It’s more time to get caught up with my backlog of summer boxes, so today I’ve got my beloved Julep Maven subscription. Before I get into all the details, I’ve got some awesome coupon codes and offers. For 20% off your julep.com purchase use coupon code LETSGET20 (expires on 10/31/16). If you’re interested in subscribing there are some great free gift offers, just jump down to the backstory for my affiliate links and coupon codes.
July offered some really pretty ocean inspired polish shades and Julep’s brand new SPF sheer lip butters. Unfortunately, there was a controversy to mar this new launch. When mavens got their boxes, the lip sheers were set to expire in just one month. Julep clarified that the product itself wouldn’t expire, but the SPF in it would no longer have full potency after the expiration date. As you can imagine that didn’t go over so well since many folks (like myself) bought these because they thought they’d be great for wearing in the sun. And who finishes an entire lipstick in a month?
Julep offered refunds when contacted and I ended up getting my whole box comped which was really nice of them to do.
So enough controversy let’s try out the products.
MY CUSTOMIZABLE MAVEN BOX
Love the quote we got this month:
Sheer Lip Butters
(Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Description: “A luxuriously silky lip butter that glides on weightlessly to deliver a sheer wash of color plus the ultimate SPF 30 Broad Spectrum protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Crafted with a nourishing blend of moisturizing butters and natural oils, Lip Shade gives you the color you want and the protection you need..”
Lip Shade Plumeria
Lip Shade Crimson
(Plumeria, Crimson)
Verdict: Hit!
The only thing wrong with these lip products is that the SPF expires. The packaging on these is feels luxe and high end and the sheerness can be built up for more or less coverage. If you’re someone who wants to try out brighter shades but is intimidated, these would be the perfect option to ease you into color. The sheerness is so much more wearable than something like a matte liquid lipstick. These also feel great on your lips. If Julep can release these without the SPF, they will fly off the shelves like hotcakes. (Do hotcakes really fly off shelves? I’ve always wondered.)
Tomi
(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Bermuda blue holographic jelly”
Jellies are my jam (you know what I mean) so I had to snag this and its absolutely lovely. The holo catches the light and the blue is so pretty and serene.
ADD-ONS
Camilla
(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Like!
Description: “Grape Lollipop Jelly”
I can’t say no to jelly polishes. This is a juicy purple that’s really playful. This will be fun for jelly sandwich looks.
MARCH FREEBIE!
Free Candy!
I love gummies and this one was super juicy.
OVERALL:
Verdict: Hit!
I was originally charged $28.87 for this box and the retail value came out to $72.00 with a maven value of $57.60. Because of the SPF situation I received the box for free. Now if the lip products hadn’t had an expired component I would have been really happy with paying the $28.87. I’d also gladly have bought more lip butters. They are a perfect everyday product and the packaging feels very durable. I hope that Julep can formulate them without the problematic SPF component as I’d love to order more. I wish I could tell you that this was the last Julep controversy this year, but there are some more coming, so be sure to check back for the gossip.
Do you like SPF in your lip products? Why or why?
COUPON CODES & LINKS:
Free $132 Always Sunny Beauty Gift with New Subscription
(expires 10/31/16)
Free 8 pc Beauty Gift with New Subscription
(expires 10/31/16)
Get this 8 Piece set when you join Julep!
COUPON CODE: COLOR8
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!
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 
I hope Julep gets there act together soon. Unfortunately, they’ve been embroiled in a lot of controversy lately. I’ve steered clear of them, I’m afraid, though there products always look appealing. Maybe sometime in the future…
They now offer their products at Ulta. So you can try them out there without committing to a sub.