It’s time to catch up with some of my longtime subs, so today I’ve got a review and swatches Julep’s April 2016 collection featuring their vivid brights. I can’t resist jelly style polishes, so I snatched the whole set of colors. Prepare yourself for lots of swatches! I’ve also got a great coupon code even non-mavens can use: Save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20 (expires on 10/31/16). For more on the special offers jump down below.
In addition to Julep’s new finish, they introduced a new Cleansing stick, which I also had to have. I did some calculus (at least it felt like it), came up with the best configuration of box choices and add-ons that got me everything I wanted for the lowest price.
MY CUSTOMIZABLE MAVEN BOX PICS
Love Your Bare Face – Detoxifying Cleansing Balm Stick
(Retail $28.00/Maven Price: $22.40)
Verdict: On the Fence
Description: “A blend of natural oils and fruit enzymes that removes dirt, oil, and impurities while gently exfoliating for a deep-down clean. To use: Generously apply cleanser to wet hands, then massage over wet face. Rinse thoroughly. For best results, use with a Konjac Sponge.”
I’m in love with Julep’s Bare Face oil cleanser, so when they came out with a stick version, I knew I had to give it a shot. I’m still trying to figure out quite how to use it. I didn’t quite like using it with the sponge or with my bare hands. I’m going to need to keep experimenting to see if I can find a method that works for me.
Don’t Leave Your Brows At Home in Cool Brown (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: “Everything you need to fill in and define your brows. This two-in-one tool includes brow powder and an angled brush. What it does: Tapered brush allows for precise application Long-lasting formula glides on like a gel, dries to a powder, and holds like a wax. Travel-friendly design takes up less room in your makeup bag.”
I love Julep’s brow product and I’ve been using the warm brown shade because I have red hair. However, I have a cool complexion so I decided to try the cool brown. It’s still not a perfect match, but I do like it and I think it gives a much more dramatic look than the warm brown.
Be Strong Nail Therapy (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “A conditioning treatment that heals and hardens nails with five botanical oils and Oxygen Technology.”
My nails tend to peel, so I tried using this as a basecoat and every time I use it, I feel like my nails are a lot stronger. The bottle I already had was running out so I nabbed another in my box. Maven boxes are a great way to stock up on the basics at a lower price. If you use Julep products regularly definitely consider becoming a maven. (It will save you a ton of money.)
MARCH FREEBIE!
Free Candy!
Free is always Fun!
I went with the Polish Lovers Upgrade so I could get all the shades. If you purchased any of the vivid sheers, Julep threw in a free Brigitte (white polish) that you can use as a base.
The Vivid sheers are designed to be layered for fun nail art looks. They are similar to jellies but a bit sheerer. The Julep blog has some great nail art ideas for these finishes.
Now for some long awaited swatches!
THE ADD-ONS
POLISH LOVERS UPGRADE
Brigitte: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Gift
Description: Bright white crème
I already own this shade so I’ll be using this as part of a gift. Julep included this with any purchase of a vivid sheer, so it was just a nice bonus.
Gigi: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Zesty mandarin vivid sheer
Typically, I’m not a big orange polish person, but something about the tangerine shade plus the sheerness makes it a lot more wearable. I think this would be fun paired with a navy blue.
Brynn: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: Ripe tangelo vivid sheer
This color is like if red and orange had a baby. I love it and think it’s perfect for summer. I may try pairing this with some glitter for a jelly sandwich look.
Ari: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Extreme fuchsia vivid sheer
Hot pink shades plus a jelly sheer finish are always a winning combo. I think this is a great color for summer.
Kimball: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: High-voltage watermelon vivid sheer
I think this is just a touch more red than watermelon would be, but reds are my fave so this one is still a hit for me. If you want a more pink watermelon shade, go with Ari (pictured above).
Shanna: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Botanical violet vivid sheer
This shade really does make you think of flowers, and I think it would be gorgeous in floral themed nail art.
Delaney: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Hit!
Description: Blue atoll vivid sheer
I love blue polishes and this one reminds me of bright oceans in Greece. This is another one I think will work great sandwiched with glitter.
Marissa: (Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like
Description: Electric clover flower vivid sheer
This shade has a bit of dustier feel to it and I think it will be a nice transition shade when we move from Summer to Fall.
Striping Tape: (Retail $???/Maven Price: $???)
This was included in the Polish Lovers Upgrade. You can’t buy it on its own from the Julep website so I’m not sure on the price.
OVERALL:
Verdict: Love!
The retail value on this box comes out to $168.00 while the Maven Value was $134.40. I paid $64.18 and got all of the polishes in the collection, plus restocked some Julep products and got to try their new cleansing stick, so I think this is one of the best values I’ve gotten from Julep.
I love playing with sheer and jelly polishes and they can be layered beyond just the included white polish. Try them over a silver for a foil effect, or layered over other colors to change the overall shade.
Except for the cleansing stick (which I’m still trying to figure out), everything works really well for me and were great additions to my beauty collection. The one fault I can find in this set, is that there are a lot of pinks/reds/oranges and no green or yellow. Hopefully Julep will release some different colors in this same finish.
Have you ever tried any sheer or jelly polishes? What did you think?
COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Get a Free 8 Piece Star-Spangled Beauty Gift when you join Julep
Get a free Star Spangled 8-piece gift when you join Julep Beauty Box. Includes four patriotic polishes, a hot pink lip gloss, a peony pink blush stick, a bronze eyeliner, and white chevron nail decals. A $122 value. Use code FIREWORKS at checkout. (Expires 7/5/16)
Save 20% on your julep.com purchase with coupon code LETSGET20. (Expires 10/31/16)
Spring Polishes for $5 each! Check out the great selection here!
SUBSCRIPTION THERAPY NEWS!
I’ve finally gotten off my rump and started an Instagram. Writing posts takes lots of time to research and find links, meanwhile impatience is setting in to see what’s inside. So now I’m posting Instagram spoilers as soon as I get my boxes! So for the scoop before the scoop, follow me on Instagram at subscriptiontherapy. I’ve got full spoilers for my most recent boxes (including Rachel Zoe’s Summer Box of Style) plus some fun pics from my travels.
THE BACKSTORY
(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.)
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.
Lisa Preziosi 