At long last, I’ve gotten to the last August box review that’s been sitting on the shelf.
Julep Maven offered their “Endless Summer” collection which is perfectly appropriate for today since it’s like 80 degrees in NYC in mid October. Before I jump into all the info on a new mystery box, my review and more Julep gossip, 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.
BEWITCHED GLOW MYSTERY BOX
(Price: $24.99 – Estimated Retail Value $106)
Description: “Something wickedly fun this way comes. This intriguing mystery box includes a fan-favorite black polish, a glow-in-the-dark top coat, and more. Don’t be left in the dark!”
This mystery box definitely includes:
Xena (Boho Glam)
Description: “Glow-In-The-Dark Glitter Top Coat”
Johnny (Bombshell)
Description: “True Black Crème”
Plus Additional mystery items of beauty products and polish
Hurry this offer ends 10/19/16!
MY CUSTOMIZABLE MAVEN BOX
Sadly, it seems these days we can’t get a month without another Julep issue. This collection offered an invisible sunscreen gel called “No Excuses”. It did not live up to its name because like Julep’s other sun-related products, it was delayed and didn’t come in this box. Julep did go big on making it up to mavens, by sending those who ordered the sunblock (myself included) a $50 credit for their site. That seemed like a very generous solution and my only issue was that there was an expiration date to the credit that wasn’t clearly listed. If not for all my Facebook friends who are mavens I might have missed out on using mine.
The Missing Product:
No Excuses Invisible Sunscreen Gel
(Retail $22.00/Maven Price: $17.60)
Description: “completely transparent, fast-absorbing face sunscreen in an essence-gel base that delivers Broad Spectrum SPF 40 protection from UVA/UVB rays. This lightweight gel goes on smoothly and dries quickly to a satin finish, making it perfect to wear under makeup. To use: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating. Reapply at least every two hours.”
Verdict: Isn’t it ironic, don’t think?
Seems like this product is full of excuses. It only became available for sale, fairly recently so I opted not to order this since my Fall/Winter sunblock needs are pretty well met. This product was also not available for the Canadian mavens at all. While I appreciate Julep’s ambition, they need to focus on doing the things they can do very well, rather than attempting things they can’t truly pull off with the resources they have.
Stephanie
(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Juicy cherry holographic”
I’m a sucker for red polishes in general so I had to snap up this holo polish. I think it will be fun come Christmas time.
Zori
(Retail $14.00/Maven Price: $11.20)
Verdict: Love!
Description: “Cotton candy holographic jelly”
What’s better than a jelly polish? A holographic jelly polish! I find sweet pinks and nudes holos to be super flattering and a more understated way to do holos. This one is just so pretty.
MARCH FREEBIE!
Free Candy!
OVERALL:
Verdict: Good
So this box is a tough one to calculate. If I’d gotten the box I ordered (with the sunblock) it would have had a retail value of $56 and a maven value of $44.80. For the retail polish prices + my $50 credit, I got a $78 value. With the maven value + store credit, we come out to $72.40. I used Jules I’d saved up for this box so I ended up getting it for free. The only reason this box doesn’t have a “hit” rating is because of Julep’s disorganization. I appreciate that they try to make it right, but problems have turned into the rule rather than the exception, and that needs to change. I wish I could tell you that Julep’s problems stopped in August, but there’s more Julep gossip to share in my next reviews, so be sure to come back.
Have you ever tried a holographic polish?
What did you think?
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
Join Julep and Get Your First Box Free (Limited Time Offer)
(expires 11/3/16)
COUPON CODE: Treat
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 