Julep Maven: July 2015 – The Full Drenched Collection!

I usually only splurge on an ultimate upgrade once a year, but Julep’s colors and products in the “Drenched Collection” totally won me over so I went for it. There are lots of swatches and add-ons so get ready for tons of pics.

My Big Julep Box packed with lots of goodies!

THE ULTIMATE UPGRADE

Rethink Your Shower Hydrating Body Cleansing Oil
(Retail: $38.00/Maven Price: $30.40)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Our ultra-hydrating, lightweight body cleansing oil that reaches deep to dissolve impurities and prep skin for exfoliation, then rinses away to reveal silky, nourished skin.”
I’ve been begging Julep all over social media to make this because I love the bareface oil so much. I was thrilled to see this get included in their skincare line up. It has a lovely citrus scent and leaves your skin soft, clean and hydrated. I do think it’s a tad overpriced for the size, so I’d probably wait until you’ve got a Julep code or a sale offer to grab this one.

It’s Fun To Exfoliate All-Natural Body Konjac Sponge
(Retail $16.00/Maven Price: $12.80)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “We took our cult-favorite, all-natural Konjac face sponge and made it big enough to use from top to toe.”
I swear I have gone through so many different types of shower sponges, poofs and brushes and I’ve hated them all. This one is awesome. It’s soft with just enough exfoliation to make you feel clean, but not so much that it bothers your skin. It really gives your shower a spa like experience and definitely worth the cost at the maven discount.

Your Cuticles Look Thirsty Fast-Absorbing Cuticle Crème
(Retail $20.00/Maven Price: $16.00)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “A super-charged mixture of honey, shea butter, vitamin B5, and salicylic acid that hydrates and heals dry, damaged cuticles.”
This felt really nice going on and absorbed quickly.   It had a fresh scent and I thought the size was excellent.

Brighter Is Better Oxygen Brightening Nail Treatment
(Retail $18.00/Maven Price: $14.40)
Verdict: Like
Description: “A breakthrough nail treatment infused with optical brighteners that hide discoloration, plus lemon extract that, over time, makes your whites whiter and your pinks pinker. Meanwhile, Oxygen Technology delivers oxygen to your nail beds, encouraging strong, healthy growth.”
I’ve heard some mavens say that this treatment can really make your nails look blue in the light when you use it. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, but I could use a treatment for in-between manicures so I’m happy to see this in the collection.

Poppy: (Retail $14.00/Maven Sale Price: $6.99)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Chili pepper jelly
Jellies are my fave and this one is so bright and cheerful. It makes an awesome shade for pedicures. I also think it’s a great transitional shade into Fall.

Lainey: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Summer berry shimmer
I love shimmers and this saturated berry color is beautiful.

Corinne: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Disappointing
Description: Sandcastle stardust
I had high hopes for this. I thought it would be more like Zoya’s nude pixie dusts, but it’s just more sand and less sparkle. If you want a better version of this, try out Zoya’s Godiva.

Alexa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Hyacinth crème
I don’t typically gravitate toward pastels but the dusty quality in this one really appeals to me.

Brittany: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Bleached apricot ghost shimmer crème
I wish there was a touch more shimmer (maybe it’s called ghost because it’s invisible?). I still like the color and I think it could be a nice base for some nail art or a good neutral for the office.

Julianna: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Pink grapefruit sheer iridescent
This is such a unique shade of orangey pink and I love that it’s sheer so you can build up the coverage. This is definitely one of my favorites from this collection.

Alyssa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Beachside turquoise crème
This is a sweet, beachy shade that I think will complement a lot of different skintones.

Mara: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: On the Fence
Description: Thistle blossom stardust
I like this stardust better than Corinne, but I still don’t think it’s as nice as Julep’s previous ones. I’m not sure if they changed the formula or what, but these just aren’t as nice.

JULY FREEBIE!
Candy! It’s free so, yeah for free stuff!

 

ADD-ONS:

It’s Balm (Plush Pout) in Vintage Mauve
(Retail: $16.00/Maven Price: $16.00)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “A full-coverage lip crayon with a moisturizing treatment core in the middle.”
I really love the consistency and coverage of Julep’s plush pouts. They are moisturizing while still having excellent staying power. I’ve been searching for a neutral lip shade so I added on the mauve. It runs on the cooler side and suits my coloring really well. I think it’s a perfect every day pink.

Ginger: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Back from the vault! Sand linear liquid holographic
This was the “back from the vault” choice for July. I love nude polishes with unique finishes so I added this on. This is definitely a more subtle holo than what you might find in other brands, but I do like it and I think it’s a way to do holos that is work appropriate.

Nail Diamonds: (???)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Nail Art Diamond Stickers
These aren’t for sale on the Julep site, but I thought they were adorable and I couldn’t resist. I’m a mess with nail art so little stickers like these are an easy way for me to fancify my mani.

ADD-ON FREEBIE:
If you take 3 or more add-ons, Julep offers a free mystery gift.

Ilsa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Gift
Description: Ink blue crème
I love dark blue cremes, which is why I already own this one so I’m giving it to a friend who will love it.

OVERALL:

Verdict: Love!

I thought this was a really wonderful collection full of awesome beauty products as well as different finishes and shades. There were nail products for the mani enthusiasts and bath products for the beauty addicts. My only disappointment was with the stardust finishes, but they may improve with some topcoat. Excluding the value of the diamond stickers, I received a retail value of $220.00 and a maven value of $174.99. I paid $102.68 and it was definitely worth it for the variety and quality of the items.

What did you think of the July collection? Did you like the variety as much as I did?

If you love Julep swatches, be sure to come back because I’ve got the August Boho Glam box and the September It Girl reviews coming soon!

THE BACKSTORY

COUPON CODES & LINKS:

Subscription Box Offers & Discounts:
(Just remember this signs you up for a monthly subscription. If you don’t wish to receive boxes you will need to call Julep to cancel. You can also opt to skip a month and you will not be billed.)

Free Custom 4-Piece Welcome Box for New Maven Subscribers – Just Pay $2.99 Shipping
August Birthstone Welcome Box: Join Maven and get the August Birthstone Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping
Korean Skincare Welcome Box: Korean Skincare Welcome Box Free for New Julep Maven Subscribers – just pay $2.99 shipping
Lipstick Welcome Box: Join Julep Maven and get the Lipstick Welcome Box FREE! ($68 value) Just pay $2.99 shipping.
Bold Color Welcome Box: Free Bold with Color Welcome Box for NEW Julep Maven Subscribers!
Treat Me Nail Art Welcome Box: Join Maven and get the Treat Me Welcome Box FREE ($58 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping
Poolside Beauty Box: Join Maven and get the Poolside Beauty Box FREE ($78 value) – just pay $2.99 shipping

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.

Monthly Maven Options:

My Maven Subscription: $24.99 per month – Allows you to customize your box
3 Month Prepaid: $19.99/month

Maven Luxe: $39.99 per month – Gives you access to add on more expensive items
3 Month Prepaid: $34.99/month

The options (Take the quiz here):
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.”

Bombshell – “You’re a confident frill-seeker with magnetic appeal.”

Classic With a Twist – “You’re an iconic beauty with a timeless aesthetic.”

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.

Julep will email you with the contents of your regular box selection, and at that time you can opt to keep it as is, change it, or skip. Every time you purchase a box you get the option of add-ons along with access to Julep’s “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 Julep’s website along with free Shipping.

Julep also has a rewards program that gives you “jules” for taking your monthly boxes and on your birthday. You can use jules to pay for monthly boxes and some other items chosen by Julep.