’ve always loved them. This beautiful color will be a happy reminder. Vampy Varnish will be my next order!