Julep Maven Box: December 2013

Julep’s December maven boxes feature their new “Glitterati Collection”.  (Am I the only one who thinks of sparkling vampires and Robert Pattison when I hear that?)   If you want more info on Julep’s maven subscription service and a coupon code, skip down below.  Now to the December Maven box!

If you’ve read these reviews before you know Julep gives you a nifty little quiz to select your style profile.  This month I was intrigued with the beauty products offered so I decided to go with the “Modern Beauty” box (which only contains beauty products).  Of course, I couldn’t resist adding on a few items.
Box Open

THE MODERN BEAUTY BOX:

Palette
Sweep Eyeshadow Palette:Neutrals
(Retail $24.00/Maven Price: $19.20)
Shades: Tiramisu—nude satin; Glow—golden shimmer; Dusk—mauve satin; Toffee—bronze shimmer; Cocoa—chocolate brown with gold shimmer
Verdict:  Miss
I had huge hopes for this palette when they showed it on a ginger model.  As a pale redhead, so many neturals are too yellow or orange on me and I was hoping this one would be different.  Unfortunately it goes so very orange.   The highlight color in particular is very oompa loompa.  The eyeshadows themselves go on smoothly and are well pigmented, it’s really just the actual shades that are the problem.  I am super disappointed these won’t work for me.  I think these would be great on someone with an olive skin or warmer undertones.

Primer
Blank Canvas Mattifying Eye Primer:(Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Verdict:  Hit!
I’ve been meaning to try out some new eye primers so I was excited to see this.  My eyes are very sensitive and this didn’t bother them at all.  I also thought it did a great job of keeping my eyeshadow put.  It has a nice light champagne color and went on smoothly.

THE ADD-ONS:

Addons
Celia:(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description: Icy green metallic
Verdict:  Hit!
I have to say I chose this polish out of sentimentality.  It’s this green metallic that reminds me of the 50s and 60s Christmas balls we had on my tree growing up.  It’s definitely an unusual shade that gives that hint of midcentury modern chic.  I have nothing in my collection like it, so it’s a nice addition.

 

Glitterati
Gianna:(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Description:  Jagged gold glitter top coat
Verdict:  Hit!
Who can resist a funky gold glitter topcoat?  Not me, that’s for sure.  I think this could make some fun manicures especially coupled with  jelly polish.  The rough edges of the glitter make it a bit edgier than the average glitter topcoat.  I always appreciate when Julep does unusual finishes and I hope they do more in the future.

Hairband
Freebie
: Hair Ties
Love the colors and since I’m growing my hair out these will come in super handy.

Full Box
Overall

The retail value of my items was $74.00 and the maven value was $59.20.  I paid $32.07.  While I definitely got my value, I’m a bit disappointed since the eye palette was so far off the mark for me.  The shades are definitely very warm and I don’t think they are quite as “neutral” as they should be.

If you love Julep’s products, you can try out a box for free just use the code FREEBOX
Just remember this signs you up for a subscription that you will need to cancel or opt out of each month.

 

THE BACKSTORY

Julep specializes in toxin-free nail color but also features beauty products.  They are a small company based in Seattle and have been featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things List.

They have a monthly maven box that costs $19.99.  You simply take their beauty quiz and it will match you up with a specific style.

The options:

Modern Beauty – (For those who prefer beauty items over nail color) – “You’re a savvy tastemaker obsessed with the art and science of beauty.” Get two full-size beauty products in every box.

Boho Glam – “You’re a dynamic free spirit with a creative eye.” Get two limited-edition nail colors and one full-size beauty product in every box.

Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.” Get two limited-edition nail colors and one full-size beauty product in every box.

Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.” Get two limited-edition nail colors and one full-size beauty product in every box.

It Girl – (For those who want polish only) “You’re a colorful trendsetter who’s not afraid to be bold.” Get three limited-edition nail colors in every box.

The real beauty of a maven box is that you only get what you want.  You can change profiles each month or simply opt out of a box.   Julep will email you your monthly box selection, at that time you can choose a different box than your regular beauty profile or opt out entirely.  Every time you purchase a box you get the option of add-ons at a huge discount along access to their “Secret Store” that lets you get other products at great prices.   Another perk is that when you’re a maven you get 20% off anything you purchase from their store along with free Shipping.  Julep polishes retail at $14.00 each, so a Maven box of two to three brand new polishes for under $20.00 is a great steal.

Coupon: To try out a box for free, use the code FREEBOX
(you’ll just have to pay for shipping this time).  Just remember this is a subscription service so your free box will sign you up to get a box every month.  Either opt out each month when you don’t want a box, or cancel by calling Julep’s customer service.

Author: Writer Preziosi

Once upon a time, long, long ago, Lisa attended Syracuse University where she studied singing in a giant castle surrounded by ice and snow. After she earned her music degree, she headed to the island of Manhattan, down to the West Village, to a place called the New School. There, she earned another degree in the great art of writing stories for children. She currently works on that same island trying to help real people, while making up stories about imaginary ones. Her first book, “The Ice Maiden’s Tale,” a fairy tale adventure, was released on May 30, 2017 and is up for sale on Amazon.

3 thoughts on “Julep Maven Box: December 2013”

  1. Ugh I agree on the warmness of the colors in that palette. When swatched lightly on my hand they all looked great and very neutral making me excited to wear them, but once I got them on my eyes, they just looked bad. Especially the lightest color which shocked me the most with its transformation into a light peachy/orange shade! Super warm colors don’t suit me well and It sucks because the palette is nice and compact and the shadows are good quality.

    1. Yes the lightest shade went from normal on the palette to Jersey Shore orange the second it touched my skin. I’m hoping they do more palettes and there are some cooler shades because the quality of them is lovely.

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